Cultural Art Happenings
September 2015

The new school year has started, and soon homes will be filled with the sounds of musical instruments being played, feet tapping out new routines and hands practicing fresh brush strokes. These are the sights and sounds of future success! Researchers at Michigan State University who studied honor grads majoring in science, tech, engineering or math found that they had received up to eight times more exposure to the arts growing up than the general public. Author Rex LaMore, Ph.D., speculated that arts activities boosted imagination and intuition - valuable skills in complex problem solving.

If you are looking for some great art activities in Abilene in September, we can solve that problem with the full calendar featured this issue! New plays, exhibits and concerts are on tap. Season tickets to the Broadway in Abilene series - four great shows - are still available starting at $99. And tickets for the 2015-16 Children's Performing Arts Series season are going quickly with only about 100 seats left! Please put our annual HeARTS for the ARTS luncheon on your calendar. We'll be having a great time Oct. 16 at the Abilene Country Club with music and entertainment, and an opportunity for you to help support a wide array of arts programming. Don't miss out on the fun!

 

Artfully Yours,

Lynn Barnett

Executive Director

Abilene Cultural Affairs Council 

325.677.1161 

Grace partners with Paramount for rooftop show
Experience movies under the stars! 
The Grace Museum is kicking off "Grace After Dark" programming with a special showing of international short films at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The museum is collaborating with the Historic Paramount Theatre to present award-winning short films from around the world from the 24fps International Short Film Festival. The event is free and open to the public to people 21 and older. Food trucks will be available from 6:30-8 p.m. as will wine and beverages and a sweet and salty snack bar.  Enter off the courtyard on N. 1st Street. The films are curated by Barry Smoot, artistic director at the Paramount and founder of 24fps. A second rooftop film showing will be Thursday, Sept. 24. Both showings will feature past winners of 24fps.
"We are excited to participate and at the same time being able to promote our upcoming film festival in November," said Smoot.
Emerald Cassidy, Grace marketing and communications director, said they are brainstorming for more late night programming for the museum that they hope to debut soon.  
HSU presents 'hilarious' dark comedy 'Trevor'
Inspired by true events, Hardin-Simmons University Theatre Department's "Trevor" is a subversive comedy about fame, success and the lies we tell ourselves in order to keep people from taking away an erratic, 200-pound chimpanzee. At the center of this hilarious and heart-wrenching play are two individuals fighting against a world unable to understand their love: Trevor, a chimpanzee that once performed in commercials with the likes of Morgan Fairchild, and his owner Sandra, who swears he would never hurt a fly ... at least not on purpose. A moving exploration of family, flawed communication, and humanity. LA Weekly called the Los Angeles premier of the show "hilarious." Written by Nick Jones. Directed by HSU theater student Colby Savell.
The show will take place Down Center Stage in the basement of Van Ellis Theatre. The show is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3-5 and 2 p.m. Sept. 6General admission is $8; tickets for for military, seniors and students are $5; and the show is free for HSU faculty, staff and students. Purchase tickets at the box office or online at www.hsutx.edu/tickets. The theater box office phone is 32-670-1405.
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'Over the Tavern' explores family, God, more
Abilene Community Theatre continues the Abilene premiere of "Over the Tavern" by Tom Dudzick this month. The show debuted in August. This month's performances are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3-5. In that most idealized period of 20th-century America, the Eisenhower years of the 1950s, the Pazinski family has a lot going on in their cramped Buffalo apartment. The youngest of the bunch, 12-year-old Rudy, is a smart, wise-cracking kid who's starting to question family values and the Roman Catholic Church. When Rudy goes up against the ruler-wielding Sister Clarissa and announces that instead of being confirmed he'd rather shop around for a more "fun" religion, all hell breaks loose. A warm and hilarious look at family, growing up, and God.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for Seniors, military and students.
Box office hours are 1-5 p.m. weekdays and show Saturdays. The reservation phone line 325-673-6271.   
 
