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"My Ol' Man: Original Illustrations by Patricia Polacco" opens Friday, February 6.
 A traveling exhibition entitled My Ol' Man will be on display from Friday, February 6 through Saturday, February 28 in the vestibule area of the Center for the Arts.
The exhibition is composed of original artwork developed by artist and author Patricia Polacco for her book My Ol' Man.
The story is about her father who, according to Polacco, "was a traveling salesman, a flimflam man, a dream saver, a wish keeper." Throughout the book, Polacco recalls the many stories and tales her father shared from his wild travels. The exhibition is designed to demonstrate the process the artist used to create the book illustrations. Photographs and sketches, as well as most of the final paintings are included.
Patricia Polacco was born in Lansing, Michigan and was raised in Union City until her parents' divorce. She then moved with her mother and brother to Oakland, California. Despite the great distance, Polacco and her brother returned to Michigan every summer to stay with their father and grandmother. These summer visits inspired Polacco to write the story My Ol' Man. Polacco written and illustrated over 40 children's books and from those books she has received numerous awards for her work.
The My Ol' Man exhibition was organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art. The exhibition and tour are underwritten by the Verizon Foundation's Check Into Literacy program.
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Black History Month Lectures at the Center
Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Red Hot Jazz & Vacationland In Idlewild
Mike Nagle, professor of history and political science at West Shore Community College (WSCC), will explore the history of Idlewild with a particular emphasis on its creation as a vacation destination for African Americans. The history of this settlement will be placed within the context of American history during this era.
Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Idlewild: The Music
WSCC professor of music Daniel Meyers discusses the music, the entertainers and the artists that changed the American popular music culture. He will discuss how the music and the entertainers of early Idlewild would have significant impacts on the culture in general.
The lectures are free and open to the public; donations are welcome.
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Jazz It Up on February 21: Top MSU Musicians to Perform at Fundrasier for Center for the Arts
 The second annual "Jazz It Up" winter fundraiser for the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, February 21, will feature nationally renowned saxophonist Diego Rivera. Professor Rivera will bring his Michigan State University Jazz Octet I, comprised of MSU's most advanced music students.
The Saturday night event will be held at P.M. Steamers Restaurant in Ludington, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. The public is invited to the event, which features hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, in addition to the live performance.
"This is a rare treat for music lovers in West Michigan," said event organizer Ted Malt. "Diego Rivera and his jazz ensemble are truly professional-level musicians and we'll enjoy a memorable night of music. We're very fortunate to have them perform here."
Malt, director of bands and jazz ensemble leader at Ludington High School, and a highly accomplished saxophonist himself, arranged for Rivera and the octet to add Ludington to their schedule of performances.
"We had great community support at last year's event and raised more than $16,000," said Center for the Arts interim executive director Terry Murphy. "Everyone thought it was a great mid-winter pick-me-up, so we decided to make it an annual event. We're hoping even more people show up to have a great evening, enjoy the hors d'oeuvres generously donated by P.M. Steamers, and support the Center for the Arts."
Funds will be raised throughout the evening by asking those attending to purchase musical "notes." Several individual sponsors have already come forward to underwrite the cost of bringing the MSU Jazz Octet I up from East Lansing for the event, Murphy said.
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Film Screening of
"Barn Red"
Saturday, February 28
 Traverse City-based filmmaker, Rich Brauer directed this film which stars Ernest Borgnine
as a farmer who digs in his heels when
a greedy developer makes a play for his land after acquiring adjoining
parcels. It would make sense for Bolini to accept the offer, given his
precarious tax situation, but in his eyes, giving in would be akin to
selling his soul. With the help of Lydia (Kimberly Norris-Guerrero), a
Native American who's worked his land, Bolini fights for the right to
keep his property intact.
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Taste of Mason County
February 6
Sample wines, beers, and food from area restaurants and businesses on Friday, February 6 from 5-9 pm at the Center for the Arts.
The Ludington & Scottville Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Ludington Area Arts Council (LAAC) for this event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Center for the Arts and United Way of Mason County.
Tickets are $15 in advance (available through the Chamber - 845-0324) or $20 at the door.
Scheduled on the tasting menu are Krolczyk Cellars Winery, Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, Founders, Bells, Jamesport Brewing Company, Founders, Bells, Luciano's, Blu Moon, Country View Bakery, Sportsmen's, and House of Flavors.
The Taste of Mason County is part of the 2009 Ludington & Scottville Winter Thaw Out, a jam-packed winter festival on February 6 and 7. Find out more at the Chamber's website.
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Other things to do at the Center....
Classes every other Saturday, email or call Melinda at 231-631-7751 for details.
Saturday, March 7
The Art of Self-Renewal
A one-day workshop with Judith from 10-3. Click here for details and registration form.
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February at the Center for the Arts
6-28 Original Illustrations by
Patricia Polacco
6 Taste of Mason County
(5-9 pm)
10 Optimists' Valentine's
Party
16 School visits to Patricia
Polacco exhibit
19 History & Music of
Idlewild (7 pm)
21 Jazz It Up Fundraiser at
PM Steamers (7-10)
26 Music of Idlewild (7 pm)
28 Barn Red - Film
screening (3 pm)
28 Family day activities at
the Patricia Polacco
exhibit (12-4)
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Exhibit and Business Hours at the Center: Wednesday-Saturday 12-6 Thursdays until 7 pm Sundays 12-4 Have questions or want more information about programs, membership, or how to make a donation? Website: www.ludingtonartscouncil.orgEmail us: info@ludingonartscouncil.org. Call us: 231-845-2787 |
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