maine

Program Notes for KENNEDY CENTER ARTS CROSS AMERICA by Marcia Minter & Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Indigo Arts Alliance and Portland Ovations are delighted to share with you Sacred Resonance, a program of new performance by Maine-based artists conceived as part of Indigo and Ovations’ ongoing partnership. Sacred Resonance is a collection of visual, spiritual, and emotional journeys led by Maine based artists Firefly, Maya Williams and Atiim Chenzira. … Read more

Program Notes for FLEX AVE. by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends,    It’s January 10, 2015 and I’m headed uptown to New York City’s hallowed hall, the Park Avenue Armory. I remember it was a bright winter day and the walk from Midtown to the Upper East Side was glorious. Going to the Armory, an 1880’s Gothic-Revival grand space, is always an experience, but today promises to … Read more

What Resonates With You? Program Notes for “Welcome Home by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Portland Ovations started the Seeking Resonance series in 2016 as an exploration and celebration of performance inspired by religious and spiritual life. Over time, the series evolved to embrace a larger desire to find and make meaningful connections. To resonate. Today, Seeking Resonance is about our deep need to find “home”: a space … Read more

In Solidarity

Portland Ovations stands in solidarity with Black and brown artists, colleagues, and citizens in our communities and around the world. We join those who express outrage and grief for the killing of George Floyd, the too many who came before him and the centuries of injustice perpetrated upon people of color. As an organization that … Read more

Arts Integration at Home – Freeze Dance

Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Our last activity is a way to celebrate the school year that is wrapping up. While it might not feel like a celebratory time, dancing is important for a few reasons. As an art form, it has been a form of resistance for many oppressed cultures. Dance also asks us … Read more

Arts Integration at Home – Alphabet Relay

Posted Monday, June 1, 2020 The end of the school year is a time for reflecting. Today’s activity, Alphabet Relay, is an energetic way for kids to reflect on this unique school year – from what was challenging to how much they’ve learned and discovered. DOWNLOAD THIS ACTIVITY AS A PRINTABLE .PDF EXAMPLES I learned … Read more

Performance Notes: AURAL EXPLORATIONS: FARRIN, FURE, AND MESSIAEN

Experience International Contemporary Ensemble, live streamed in your home! Thursday, May 28, 7PM on Youtube FREE REGISTRATION Dear Friends, When we embarked on our work with International Contemporary Ensemble (I.C.E.) we knew it would be wholly unique and unforgettable for Ovations audiences. At that time we imagined a modified version of their ambitious chamber opera, … Read more

Arts Integration at Home – Two by Three by Bradford

Posted Wednesday, May 27, 2020 As the school year winds down, we’ve got a few more activities to bring some joy and movement to your distance learning. Two by Three by Bradford allows students to practice focus, listening, and awareness starting with the simple act of counting to three. This activity comes from theatre practitioner … Read more

Arts Integration at Home – Cross the Room If

Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Today’s activity, Cross the Room If… is a tried and true warm-up game typically used as a way to get to know new people. But for classroom and distance learning, it is a great way to share opinions and thoughts and spark deeper discussion. Depending on how you choose to … Read more

Arts Integration at Home – This Setting Needs

Posted Monday, May 18, 2020 Today’s arts integration activity, This Setting Needs…, combines imagination, observation, and detail-oriented thinking to challenge kids to create a 3-D, one-of-a-kind environment. This activity is a great way for students to show their knowledge of a book, an environment or a moment in time. It can also be a fun … Read more