Trails & Vistas Presents Diverse Artistic Talent

FEATURED ARTIST
Capacitor

Capacitor, a renowned ensemble of dancers, headlines the 2011 art hike with an orchestra of moving bodies set to the earthy sounds. San Francisco's interdisciplinary dance company collaborates with the scientific and art community to create mind-expanding, heart-gripping live performances. According to the company, "Obsessed with the mechanics of the human body as well as machines that propel the body through space, Capacitor artists have become masters of rigging systems, coutures of wearable sculpture, and engineers of large-scale props designed to stretch the limits of physical poetry."

www.capacitor.org

FEATURED ARTIST
Chris Spheeris

Be perfectly still until you are quiet enough to hear the commands of "The Inner Dancer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - FOUNDER
Nancy Tieken Lopez

"My art is about connection – to a place, to the earth, to people's lives."

Nancy Tieken Lopez started art hikes when receiving her Masters of Fine Arts from San Jose State University over fifteen years ago. Nancy studies included an emphasis in bronze sculpture and installation art and lead to more ephemeral materials of earth installations with music, dance and poetry.

Nancy moved to Truckee 10 years ago and founded Trails and Vistas art hike in 2004 collaborating with local non-profits InnerRhythms Dance Theatre, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and Arts For the Schools.
www.trailsandvistas.org

Terpsichore D'Amour

Co-creators Grier Cooper and Mymuna Damore combine energies to create choreography that transcends boundaries as it examines themes of the human heart. Cooper has performed worldwide with companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet and the Frank Genius Group. Damor is a healer, energy transmitter, and mystic pole dance performer. She holds a BFA in theater and was internationally trained in the internal martial arts.

Cathee vanRossem-St.Clair

Cathee vanRossem-St.Clair, artist, poet, storyteller and Artist-in-Residence for Arts For the Schools

Since I lifted my first crayon, storytelling and language -- the language of birds, the language of the earth, and the silent language we humans use to interact with our inner and outer landscapes, have fed my art. Images from dreams, observations, and quirky musings push their way into my sketchbooks to this day.

Emily Tessmer

The river of music has carried me back to my ancestors, literally, and I feel the embrace of the divine like never before. The miracles are continually abounding in my life and my heart calls for the caress of my grandfathers and grandmothers in their wisdom. As a testament to this new direction, I will releasing my first full length sacred chanting CD entitled Orenda Blue Music. This will be the first of many sacred chanting records. This new direction promises to open many new exciting avenues and I await its completion with childlike anticipation.

I am so grateful to be a part of Trails this year, being a part of it last year was so inspiring and contributed to all that I envision for this year at Spooner.

Lorna Denton

Lorna graduated with a Textile Design degree in the UK and worked in various fields including textiles, graphics and education. Her current work draws on colors and forms found in nature, and explores the visual qualities of materials. She is interested in how contrasting materials can work together. Her pieces have been shown in the UK, Canada and the United States. She is currently working as a visual artist in schools in Nevada.

Lesley Ehrenfeld Chapman

When performing in nature, Lesley asks the environment what to create and how to move. Her installations combine sculpture, movement and personally mythology in relationship to space. Lesley's mentor is 91-year-old dancer, Anna Halprin.

A Bay Area native, Lesley currently lives in Lake Tahoe with her Husband and two sons. The Trees Have Eyes will be her first performance piece in the Lake Tahoe region. Lesley is enthusiastic about sharing her work with the community through the Trails and Vistas experience.

Caree Bragg

Caree Bragg has been a Truckee resident for eleven years. During that time she has been mastering her own art form. Bringing found wood and hand cut images together. "I see images in the wood and strive to bring them out in a way that tells a story and, like nature, is always flowing."

"I design my mobiles to hang inside your home where they will capture light, imagination and bring flow to empty space. Beautiful silhouettes move and captivate while candlelight creates a beautiful shadow dance."

Caree Bragg works with custom requests, does art workshops and specializes in women's empowerment workshops. She is a mother, artist, cowgirl, gardener and Middle Eastern drummer…among other things.

Sheri Woodsgreen

is the co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of InnerRhythms Dance Theatre.  Sheri is a business professional, pioneering social entrepreneur, and former professional dancer/choreographer who embodies the philosophy that positive change happens when we take inner-responsibility for affecting global good.  Sheri brings her life experiences from engaging with global leaders and collaborations with world-changing organizations such as the United Nations World Environment Programme to her choreography and instruction.  From her diverse background in producing and performing in musical theater, world concert/stage tours, and special events - Sheri communicates meaningful messages through movement.  Sheri is professionally trained in ballet, modern, and contemporary jazz.  Former positions and accomplishments include: Events and Entertainment Coordinator at Caesar’s Tahoe, produced a Mid-Summer Nightmare in 2007 with former Cirque du Soleil performers, served on the Board of Directors for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival for five years, and has participated on several advisory boards and committees supporting the arts throughout the Tahoe/Truckee region for the past 20 years.

