"Artfully Abilene" newsletter

Cultural Art Happenings

October 2013

October is National Arts & Humanities Month - the largest annual celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation!
Join me in celebrating the importance of culture by partaking in the many arts events going on in Abilene this month. You can tour museums downtown for free during ArtWalk, which will be taken over this month by the undead for ZombieCrawl! Other spooky happenings include the Buffalo Gap Historic Village ghost tours, the Abilene Preservation League transforming the Swenson House into a haunted mansion and Boo at the Zoo for little trick-or-treaters.
Don't miss the Oct. 17 deadline to order 2013-14 season tickets for Broadway in Abilene!
Another way to celebrate the importance of the arts is to join me at the HeARTS for the ARTS annual luncheon on Oct. 21. We will celebrate our local arts groups and support grants for their programs. It's another way to say the arts matter in our community!

Artfully Yours,

Lynn Barnett

Executive Director

Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

325.677.1161

Q&A with Adam Hester: Director, professor, actor Ad

Adam Hester is co-director of the Abilene Christian University homecoming musical "Les Misérables" along with Dawne Meeks. The show tells the story of French ex-convict Jean Valjean, as well as the saga of one of his factory workers, Fantine, and her child. The show is Oct. 18-20 at the Abilene Civic Center. Adam is chairman of ACU's Department of Theatre and a professor of directing and acting.

Q. Why did ACU choose "Les Misérables" this year?

A. One of its compelling aspects is Les Misérables' connection to faith that permeates the story. We have loved discussing the contrast of light and dark, the profound effect the Bishop's forgiveness has on Valjean, and, of course, the Isaiah passage at the end of the play. The immortal lyrics, "to love another person is to the see the face of God" will forever move me as I'm sure it does so many who have seen the play. ... The deep, spiritual messages in Les Misérables make this THE musical I've been waiting to do for more than 20 years.

Q. What is your favorite part of the show?

A. I have a Pavlovian response - crying whenever I see the Bishop scene where Valjean encounters grace for the first time, forever changing his life.

Q. What can the audience expect from the ACU version?

A. I believe this production will truly have a profound effect on the audience whether they have seen the show before or not. We have a gifted cast who have both glorious voices and exceptional acting training. I can't wait to show them off. The sets and costumes will wow audiences.

There are challenges for any company doing Les Misérables. For one, each of the actors' lines are sung rather than spoken. Like the upcoming revival headed to Broadway in March 2014, this one will not have the revolving turntable you may have seen in London or on Broadway.

Q. When did you know you loved theater?

A. I fell in love with theater in high school, but found it to be my life's passion during college. I remember coming to that difficult decision deciding between two loves: theater and journalism. It became clear that both were going to be incredibly demanding and that choice shaped the rest of my career. I've loved the exploring what it means to be human through theater, the built-in sense of community with each play and the sense of play that accompanies each production.

Q. What was your favorite role?

A. I have such a deep affection for Shakespeare, I think I would have to choose either Roderigo in Othello or Dromio in A Comedy of Errors. However, Michael in The Fourposter and Velasco in Barefoot in the Park were a lot of fun to play opposite my wife, Donna.

Q. What was your favorite show to direct?

A. The one I'm doing at the moment is usually my favorite! I especially enjoyed doing Secret Garden, Evita and Godspell, to name a few. ... I've been blessed to direct and get to know some amazing people and productions. Working with my daughter, Jenavene, was a huge thrill.

Famous chief returns to old hunting grounds

Native American chief Quanah Parker will be back in his old hunting and raiding grounds Saturday, Oct. 5 as part of the annual Comanche Moon Social to benefit the Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

TV and big screen star Michael Horse portrays the chief in the debut of "The Road Man," a one-person show written by Texas playwright Andy Wilkinson.

In the show, Quanah sits for a photographer and reminiscences about his youth on the Plains, his mother Cynthia Ann Parker, and his transition to rancher, businessman and symbol of the American frontier.

Comanche Moon Social attendees will enjoy a special menu of buffalo, game, special recipe "punch" and authentic frontier cuisine prepared by world-famous chef Tom Perini. "Arley Gipson and Friends" will provide the musical entertainment. Tickets to the event are $125. Raffle tickets at $100 each are available for three prizes: a Terry Gilbreth bronze of Quanah; Colt .45 rifle; and hand-knotted 4x6 Pendleton wool rug with buffalo design. For event or raffle tickets, call 325-572-3974.

