Intriguing Conversation

MARCH 1 | 7:00 - 8:30PM 
$16 | Cash Bar
Ticket includes ​a signed copy of Lake Michigan Mermaid
Join authors Linda Nemec Foster and Ann-Marie Oomen with illustrator Meridith Ridl for an exciting book launch celebration and conversation inspired by our exhibition "Surface Tension". 
 
During this debut event Foster and Oomen will showcase their process, original illustrations, read a few excerpts

and share their story of conception --  speaking exactly
​ ​
10 years later, in the very location the Mermaid project concept originated! 

The Lake Michigan Mermaid is a new tale that feels familiar. The breeze off the lake, the sand underfoot, the supreme sadness of being young and not in control—these sensations come rushing back page-by-page, bringing to life an ancient myth of coming of age in a troubled world. 
 
This is a gripping tale in poems of a young girl’s desperate search for guidance in a world turned upside down by family and economic upheaval. Raised in a ramshackle cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan, Lykretia takes refuge in her beloved lake in the face of her grandmother’s illness and her mother’s eager attempts to sell their home following her recent divorce. One day Lykretia spots a creature in the water, something beautiful and inexplicable. Is it the mythical Lake Michigan mermaid, or an embodiment of the stories her grandmother told as dementia ravaged her mind? Thus begins a telepathic conversation between a lost young girl and Phyliadellacia, the mermaid who saves her in more ways than one.

Accompanied by haunting illustrations Lake Michigan Mermaid offers a tender tale of friendship, redemption, and the life-giving power of water. As it explores family relationships and generational bonds, this book is an unforgettable experience that aims to connect readers of all ages.
 
Linda Nemec Foster is the founder of the Contemporary Writers Series at Aquinas College. She is also the author of nine collections of poetry including Amber Necklace from Gdansk, Talking Diamonds, Listen to the Landscape, and Living in the Fire Nest. Foster was selected to be the first poet laureate of Grand Rapids, MI from 2003-2005.
Anne-Marie Oomen is author of Love, Sex and 4-H (Next Generation Indie Award for Memoir), House of Fields andPulling Down the Barn (both Michigan Notable Books) and Uncoded Woman (poetry), among others. She teaches at Solstice MFA at Pine Manor College (MA), Interlochen’s College of Creative Arts (MI), and at conferences throughout the country.

Meridith Ridl is an artist and an art teacher with a BA from the College of Wooster and MFA from the University of Michigan. She is represented by Lafontsee Galleries in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Meridith lives with her wonderful husband Brent, in Saugatuck, Michigan and loves wandering the lakeshore and dunes much like Lyk
​retia​
.

 Winemaker’s Dinners join us for an elaborate affair you will not soon forget. These dinners start with a sparkling wine and cheese reception followed by a coursed dinner paired with wine.
Each course contains a Fenn Valley wine specifically paired by the chef and winemaker. The winemaker and other Fenn Valley staff are also available to talk about the wine and theory behind the pairings.
Upcoming Dinners

• March 17th – Around the World with the Winemaker – Ireland (On Sale Now)
• April 14th – New Release Winemaker’s Dinner (On Sale March 1st

Price is $75/person and includes sparkling wine reception, food, wine, and gratuity.
“That was one of the most amazing dinners I have ever had!! Every single dish was impeccable on taste, service, and presentation! The wine pairings were perfect. I especially love the fact the family is all part of not only the winery, but the event. My family owned several smaller restaurants and know having your own business is not easy and requires a lot of work.”
– Rick & Michelle Kethcart, Crystal Lake, IL

Around the World with the Winemaker Dinner
A Journey to Ireland
March 17th, 2018
6pm Eastern Welcome Reception – Fruit and Cheese Board
Wine – Blanc de Noir and Bubbling Demi-Sec
First Course – Potato-Leek Pancake
Smoked salmon, herbed creme fraiche
Wine – Edelzwicker 2016
Second Course – Warm Salad of Fish and Chips
Frisee, baby romaine, croutons, fried Black Cod, beet chips with vinaigrette and whole grain mustard cream
Wine – Fenn Valley Hard Cider
Third Course – House Corned Local Beef Brisket
               Potato torte with bacon – cabbage and Irish Cheddar, pickled mustard seeds, Guinness Jus
Wine – Merlot 2016
Fourth Course – Individual Shepards Pie
Irish stew baked in a flaky pastry with duchess potato topping
Wine – Meritage 2016
Dessert – Ginger stout Tatin
With butter pudding and brandy snaps
Classic Port
Please Note: Wine and menu subject to change without notice.

Hempy Keyboard Series: Tom Vendafreddo
March 11
2:00PM
$15 adults | $50 series | students free

The SCA is excited to welcome back Tom Vendafreddo on March 11 as part of our 2018 Hempy Keyboard Series. Tom performed in Mason Street Warehouse's "Murder for Two" production in 2016. Currently living in Chicago, Tom is a musical theatre performer, music director, and educator.
 
In 2012, he completed his MFA in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University. His undergraduate degrees are in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. In 2014, Tom became the founding artistic director of the Chicago Artists Chorale and has directed the music on such sets as Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweeney Todd, The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia!, West Side Story, Hairspray, A Christmas Story, Oklahoma!, to name a few. 
For more information, click here.

Sponsored by Rex Hempy, Alan McPhail, Friends of Amity Meadows, Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, and National Endowment for the Arts.