Hispanic Heritage Art Show at Studio 13 Gallery    
Mike Lanier Fine Art Studio 13 is having its first Hispanic art show - a special event for the city of Abilene, where one-fourth of the residents are Hispanic or Latino. "We are so excited about the Hispanic Heritage Art Show coming up," he said. The show opens Sept. 4. The opening reception is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 at 909 N. 13th St. and will feature a mariachi band, Mexican and American food and entertainment. The exhibit closes Sept. 30. Featured artists are painter and sculptor Raul R. Ruiz from San Angelo; painter Erin Medellin from Weatherford; painter and sculptor Pedro Rivera of Abilene (Studio 13 artist); painter Ralph Zamarippa from Houston; painter Stefanie Dammert of Abilene; painter Michelle Cuevas from San Angelo; painter Danny Valdez of Abilene; and Luke Torres of Anson. Torres is a painter and a stand-up comedian who has made appearances on CBS, NBC, Fox, Comedy Central, HBO, Showtime, Telemundo and more. Torres will perform at the art exhibit's opening reception. 


Photographic image, "Discarded Plaything" by Judith Zaninka, from the exhibit "Home" by ArtHEALs students.
ArtWalk explores what 'Home' means         
This month's ArtWalk from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday Sept. 10, "Home Sweet Home," will feature everything Abilene, including an exhibit of photographs taken by refugee children who have just made this city their home.The exhibit at The Center for Contemporary Arts in the Emerging Artist Gallery is called "Home." This exhibit is a part of the Center's ArtHEALs (Healthy Empowerment through Arts Learning) program. Taken from a curriculum called PhotoVoice, the photographers (refugee children making Abilene their new home, and not yet fluent English speakers,) answered journalistic questions with revealing images. Viewers may gain insights that give a deeper understanding of what home means to others, and offer them the opportunity to examine their own expectations of home. In front of the Center, on Cypress Street, Habitat for Humanity will offer ArtWalkers the opportunity to participate in the building of a small structure. Other nonprofits, such as  Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H, will be set up with information tables, along with the regular art vendors. The Grace Museum and National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature will be open late and for free with children's activities and exhibits. The Abilene Public Library will have a children's craft.  The Cockerell Studios and ACU Downtown Gallery will be open.
'Above the Surface' exhibit of abstract art
David and Susan Harmon will deliver the ArtTalk on ArtWalk night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 in Gallery 3 at the Center for Contemporary Arts, where the Harmons will be exhibiting "Above the Surface," an exhibit of abstract expressionist works in layers of textured paint. Susan's work is often based on emotion inspired by books or poems about people who have experienced tragedy or abuse. Susan and David are both art professors at Howard Payne University in Brownwood. They also teach at other Central Texas colleges part-time or by distance learning. This exhibit and talk should be of interest to many in the community who work with people who have been abused, oppressed, or have suffered tragedies, as well as to individuals who have been in these situations themselves. "Above the Surface" opens Sept. 9 and will be on display until Oct. 24. Gallery 3 is located upstairs at the Center.
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"I am Nobody"
by Susan Harmon 
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Misha Dichter
Distinguished pianist to perform at civic center      
The Abilene Philharmonic's 65th season opens Saturday, Sept. 19 with one of America's most distinguished pianists, Misha Dichter, as guest soloist. At the age of 20, Dichter entered the 1966 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. This is the competition Van Cliburn surprised the world by winning in 1958. Dichter won the silver medal. Almost immediately thereafter, he performed Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 at Tanglewood with Erich Leinsdorf and the Boston Symphony, a concert that was nationally broadcast live on NBC and subsequently recorded for RCA. In 1968, Dichter made his debut with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic. His long and illustrious career has included numerous recordings and appearances with leading orchestras around the world. In Abilene, he will play Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. Haydn's Symphony No. 100, nicknamed "Military," rounds out the program. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center's auditorium. Concert Conversations with Music Director David Itkin takes place backstage at 6:45 p.m. Subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets are on sale beginning Sept. 1. Single ticket prices for the concert range from $18-$42.
Abilene Opera presents 'The King and I'
Abilene Opera Association presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece "The King and I" at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25-26 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Paramount Theatre. "The King and I" is a celebration of love in all its guises, from the love of royal tutor and British woman Anna for her dead husband; the love of the Siam king's official wife, Lady Thiang, for a man she knows is flawed and also unfaithful; the desperation of forbidden love.
Isaac Donaldson, 2015 Abilene Idol, is performing the role of Lun Tha. Lisa Gore-Etter of Ballet Abilene is choreographing the royal ballet that appears in the show.
Directed by Ron Luchsinger of Opera North New Hampshire, the cast will feature local professionals, including Jose Chavez of Mariache Real de Abilene as the King, Dr. Lynnette Chambers of Hardin-Simmons University as Anna, and Dr. Elizabeth Ducey Moss as Lady Thiang.  Local talent fills out the 37 children's roles and 30 adult roles. A full orchestra will be conducted by Joseph Hodge of Connecticut. Ticket prices range from $12 to $54 and can be purchased here
 

