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February
http://artstreet.udayton.edu/
2010
OffBeat- Volume 6, Issue 5
Photo by Laura Mack
student monthly voice
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The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant
An Exclusive Interview with Filmmakers Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert
By Michael Kane
The workers of the General Motors SUV assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, must have woken up on Christmas
morning of 2008 with the feeling that they just got a lump of coal in their stockings. Two days prior, on December
23rd, the GM plant shut its doors for good, leaving its 2,500 workers and 200 management staff members
without jobs.
With so many people affected by the foreclosure, two filmmakers wanted to tell the story of the final months of
the GM plant through the eyes of the workers. Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert are the writers, directors, editors,
and producers of a 40-minute documentary called The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant, which will be screened
at UD on February 2nd.
As both Yellow Springs residents and independent filmmakers, Steve and Julia bring a unique perspective and
philosophy on life that is reflected in their career.
Julia’s attraction to photography first spawned her interest in communicating social issues with a large group of
people. Her first documentary, Growing Up Female, was released in 1971 and considered the first film to come
out of the modern women’s movement.
“It wasn’t until later that I realized the power of film as an art form and not just a medium of communication,”
Reichert said.
Steve’s journey into the world of independent film similarly started when he was introduced to the photography
book The Americans by Robert Frank.
“It opened my eyes to the power, the poetry, and the meaningfulness of
documentaries,” Steve said.
Their first directorial film project together was a documentary called A
Lion in the House, which followed five families each with a child diagnosed
with cancer. After six years of filming and 525 hours of footage, Steve and
Julia were able to shape the story into a four hour long movie that premiered
on PBS over two nights.
“It was the toughest film we’ve made by far, but as both humans and
filmmakers, it was also the most profound thing we’ve been through,” said
Bognar.
A Lion in the House had its world premiere at the 2006 Sundance Film
Festival and is considered the longest film to be presented in the documentary category. To Steve and Julia’s delight, many of the families and doctors
featured in the movie came out to see the film.
While at the festival, however, Julia felt ill with what she thought was emotional and physical exhaustion as a result of her tireless efforts to complete
the documentary. But in a stroke of cruel irony, Julia was diagnosed with
cancer and had to leave the Utah screening early to undergo treatment.
(continued on the next page)
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With the help of the many people who came out to support the film, A Lion in the House finished its run at Sundance and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. Steve and Julia even won a prestigious Primetime Emmy for
their documentary in 2007; an award that has since been overshadowed by Julia being cancer-free for three and a
half years now.
On June 3, 2008, Steve, Julia and the Dayton community were shocked to hear about GM’s decision to close the
local assembly plant.
“We both had seen the plant and knew it was a huge part of the Dayton community,” Steve said, “so it was devastating news to hear that the plant was going to close. Dayton is in a tough situation. Our city has been hit hard
with job loss and I think we all have to do what we can to help each other out.”
Together Steve and Julia set out to help the thousands of people who considered themselves more family than GM
co-workers by telling their story.
“Your job as a documentarian is to find and feel the story, open your heart to people, and throw away your own
preconceptions,” Bognar said.
For six intense months, Steve and Julia shot 100 hours of footage and interviewed many workers who would prove
the factory worker stereotype to be completely inaccurate. The Last Truck uses these revealing interviews to portray
the emotional toll of not only losing a job, but a sense of self as well.
Since its HBO premiere on September 7, 2009, Baltimore Sun film critic David Zurawik named the documentary
as one of the top ten television programs of 2009. In October, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
listed The Last Truck as a possible contender for the Documentary Short Subject Oscar at the 82nd Annual Academy
Awards. And now this powerful documentary will be featured at the University of Dayton.
Presented by ArtStreet, Film Dayton, and the University of Dayton Initiative on Sustainability, Energy and the
Environment (SEE), “The Last Truck” will be screened on Tuesday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. in the Science Center
Auditorium.
Be sure to stick around following the
film as Steve Bognar, Julia Reichert, and
one or more workers portrayed in the
film will be having an open discussion
about the documentary for all in attendance.
“My life has been enriched so much
to be a part of such a creative medium,”
Julia said. “Just going out into reality is
such an adventure.”
