Wednesday, January 30, 2008

KEN EASTER EXHIBIT AT PINCKNEYVILLE PARK COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center will sponsor an exhibit of photography by Ken Easter entitled “The Nature of Things.” The event will be featured at the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center from Jan. 29 - April 24. An opening reception will be held on Feb. 6, from 7 - 9 p.m. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 - 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

Completely self taught through books and trial and error, Easter purchased his first 35mm camera in 1963 while serving in the U.S. Army. His travel throughout the U.S. has allowed him to collect numerous photographs, expanding his hobby from people and places to landscape and nature. He continued the use of the 35mm format until 2004 when he made the change to digital.

Easter’s goal as a nature photographer is to give tangible evidence that serenity is available to those who take the time to seek it. He does this by capturing moments in time with his photographs, moments that can easily go unnoticed. This gives others the opportunity to enjoy what may have been overlooked due to the schedules of daily living, and allows people to visit places through his photographs that they may not have had the opportunity to visit for themselves.

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Norcross. For more information call 770-417-2200 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

HOT FLASH FOR ATLANTA: “MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®” IS BACK!

Off-Broadway Smash Hit and International Phenomenon Returns to Atlanta’s
14th Street Playhouse on Feb. 22 for a Limited Run!



After 635 performances from April 2005 – February 2007 made it the longest-running musical in Atlanta history, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® is coming back to Atlanta for a limited-time engagement at the 14th Street Playhouse on February 22. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, this hilarious musical rendition of “the change” has been entertaining and educating women from coast-to-coast for more than five years. From the work of writer Jeanie Linders, Menopause The Musical® is a 90-minute production, which includes re-lyricized tunes from the 60’s and 70’s that will have women -- and men -- laughing out loud in their seats!

Billed as “The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change,” the show begins with four women at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra – so it seems. Turns out, the “Professional Woman,” the “Soap Star,” the “Iowa Housewife” and the “Earth Mother” also share hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex and day-to-day challenges with aging parents, aging children and aging partners.

These four women share their ups and downs through a collection of 26 re-lyricized baby boomer songs from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” Motown favorite “My Girl” is transformed into “My Thighs,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” switches to “In the Guest Room or on the Sofa, My Husband Sleeps at night,” and “Puff the Magic Dragon” becomes the anthem to exercise, “Puff My God I’m Draggin.”

“It may not be Shakespeare, but our focus is different. We want to bring women together and empower them. This is an event – a happening,” says producer Kathi Glist. “It resonates with just about any woman over 40, but it is enjoyed by all. And the men laugh just as hard,” she adds.

Menopause The Musical®, which debuted in a 76-seat theatre in Orlando, FL, has become an international women’s movement, playing in more than 40 U.S. cities and twelve countries. With more than 9 million viewers and almost 50,000 audience members each week, women and men of all ages and stages of life find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at menopause.

“The show has become a point of relating, a celebration of a life passage that launches women into a new exciting phase of their lives,” says writer, Jeanie Linders. “Most women know intuitively what every other woman is facing with the onset of menopause. They talk about it with their friends and, on occasion, with their spouses. But, when they are in a theatre with hundreds of women, and they’re all shouting ‘That’s Me!’ then they know what they are experiencing is normal. They call it sisterhood!”

Menopause The Musical® features an outstanding cast of actresses, all returning from the original Atlanta production with Gainesville’s Ingrid Cole as Earth Mother, Atlanta’s Mary Kathryn Kaye (Suzi Bass Award nominee for Respect) as Iowa Housewife, Scottdale’s Valerie Payton (Suzi Bass Award nominee for Romeo & Juliet) as Professional Woman, and Jonesboro’s Lynna Schmidt as Soap Star. The Menopause band will again be conducted by Suzi Bass nominee Dale Grogan, known for over 25 years of experience in the Atlanta musical theater scene.

Menopause The Musical® in Atlanta is produced by GFour Productions founders, Kathi & Alan Glist and Sandra & Kenneth Greenblatt. They began producing in 1981 and have since been nominated for seventy-two Tony Awards winning thirty, thirty-eight Drama Desk Awards winning twenty-two and ten Outer Critic Awards winning nine.

Performances are Wednesday through Sunday, with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and evening performances on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. An additional, one-time Sunday evening show will be featured at 5:30 p.m. on February 24.

Tickets for all performances are $42.50 and can be purchased at the theatre box office, by calling 404.733.4750 or you can visit www.menopausethemusical.com. Discounts for groups of 15+ are available by calling 404.606.2323.

The 14th Street Playhouse is located at 173 14th Street in Atlanta. For directions, please visit www.14thstplayhouse.org.

