Georgia O'Keeffe, Emily Dickinson and Frida Kahlo Come to Life at CHAUTAUQUA 2014 at CCBC Dundalk, Now thru 7/13

The Community College of Baltimore County and the Maryland Humanities Council will sponsor Chautauqua 2014 at CCBC Dundalk 7 p.m., tonight, July 11-13, 2014 in the John E. Ravekes Theatre in the College Community Center at CCBC Dundalk, 7200 Sollers Point Road. The program is free and open to the public.

This three-evening cultural event brings three "Creative Women: Breaking the Mold" to the stage:

- Georgia O'Keeffe, the first woman of the modern American art movement - portrayed by Kelley Rouse on Friday, July 11;

- Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets - portrayed by MiMi Zannino on Saturday, July 12;

- Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's most influential and controversial artists - portrayed by Marian Licha on Sunday, July 13.

The name "Chautauqua" (pronounced shuh-TAW-kwa) comes from Chautauqua Lake in New York, where Chautauqua began in 1874 as a training course for Sunday school teachers. In the early decades of the 20th century, Chautauqua took to the road as part of the Lyceum movement, bringing lectures and entertainers to towns across America. Although it died out in the 1920s, Chautauqua was revived by state humanities councils in the 1970s.

This year the Maryland Humanities Council marks the 20th Anniversary of Chautauqua, bringing celebrated figures from the past to life through interactive performances that engage and inspire audiences of all ages. Scholars perform as historical figures and then have a conversation with the audience. Chautauqua events are held in six regions of the state each summer. Past historical figures have ranged from President Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King, Jr., from Francis Scott Key to Julia Child. For additional information about this event visit www.mdhc.org.

CCBC began sponsoring Chautauqua 10 years ago under a tent on the Catonsville campus. Over the years, the tent gave way to the Theatre and this year marks the first year that the program will be held on the eastside of town in Dundalk.

The John E. Ravekes Theatre at CCBC Dundalk is accessible for people with disabilities. For special accommodations or other questions, call 443-840-4668.

About the Community College of Baltimore County (www.ccbcmd.edu): CCBC offers hundreds of programs and thousands of courses helping people of all ages, backgrounds and interests earn degrees, transfer, launch or advance careers, and prepare for in-demand jobs.

Providing accessible, affordable and high-quality education since 1957, CCBC educates more than 70,000 students each year, including half of all Baltimore County residents attending college in Maryland as undergraduates. CCBC is committed to student success and the development of lifelong learners who strengthen our regional workforce and enrich our community.

CCBC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CCBC. The incredible value of education.

About the Maryland Humanities Council (www.mdhc.org): MHC is a nonprofit that uses the humanities to stimulate and promote informed dialogue and civic engagement on critical issues.

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Artwork by Tom Chalkley.