“I feel so lucky to work, grow as a
documentarian, and try to tell meaningful stories,” Steve said. “Bearing witness
to the human experience is the best
thing we can do with our skills.”
Former GM workers featured in The Last Truck (from left to right)
Popeye Hurst, Joyce Gilbert, Louis Carter, Kim Clay, Kate Geiger.
Photo Courtesy of HBO.
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ARTicles of Clothing
By Julie Roth
When was the last time you looked at the clothes you wear on a daily basis? I mean really looked. We all have
our favorite shirt or the pair of shoes that has been through a series of adventures. But how often do we stop to
admire the pieces of fabric that covers our bodies, examining the detail and history that exists in each garment?
Whether your clothes are old or new, trendy or old-fashioned, tight-fitting or loose, they have been chosen for
you. Someone has designed stitch, strategically chosen each color, and selected the fabric that covers your limbs.
Some materials are simple, such as a t-shirt, while others include cleverly-placed zippers, buttons, lining, or patterns.
When we look beyond what initially meets the eye, we see the beauty in clothing. An 80’s prom dress becomes
a creative composition of sequence and volume. A plaid shirt exposes a timeless print that combines randomness
with pattern. Clothes are wearable artwork, allowing us to express our tastes and styles on a daily basis.
Take a look at the clothes on your body right now. I imagine you will be surprised at the complexity and creativity
that lies beneath a single article of clothing.
Before
After
ArtStreet Runway Challenge
Throughout the month of January, ArtStreet sponsored the Runway Challenge, an event encouraging participants
to look beyond clothing and into the creative composition of outdated garments.
Student designers were given two weeks to transform a rejected thrift-store find into a wearable, runway look.
They examined fabric texture and print, garment construction, and alterability to create a timeless look of their own.
Check out the finished designs as the event concludes with a Fashion Show Finale on Saturday, February 6th
from 9-11pm in ArtStreet Studio D.
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Muñecas Quitapenas (No Worries):
A New Art Exhibit Hits ArtStreet
By Marci Duckro
Leesa Haapapuro, originally from Detroit, Michigan, is an artist and instructor who now lives in Dayton, OH. She
will be visiting the University of Dayton for the first time during the weeks of February 15-26th, during which she
will bring her portable studio to ArtStreet’s Studio D. Haapapuro will create an “open studio” where she hopes UD
students will join her in creating new pieces of artwork for the exhibit. Haapapuro will be displaying her newest
work, Muñcecas Quitapenas or No Worries, which is inspired by the Guatemalan worry dolls.
“The Mayans believed that there are worry people and you whisper your worries to these special dolls and then
place them either under your pillow or bed at night and when you wake up, the worries will all be gone,” Haapapuro explains. “My dolls are meant to dissipate worry in the making,” she explains further. “The idea being that
the process of binding frees the mind.”
Leesa is looking forward to spending time with the students and community during her time at UD and hopes
that people will come to help her exhibit grow more in size. Susan Byrnes, Director of ArtStreet, is very excited to
have Haapapuro’s work on display at UD. She says that this type of exhibit is not like others because the students’
work will be a part of the process and at the end of the show, they get to take it home.
“I invite all to come and make worry dolls anytime,” she says. “I will be [in the studio] everyday and will be offering a formal workshop Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday afternoons from 2-4 p.m.”
The Muñecas Quitapenas (No Worries) show is different from ones of the past because, usually, Leesa exhibits
work that is the end result. But with this project, it is in the beginning stages.
“Leesa’s work will hopefully bring UD together more as a community to make this project work,” Byrnes said.
For more information about Leesa Haapapuro’s work, visit her website at http://www.leesahaapapuro.com.
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Food for Thought
from the ArtStreet Café
By Emily Wolfgang
Pita Pizzas
Looking for a brand new, cheap, and tasty delight to have for lunch or dinner? Then try the new pita
pizzas offered at the ArtStreet Café!
As the brainchild of the Café’s marketing team, the pizzas are named after classic musicians.
The Zeppelin, McCartney, Sinatra and Manilow include vegetable, pepperoni, cheese, and barbeque
chicken for an average price between $5.00 and $6.00 and come with a soft drink. Of course creating your
own pizza is always encouraged as well!