State Rep. Susan Lewis King


ACAC thanks State Rep. King       
State Rep. Susan Lewis King, R-Abilene, accepted a small Fergus the dog sculpture at the Aug. 18 Abilene Cultural Affairs Council board meeting. The board wanted to thank her for the Storybook Capital of Texas designation she championed this legislative session, as well as arts funding for grants for cultural districts like the one in downtown Abilene that passed this session.
Fergus is based on the David Shannon book character; Shannon was the honoree of the 2015 Children's Art & Literacy Festival. The original life-size sculpture was made by Steve Neves. The smaller version was based on that one using a 3D printer by Abilene Christian University digital media teacher Nil Santana, who also painted him. 
 

Buzz Bissinger
BOOK BUZZ: West Texas Book Festival
Don't miss the weeklong celebration of authors and books at the 15th annual West Texas Book Festival that connects the community with a host of literary events.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Abilene Public Library and the Abilene Reporter-News, go to www.abilenetx.com/apl to view the complete list of events Sept. 21-26. Events are free except the Cookbook Gala, Culinary Cuisine Luncheon and the Boots & Books Luncheon. 
11:45 a.m. Sept. 18 (pre-festival event): Buzz Bissinger, who wrote "Friday Night Lights." Main library.  
11:45 a.m. Sept. 21: Author Lunch Program with Jodi Thomas, a New York Times best-selling author. Main library.
11:45 a.m. Sept. 22: Author Lunch Program with Pat Dearen and Kathleen Kent. Main library.
11:45 a.m. Sept. 23: Author Lunch Program with Linda Castillo, Amish murder mystery series author. Main library.
11:30 a.m. Sept. 24: Culinary Cuisine Luncheon. TSTC Culinary Institute, 901 N. 1st St. $25.
6 p.m. Sept. 24: Texas Cookbook Gala, Abilene Country Club. $225. Features Texas chefs and wines.
11:45 a.m. Sept. 25: Author Lunch Program with Texas State Historian Bill O'Neal and Roger Moore. Main library.
10 a.m. Sept. 25: Write Your Own Cookbook workshop.
9-11:30 a.m. Sept. 26: Conversations with Featured Authors, Abilene Civic Center
11:30 a.m. Sept. 26: Boots & Books Luncheon, Abilene Civic Center. A.C. Greene Award will be presented. $25.
1:30-2:30 p.m. Sept. 26: Book signings, civic center. 

 
September
Every Wednesday for 12 Weeks
Art for the Home-Schooled
8:30-10 a.m. ages 5-8
10:30 a.m.-noon ages 9-12
$250 per student
Patty Rae Wellborn, Instructor
Studio 13 Gallery
 
Sept. 1, 11:30 a.m.
Los Aficionados Meeting for the museum's volunteer support group.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 1, 6:15-8:30 p.m.
Chorus and Friends Talent Show at First Baptist Church - Members, family, and friends are invited to show off their talents.
Abilene Star Chorus
325.829.1470 │ www.abilenestarchorus.org
 
Sept. 1, 7-9 p.m.
Auditions for "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" (musical). Director Richard Culwell needs: Two female roles, four male roles, a chorus and several musicians. The character roles require some singing ability. However, they are supposed to be small children. Be prepared to demonstrate any musical instruments you have a talent for and your singing abilities. Please have an audition song ready, we will also sample parts from the show. Actors need to do a bit of dancing and be able to follow simple choreography. All experience levels welcome.
Abilene Community Theatre
809 Barrow St. │ 673.6271 │ www.abilenecommunitytheatre.org
 