For further information about MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®, please visit www.menopausethemusical.com.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Auditions for Tales from Near and Far Announced

Offshoot Productions, a professional, non-Equity theatre based in Fayette County, is holding auditions for Tales from Near and Far, a company-developed participation play for children. The show will tour schools, libraries and camps throughout the metro-Atlanta area from late April to mid-July. Actors, who receive a stipend for each performance, must have a flexible schedule for these daytime shows.

Auditions are set up individually, by appointment, and will take place January 26-February 8 at various locations in Fayette County. Auditions consist of a prepared comic monologue or story (under three minutes), plus improvisation and interview. Previous interactive performance experience is a plus.

Offshoot is also seeking an additional member of the Gallery Players, an improv troupe performing for adult audiences. Actors may audition for the play, the improv troupe, or both.

Actors should be 21 or older. There are no restrictions as to gender, ethnicity, or any other demographic factor.

For additional Information and to set up an audition appointment, contact Offshoot at (770) 631-2362 or offshootpr@aol.com. To learn more about the company, visit www.offshoot.org.

AVENUE Q Makes Atlanta Debut

AVENUE Q is the smash-hit Broadway musical about real life in New York City, as told by a cast of people and puppets through a hilariously irreverent, Tony-winning book and score. The three-time Tony Award winning musical will make its Atlanta debut at The Fox Theatre with a special engagement March 25 – 30, as part of the Fidelity Investments Broadway Across America – Atlanta 2007-2008 Season. Tickets on sale now.

Tickets cost $19.00 – $55.00 and can be purchased through authorized ticket sellers at The Fox Theatre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 404-817-8700. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

The performance schedule for AVENUE Q is:

Tuesday, March 25 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 27 8 p.m.
Friday, March 28 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

AVENUE Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone's looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a "purpose." Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that "the real world" isn't so bad, after all!

The New York Times hailed AVENUE Q as "a breakthrough musical of a very different stripe. Savvy, sassy and delicious!" and Entertainment Weekly claimed it was "one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see!"

AVENUE Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and is directed by Jason Moore; puppet design by Rick Lyon, musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.

AVENUE Q is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.

Due to adult situations (like full-puppet nudity), AVENUE Q may be inappropriate for kids under 13.

For more information on AVENUE Q visit www.avenueq.com.

The Atlanta engagement of AVENUE Q is presented by arrangement with Broadway Across America-Atlanta. Broadway Across America-Atlanta proudly presents Broadway productions in Atlanta as a member of Broadway Across America. Broadway Across America-Atlanta thanks its sponsors for their continued support of the Series: The Georgian Terrace, as the Official Hotel, Sprint PCS as the Official Wireless Provider, Fidelity Investments and Publix.

Broadway Across America presents first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events throughout a network of over 40 North American cities. A leader in subscription series programs and group ticketing, Broadway Across America is dedicated to creating memorable and accessible experiences for all guests, selling over 5 million tickets to over 3,000 performances each year. As a producer, current and recent Broadway productions include: Hairspray, Chicago, Monty Python’s Spamalot and The Producers. It also manages, operates or consults in the operation of 13 theatres across North America. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Essential Graham: Classics from the Martha Graham Dance Company

At the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts
1523 Lower Fayetteville Road
Newnan, GA 30265
February 26th at 7pm
Tickets are $25
Tickets available at the Centre, Scott’s Bookstore on the Downtown Newnan Square and Morgan’s Jewelers in Ashley Park, Newnan
For information please call 770-254-2787

The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded by Martha Graham in 1926, is the oldest most celebrated modern dance company in the world. It presents the classics Graham repertory and new choreography in its home city of New York and on tour, featuring an international roster of today’s most talented dance artists.

Since its inception, the Martha Graham Dance Company has received international acclaim from audiences in over 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Company has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Paris Opera House, Covent Garden, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as at the base of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and in the ancient Herod Atticus Theatre on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. In addition, the Company has also produced several award-winning films broadcast on PBS and around the world.

Celebrating Its 80th anniversary season, and acknowledged as “one of the great companies of the world” by Anna Kisselgoff, former chief of dance critic of the New York Times, the Martha Graham Dance Company has been lauded by critics everywhere. Alan M. Kriegman of the Washington Post called the Company “one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe,” while Los Angeles Times critic Martin Bernheimer noted, “They seem able to do anything, and to make it look easy as well as poetic.” Ismene Brown of the Daily Telegraph, London, touted the Martha Graham Dance Company’s performance a “Unmissable.”

Martha Graham (1894-1991) is recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th century, alongside Picasso, James Joyce, Stravinsky, and Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1998, TIME Magazine named Martha Graham as the “Dancer of the Century”’ and People Magazine named Martha Graham as the “Dancer of the Century”, and People Magazine named her among the female “Icons of the Century”.