Rob Sohlberg, one of the Café’s prized employees, believes the pizzas to be “pita-tastic” and added, “I
think they’re a tasty addition to our already diverse menu.”
Steve Cabanski, general manager of the Café, agrees that they are a “delicious alternative to our menu”
and “actually very filling.”
Kara Cocoa
Another exciting feature, offered through the month of February, is
the Kara Cocoa specialty drink.
Kara Cocco’s coffee drink, which was created by fellow co-worker
Jon Colbert as a Secret Santa surprise, contains milk, chocolate syrup,
Hylander Grog coffee, and a shot of butterscotch flavoring.
Kara is a marketing major who enjoys art, Radiohead, reading
works of poetry by Charles Bukowski, and of course, coffee. Cocco,
who was pleasantly surprised with her flattering gift, stated, “Please
sell this, I want to be famous!”
New Coffee House Music
Check out Wakey! Wakey! Led by front man Michael Grubbs on
piano and vocals, the “post-indie baroque pop” band is from Brooklyn,
NY. Listen to “Brooklyn” and “War Sweater” on YouTube, and look for
them on Facebook and Myspace.
To recommend new found music for the next issue, e-mail
[email protected].
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Chen Zimbalista: 40 Sticks, 4 Hands and One
Concert You Don’t Want to Miss
By Kristen Hammaker
A performance described as a “true feast for the senses” is coming to Kennedy Union. On February 10th, two
world-renowned musicians, Chen Zimbalista and Lewis Nash, will perform in the World Rhythms Series concert
entitled “Chen Zimbalista: 40 Sticks, 4 Hands.”
Chen Zimbalista, an Israeli percussionist, has been playing music since he was five. Described as a force of
nature, Chen is a master of over 40 exotic instruments from dozens of countries. According to his website, http://
www.zimbalista.com, he plays music from various genres with multiple instruments used simultaneously during
the performances, which is certainly something unique and amazing to witness. Chen will share the rhythms from
around the world in this concert with the help of legendary jazz percussionist Lewis Nash.
Nash began playing the drums at age 10 and today works not only as a noted musician, but also as a clinician
and educator, according to his website www.lewisnash.com. His debut recording as a musician, “Rhythm Is My
Business,” illustrates his great talent and passion for music. He has played with numerous jazz bands and also is
featured on recordings with famous musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and showed his incredible versatility on recordings with stars such as Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Melissa Manchester and George Michael.
Together, Zimbalista and Nash will show what happens when cultures collide through their multi-cultural music.
This high energy show will feature music from Japan, Russia, Africa, Israel and beyond, as well as feature a combination of traditional and exotic percussive instruments like the drum, marimba, vibraphone, bongos and others.
The performance, which is presented by the University of Dayton Arts Series and Cityfolk, will take place at 8
p.m. on Wednesday, February 10th in the Kennedy Union Boll Theatre. General admission tickets are $18; $16
for seniors, military, University faculty members, staff and alumni, and tickets for students are half price, a steal for
only $9.
To reserve tickets, contact the KU box office at 937-229-2545 or the Cityfolk box office at 937-496-3863. For
more information about the Arts Series, visit http://artsseries.udayton.edu or call 937-229-2787.
When: Wednesday, February
10th at 8 PM
Where: Kennedy Union Boll
Theatre
Tickets: Kennedy Union Box
Office, 937-229-2545
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Neighborhood News
How to Combat the Winter Blues
By Rosie Griffen
HOT COCOA! Let’s face it, who doesn’t feel better after a nice cup of delicious hot cocoa? So go grab some of
the good ol’ Swiss Miss and enjoy!
Only a month until spring break! If you can’t get to warmer weather, try and plan a visit to an old friend’s college.
Their company is sure to brighten your spirits.
Temperature too cold for you? Head over to the RecPlex and test out the hot tub. It’s sure to warm you inside and
out (and make you feel relaxed).
Cozy up on the couch with a warm fleece blanket, popcorn, close friends and watch a feel good movie! Nothing
beats that combination of goodness.
On our way to March Madness? Help the Flyers out and go cheer them on at a game. Especially the must-see
game on February 6th when they play the Xavier Musketeers!
