Holocaust Awareness Week continues in Branson through April 12

The annual Holocaust Education and Awareness Week opened Sunday, April 6, at the IMAX Theater complex in Branson. This year’s theme is “Survivors: Rescuers and Liberators,” and a film festival centered on that theme continues through Saturday, April 12. (See earlier Branson Globe article or visit https://www.aecoedu.org for remaining times; note that Saturday’s film showing is a special children’s event.) 

Sunday’s opening film was “Woman in Gold,” along with the opening of a Regional Art Exhibit.  Featuring art by members of three area art guilds, the “Women of Gold” exhibit includes performance art, framed two-dimensional art, sculpture, stained glass, fiber arts and much more. With plenty of gold leaf and other special theme touches, this exhibit is a don’t miss! 

In addition to the regional exhibit, the exhibit, “SHOAH: How Was It Humanly Possible,” from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, will be on display in the main center thoroughfare at the IMAX. Both art exhibits can be seen throughout the month of April. 

Another highlight of the opening day events was the revealing of Branson’s first Public Performance Piano. This beautiful vintage upright piano was donated by Clayton Watson and family, and beautifully prepared by a team of artists with a Tree of Life theme. As part of the ceremony, Hadassah Mann and Arielle Mann played themes from “Woman of Gold,” “Schindler’s List,” and “The Pianist,” on piano and violin; and Watson was also on hand to play. The piano will remain at the IMAX through April, as well, for area residents and visitors to stop by and enjoy.