Heartwood's students, teachers, and creators come together with the community during the December Celebration

Performer and creative artist Ilene Evans returned to Heartwood in the Hills this weekend as a presenter at their 13th annual December Celebration.

Evans (pictured right) is a storyteller whose African, Celtic and Native American heritage enrich her stories, poems and music.

Her work expands the imagination as she sings, speaks, and dances through performances which crisscross and bridge many cultures. This weekend she presented "Songs from the Earth" and "Climbing Up the Beanstalk."

Evans joined a cast of Heartwood students and performers for two evenings of special entertainment dedicated to the community.

Heartwood's Artistic Director Jude Binder (pictured left with the Heartwood Turtle)welcomed the visitors that filled every seat in the auditorium, and recognized students for their accomplishments during the past year.

Binder and her associates have been "celebrating the artist in every person" since 1982 in Calhoun County.

The Peace Crane (with words and music) returned to Heartwood, created in 1995 by Gideon Kendall and Jason Tingler, former students.

The Peace Crane

"Kid's Beat" was performed by a percussion group led by Michael Franek, and the acting class presented "The Honey Bees."

Heartwood's dance teams performed several times throughout the evening.

The arrival of the Heartwood Turtle, an annual custom, was greeted
with enthusiasm by the audience, despite his slow-motion entrance