Monday, April 5, 2010

Hancher Auditorium Brings Performance to Grinnell


Grinnell and Grinnell Regional Medical Center proudly welcome Robert and Rebecca Bluestone in their Woven Harmony performance to Grinnell. This three-day artist in residency program features performances at GRMC, Grinnell Newburg High School, Grinnell College, and two performances for community audiences. The events are part of the “Iowa Arts and Healthcare Project—A Journey through Iowa,” a collaborative effort of The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and College of Public Health. Grinnell businesses and individuals are also partnering to make the project possible.

All residents are invited to this inspirational production by the Bluestones. Robert’s music, images of Rebecca’s woven tapestries, and beautiful images of their New Mexico home and studio set the landscape for a powerful performance on connecting art, creativity, health, and healing.

“Grinnell and GRMC were selected for this art residency program with the Bluestones because of their leadership in optimal healing initiatives and healthcare for the whole body,” explains Charles Swanson, executive director of Hancher Auditorium.

“The Bluestones have worked in hospitals and healthcare settings across the country giving audiences their message of hope in difficult times. Robert and Rebecca share a profound story and inspiration of how they faced Rebecca’s ovarian cancer. Creativity and the arts helped the couple through this difficult time. They gained strength and the desire to share their talents to help others.”

Todd Linden, GRMC CEO and president, “We’re honored and thrilled to have such brilliant performers come to Grinnell and share their talents. Robert and Rebecca articulate their personal message to the wide spectrum of guests, from cancer survivors, to high school students, to corporate CEOs. The universal message is using creativity and art to face the future, whether that’s a life-threatening condition like cancer or a life-altering condition such as unemployment, job pressures, or an uncertain future in a new job market. The Bluestones have the unique ability to connect with all. We’re excited to bring their message in Grinnell.”

The art residency program includes:

Thursday, April 29

“Caring for the Caretaker”

For GRMC Employees, Physicians and Volunteers

10 a.m. to noon – GRMC Tomasek Conference Center



“Creativity is the Currency of the 21st Century”

Open to all businesses and their workforce

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Grinnell College, Roberts Theater

Any business or individual may receive tickets for this program by calling 641-236-2593.



Friday, April 30

“Creativity is a 21st Century Skill”

For Grinnell Newburg High School art and music students

10:15 to 11 a.m. – Grinnell High School



“Creativity is a 21st Century Skill”

For Grinnell College students

5 p.m. – Grinnell College



Saturday, May 1

“A Celebration of Community: Getting Back to Life”

Finale performance

Open to the community.

6:30 to 8 p.m. – Grinnell Community Center, Voertman Theater, 927 4th Ave.



All events are free, thanks to our local sponsors. Grinnell Regional Medical Center Art Fund; Todd Linden; Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company; Fine Arts Council – Grinnell High School; Grinnell College; Iowa Telecom; and Mayflower Community.

The Bluestones will present in six communities during their “Journey through Iowa.” Those communities include: Spencer – April 19, 20, and 21; Algona – April 22, 23, and 24; Des Moines – April 26, 27, and 28; Grinnell – April 29, 30, and May 1; Davenport – May 3, 4, and 5; and Iowa City – May 8.

For more information call 641-236-2593.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks to the combined vision of Chuck Swanson, the artistry and inspiration of Robert & Rebecca Bluestone and the receptive, inclusionary partner like GRMC and Grinnell, the positive residual benefits of this unique statewide program will resonate well into the future, giving Iowa new perspectives and approaches in a healthcare field thirsting for replenishing support. For those in attendance, share your thoughts, and let others who couldn't attend check online for more information about the messages delivered through this innovative programming. Thank you, Chuck Swanson and Hancher for leading the charge to show how creativity can touch all aspects of our lives, especially when life becomes most challenging.

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