Zombies invading downtown for ArtWalk

ArtWalk's theme this month is ZombieCrawl, which will be a whimsical, family-friendly celebration of playful fright. There will be ZOMBIES On PARADE, (led by Grand Marshal & Grand Marshaless Clu & Cathy Burnham) down Cypress Street at 5:45 p.m. The parade will be followed by recognition of the best zombie costumes and makeup (at Minter Park).

"Time Warp," from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," will be performed, directed by Melissa Green in front of The Center for Contemporary Arts, immediately following the parade and costume recognition. Watch sidewalk artists Sarah Coty and Fernando Rodriquez create ZombieWorks and enjoy a special sidewalk installation by Ernest Slatinsky. Prepare to be delighted!

ArtWalk is a monthly, downtown-wide celebration put on by The Center for Contemporary Arts.

HeARTS luncheon celebrates arts, supports grants

Join us at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21 for the annual HeARTS for the ARTS luncheon at the Abilene Country Club. Tickets for the luncheon are only $15 and include the yummy country club buffet. Tables of eight can be purchased for $120. Every year, we celebrate supporting the arts in Abilene by highlighting some of our programs and encouraging people to sign up or renew their HeARTS membership at the luncheon. Membership in HeARTS starts at only $5 a month! Funds raised are used by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to provide grants to arts programming for children and special populations. Examples of grants include:

- Abilene Ballet Theatre's "The Nutcracker."

- School tours of The Grace Museum.

- Abilene Zoo Spots & Stripes concerts.

This year's luncheon features Abilene High School's choir, Pure Gold, performing songs from the Broadway shows coming to Abilene this season, and Lynn Barnett will give highlights for the upcoming Children's Art & Literacy Festival featuring William Joyce. Call us at 325-677-1161.

Storybook Ball attracts characters, funds for NCCIL

Save the date for the fourth annual Storybook Ball benefiting the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature on

Saturday, Oct. 26! This year, we will honor one of our own - Becky McDonald. Becky was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the NCCIL and has been a driving influence for the museum since its beginnings. Her passion for children and art at the NCCIL is second to none.

This year's event will feature an exclusive exhibition, "A Celebration of Children and Art." The exhibit will feature art from Kevin Henkes' "Penny and her Doll," the NCCIL's permanent art collection and the featured art in our 2013 art auction. The proceeds from this auction will provide the initial funds to establish the Becky McDonald School Tours Endowment Fund to perpetuate the NCCIL's most important program - tours for students. The auction will showcase an incredible array of original works from 16 of the NCCIL's award winning past exhibitors, such as artists Ashley Bryan, Mary Azarian, David Diaz, Ed Emberley, David Macaulay, Betsy and Ted Lewin, Chris Raschka, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Peter Sis, David Small, Dan Yaccarino and Ed Young. The NCCIL is now a recognized charity on Mission Fish and will be hosting this auction on eBay (NCCIL store page) starting Oct. 16, where 100 percent of the sales will benefit the NCCIL. For information on the auction pieces or to be an absentee bidder, call 325-673-4586.

The Storybook Ball is the only major fundraiser for the NCCIL. A portion of the proceeds from the event help the NCCIL to keep admission and programming free to the public. Tables and individuals tickets can be purchased in the NCCIL bookstore or online at www.nccil.org.

Angelina Ballerina dancing into Paramount set

Angelina Mouseling is thrilled that a special, famous guest is coming to visit her dance school in the upcoming musical show "Angelina Ballerina."

The show starts at 2 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 27 at Paramount Theatre.

"Angelina Ballerina" kicks off the 2013-14 season of the Children's Performing Arts Series, which operates under the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. CPAS brings in professional, live theater for children.

The musical "Angelina Ballerina" is based on the CG-animated TV series "Angelina Ballerina The Next Steps" currently airing on PBS Kids. In the musical, Angelina and her dance school friends perform hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig and of course, ballet to greet a special visitor. But will Angelina get the starring moment she hopes for?

Tickets for each show are $9. Season tickets for all three CPAS shows are $27 at the Patron level and $40 at the Party level. Party level ticketholders are invited to two after-parties where they can meet the cast, eat snacks and play games. For more information, call 325-677-1161 or go online to www.abilenecac.org.

World famous Vienna Boys Choir returns

The Vienna Boys Choir, which is perhaps the best known choral group in the world, returns to Abilene the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 29 to present an evening of their delightful voices.

The choir was established in 1498 by Maximilian I of Habsburg. The choir was formed to provide music for church masses. Today, the nonprofit choir based in Vienna, Austria, includes about 100 boys between the ages of 10 and 14 who are divided into four touring choirs. They perform about 300 times a year to a half million people around the world.