As a choreographer, she was as prolific as she was complex. She created 181 ballets and a dance technique that has been compared to ballet in its scope and magnitude. Her approach to dance and theater revolutionized the art from and her innovative physical vocabulary has irrevocably influenced dance worldwide.

Monday, January 28, 2008

HIGH COMMISSIONS TWO ICONIC DUTCH DESIGNS FOR ATLANTA

Works by Jurgen Bey and Tejo Remy will Involve Community Collaboration

The High Museum of Art has commissioned two major pieces by Dutch artists Jurgen Bey and Tejo Remy to be completed and installed during the spring of 2008. Both artists are associated with the Amsterdam-based Droog Collective, a group that has creatively challenged traditional design concepts for nearly 15 years. These two commissions of serialized works will be the first by each artist in the High’s collection and will have unique ties to the Atlanta community. Bey will create his “Tree Trunk Bench” from a tree recently removed from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Remy will repurpose pre-existing drawers donated by individuals in the Atlanta and greater Georgia community.

“These two commissions continue the High’s tradition of bringing great art to the High through global partnerships and, in this case, permanently,” said Michael E. Shapiro, the High’s Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr. Director. “The High’s collection of decorative arts is one of the most renowned in the country, and we are committed to keeping this collection fresh by adding contemporary designs such as these. We also look forward to the community connection brought about by the two projects and to introducing new visitors to the collections through their involvement.”

Jurgen Bey: “Tree Trunk Bench”

Artist Jurgen Bey creates provocative, socially aware designs that often involve collaboration with the owner or commissioner. The High’s commission of a “Tree Trunk Bench” will incorporate a tree from a section of the Atlanta Botanical Garden currently being cleared for the construction of their green expansion plan including a new LEED certified visitor center, canopy walk, gardens and parking facility. Choosing a tree from this site allows the High to recycle a part of the landscaping slated for removal. The selected tree is a mockernut hickory, a species commonly found in the Eastern United States. Arborguard, a tree care and preservation firm based in Atlanta, has provided services to treat the tree, cut it down, and transport it to the Museum. For this commission, Bey will also create custom-made chair backs that he will install on the trunk to create a bench.

Born in 1965, Jurgen Bey entered the international design arena in the 1990s. An independent designer in Rotterdam, Bey previously collaborated with designer Jan Konings under the name Konings & Bey. He designs for public spaces, interiors and applied art. Analyzing relationships between content and form, his designs encourage interaction between viewer and object. Bey also teaches at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, Netherlands. For more information, visit www.jurgenbey.nl.

Tejo Remy: “Chest of Drawers”

Tejo Remy began designing lively recycled chests of drawers in 1991. They feature mismatched drawers built into customized matching casings, stacked in an apparently indiscriminate way. These individual pieces are then bundled together with a furniture mover’s strap. For the High’s commission, the Museum will hold a statewide call for submissions of drawers from any type of furniture. Participants will be asked to submit a photo of their proposed submission, along with its dimensions and a motivational statement. Remy will then select drawers for the commissioned piece, which he will create in Atlanta. More information about drawer submissions is available online at www.high.org/drawerproject.

Born in 1960, Tejo Remy works as an independent interior and product designer in Utrecht, often in collaboration with Rene Veenhuizen. By approaching the traditional with an innovative and conceptual eye, Remy brings contemporary style to discarded objects and forces the individual to interact differently with the finished product. He has been commissioned by gallery W 139, Museum Boymans van Beuningen, and VROM, the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. Additionally, Remy teaches at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Utrecht, Netherlands. For more information, visit www.remyveenhuizen.nl.

“These commissions are relevant to today’s climate for many reasons,” said the High’s Decorative Arts curator, Ronald T. Labaco. “The conceptualization of both pieces heralded an era of socially aware design almost twenty years ago, but the issues of environmental conservation that they address continue to resonate. With the growing international concern about global warming, green design and manufacture are becoming important issues. When these pieces were first introduced, their apocalyptic overtones expressed a sense of foreboding about Y2K and the turn of the millennium, but in today’s context they provide a positive outlook for the future by putting a playful spin on ecological responsibility. On display at the High, these pieces will not only be engaging and delightful to view, but will also encourage awareness and discussion for years to come.”

Droog Design Collective

The Droog Design Collective sets forth innovative and inspired designs for everyday objects using low-cost, industrial or recycled materials. Established in the Netherlands in 1993 by designer Gijs Bakker and art historian Renny Ramakers, Droog was conceived as a platform for contemporary Dutch design. However, Droog soon expanded its scope to embrace the work of an international network of contemporary designers. The Dutch word for “dry,” as in “dry wit,” and unadorned or simple, “droog” refers both to the wry sense of humor that characterizes the designs and to the practicality and simplicity of their objects.

