SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at the Heart of the Community
More Than the Average Bear
No, this exhibition does not feature bears of the four-legged variety. Rather, the title is more of a descriptive demonym for our more hirsute brethren. This bear-friendly exhibit was curated by a team of community members in conjunction with the annual Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend and features works by local and regional artists, including JS Adams, Anthony Chiffolo, Joe Dietl, Max Fleishman, Robert Fleming, Dr. Kaz Huston, Thomas Scott Roberts, Craig R. Simmons, Richard Thibodeau, Don Twine, and Tom Waugh. Quite the roster!
“CAMP Rehoboth is thrilled to once again host this annual art show,” said Arts Program lead Leslie Sinclair. “The talent and variety in this year’s show is particularly amazing, with watercolors, works on wood, stained glass, painting on glass, and hand-drawn works.”
Make plans to attend the exhibit (on display through October 8) and the Artist Reception on Sunday, September 25 (10:00 a.m. till noon) to celebrate these artists and the “Bear Force” aspect of LGBTQ+ culture.
From the CAMP Collection
In its 33-year history of supporting the arts, CAMP Rehoboth has amassed an extensive collection of art from generous donations by artists and community members. In October and November, we will host a curated exhibit of some of this art, From the CAMP Collection, in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery. While you are at the Block Party, plan to take a gander at the exhibit. Proceeds from sales will be used to support vital CAMP Rehoboth programs.
CAMP REHOBOTH highlights our community’s unique history and culture, and serves to further diversity, equity, and inclusion, by building unity and understanding. Exhibits may be viewed Monday-Friday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). You may view and purchase the art on the CAMP website under the “SHOP” heading.
Images: Ben & Austin by Jim Dietl; Ginger Bear by Don Twine.
Image Top Right: Beary Black Bear by Max Fleishman.
artist SPOTLIGHT
Russell Stiles & the CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company
I had breakfast in the CAMP Courtyard last week and noticed the poster for 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (September 29 & 30 and October 1) and wondered why I hadn’t profiled the CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company. I wrote to the company’s founder and resident director, Russell Stiles, and asked for contact info on folks who had performed in our shows.
As I looked through the list, I noticed that among the CAMP cast lists were several actors I’d worked with at Possum Point Players (PPP) in Georgetown—Ashlie Workman, Diane Muni Counts, Bruce Ricketts, and Laura Leone Baker, to name a few. PPP came to mind as it’s celebrating its 50th season this year at an October 8 Gala. Details about the celebration are available at possumpointplayers.org; tickets are $50 and may be purchased via the website. We wish PPP at least another 50 years!
Meanwhile, back to the CAMP Theatre Company…
Doug Yetter: Russell, how many seasons has the company been doing shows at CAMP?
Russell Stiles: This marks the opening of our sixth season and we’re stretching our artistic wings this year with shows that are unique and a bit controversial. Keeping in line with the CAMP Rehoboth mission statement, we’re promoting artistic expressions, creative thinking, giving aid to artists, and emphasizing the works of the LGBTQ community. This season’s shows are the most diverse ever performed by the company, in terms of subject matter, genre, and the issues facing the entire LGBTQ community.
DY: I know you moved here after retiring but fill us in on your career before the beach.
RS: Before moving to Rehoboth Beach, I taught acting and drama for 30 years in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
DY: Where did you receive your training?
RS: I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis University and attended Penn State University’s Theatre Program majoring in Acting and Directing.
DY: I understand that the CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company is not the first group you’ve formed over the years.
RS: I founded the Hollidaysburg Area Repertory Players where I directed over 60 plays and musicals; I directed, acted, designed sets and lighting for Altoona Community Theatre at the historic Mishler Theatre in Altoona; and directed several critically acclaimed productions at Things Unseen regional theatre, also in Altoona.
DY: The community is in your debt for creating an acting company dedicated to performing shows geared for the LGBTQ+ community—works that we simply wouldn’t see anywhere else. A quick rundown of those shows?
RS: We’ve performed productions of Stop Kiss, Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove, It’s Complicated 3.0, Tiny Beautiful Things, Ponce de Leon Is Dead, and Auto Erotic Misadventure. And tying the folks who have done shows at CAMP and Possum Point, I directed a production of the Thornton Wilder classic, Our Town, for the Possums.
DY: I would be remiss not to ask about your beautiful wife!
RS: The lovely Patricia will return to performing with the CAMP Chorus this fall.▼
Doug is the Artistic Director of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, and Minister of Music at Epworth UMC. Contact him at dougyetter@gmail.com. Doug is the Artistic Director of CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and Minister of Music at Epworth UMC. You can contact him at dougyetter@gmail.com.