The choir will perform at the Abilene Civic Center at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. A limited number of front, center seating is available for $50. This includes the after-concert gala, where you may meet the conductor for the Vienna Boys Choir. All other seats cost $20 for adults and $10 for students/children. For tickets, call 325-673-SING or email info@chorusabilene.net.

10 Ways to "Get Your Art On" in Abilene

1. Attend a play, musical, opera, chorus or dance performance.

2. Get in the spotlight and audition for a performance.

3. Visit a museum.

4. Tour the Storybook Sculpture Garden and Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit downtown.

5. Attend an Abilene Philharmonic concert.

6. Take up pottery, painting or piano.

7. Learn to sing or play an instrument.

8. Attend a fundraiser for an arts group.

9. Volunteer for an arts group.

10. Join HeARTS for the ARTS and be a patron of the arts!

October 1 - William Joyce book drawing on La Voz 93.3 FM

8:30 a.m.

To enter the drawing, children need to get all six destination stamps on their free Seymour Passport. Passports available at all the destinations: The Grace Museum, Abilene Public Library, National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, Center for Contemporary Art, Frontier Texas! and Abilene Zoo. Monthly book drawing through June.

October 2 - Brown Bag Artist Talk

Noon.

Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery

1642 Sayles Blvd. ￨ 325.793.4888 ￨ www.mcm.edu

October 2 - Make 'N' Take Crafts
4 p.m.
Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch
1214 N. Mockingbird ￨ 325.437.7323 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 3 - Tot Spot
10 a.m.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. ￨ 325.673.4587 ￨ www.thegracemuseum.org

October 3 - Tween Time

4 p.m.

Arts, crafts and games for ages 8-15.

Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch
1214 N. Mockingbird ￨ 325.437.7323 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 3 - Family Fun @ your Library

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Books, crafts, songs and games.

Abilene Public Library, South Branch

1401 S. Danville Dr. ￨ 325.698.7565 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 3 - Reception for new art exhibits

The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. ￨ 325.673.4587 ￨ www.thegracemuseum.org

October 3 - 5 - "The Great American Melodrama"

McMurry University homecoming musical.

Box Office

Sayles Blvd. & Hunt St. ￨ 325.793.3889 ￨ www.mcm.edu

October 4 - Tot Spot
9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. ￨ 325.673.4587 ￨ www.thegracemuseum.org

October 4 - Art Adventure

10:30 a.m.

Preschoolers learn about visual and verbal literacy. Reservation required.
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar St. ￨ 325.673.4586 ￨ www.nccil.org

October 4 - McMurry Homecoming reception

Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery

1642 Sayles Blvd. ￨ 325.793.4888 ￨ www.mcm.edu

October 5 - Gallery will be open

Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery

1642 Sayles Blvd. ￨ 325.793.4888 ￨ www.mcm.edu

October 5 - Comanche Moon Social
6 p.m.

Third annual fundraiser for the Buffalo Gap Historic Village's preservation program starring "Quanah Parker." Tickets are $125 for the general public and $100 for BGHV members.

Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 7 - Tween Time @ your Library

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Crafts, songs, games, and refreshments for age 8-15.

Abilene Public Library

202 Cedar St. ￨ 325.676.6025 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 8 - Make 'N' Take

4-5 p.m.

Children can make a craft project and take it home.

Abilene Public Library, South Branch

1401 S. Danville Dr. ￨ 325.698.7565 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 9 - 19 Closed to install a new exhibit

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar St. ￨ 325.673.4586 ￨ www.nccil.org

October 10 - ArtWalk
5 - 8 p.m.

The theme for this month is ZombieCrawl. ArtWalk is a free monthly celebration of the arts in downtown Abilene involving the cultural and business community. Exhibits, street performances and live entertainment. Opening reception at the Center for Contemporary Arts for Milton "Mac" Rowley's "Cuba" photo exhibit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

October 11 & 12 - Paramount Film Series "Rebecca"
Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
"Rebecca" is the haunting story of a widower's second wife who find the memory of the first wife still governs the household. 1940, 130 minutes, black and white.
The Paramount Theatre
352 Cypress ￨ 325.676.9620 ￨ www.paramount-abilene.org

October 11 - Spaghetti Supper and Song

5:30-8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 South 14th St.

Abilene Star Chorus will sing at intervals throughout the evening. This women's group sings four-part harmony and is affiliated with Sweet Adelines International. The supper price is $7 and includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread and drink. Desserts are $1. Takeout is available.