Droog aims to stimulate creation, innovation and debate. Product development and distribution are crucial parts of the collective’s activities. Other efforts include education and publication, traveling exhibitions and the organization of meetings and events. For more information, visit www.droogdesign.nl.

Evening with Vision Bear

Thursday, Feb. 21st.
An Evening with Vision Bear at the Fayette Art Center & Gallery.
Vision Bear is a descendent of a famous shaman Don Gaitano Flores from who he learned Ehecatl Art. That means art derived from the "spirit which moves but can not be seen." This approach to art renews ones sense of self and leads you on a journey of wonder and mystery. Fayette Art Center & Gallery (Non-Profit Organization) 2011 W. Hwy 54, Fayetteville, GA 30214.770-631-2780 Fayetteartcenter@bellsouth.net

Gallery Improv at the Fayette Art Center

Friday, Feb. 1st, Gallery Improv at the Fayette Art Center, The Gallery Players (Offshoot Productions) is doing a joint fundraising benefit with the Fayette Art Center. $20.00 a person includes coffee and chocolate deserts. Limited seating. Reservations recommended.
Fayette Art Center & Gallery (Non-Profit Organization) 2011 W. Hwy 54, Fayetteville, GA 30214.770-631-2780 Fayetteartcenter@bellsouth.net

Asian Art Show Opens

Reception for the Asian Art Show is Saturday, Feb. 2nd, 6:30-8:30. Features work by local Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Malaysian and Burmese artists. Fayette Art Center & Gallery (Non-Profit Organization) 2011 W. Hwy 54, Fayetteville, 770-631-2780 Fayetteartcenter@bellsouth.net

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Auditions for Griffin version of Broadway Smash Musical Coming up this Week.

This week, The First United Methodist Church Drama Team, "Acting Up,” is holding auditions for its spring production of the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Auditions will be held this Tuesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 31st at 7pm and on Saturday, February 2nd at 4pm. The auditions will be held in the Alpha Choir Room (office building) of the Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive.

Two male and one female singer are needed for the three principal roles. In addition, six featured male characters and numerous chorus members will fill other roles.

According to Nancy Beall, Director, “We are looking for talent in the age range of high school through young adult. Applicants should prepare a two minute song and provide a copy of the music. An accompanist will be provided. No CD or a cappella please.

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” with lyrics by Tim Rice and Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened on Broadway on October 12, 1971 and ran for eighteen months at the Mark Hellinger Theatre.

The show has since become a cultural phenomenon and has been produced many times, including productions in Ireland, Hungary, India, New Zealand, Italy, France, Mexico, Chile, Bulgaria, South Africa, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Greece, Australia, The Philippines, Panama, Colombia and Bolivia.

A film adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was released in 1973 and was the eighth highest-grossing film of that year.

The Griffin production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged at the Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, on April 25 - 27, 2008.

For more information, please call Nancy Beall at 770- 227-7630 or Gene Sheffield at 770-228-3020.

A Company of Friends Presents The Educational Musical School House Rock Live, Jr.

A Company of Friends, the professional division of Fayette Coweta Family Theatre, will present 4 presentations of their touring musical "School House Rock Live, Jr." on February 13 and 14 at 9:15 and 10:45 each day at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville. This 1-hour upbeat musical is based on the popular cartoon series of the 1970s and early 1980s and features familiar songs like "Interjections," I'm Just a Bill" and "Conjunction Junction." Presented by a cast of 9 professional performers, this show is open to school groups, homeschoolers and the general public.

Join Terri, a new teacher, as she worries about her first day of teaching and tries to relax. Suddenly the School House Rock Kids burst onto the scene and show Terri that learning should be FUN. Audiences will learn about the subjects of grammar, history, government, math, health and take a trip with Interplanet Janet to the solar system all through humor and music.

Admission is $6 for children and $4 for adults. Children's admission includes an activity sheet and souvenir and for every 10 paid child admissions, one adult may attend FREE. Groups of 10 or more must reserve their seats prior to attending, to secure seats together, all others may reserve or come to the door the morning of the show to purchase their tickets. Seating begins 30-minutes prior to show time. Reservations can be made by calling 770-599-0051 or visiting www.fcft.net/ACOF and clicking on the reservations link.

Don't miss this fun and educational musical!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Artists Invited to Enter First Annual University of Mobile Juried Art Exhibition

The University of Mobile is calling for entries of original artwork from artists in seven southern states for the first annual University of Mobile Juried Art Exhibition. The competition is open to visual artists working in any media, and only original artwork is accepted.

