Make A Scene: Feb. 13, 2009

Sally Hitchcock is a local piano instructor. Her art is as much teaching as it is playing music. She’s taught piano in the Mat-Su Valley for more than 30 years, earning a reputation and a niche that can only come through a lifelong commitment to the arts.

As a matter of fact, another local artist from the Palmer area, Eric Deeter, recommended that I make her the subject of a column.

Apparently, he thought so much of Sally’s contribution to our local culture that he made her the subject of his latest painting. I love it when different mediums of creativity converge. Deeter’s painting is a prime example of that, as is this column.

On Saturday, you’ll have a chance to see this portrait of a local musician who’s been responsible for countless others’ musical experiences. Who knows how many people have been impacted, both directly and indirectly, by this local woman’s career of teaching our youth how to play the piano.

So many that this local artist thought it was worthy of fine art — to be displayed at Madd Matters in Palmer alongside Deeter’s other assorted works.

So, if music and painting can come together in a public display like this one, what other combinations of creative energy are possible?

With all of this creative energy that local artists invest in our local culture, are we investing wisely? To what end do we seek to manifest, with all of us working separately, while living in the same geography? The more things like this the better for every artist.

Just imagine the level of synergy if local artists, regardless of their medium, were to begin to converge, meeting together, making plans. There are so many artists, the possibilities are manifold. Let’s not forget the arts organizations, like VPA, PAC, VFAA, VAA, Make-a-Scene!, Denali Arts Council, the library, Radio Free Palmer, WEAK Productions, Blambo Entertainment, Whistling Swan, Whole Wheat Radio, Alaska State Fair, the list goes on and on — and then there are the venues and galleries, like Madd Matters.

Who knows, maybe some connections can be made at this art revue, scheduled for Valentine’s Day at Madd Matters Art Gallery. Maybe some reciprocal romance can begin, where local artists can learn to love each other in that fraternal way that brings people together.

Maybe Eric Deeter’s painting of Sally Hitchcock will inspire some other artistic affection. I love the idea.

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.