Festival Vision: Artistic Excellence, Innovation, Engagement

These three concepts speak to the artistic vision at the heart of An Appalachian Summer Festival. Presenting accomplished and respected performing and visual artists who are regionally, nationally and internationally recognized while providing opportunities for emerging artists has been the key to developing a long history of artistic excellence. While building on this rich history, a commitment to innovation makes the festival fresh and relevant each year. Programming that encompasses interdisciplinary approaches, experimental research, revisiting classics and presenting contemporary works, exploring alternative venues, creating opportunities for interaction with the university community, and commissioning new works in all disciplines makes every season and the Appalachian community a destination for lovers of the arts. A range of educational opportunities including performances, exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops, student internships and employment provides meaningful engagement for the university and seasoned arts patrons while building new audiences for the future. The festival holds central the belief that access to a strong and dynamic program of artistic excellence in the performing and visual arts is an important component of a vital and healthy community.

In order to fulfill this vision, An Appalachian Summer Festival is proud to have formed partnerships with some of the nation's most prominent and accomplished artists. The festival's Artistic Partners were selected to bring to the table their vision, expertise, and unique perspective, shaped by their respective artistic disciplines. Working in collaboration with the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs staff, Artistic Partners set the vision for festival programming, advise the festival on specific artists and programs, and share valuable industry contacts that assist in booking festival artists each season.

Artistic Partners

An Appalachian Summer Festival Artistic Partners for 2008:

[ Hank Foreman ]: Artistic Partner, Visual Arts Programming

Hank T. Foreman is an artist, art administrator and educator. He is currently employed by Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, where he serves as Director and Chief Curator of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, which opened in May 2003. He received his B.C.A. in Painting and Sculpture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his M.A. in Art Education from Appalachian State University, and his professional activities include curating exhibitions, serving as juror for competitions, lecturing, teaching workshops, consulting on public art projects, and creating his own studio work.

[ Jodee Nimerichter ]: Artistic Partner, Dance Programming

Jodee Nimerichter was named Co-Director of the American Dance Festival (ADF) in May, 2007. Prior to that appointment, she had served as the organization's Associate Director since 2003. Ms. Nimerichter was a production member of the award-winning series, Great Performances: Dance in America, at Thirteen/WNET New York; she co-produced the award-winning performance documentary, Born to Be Wild: The Leading Men of American Ballet Theatre (2002); she has co-produced several television recordings of Broadway shows; and has worked as an associate producer on several Broadway and television productions. Ms. Nimerichter graduated from New York University with a degree in performing arts administration.

[ Gerard Schwarz ]: Artistic Partner, Symphonic Programming

Gerard Schwarz is internationally recognized for his engaging performances, innovative programming and renowned recording history. Maestro Schwarz's extensive discography of some 250 releases showcases his collaborations with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including The Philadelphia Orchestra; the Tokyo, Czech and Royal Liverpool philharmonics; the London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra National de France and Berlin Radio Symphony; the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; and the New York Chamber and Seattle symphonies. Maestro Schwarz is also Music Director of the Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina.

[ Gil Morgenstern ]: Artistic Partner, Chamber Music Programming

Acclaimed for his artistry and technical brilliance as soloist with orchestra, in recital or as a chamber musician, violinist Gil Morgenstern has performed around the globe to overwhelming critical praise. In 2006, Mr. Morgenstern stepped down after 15 years as the artistic director of An Appalachian Summer Festival. During his tenure, the festival grew into one of the leading regional performing and visual arts festivals in the United States and became recognized as an important venue for commissioning and presenting original works.

[ Preston Lane ]: Artistic Partner, Theatre Programming

Now in his seventh season (2008) at Triad Stage, Preston Lane has directed over 28 productions. He was formerly Artistic Associate at the Dallas Theater Center. He has taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University, and the Professional Actors Workshop at the Dallas Theater Center. He is an alumnus of the Drama League of New York's Director's Project, and holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.