Artists must either be born in or currently live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee or Texas.

Deadline for entries is Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. An online entry form and additional information is on the University of Mobile website at www.umobile.edu/art or contact Phillip Counselman, assistant professor of art, at (251) 442-2283 or (800) WIN-RAMS, extension 2283. The entry fee is $25 for the first work and $5 for each additional entry. All works must be original and completed during 2006 or 2007.

Prizes include a $1,500 award for first place, $500 for second place, $300 for the Southern Humor Award, and $100 for honorable mention. The show will be open to the public May 3-30 at Thomas T. Martin Hall on the University of Mobile campus.

Charles M. "Mack" Clark, University of Mobile professor emeritus and recipient of a 2007 Greater Mobile Area Arts Award from the Mobile Arts Council, will serve as juror for the show. The retired professor of art and dean holds a bachelor of fine arts from Auburn University and a master of fine arts from University of Mississippi. He has worked in a variety of media including porcelain and watercolors, and his works are in private collections worldwide.

For 14 years, Clark served as director of the university's "Art With a Southern Drawl" juried competition, the predecessor to the first annual UM Juried Art Exhibition. The competition was postponed in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the Gulf Coast region where many of the artists lived who traditionally entered the show. Now, Counselman plans to rebuild the university's annual art exhibition under a new name, but with the same dedication to showcasing talented regional artists.

"We expect this will be an exciting show with its own unique flavor," Counselman said.

A graduate of the University of Mobile and the University of South Alabama with a master's of fine art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Counselman previously served at Tuskegee University as an instructor of art and as a visiting lecturer at Winston-Salem State University. Following Clark's retirement, Counselman joined the University of Mobile faculty in fall 2007 and directs the fine arts program at the private Christian university. Claire Yearwood, adjunct instructor of art at UM, will serve as assistant director of the art exhibition.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the University of Mobile in the College of Arts and Sciences, Center for Performing Arts, Center for Adult Programs, and schools of business, Christian studies, education and nursing. For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or contact Enrollment Services at (251) 442-2273 or adminfo@umobile.edu.

RAD Studio Cruise

Avondale/Decatur's Rail Arts District beckons for a night of art making and watching

Five major arts groups are teaming up for an unforgettable night of art in the booming Rail Arts District of Avondale & Decatur. Alcove Gallery (2D and indie craft), AMALGAM Arts (jewelry), Bart Webb Studios (metal), Duckbill Studios (hot glass), and MudFire Clayworks (pottery & sculpture) join forces with a night of special exhibits, live demonstrations, art sales, refreshments, and fun. The event will take place at these five locations on Saturday, February 23, 2008, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE RAIL ARTS DISTRICT OF AVONDALE/DECATUR

A vibrant new arts district has formed in the Atlanta metro area over the past few years. The area boasts some of the city's largest community art studios, relocated Buckhead galleries, and dozens of individual studios for visual and recording artists. Reasonably priced industrial space and strongly supportive surrounding communities have been the keys to the growth of this new Rail Arts District.

The action is taking place along a one mile stretch of CSX rail line that passes through downtown Avondale Estates, into the Laredo Drive industrial area, and along East Ponce De Leon Ave in Scottdale. This section of track is flanked on either side by mid-century industrial and warehouse buildings that are increasingly populated by art and artists. Tucked away in these unassuming buildings you'll find large community art spaces that offer lessons, exhibits, workshops, performance space, recording equipment, studio rentals, classes, co-op studios, and of course artwork sales and exhibits. These are complemented by dozens of smaller individual studios to form a quietly teeming arts district.

ABOUT RAD STUDIO CRUISE

Our first annual RAD Studio Cruise invites Atlantans to visit the Rail Arts District with five major studios opening their doors for live demonstrations and the exhibit and sale of finished works.

Visitors will enjoy the spectacle of the tightly coordinated movements of a team of glass blowers working in the high heat with liquid glass. Lumps of clay will magically transform on the potters wheel into elegant forms while freshly-fired pots are pulled still warm from the kiln to rest atop pedestals. A canvas will come to life with color and movement, line and shadow, in a cavernous space packed with fresh contemporary painting. Visitors will be able to create their own jewelry with casting processes or shop the elegant displays in a well-appointed jewelry studio. Sound and sparks will combine as raw metal is worked to produce sculpture inspired by nature.

At each stop of the cruise there will be music and conversation, food and drink, amusement and information, wonder and awe. Alongside the artists in action will be finished works for viewing and sale, with artwork in all media and many styles and price points. The makers will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate their techniques.

Visitors can start at any location and pick up a map showing the other locations. The studios are located in three clusters, each a two-minute drive apart, with plenty of parking. Refreshments will be served at each location, and dozens of restaurants are nearby.