Abilene Star Chorus

4515 S. 14th St. ￨ 325-829-1470 ￨ www.abilenestarchorus.org

October 12 - Chautauqua Learning Series

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Grace Museum's Judy Deaton will discuss women's clubs and their role in museum formation and preservation.
Free talk.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 12 - Family Fun @ your Library

2-2:45 p.m.

Songs, crafts and books for the whole family.

Abilene Public Library
202 Cedar St. ￨ 325.677.2474 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 12 - Pillage the Village
3-5 p.m.
Wear a costume and trick-or-treat frontier style. $2 a person/free for ages 3 and younger.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 12 - Artist reception

5-6:30 p.m. at the Ira M. Taylor Memorial Art Gallery in the Frost Art Building

Sculptures by Casey Cooper will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 18.

Hardin-Simmons University
2200 Hickory St. ￨ 325.670.1000 ￨ www.hsutx.edu

October 12 - A Poet's Voice chorus show

7:30 p.m., St. Paul United Methodist Church

The show features the adult and youth choruses and special guest, the Key City Brass Ensemble. This is also the premier of a commissioned piece by Dr. Bernie Scherr.

Chorus Abilene

1174 North 1st St. ￨ 325.673.SING ￨ www.chorusabilene.net

October 12 - Ghost Tours
Dusk
An evening of family friendly ghost stories and fun. $10.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 14 - Make 'N' Take Crafts

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Abilene Public Library
202 Cedar St. ￨ 325.677.2474 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 15 - Super Storytime

10:45-11:45 a.m.

Crafts, songs and fun for all ages.

Abilene Public Library, South Branch
1401 S. Danville Dr. ￨ 325.698.7565 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 16 - Family Fun @ your Library

4-5 p.m.

Songs, crafts and books for the whole family.

Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch

1214 N. Mockingbird ￨ 325.437.7323 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 17 - Deadline to order Broadway in Abilene season tickets

The 2013-14 season has four shows: "Ballroom with a Twist," "Beauty and the Beast," "Hair" and "Hello, Dolly!" starring Sally Struthers. Season tickets to all four shows start at $92 ($23 a show!). Reserve your Abilene Civic Center seats now by going to celebrityattractions.com or calling 800-869-1451.

October 17 - Tween Time

4-5 p.m.

Arts, crafts and games for ages 8-15.

Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch

1214 N. Mockingbird ￨ 325.437.7323 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 17 - Museum Matters

6 p.m.

Engaging art, poetry with David Smith.

The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. ￨ 325.673.4587 ￨ www.thegracemuseum.org

October 17 - Cover-to-Cover Book Club

7-8 p.m.

Book club for adults. New book selected each month.

Abilene Public Library

202 Cedar St. ￨ 325.676.6025 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 18 - Artist talk

5:30 p.m.

The artists in the biennial faculty exhibition at the Shore Art Gallery at Abilene Christian University will discuss their work.

October 18 - 20 - "Les Miserables"

Friday & Saturday: 8 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. Civic Center

Abilene Christian University's homecoming musical.

ACU Theatre Box Office

EN 10th St. & Judge Ely ￨ 325.674.ARTS ￨ www.acu.edu

October 19 - Boo at the Zoo
Noon to 6:30 p.m.

Trick or treat amongst the animals along a treat path hosted by local businesses and organizations. Costume contests. $3.
The Abilene Zoo
2070 Zoo Lane ￨ 325.676.6085 ￨ www.abilenezoo.org

October 19 - Ghost Tours
Dusk
An evening of family friendly ghost stories and fun. $10.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 20 - Craft Sunday
2-4 p.m.
Create and take home a balloon ghost. $7 adults/$6 seniors and free for military and children 12 and younger.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 20 - Military Appreciation Day
Noon-5 p.m.
Free to active and retired military and their family.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.￨ 325.572.3365 ￨ www.tfhcc.com

October 20 - Tromba Mundi concert

7:30 p.m.

This trumpet ensemble is performing as part of the 2013-14 Concert Series at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Tromba Mundi has recorded several world premiere compositions and` continues to commission new music.

Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest

602 Meander ￨ 325.677.2091 ￨www.heavenlyrestabilene.org

October 21 - HeArts for the Arts annual luncheon

11:45 a.m. Abilene Country Club

Each year, HeArts for the Arts hosts a member recruitment luncheon with fun and food. Membership starts at only $5 a month. Money raised funds grants for Abilene arts programs.

Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

1101 N. 1st St. ￨ 325.677.1161 ￨ www.abilenecac.org

October 21 - Tween Time @ your Library

6:30-7:30 p.m.

For kids ages 8-15. Crafts, songs, games and refreshments.

Abilene Public Library, South Branch

1401 S. Danville Dr. ￨ 325.698.7565 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 22 - November 1 - Storybook Ball auction exhibit

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar St. ￨ 325.673.4586 ￨ www.nccil.org

October 25 & 26 - Haunted Abilene 2013

The historic Swenson House is transformed into "Phantom Manor: The Pirate's Bride." Trolley tour ghost stories as well.

Abilene Preservation League

1174 N 1st ￨ 325.676.3775 ￨ www.abilenepreservation.org

October 26 - Big Country Pet Parade

10-11:30 a.m.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Walk, costume contest and pet expo.

Frontier Texas!

625 N. 1st St. ￨ 325.437.2800 ￨ www.frontiertexas.com

October 26 - 4th Annual Storybook Ball

6:30 p.m.

An event for characters and costumes.

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar St. ￨ 325.673.4586 ￨ www.nccil.org

October 26 - Masterworks II - Enchanting Duo from a Movie Music Master

7:30 p.m., Abilene Civic Center

Nielsen's Maskarade Overture and other celebrated works.

The Abilene Philharmonic

401 Cypress St. #520 ￨ 325.677.6710 ￨ www.abilenephilharmonic.org

October 27 - "Angelina Ballerina," the musical

2 p.m. Paramount Theatre

Children's Performing Arts Series

1101 N. 1st St. ￨ 325.677.1161 ￨ www.abilenecac.org

October 29 - The Vienna Boys Choir

7 p.m., Abilene Civic Center

Limited front and center seats: $40. General admission is $15.

Chorus Abilene

1174 North 1st St. ￨ 325.673.SING ￨ www.chorusabilene.net

October 31 - Tween Time @ your Library

4 p.m.

For kids ages 8-15. Crafts, songs, games and refreshments.

Abilene Public Library, Mockingbird Branch

1214 N. Mockingbird ￨ 325.437.7323 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 31 - Teen Time @ your Library

6:30-8 p.m.

Craft ideas for ages 13-19.

Abilene Public Library

202 Cedar St. ￨ 325.676.6025 ￨ www.abilenetx.com

October 31 - Paramount Film Series "Alien"

Super creepy sci-fi for Halloween thrills.

7:30 p.m. Paramount Theatre

352 Cypress ￨ 325.676.9620 ￨ www.paramount-abilene.org

ON EXHIBIT:

The Grace Museum

"Mediterranea: American Art from the Graham D. Williford Collection," Main Gallery

"Exotic Locales," 2nd Floor Art Galleries

"The Art of Clint Hamilton," 2nd Floor Art Galleries

"The Color of Light," Wright Photography Gallery

"West Texas Club Women, 1880-1950" - This history gallery exhibit features vintage club-woman attire, scrapbooks, yearbooks and personal correspondence.

The Center for Contemporary Arts

Breed Gallery: "In Through Out" by Dub Wellborn. Through Oct. 26
Gallery 2: "Our Houses of History: Portraits of Rural Texas Museums." Photographs by Beth Purcell
Gallery 3: "On the Grid" sculpture by Julia Ousley. Through Oct. 26.
Gallery 4: "Undecided" art by Katy Presswood and Carol Mitchell. Through Oct. 26.

Emerging Artist Gallery: "Restless" by Z. Miles Mayfield

The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature

"A Celebration of Children and Art" starts Oct. 15 and features art from Kevin Henkes' "Penny and her Doll," the NCCIL's permanent collection and the featured pieces in their 2013 art auction.

Ira M. Taylor Memorial Art Gallery

Sculptures by Casey Cooper. Frost Art Building at Hardin-Simmons University.

Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Gallery

"What We Do" homecoming exhibit by McMurry University art faculty.

Short Art Gallery

Biennial faculty exhibition through Oct. 24. Abilene Christian University campus.

ACU Downtown Gallery

"Sacred Spaces," the art of Jack Maxwell, Abilene Christian University professor, is on display at the Cockerell Galleries and Studios on N. 2nd Street downtown.

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Tell Us What You Think

We want to hear from you! Please let us know what you would like to see included in this newsletter as well as any other ideas you have to strengthen Abilene's cultural arts community. Send your emails to Sidney Levesque at sidney@abilenecac.org

or Executive Director Lynn Barnett 325.677.1161 / lynn@abilenecac.org