FEATURED ARTIST
Rhythm Child

Rhythm Child is not just a band; it's a movement. Formed in 2003, The Rhythm Child Network uses music, drums and movement to stimulate and foster the creative flow within young children and people of all ages. Award-Winning Children's Artist & REMO Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator Norman Jones encourages creative expression and cultural exploration through drum circle workshops, interactive music education, and family concerts. By creating an environment that uses the drum as a vehicle for building confidence, communicating positive messages and encouraging group dynamics, Rhythm Child helps children connect with their own inner rhythms.  A recent appearance at The White House for the Annual Easter Egg Roll is evidence that Rhythm Child is well on Its way to reach the entire rhythm nation.

FEATURED ARTIST
Angelika Healing Music

Angelika is an internationally acclaimed performer, composer and recording artist whose main intention is to promote Oneness, Peace, Healing and Good Will amongst all people everywhere through her inspirational music. The vibration of deep peace and joy in this music can cut through the restlessness of the mind very quickly by flowing softly into the heart without effort. Angelika sings ancient Sanskrit healing chants, mantras, prayers in different languages and her own original songs, sharing love, celebration, comfort and wisdom, accompanied by a handmade tamboura/ monochord and 12-string guitar. Many listeners comment on the healing qualities of Angelika’s voice and music.

Elizabeth Archer

Elizabeth is the Artistic & Executive Director of InnerRhythms Dance Theatre and the Performance Director for Trails and Vistas art hike. Elizabeth believes that the opportunity to work with young people and share the rewards of participating in the performing arts is a positive way to give something back to our planet.
www.innerrhythms.org

InnerRhythms Dance Theatre

InnerRhythms Dance Theatre brings unforgettable and riveting performances to Trails and Vistas. The InnerRhythms goal is to offer a thorough education in dance equivalent to the interests and abilities of the serious student. At the Training Centre, they offer classes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern ,Tap and MiniRhythms for mini dancers. The techniques in each of the dance styles at the Centre are specifically designed to complement and enhance one another. It is highly recommended that students expose themselves to more than one dance style in order to experience a more complete development. Additionally, as students gain strength and maturity, InnerRhythms provides opportunity for young artists to take their talent to the next level by participating in our Performance Companies, InnerRhythms Dance Theatre and our award winning Hip-Hop troupe. RhythMatriX.
www.innerrhythms.org

Jean Fournier

Jean Louise Fournier is a poet and dancer whose art is inspired by our natural world. She is passionate about furthering the mission of Trails and Vistas. Her work reflects a close affinity for her natural surroundings. Fournier has performed her poetry at Trails and Vistas for the past four years. With a master's degree in Creative Arts in Education, she teaches for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. Her poetry has been published in many publications including "A Collection of Poems and Stories by the Jibboom Street Writers" and Perspectives Art News. Fournier has entertained audiences with readings at dance performances and ceremonies such as weddings and memorial services.

Kira Yannetta and Benjamin Hall

"I turn to Mother Earth for restoration. She is my nourishment, my comfort, my teacher and my joy. I secure my roots to her heart and open my crown to share her abundant inspiration." - Kira

Benjamin Hall makes music in celebration of the unifying rhythms within and all around us. He feels proud to be a part of Trails and Vistas again alongside his sister Kira. They dedicate this work of love to their mother, Rebecca.

Kira Yannetta is a performance artist, writer and Renaissance woman deeply committed to connecting with Spirit through meditation, creative arts and the wonders of nature.  Her written work can be found in Moonshine Ink and Perspectives Magazine as well as in art shows around Lake Tahoe.  She has performed in Trails and Vistas since 2006.  Her poems are an invitation to step off of the path of the mundane and into the realms of the mystic, to step through the veil and remember who we really are. Kira welcomes the shift in consciousness and is grateful to have you join her on the journey.

From the sculpture garden of UCLA to the streets of Medellin, Colombia, Benjamin Hall has a world's worth of training and experience as a vocalist and percussionist. On his journey he's worked with artists such as Sara Bareilles, Juanes, Kool and the Gang and Maroon 5. His Los Angeles based band, Elevaters, brings out the best of his unique rhythmic and melodic expression. This is Ben’s second performance in Trails and Vistas.

Michelle Turley

Michelle Turley L.Ac, MTCM, will be leading the “Meditation Hike” on Saturday, September 11 at 4:30. The Meditative hike will connect people with nature while walking in silence. Moving in tune with nature with the ancient practice of qigong, participants will be inspired by the art and music of Trails and Vistas and one’s own movements of qigong. Michelle practices Traditional Chinese Medicine of acupuncture, and teaches courses that improve knowledge of eastern thought and theory and energy medicine.  “My goal is to educate people about the wisdom of ancient medicine and connect them back to nature and allow their bodies to heal naturally. I am interested in working with people that are interested in changing their lifestyle and healing from their core.”

Jordan Alley

Jordan began his practice in 2004.  After years of construction related injuries and back problems Jordan instantly recognized the physical benefits of yoga.   He began to see rapid breakthroughs in his posture as well as his perception of life.  He started to notice the connections between struggle and surrender… awareness and stillness both on his mat as well as in his daily life.  Jordan completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training program in 2010. He likes to guide his students through a dynamic flowing sequence helping them to find their edge.  Jordan enjoys the opportunity to help people find their fullest expressions, bring light into areas of darkness, clear heavy energy, surrendering to the things that are out of our control, and bringing awareness to the things that no longer serve us.