RAD Studio Cruise is excited to be part of Atlanta's annual citywide celebration of art, ATLart [08].

For more information and images, including a downloadable map, please visit:

http://www.mudfire.com/RAD-Studio-Cruise.htm

PARTICIPATING STUDIOS

All of the participating studios are located along a one-mile stretch of CSX rail line in downtown Avondale and off East Ponce De Leon Ave near the farmers market. There are three stops to the cruise, each two minutes drive time apart. Activities will take place ongoing between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm at all five studios.

The Alcove, 404-663-0159
2852 E. College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030.
Located in Avondale Estates, on College Ave between the Waffle House and James Joyce Irish Pub.
http://www.alcovearts.com

AMALGAM Arts Atlanta, 404-371-8922
3172 E. Ponce De Leon Ave, Scottdale, GA 30079.
Located just east of Your DeKalb Farmers Market at the corner of Paloma Dr opposite the US Steel building.
http://www.amalgamartsatlanta.com

Bart Webb Studios, 404-299-5556
2846 Franklin Street, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.
Located in Avondale Estates, a block off College Ave. at Pine & Franklin, a short one block walk from Alcove.
http://www.bartwebbstudios.com

Duckbill Studios, 404-460-2791
3172 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Scottdale, GA 30079.
Located in the same building as AMALGAM Arts.
http://www.duckbillstudios.com

MudFire Clayworks, 404-377-8033
175 Laredo Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
Located on Laredo Drive, which cuts between downtown Avondale & the farmers market on E. Ponce.
http://www.mudfire.com

Photography classes in Fayette County, GA

February 5, 6:30 to 8:30p.m.
Photoshop Elements for Beginners at The Fayette Art Center
Learn to use Photoshop Elements to enhance your digital images. Use this program to restore old cherished family photos. Learn black and white conversion – even adding or deleting a person from a photo. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

February 6, 10a.m. to noon
Photoshop Elements for Beginners at The Fayette Art Center
Learn to use Photoshop Elements to enhance your digital images. Use this program to restore old cherished family photos. Learn black and white conversion – even adding or deleting a person from a photo. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

February 7, 6:30 to 8:30p.m.
Digital Photography Workshop at The Fayette Art Center
Learn to use your digital camera! What are all those settings for anyway? This class is for the beginner or intermediate digital photographer. Bring your camera, manual, and a couple photos to the class. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

February 8, 10a.m. to noon
Digital Photography Workshop at the Fayette Art Center
Learn to use your digital camera! What are all those settings for anyway? This class is for the beginner or intermediate digital photographer. Bring your camera, manual, and a couple photos to the class. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. High way 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

March 4, 6:30 to 8:30p.m.,
Intermediate Digital Photography Workshop at The Fayette Art Center
Take your hobby one step further. This class shows you how to develop and put together a strong portfolio, ways to market you skill, what markets are out there, and how to develop a style of your own. Bring your camera and manual to the class. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

March 5, 10a.m. to noon,
Intermediate Digital Photography Workshop at the Fayette Art Center
Take your hobby one step further. This class shows you how to develop and put together a strong portfolio, ways to market you skill, what markets are out there, and how to develop a style of your own. Bring your camera and manual to the class. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Cen ter is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

March 6, 6:30 to 8:30p.m.,
Photoshop Elements for Beginners at The Fayette Art Center
Learn to use Photoshop Elements to enhance your digital images. Use this program to restore old cherished family photos. Learn black and white conversion – even adding or deleting a person from a photo. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!


March 7, 10a.m. to noon,
Photoshop Elements for Beginners at The Fayette Art Center
Learn to use Photoshop Elements to enhance your digital images. Use this program to restore old cherished family photos. Learn black and white conversion – even adding or deleting a person from a photo. The cost of the class is $120 a month for members and $140 a month for non members. Call the art center at 770-631-2780 or email the instructor at donna@thebarefootphotographer.com for more information. The Fayette Art Center is located at 2011 W. Highway 54 in Fayetteville. Class size is limited – call soon and sign up!

The Atlanta African American Philharmonic

Upcoming at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County

The Atlanta African American Philharmonic
and featuring a historical exhibit "My Experience With The Atlanta Compromise"

At the Centre
February 3, 2008 at 3pm ~ Exhibit opens at 1pm
Tickets are $10 for Students and Sr. Citizens and $12 for Adults
Tickets are on sale now at the Centre, Scott's Bookstore in downtown Newnan and Morgan's Jewelers in Ashley Park.
No ticket necessary to view exhibit.

For more information please call 770-254-2787. Also see the attached PDF file for details.
Thank you for your continued support of the performing and visual arts in our community!

