Miller Minutes
This column is brought to you by Pi Day, or March 14, a commemoration of the mathematical constant 3.14 … and so on and so forth.
I have never been good at math, which is why I chose writing as a career. The more I’ve explored the arts, however, I realized math is hidden beneath the surface of a lot of creative principles.
For instance, a lot of photographers (even the Butler Eagle’s) operate off the Golden Ratio, which directs where to place a subject in their lens to make it a compelling photo. Similarly, musicians need to understand rhythm (counting) to be taken seriously. Most dancers are also incredible at math because of their counting techniques.
What I’m getting at is this: while most people separate the “solid” education courses like math and science from the “artsy” courses like writing and the arts, it turns out they are actually connected. You can’t get away with making art without a little math involved, and vice versa.
This also means they are of equal importance in a student’s education.
While you’re out and about at the various arts activities I have listed below, try to find the math involved.
By the way, this week and upcoming weekend is about more than just pi. It also happens to be St. Patrick’s Day, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate. Easter festivities are also kicking off.
Grove City College’s Pew Fine Art Center Gallery is featuring the artwork of local students with special needs in the Very Special Arts exhibit from Thursday, March 14 to March 23. Students from Butler and surrounding school districts are featured.
Grove City College’s theater department is also performing two plays this weekend: “Doubt: A Parable,” and “Our Town.” For tickets and more information, visit gcc.edu/tickets.
If you like the musicals of Kander and Ebb, head on down to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center for their performance of “The World Goes ‘Round.” Shows run from Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, March 17. For tickets and more information, visit LincolnParkArts.org.
Intermediate League of Butler's Annual Antiques Show & Sale runs Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, at the Tanglewood Center, 10 Austin Ave. Tickets are available at the door or at Don Paul Jewelers on Main Street.
Students from preschool age to fourth grade are invited to an indoor, flashlight Easter egg hunt beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Dutilh Church, 1270 Dutilh Road, Cranberry Township. Parents and children can register for $5 per family by visiting dutilh.churchcenter.com.
“Elf: The Musical” will be performed at Butler Senior High School at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. Tickets are $12 at the door or at May’s Music Shoppe on East Jefferson Street.
Laugh along to a night of improv comedy at the Butler Little Theatre with the Yinz’prov comedy group at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15. Tickets are $11.
Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 Airport Road, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 16. An egg hunt will take place at 10 a.m. Cost is $20 per family to participate.
A free Easter egg hunt is taking place at Middlesex Township Community Park, 133 Browns Hill Road, on Saturday, March 16. There is no need to register. The first hunt starts at 10 a.m. for age groups 1-3 and 4-5, and the second start time is 11:30 a.m. for age groups 6-7 and 8-10.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special Irish dinner at the Harmony Museum from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Tickets are $35 and can be reserved by calling 724-452-7341. This is a reservations only dinner.
Enjoy a Night at the Races event in support of Butler Catholic School starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The event takes place in the school gym at 515 E. Locust St. Anyone age 21 and older is invited to attend. For more information and tickets, visit go.rallyup.com/derby.
Tokens Arcade in Lyndora is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day pinball tournament starting at noon Sunday, March 17. Cost is $15 to participate.
