Artists Among Us in 8th year

Times Reporter  

 

The Hope Bridge’s Society works to change hearts and minds through arts, building connections and overcoming segregation. Toward that end, one of their largest events is their annual Artists Among Us Gala, taking place this year at the Hope Community Convenant Church on Oct. 24.

“We try to go beyond labels and description; we’re really inclusive,” says Sheila Konschuh, chairperson of Hope Bridges Society. “Every year we really strive to bring an excellent, interesting, diverse and eclectic mix of performers together.”

The goal of the gala is to display and celebrate the creative gifts possessed by society members.

“If you think about it, often we do hear about performances that are strictly to celebrate people with disabilities or performances that are about perfection. What we do is an experience that really is inspiring,” Konschuh said. “The audience grows each year, and the feedback after the performance each year is the same – people are wowed. It really celebrates the importance of value and belonging.”

The Rosebud School of the Arts has been involved for a number of years.

“Their leadership has talked about that; it’s been very inspiring to their students to participate in this because of the idea – just letting go, and being who you need to be in your performance,” Konschuh said.

Tickets are $10; the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m. The show is roughly 80 minutes, with coffee and dessert offered afterwards.

“It really allows people to enjoy a snack and to visit, and to really think and talk about the performance. There’s really a time of fellowship afterwards,” Konschuh said.