A MATTER OF CULTURE: ARTISTIC PURSUITS AND ACTIVITIES FLOURISHING THROUGHOUT REGION

Three arts residencies this month at Southeast Missouri State University focus attention on the cultural growth under way in the region.

First was the just-completed two-week residency by the Katherine Dunham Dance Co. The black St. Louis-based troupe was founded by the woman who choreographed the classic film, "Stormy Weather."

The dancers conducted workshops and lectures and provided demonstrations and performances both on campus and for the community. The residency was the most extensive project sponsored so far by the university's new dance program headed by Dr. Marc Strauss.

ACTER, an organization of British-trained actors and actresses, begins a residency Feb. 24. Workshops are planned for both students and community members, and the three actors and two actresses will give three performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

The third residency was by artist artist-author Gary Bowen, winner of the 1995 International Reading Association Children's Informational Book Award. Bowen is the author and illustrator of the books "My Village Sturbridge" and "Stranded at Plimoth Plantation 1626."

Bowen was brought here through the Goals 2000 arts grant written by Drs. Robert and Ann Gifford. The goal of the grant is to help teachers integrate the arts into the general school curriculum.

Cape Girardeau now has its own music festival. The first City of Roses Festival was held in October 1997, and organizers promise to return with another this year.

Prospects are improving for the campaign to build a performing arts center, with Southeast Missouri State University's next capital campaign expected to include some funding for the center.

Two new arts administrators began work in 1997. Dr. Jenny Strayer became the director of the University Museum a year ago. Her husband, Greg Jones, was named executive director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri last summer.

Both are trying to expand the number of exhibits held at their galleries.

The River City Players, Cape Girardeau's community theater group, are still homeless. Recent performances have been at the River City Yacht Club and the Kent Library Little Theatre. Upcoming is "On Golden Pond," to be presented at Mark Anthony's restaurant in the Plaza Galleria.

Upcoming for the University Theatre is Strindberg's "Miss Julie."

Under the direction of Dr. John Egbert, the Choral Union has established its concerts as a major cultural event in the city. In May, the Choral Union will perform Arthur Honegger's "King David."

KRCU 90.9FM sponsored a concert by folk legend Bill Staines in 1997 and is having Staines return in May. Other KRCU-sponsored concerts will be given in April by Tom May, host of the radio show "Your River City Connection," and in May by autoharpist Bryan Bowers.

Dr. Martin Jones, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Southeast, says the arts here are on an upswing.

"There has been a slow, gradual development of the arts in the region. But a lot more work needs to be done in terms of infusing the arts in the lives of people in our community," he said.

The Giffords' arts grant, the university president's backing of the performing arts center, the continuing expansion at KRCU and new performing arts facilities at Three Rivers and Mineral Area community colleges are just some of the "good signs on the horizon," Jones said.