Performers from across the globe united to showcase their talents on a virtual platform as part of the first Virtual International Arts Festival for Social Change. Organized and broadcast via Zoom by Pine Plains native and part-time Ancram resident Mark DeGarmo, of Mark DeGarmo Dance (MDD), the festival spotlighted 138 scholars and artists from 18 different countries and 12 time zones during three days.
Running throughout the month of October, and beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17, the festival kicked off with a “Cutting Edge Global Video Series” curated from Melbourne, Australia, by Anne Harris, Annette Markham and M.E. Luka. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, viewers sat in awe as they watched “El Grupo Folklórico P’urhépecha,” an indigenous dance from Mexico directed by José Alberto Velázquez Campoverde, unfold. The festival concluded on Thursday, Oct. 29, with an emerging dance performance from MDD’s Virtual Salon Performance Series in the United States.
— Kaitlin Lyle
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