For further upcoming events at the Centre please visit www.thecentreonline.net

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Closing Week of the 3rd annual Danish Film Festival

Note: Due to inclement weather the original scheduled showing of We Shall Overcome has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 26, at 5 p.m.

The 3rd annual Danish Film Festival closes this weekend. Be sure to catch the visually engaging Allegro and Berlin International Film Festival winner A Soap. Also, catch the family film The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar — free for children under 13. The festival is co-sponsored by the Danish-American Chamber of Commerce with support from the Danish Film Institute.

Admission prices for all screenings are $5 general admission; $4 for students, seniors, and Museum members; and free for Patron-level members, unless otherwise noted. Service fees are now just $1 per ticket. Shows sell out fast, so order your tickets online or by phone today!

Allegro
Friday, January 25
8 p.m., Rich Theatre
Allegro’s idiosyncratic blending of psychology and sci-fi tells the story of gifted concert pianist, Zetterstrom (Ulrich Thomsen), who is devastated when the love of his life, Andrea (Helena Christensen), leaves him with no explanation.(Denmark, 2005, 88 minutes.)
Learn more >>

We Shall Overcome
Saturday, January 26
5 p.m., Rich Theatre
We Shall Overcome explores the impact Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of nonviolence had on the world, and in particular on 13-year-old Frits, a middle-schooler in a small Danish town. Appropriate for older elementary- and middle-school students who can read subtitles. (Denmark, 2006, 105 minutes). In Danish with subtitles.
Learn more >>

A Soap
Saturday, January 26
8 p.m., Rich Theatre
A Soap is a sly tragicomedy from director Pernille Fischer Christensen. As Stephen Holden remarked in his New York Times review, the film is “an anti-soap opera” about two people who “rescue each other from harm, and whose mutual acts of generosity seal a friendship deepened by their shared loneliness.” (Denmark/Sweden, 2006, 104 minutes.) In Danish with subtitles. This film is not appropriate for children.
Learn more >>

The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar
Sunday, January 27
3 p.m., Rich Theatre
This fast-moving adventure is set during summer vacation on a Danish island that is home to spunky 13-year-old Katrine and her best friend Nils. The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar is recommended for children eight and older who can read subtitles. (Denmark, 2006, 85 minutes.) In Danish with subtitles.
Learn more >>

Carrollton High School Singing Valentines

Want to surprise your sweetheart with something different this Valentine’s Day? Send them a Singing Valentine from the Carrollton High School Show Choir! The group will travel to your sweetie’s business or home on Thursday, February 14, to serenade them with a song of your choice. Selections are “When I Fall in Love,” “The Rose,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Only You,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” and “Sugartime.” The cost is $25 for one selection or $40 for two songs. The group is limited to the Carrollton city area. Please call 770-834-2116 for more information.

So You've Always Wanted to Write a Book?

Your dream is about to come true. Dianna Snell, published writer, RITA Award winner and co-author on several New York Bestsellers, is a very gracious supporter of the Fayette Art Center and Gallery. She will be giving a FREE lecture at the Peachtree City Library on Thursday night, Jan. 24th.
Ms. Snell travels around the country holding workshops, so this is real treat.
She will start teaching writing in February at the Fayette Art Center and Gallery, Fayetteville on Monday nights 6:30-8:30. The Art Center is located on Hwy. 54 on the outskirts of Peachtree City near Publix. Fayette Art Center & Gallery, Non-Profit Organization, 2011 W. Hwy 54 Fayetteville, GA 770-631-2780
About Ms. Snell:
RITA award-winning author Dianna Love Snell always liked to do things big…and still does. When she isn’t traveling across the country to produce a gigantic marketing presence for a Fortune 500 company, she’s polishing her latest action-adventure story. She’s been a voracious reader since picking up her first book. While traveling so much, she started writing down story ideas since the characters wouldn’t stay home and leave her alone.

The first book she wrote won nine awards then went on to be published and win the prestigious RITA Award. Her next release will be PHANTOM IN THE NIGHT (Pocket/June 2008), a romantic action-suspense she had co-written with NYT best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon. Dianna’s debut paranormal, MIDNIGHT KISS GOODBYE ( St. Martin ’s Press/October 2008) introduces an unusual mix of Celtic and Hindu mythology in a mystical world of dangerous warriors.
Dianna has always played way outside the box, which is why she pursues characters and plots that fascinate her rather than jumping on a hot publishing streak…because a story ultimately has to entertain her first. Dianna teaches national workshops and in 2007 she joins Mary Buckham as they take their highly successful Plot YOUR Book in 2 Days workshop to six cities.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING in Tyrone, GA Jan. 25th - Feb. 17th

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING is a memorable revue of the world's best-loved musicals. We sing them in the shower and we sing them to entertain and amuse.This tribute to Broadway icons Rodgers & Hammerstein celebrates the songs and lyrics that have forever defined musical theatre. Enjoy music from Carousel, Cinderella, Oklahoma, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, and more.

