American illustrator Mary Petty began her career with The New Yorker magazine in 1927. During the 1930s the artist became more and more preoccupied with the upper class society who inhabited the brownstones and mansions of the Upper East Side of New York. The lifestyle and attitudes of wealthy, old money Victorian style society became the grist for Petty’s keen observations. Her satire, nearly always on target, was of a gentle variety that poked fun at human frailties and never seemed mean spirited. Central to her imagery were the characters of Mrs. Peabody and her maid, Fay. Petty used these two characters to explain, in a humorous vein, the foibles of New York’s elite. This exhibition includes 30 original watercolors dating from the early 1940s through the mid-1960s, which became iconic New Yorker magazine covers. Organized by the Syracuse University Art Galleries, Syracuse, NY.

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Opening Day Concert

Sunday, April 22, 2018
2:30 p.m., Great Hall

The concert is free to the public, but admission fees will apply for non-members who visit the galleries.

In conjunction with the Huntsville Museum of Art, The Valley Conservatory Lyceum Series will present Something Old Something New, featuring Jazz and Baroque music played by The Devere Pride Trio to celebrate the opening of The Life and Art of Mary Petty. Following the concert, visit the gallery level and preview the new exhibition (general admission will apply).

About the Valley Conservatory:

The Valley Conservatory is a music service center with programs designed to develop all aspects of the students’ mind, body and character. Our programs incorporate the holistic approach to developing the “total student” through the medium of music. We believe music is an art and a science involving both left and right brain activity.

Our philosophy is that the aesthetic and technical aspects of music can be used as a medium to teach concepts and principles from an academic, physical, spiritual and social realm.

The Valley Conservatory faculty includes specialists in the areas of piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, voice, brass, woodwinds, percussion, steel pan, theory/composition, art, and preschool music programs. Our curriculum provides students a well-rounded education because we emphasize the” total development” of the student.

Providing services in the arts since 1998, VC offers: private and class instruction; music education programs- extra curricular and academic to schools, civic and community organizations; arts learning and exploration through camps and workshops; customized art experiences for after school programs; a lyceum series, jam sessions, exhibits offered to the public and musicians for hire for any type of event or occasion.

Valley Conservatory is One Stop Shopping when it comes to providing services in the arts. A recipient of the “Business of the Year” award from the North Alabama African American Chamber of Commerce and one of four finalist for “Business of the Year” designated by the City of Madison Chamber of Commerce, Valley Conservatory is a catalyst for cultural change, enlightenment, and opportunity.

STAFF

Dr. Beatrice Renee Collins-Williams
Conductor, music educator and performer, and the founding director of the Valley Conservatory

Lillie Lloyd
Office Manager & In-house Graphics

Olga Burney
Events Coordinator & PR

Bates
Advertising & Graphic Design Worx

Savanah Welch
IT & Web Design

Dr. Edward E. Williams
Program Assistant

FACULTY
David Bond
Violin, Music Education

Kathleen Fisher
Piano, Music Education

Dr. Doris Hall
Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Piano

Dan Hornstein
Brass, Cello

Carrie Howard
Violin

Jeremy Howe
Voice, Brass

Benny Jacobs-El
Jazz Piano, Music Education

Janet McTigue
Piano

Joelle Nelson
Cello

Marcus Pope
Music Education

Devere Pride
Bass

William T. Robinson, lll
Oboe, Clarinet

Tamar Saliashvili
Piano

Werner Smock
Trumpet, Guitar

Debbie Tappan
Percussion

Rodena Tharpe
Violin, Viola, Piano

Lisa Wiggins
Violin

Dr. Beatrice Renee Collins-Williams
Violin, Viola, Piano

Morgan Williams
Flute, Woodwind