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AETN premieres statewide arts documentary Sept. 13

Posted 06 Sep 2013

"LOUPE," the broadcast portion of the Arkansas Educational Television Network's (AETN) statewide arts initiative of the same name, will premiere Friday, Sept. 13, at 9 p.m. LOUPE magnifies Arkansas artists, arts organizations and art events through the one-hour broadcast, as well as an interactive companion website, aetn.org/loupe.

"'LOUPE' is a unique piece of art itself," AETN Production Director Carole Adornetto said. "It is an eclectic mix of stories, yet it holds together as one storybook.

"The viewer is slowly embraced as the stories are told. The artists are unguarded and articulate about the esoteric concepts that the unstudied in art might otherwise miss. The stories and the producers who tell the stories are all artists in their own right. I believe all viewers, art aficionados or not, are going to love this show and want to watch it over and over again."

The LOUPE initiative, produced by AETN Arts and Culture Producer Casey Sanders, curates a gallery of information, visuals and events from across Arkansas. The initiative will also feature new stories about the arts in Arkansas, in addition to revisiting classic films from the AETN archives. The LOUPE broadcast special will share these video segments on-air, while "artisodes" will be presented alongside articles, events and educational resources on aetn.org/loupe, an engaging aggregate website highlighting various topics related to arts and culture in Arkansas.

Films to be featured in the broadcast include:

• "Robyn Horn" – This film documents the life of abstract sculptor Robyn Horn and invites viewers to experience the artist's creative process. Describing her attraction to the artworks' many elements and her exploration of form, texture and geometry, Horn leads the audience through her more than 25 years of active work and varied series, including a recent installation at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Produced by Mat Bradley, and edited by Les Galusha.
• "The Music of Friends" – This film follows the Meadowlark Piano Trio – made up of Rachel Herman, a violinist from western Pulaski County; Jenny Nulson, a pianist from Greenbrier; and Michael Stiritz, a cellist from Russellville – on their journey to prepare for the Faulkner Chamber Music Festival. Produced by Hans Stiritz.
• "Westland" – This film explores the life and art of a reclusive Winslow, Ark., artist, the late Tim West. Filmed over a period of six years, the film details West's active career – which spans more than 60 years – from his early success to his battles with personal demons and return home. Produced by photographer Diana Michelle.
• "Kevin Cole" – This film showcases the varied aptitude of Pine Bluff native Kevin Cole through interviews with the award-winning artist – now a resident of Atlanta, Ga. – about his thematic use of neckties in his work. Produced by Casey Sanders.
• "Love You, Too" – This film profiles Peggie Wallis, an 88-year-old ballet teacher who grew up in New Zealand and studied ballet in Europe. She now lives in northwest Arkansas where she trains young dancers using her unique brand of energy and humor. Produced by Dale Carpenter.

Between each film will be original breaks produced by Hop Litzwire. The breaks include:

• "Darkroom," featuring Rita Henry's Blue-Eyed Knocker Darkroom.
• "Charcoal Lines," featuring artist David Bailin.
• "The Rehearsal," featuring dancers Leslie Dodge and Toby Lewellen of Ballet Arkansas.
• "Press Record," featuring guitar player and recording engineer Barry Poynter.

Designed to increase the visibility of the arts around the state, LOUPE is supported in part by a Cultural Regional Art grant from the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. In addition to its function as an arts and culture collective, LOUPE will introduce enthusiasts to the artists behind the creations. Studying how creators document the human experience, LOUPE artist features will document how contributors explore meaning, purpose, feelings and the history of mankind in their search for truth.