A musical revue in two acts, the production is backed with impressive singing, majestic piano accompaniment and tasteful direction. It is especially fun to see the various love interest couples mix and match as the act progresses. Each performer has his or her moment to shine and comes equipped with outstanding vocal talent. The cast includes Leah Jennings, Stephen Brown, Courtney Godwin, Shea Johnson and Dustin Lewis with music direction by Becky Clark.

Those who are fans of Rodgers and Hammerstein will simply enjoy this trip down memory lane that leads to the great classics of musical theater.

Get ready to hear wonderful songs like "Oklahoma," "Climb Every Mountain," "Out of my Dreams," "I Can't Say No," "Some Enchanted Evening" and many more favorites. You might decide you enjoy yourself so much you'll want to go back again and again.

Show runs January 25- February 17th
Shows are Fridays and Saturdays 8pm/ Saturdays and Sundays 3pm with a special Valentines day performance Thursday, February 14th at 8pm.
Tickets: $25 Adults
$22 Seniors 60+/ Students 13 +
$12 Children 12 and under
Dinner and show packages available. Call for more information.
Group rates available.
Box Office: 404-895-1473
www.thelegacytheatre.org

Families Centerstage

An annual fun-filled family festival benefiting the Alliance Children’s Theatre

Saturday, March 1, 2008

This year’s event features performances of Seussical the Musical and actually takes place one day before Dr. Seuss’ birthday!

Refreshments, entertainment, crafts and activities for the whole family will be provided by Atlanta area children’s organizations including Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Young Audiences and the High Museum of Art. Costumed characters from Cartoon Network will also be in attendance.

Woodruff Arts Center
Performances: 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Festival: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for children and $35 for adults (includes performance, festival and refreshments). To purchase tickets, call 404-733-5000 or visit alliancetheatre.org. For additional information call 404-733-4613.

Seussical the Musical is sponsored by Kraft Foods and Publix Super Markets Charities and is presented by Target.

Additional Sponsors: Seussical the Musical is sponsored by Delta Air Lines – the Official Airline of the Alliance Theatre; The Granada Suite Hotel – the Official Hotel of the Alliance Theatre; and, The Home Depot – the Set Construction Sponsor of the Alliance Theatre.

Production of Seussical the Musical is made possible with grants from the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, the Fulton County Arts Council, the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Fun, Music and Lots of Play at the Alliance with Seussical the Musical

Mar. 1 – 23, 2008
Opening Night Feb. 23, 2008

Atlanta – Hop on down to the Alliance Children’s Theatre to see Seussical the Musical, a show that all can enjoy, every who-girl and every who-boy. This one-hour version of the musical than ran on Broadway is adapted specifically for young audiences and celebrates the wonderful works of Dr. Seuss. Directed by Rosemary Newcott, this wildly fun and universally appealing musical brings Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters and stories vividly to life on stage. Opening Night is Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at 7 p.m. (prior to public performances). Tickets to shows Mar. 1 – 23 are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org.

Seussical the Musical follows the one and only Cat in the Hat as he guides a young boy named JoJo through a whirlwind tour of the magical world of Dr. Seuss. The timeless stories of Horton Hears a Who and Gertrude McFuzz and other tireless tales are tied together into one unforgettable celebration of perhaps the greatest children’s literature of all time.

Audiences will feel like they have stepped directly into the deliciously enchanting world of Theodor Geisel’s imagination. The Alliance Theatre production promises to delight with larger-than-life costumes and outrageous sets plucked right from the pages of Dr. Seuss’ books.

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, known also for Ragtime and Once on This Island, wrote the book, music and lyrics.

The cast features 10 local actors (one of whom is a child) including well-known Atlanta actors Jahi Kearse, Wendy Melkonian and Alecia Robinson. (Biographical information on the cast and creative team members may be found in the attached fact sheet.)

The production also features Choreographer Hylan Scott, Set Designer Kat Conley, Costume Designer Sydney Roberts, Lighting Designer Pete Shinn, Sound Designer Clay Benning, Music Director Christopher Cannon and Dramaturg Jade Lambert-Smith.

Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the Alliance Stage. Performances on Saturday, Mar. 1 will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the FAMILIES Centerstage festival (more info is below). The Sunday, Mar. 16 show at 1 p.m. will be Audio Described.

Tickets are $20 and $30 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404.733.4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.