Cat got your tongue? Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by school? Don’t keep it bottled up inside, tell someone. Vent to anyone who will listen and you’ll be sure to feel better!
One day frosty the snowman came to life, or so the song says. The next time there’s a big snow, grab your roommates and build the biggest, baddest snowman on campus. You’ll be legends!
Afraid to be alone on Valentine’s Day? Get a group of friends together, cook a savory meal, and go see a
movie at The Neon! Check out http://www.neonmovies.com/ for more details, they show great flicks.
Want to be a part of OffBeat?
Email your ideas for articles, pictures, or poetry to OffBeat Editor Michael Kane at:
[email protected]
OffBeat is written by and created for students, and is supported by funding from ArtStreet.
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Valentine’s Day Wednesday Workshop!
By Hope Smalls
Is there any better way to show your loved ones that you love them than cooking them a delicious feast? I
think not!
On February 10th, I will be teaching a Wednesday Workshop at ArtStreet , where you will learn how to cook
a dinner that will make even Bobby Flay or Rachel Ray want to be your Valentine.
The Menu will include:
• Italian Herb Crusted Chicken with a Golden Mushroom White Wine Sauce served on Angel Hair Pasta
• Italian Cheese Bread
• Mediterranean Salad
• Chocolate Cream Cheese Tort
Please sign-up as soon as possible because space is limited. Register
at http://artstreet.udayton.edu/wednesday.
If you can’t make it to the workshop, however, here’s the recipe for a
mouth-watering dessert, made with love for that special someone.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Tort
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
•
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
•
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
•
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
Prepare and bake cake according to package directions,
Kentucky Pie with a Chocolate Twist
using two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
FROSTING
•
1 package (8 ounces) Kraft
Philadelphia® - Cream Cheese,
softened
•
1/4 cup butter, softened
•
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
•
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
•
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire
racks to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken.
Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until stiff peaks form.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until
smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar, cocoa
and vanilla.
Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place
bottom layer on a serving plate; top it off with a third of
the whipping cream. Repeat layers twice. Cover with the
remaining cake layer and frost the top with cream cheese
mixture. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 12-16 servings.
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The Art of Living:
In the Name of Love
Poetry Corner
By Erin Moriarty
COFFEEHARDBUSYGO
By Michael Winn
Candy consumption, flower arranging and card
purchasing: oh the season of love.
It’s easy to forget when surrounded by the commercials and billboards selling ways to proclaim
Slurpwarrrmmmm down my throat,
and spreading like so many veins glowingcoals
one’s affection that the roots of the romantic tradi-
through twitching sagging torso
tions lie in the Catholic Church with St. Valentine
sitting in front of eLEctriCK bluishglow screen and
himself. In truth, the Church recognizes three St.
p a p e r that wont
Valentines and there are several legends surrounding
them, all of which involve being martyred for selfless
act of giving.
One such legend involves a priest carrying out
marriage ceremonies in Ancient Rome during a time
when they were banned by the emperor. Others involve the secret courting of individuals from imprisonment or across other cultural barriers.
This season, don’t buy into the hype, take the
more interesting route as St. Valentine did. Try
secretly leaving notes and small handmade tokens
of appreciation to anyone that has touched your life.
Whether it’s your roommates, siblings or parents
who may not expect such an act but who have certainly helped you in a time of need.
If you are looking to be even more courageous,
choose someone you see regularly but don’t always
acknowledge; this could be your floor’s janitor or
your favorite wrap maker in the cafeteria, or even
the police officer that frequently walks by your
house each weekend. These people show their love
for you in unique ways each day, so the least you
can do is celebrate with them on February 14th.
So don’t sweat it if you find yourself without that
“special someone” this year. I am confident that if
write
itself.
damn.
handsweat, jitterLegggggggggggg
time
4:44 is now only a count
do
wn
to consciousness…
anothernight—HARDBUSYGOgoing, long since gone, but
coffee revving my insides
like a cranking engine—already buzzing on full, running on empty into a
crazyspirited to-do
of a life hard-paid-for by
parents
and God
and countrymen
like martyrs
staring hard
into their task
but I sit here, with no Holy Cause
but my own
long-blown
you really evaluated your life, you’d find at least a
handful of people with whom to boldly share
your love.
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