LOCAL ENSEMBLE

Lela Besom is a performance artist from Fayetteville, AR. In 2013 she began studying butoh and theater with DAIPANbutoh Collective and Freehold Theater in Seattle, WA. Besom’s original work is focused on emotional experiences, human nature connection, and societal reflection. She performs and collaborates internationally and teaches dance in Fayetteville.

Deb Culmer writes and teaches poetry to incarcerated men and women. She dabbles in painting, glass art, music, performance, and Making Things, often with her life-partner David. Deb splits her time between Santa Cruz, CA and Bentonville AR. She attends the First Church of Serendipity, and her favorite word is "periwinkle."

Desiree Dixon has worked in the arts since college. She is drawn towards work that encourages connection and recognition of common human experience. Her history as a performer has mostly been limited to a competitive dance team when she was eight and the occasional open mic night as an adult. 

Caitlin LeMat started performing at a young age of 5 when her mother used to take her to her belly dancing classes in Northwest Arkansas. Now, at the age of 31, she has dabbled in various types of dance but is most proud of her work with aerial silks and as a flow artist, working with props like the silk flags. You can also catch her trying new acts like gift wrapping boxes with her feet or creating scenes with elaborate costumes for her friends to play around in. She enjoys sparking the imagination of others and inspiring the creativity within you.

Laurie Marshall has been interested in theatre since she made the Parkview Jr. High Mime Troupe in 8th grade. While she’s always loved performing, she is currently a freelance writer who also performs improv comedy, has designed a collection for NWA Fashion Week,and is currently exploring mixed media collage in her home studio.

Sarah Martin is a multi-disciplinary artist with a background in ceramics. Through her work, Sarah recreates personal moments while emphasizing humor in the mundane. She is currently the studio manager and a teaching artist at Community Creative Center. 

Carol Roberts has been a lover of the arts since childhood. Carol has worked for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for nearly 13 years, being one of the first staff members hired back in 2007 – even before the museum was built. Carol does background work in film and commercials. She loves to travel the world, always focusing on the arts of the country she is visiting.                        

Kim Tomlinson is set to earn a degree in Printmaking from the University of Arkansas this Spring. Tomlinson uses art to establish dialogue within her community and highlight our shared experiences. She currently teaches printmaking in Fayetteville.

Lourdes Valverde is a Cultural promoter of Mexican traditions. She is working on the project "Raices de México" (Mexican Ruths) attempting to show the most important Mexican traditions. She is a Visual Artist, an enthusiastic singer, storyteller, and a Spanish teacher. She got a Bachelor's degree in Engineering in México but is now trying to be more involved in cultural projects.

David Van Brink spent much of his childhood riding subways, and believes that’s what it means to be a Manhattanite. Early exposure to IBM punchcard fumes ensured a career in technology. Today he works in pixels, numbers, and sounds, dividing time between Santa Cruz, CA, and Bentonville, AR, with his wife and cat.

CORE COLLABORATORS

Albert Ortiz (Director of Bands, Bentonville West High School) began his teaching career at Edinburg North High School in Edinburg, Texas. In 2015, Mr. Ortiz accepted a position as Assistant Band Director at Bentonville High School and was named Director of Bands at Bentonville West High School the following year. He was also one of Celebrate Magazine’s “Ones to Watch for 2017.”  Mr. Ortiz is a native of Edinburg, Texas who has ventured far from home to make a life in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Werd Pace (Composer/DJ/Sound Designer) is a DJ, musical director, producer and performer that has been a fixture in the Berlin music scene for over 20 years.  Fusing turntablism, percussion and controllerism, Werd has been an integral part in the creation and conception of the live performances for some of Germany´s most successful artists.

Sarah Wells (Video Designer) is a filmmaker based in Oakland, CA. She can be found in the camera department collaborating on music videos, documentaries, and indie films with an inspiring community of Bay Area filmmakers.

Bryson Williams (Lighting Designer) With over 15 years of lighting design experience, Bryson is thrilled to be creating his first design for The Momentary for First Things First. An Arkansas native, he has traveled the world with award-winning artists such as J Cole, Chance the Rapper and the Blue Man Group.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 

The Bentonville West High School Band consists of about 130 performers who are committed to the pursuit of excellence through performance. The mission of the Bentonville West Band is to enrich the lives of students through music and performance while providing life long lessons.

NWA Roller Derby and Benton County Roller Derby are flat track roller derby leagues based in Northwest Arkansas, USA. Members are dedicated to providing a positive atmosphere that improves our member’s individual athleticism, self­-discipline and character through the hard-­hitting sport of roller derby. 

SPECIAL THANKS

Pia Agrawal, Elisabeth Alspach, Molly Bee, Adrienne Callander, Simone Cottrell, Erin Anson Ellis, Forrest Jessing, Cynthia Post Hunt, Laura Shatkus, Atlas the Restaurant, Crystal Bridges, Great Day Skate Place and DJ Mike, Hobbs State Park, and The University of Arkansas Department of Theatre. 

First Things First was commissioned by the Momentary for their grand opening.

Report:

Richie, Rowena. “First Things First.” indance, Spring/Summer 2020.