Sept. 3, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Tot Spot for children ages 3-5. Free for museum members; $5 for non-members.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
The Grace presents a guest-curated evening by the Paramount Theatre featuring 24 FPS short films. (This event is open to the public at no charge.)
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
ACU Faculty Recital: Amy Huzjak, cello, and Cheryl Lemmons, piano. Recital hall.
Abilene Christian University Department of Music
ACU Drive │325.674.2199 │www.acu.edu/academics/cas/music/
 
Sept. 3-5, 7:30 p.m. 
Sept. 6, 2 p.m.
"Trevor" by Nick Jones. Directed by Colby Savell. Down Center Stage. Inspired by true events, "Trevor" is a subversive comedy about fame, success and the lies we tell ourselves to keep people from taking away an erratic, 200-pound chimpanzee. At the center of this hilarious and heart-wrenching play are two individuals fighting against a world unable to understand their love: Trevor, a chimpanzee who once performed in commercials with the likes of Morgan Fairchild, and his owner, Sandra, who swears he would never hurt a fly ... at least not on purpose.
Hardin-Simmons University Department of Theatre
2200 Hickory│325.670.1405│ www.hsutx.edu
 
Sept. 3-5, 7:30 p.m.
"Over the Tavern" - In the most idealized period of 20th century America, the 1950s, the youngest member of the Pazinski family questions family values and the Roman Catholic church. When he announces that instead of being confirmed, he'd rather shop around for a "fun" religion, all hell breaks loose! A warm and hilarious look at family, growing up and God.
Abilene Community Theatre
809 Barrow │ 673.6271 │ www.abilenecommunitytheatre.org
 
Sept. 3, 8 p.m.
Richard Burke and Co. Live music. No cover.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Tot Spot for children ages 3-5. Free for museum members; $5 for non-members.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m.  
Art Adventure for moms and preschoolers.
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 4
"Hispanic Heritage Art Show" exhibit opens.
Mike Lanier Fine Art / Studio 13
 
Sept. 5, 1-4 p.m.              
Family Art Project
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 5, 8 p.m.
Jake Rosser/ Marcus Brown. Live music. $5 cover charge.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 7
The Grace Museum and the Abilene Public Library locations are closed for Labor Day
 
Sept. 7  
Labor Day - Regular hours resume: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sundays.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.│ 325.572.3365 │ www.tfhcc.com
 
Sept. 8, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Home School Art Classes
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 8, 6:30-8 p.m.
The newly established Center for Theatre Education is hosting a come and go open house! Meet the new education directors and find out what kind of weekly theater classes will be offered for kids ages 9-14 and monthly theater workshops for teenagers and adults. There will be snacks and refreshments.
Center for Theatre Education
809 Barrow St.│ http://www.abilenecommunitytheatre.org/actabilene-cte-about/

Sept. 10-19
The 116th annual West Texas Fair & Rodeo at the Taylor County Expo Center. Children's activities, musical entertainment, rodeo and livestock, carnival rides and fair entries on display that include paintings, photography and other forms of artwork.
 
Sept. 10, 5-8 p.m.
ArtWalk theme: "Home, Sweet, Home"
A monthly, themed arts festival in downtown Abilene presented by the Center for Contemporary Arts. This month's event focuses on Abilene as our home, including photos by refugee children who have just made Abilene their home.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 10, 5:30- 6:15 p.m.
ArtHEALS Exhibit and Reception
Meet and view art created by children who are recent immigrants to Abilene. In the Emerging Artists  Gallery.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 10, 5:30-8 p.m.                  
ArtWalk - art activity
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.
ArtTalk: Art and Emotion, Susan and David Harmon
Husband and wife art professors at Howard Payne University talk about their abstract expressionist exhibit "Above the Surface." In Gallery 3.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 10, 5:30-8 p.m.
Opening of September show "Mechanical Dreams" by artists Jen Burns' La Bijoux Belle and Thomas Madrid's Suenos de la Vida Photography of Studio 206. Show will include Steampunk jewelry and photography.
Cockerell Galleries & Studios
1133 N. 2nd, Second Floor │ 325.829.7975 │ www.thecockerell.com
 
Sept. 10, 8 p.m.
Happy Fat Band - live music. No cover.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception: "Nabatean Ancient Structures: Jordan to Saudi Arabia"
Meet photographer Ellie Hamby and hear about her experience visiting the ancient sites of the Nabateaen culture in the Middle East. In the Bill and Alice Wright Photo Gallery.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 11
Reception for "Hispanic Heritage Art Show" by artists of the Hispanic community. Show runs through October.
Studio 13 Gallery
 
Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Holladay on Film: Paramount Film Director Robert Holladay continues his film lecture series with a discussion of the history and making of the film "High Society." The 35-minute lecture will be followed by a 30-minute break before the feature begins at 7:30 p.m. You must purchase a ticket to "High Society" to attend this lecture.
The Historic Paramount Theatre
352 Cypress St. │ 325.676.9620 │ www.paramount-abilene.org
 
Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12, 2 & 7:30 p.m. 
The Paramount Film Series presents "High Society." Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra star in this vibrant musical about a successful jazz musician who tries to win back his socialite ex-wife who is engaged to a respectable but bland gentleman. 1958, color, 111 minutes, Not Rated.  Paramount Film Series tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, military, and children. 
The Historic Paramount Theatre
352 Cypress St. │ 325.676.9620 │ www.paramount-abilene.org
 
Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Chautauqua Learning Series - "Who Hibernates?" Kid-friendly program. Free admission.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.│ 325.572.3365 │ www.tfhcc.com
 
Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Patty Rae Wellborn will lead a painting workshop in the painting lab upstairs in the Ryan Fine Arts Building. She will help students paint creatively and expressively without "direction" (no reference material in mind. $55 cost by check or cash includes lunch and materials. $35 for students who bring their own lunch and materials. Email: nichols.jennifer@mcmurryadm.edu to register by Sept. 1.
 
Sept. 12, 10:45 a.m.
Family Flix at South Branch featuring a colorful Australian fish searching for his lost child. Bring the family out for a movie, complete with popcorn and drinks! Space is limited, so register by calling 325-698-7378. Registrants must sign in at the desk at least 10 minutes before the film starts. Any unclaimed space will be made available on a first come, first served basis.
Abilene Public Library - South Branch
1401 S. Danville 325.698.7565 http://www.abilenetx.com/apl/
 
Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Opening Reception Brunch: "Stirring Up Scrambled Eggs"
Signature Artist Member Jana S. Cross presents an homage to mid-century modern art and design, featuring selected works from the full collection to be exhibited in Marfa early next year. In Gallery 4.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 12, 1-4 p.m.             
Family Art Project
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
ACT hosts the Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce's production "Spoken Word," an interactive slam poetry event of the year.
Abilene Community Theatre
809 Barrow │ 673.6271 │ www.abilenecommunitytheatre.org
 
Sept. 13, 5 p.m.
Melody Rich, soprano. Free and open to public.
Heavenly Rest Chamber Music Concert Series
602 Meander │ 325.677.2091 │ www.heavenlyrestabilene.org
 
Sept. 14, 7-9 p.m.
Dirty Drawers starts up again. Free to the public. Easels, drawing boards, pencil and paper provided if needed. There will be a brief lesson provided by Patty Rae Wellborn, Artreach Instructor 325-665-9202. Models paid $25 for the session.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com

Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
ArtTalk: Photography Around the World. Hear Abilenian and international photographer Ellie Hamby talk about her adventures photographing people, places, and animals in exotic locations around the world.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception: "Unexpected Colors"
Signature Artist Member Julie Denny unveils oil paintings inspired by her travels and by artists who use color in unexpected ways. In the Jane Breed Gallery.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 15, 6:15-8:45 p.m.
Open House Rehearsal at First Baptist Church - Women 12 and up are invited to join us for a night of singing, games, and sweet treats.
Abilene Star Chorus
325.829.1470 │ www.abilenestarchorus.org
 
Sept. 16, Noon-1 p.m.
ArtFilm: "Hollow Laughter"
Bring your lunch for a screening of this episode from the series "This Is Modern Art," and join the discussion as we explore the use of humor in modern art.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.
Gallery Teacher and Attendant Training
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 17, 6 p.m.
Bottles and Brushes art class. Bring your favorite beverage - wine, water, tea or soda! Invite your friends and learn from guided instruction. Leave with a unique creation! Registration required.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 17-19, 7:30 p.m.
"Check Please" by Jonathan Rand.
Dating can be hard, especially when your date happens to be a raging kleptomaniac, a guy who has porphyrobia (fear of the color purple), or a mime! "Check Please" follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse - until they do. Could there possibly be a light at the end of the tunnel? Co-directed by Edna Gill and Braiden Fisher. Skiles Building, Round Room, 2nd floor, HSU campus. General admission $8; tickets for military, seniors and students are $5; free for HSU employees and students. Purchase at box office or online.
Hardin-Simmons University Department of Theatre
2200 Hickory│325.670.1405│ www.hsutx.edu
 
Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
Jamaal Wicks & Cody Hutcheson. Live music. No cover.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 19, 1-4 p.m.             
Family Art Project
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
"Masterworks I - Piano Superstar Misha Dichter" performs at the Abilene Civic Center with the Abilene Philharmonic. Haydn's Symphony No. 100 "Military" and Brahms' "Piano Concerto No. 2" will be performed. Dichter debuted with the New York Philharmonic in 1968 at age 22, gaining international stardom by winning the Tchaikovsky Competition's Silver Medal two years earlier. He has appeared in the most prestigious concert halls around the world. Concert conversation with Music Director David Itkin at 6:45 p.m.
Abilene Philharmonic
401 Cypress St. Ste. 520 325.677.6710 www.abilenephilharmonic.org
 
Sept. 20
Military Appreciation Day - All current and former military and their families receive free admission to the Village.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.│ 325.572.3365 │ www.tfhcc.com
 
Sept. 20, 2-4 p.m.
Craft Sunday for Kids (Homemade Paper). Ages 12 and under receive free admission.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
133 N. William St.│ 325.572.3365 │ www.tfhcc.com
 
Sept. 21-26
West Texas Book Festival: A Celebration of Reading & Writing - Abilene Public Library, Abilene Civic Center. Don't miss the weeklong celebration of authors and books in the 15th annual festival that connects the community with a host of literary events. Go to www.abilenetx.com/apl to view the complete list of events and activities. Most events are free to attend, with the exception of the Cookbook Gala, Culinary Cuisine Luncheon, and the Boots & Books Luncheon.
 
Sept. 23-24, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Special guest Jonathan Talbot will be teaching classes at The Cockerell Studio 209 Hosted by The Cockerell Galleries & Studios and Keystone Art Ed Studio 204 Artist, Marianne Wood
To reserve your spot, email Marianne Wood at Keystonearted@gmail.com or call 325-669-3718.
 
Sept. 24, 10 a.m.
Book Reading in the Children's Museum. Readings are conducted on the mini-Paramount stage. Art activity after the reading. Registration required.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org
 
Sept. 24, 7 p.m.
The Grace Presents a guest-curated evening by the Paramount Theatre featuring 24 FPS short films. (This event is open to the public at no charge.)
 
Sept. 24, 8 p.m. 
The Key City Jazz Quintet. Live music. No cover.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 25-6, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece "The King and I" will be performed at Paramount Theatre. Directed by Ron Luchsinger of Opera North New Hampshire, the cast will feature local professionals, including Jose Chavez of Mariache Real de Abilene as the King, Dr. Lynette Chambers of Hardin-Simmons University as Anna, and Dr. Elizabeth Ducey Moss as Lady Thiang. Local talent fills out the 37 children's roles and 30 adult roles. A full orchestra will be conducted by Joseph Hodge of Connecticut. 
Abilene Opera Association
P.O. Box 6611 325.67.OPERA www.abileneopera.org/
 
Sept. 25, 8 p.m.
David Ramirez, live music. $13 advance/$15 door.
Neon Parrot Lounge
181 Pine St. │ 901.649.3448 │ www.neonparrotlounge.com
 
Sept. 26, 1-4 p.m.             
Family Art Project
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar Street │ 325.673.4586 │ www.nccil.org
 
Sept. 26, 2-6 p.m.
Abilene Beer Summit benefiting New Horizons Ranch & Center. Sample more than 100 craft beers, enjoy live music and food. General admission is $25. Non-drinker tickets are $10. Go to www.abilenebeersummit.com.
 
Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m.
Boutique Bridal Event at The Grace Museum presented by Abilene Scene magazine, an H.C. Zachry publication. See the latest in bridal gown fashions during a style show and attend a wedding planning seminar and browse wedding service providers and taste food samples. Cost is $10 if you register by Sept. 18 plus receive a gift bag at the door. Cost is $15 after that date until tickets sell out. Pre-registered grooms get in free. Email slazarowitz@zacpubs.com to attend the "It's A Man's World" rooftop celebration. Register at http://abilenescene.zacpubs.com/scene-in-love/
 
Sept. 27
The Temptations Concert.
Abilene Civic Center
1100 N. 6th St.│ 676.6211 │ www.abilenetx.com/CivicCenter/
 
Sept. 27- Oct. 8
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is closed for exhibit change.
 
Sept. 29
Faculty recital.
McMurry University Department of Music
S. 14th & Sayles│325.793.3800│www.mcm.edu

Sept. 30, 6 p.m.
Wreath-making class taught by The Grace Museum at The Mill Winery. Pre-registration required.
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org


ONGOING and ON EXHIBIT

THE GRACE MUSEUM
102 Cypress St. │ 325.673.4587 │ www.thegracemuseum.org

Exhibits
 
"The Abstract Impulse" featuring 40 important Texas artists, from throughout the state, who created personalized visions of the modernist aesthetic will be featured in this group exhibition. Important modernist artwork by Ben Culwell, Michael Frary, Donald Weismann, Ralph White, Ward Lockwood, David Brownlow, Dorothy Hood, Jack Boynton, Robert Preusser, Bror Utter, William Lester, Loren Mozley, Everett Spruce, McKie Trotter and others were selected from private and public collections.
May 28 - Oct. 24
Opening reception May 28
 
"Fabulous Fifties Fashion & Design"
This exhibition, curated by fashion expert and appraiser, Steven Porterfield, of Roadshow fame, features original midcentury women's and men's casual and formal ensembles.
May 28-Oct. 24
 
"Flashback to Abilene in the Fifties"
Travel back in time to Abilene in the fifties through an exhibition of vintage photographs, 8 mm films and newsreels.
May 28-Oct. 24
 
"Ray & Charles Eames Masters of 20th Century Design"
This selection of original designs, courtesy of Collage 20th Century Classics owners Abby and Wlodek Malowanczky of Dallas is a rare opportunity to view original Eames furniture designs from the 1950s.
May 28-Oct. 24
 
"Seymour Fogel: On the Wall and Beyond"
Seymour Fogel (1911-1983) was a founding father of Texas Modernism. This long overdue solo exhibition of Fogel's paintings are from the 14 years (1946-1960) he lived and worked in Texas.
May 28-Oct. 24
 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE
102 Cedar St. | 325.673.4586 | www.nccil.org
 
Exhibits
 
June 11-Oct. 2, 2015
"David (Shannon) Goes to the Museum"
Featured Caldecott Honor illustrator/author David Shannon of the 2015 Children's Art & Literacy Festival.
 
Family Fun Saturdays at the NCCIL
A come-and-go program offered by art educators who help children create art in the style of the artist currently featured in the gallery.
 
IRA M. TAYLOR MEMORIAL ART GALLERY
Frost Art Building at Hardin-Simmons University | www.hsutx.edu
 
September & October
Mark Anderson, Art Department chairman of Baylor University, will be exhibiting a series of his prints.
 
ACU DOWNTOWN GALLERY
Cockerell Galleries and Studios, 1133 N. 2nd St.
Through Sept. 10
"Photos & Things" exhibit
 
CLOVER VIRGINIA SHORE ART GALLERY
Don H. Morris Center at Abilene Christian University | 325.674.2085 | www.acu.edu
 
ABILENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Three locations | www.abilenetx.com/apl
 
Pre-School Storytime
Held year-round at 10:45 a.m. on select days at all three library locations.
 
Cover-to-Cover Book Club - third Thursday of the month, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Adults who love to read make up the Cover-to-Cover Book Club. Each month, they choose the books they will discuss the following month.
September - "Dovekeeper" - Alice Hoffman
 
Teen Flix After Hours - third Friday of the month, South Branch, 5:45 p.m.
Bring your pillows and blankets; we'll supply the snacks and drinks. Space will be limited to the first 25-30 teens to sign up. Call 325-698-7565 to register.  As this event is part of our After Hours movie night, we do ask guests arrive no later than 5:45PM.  When the library closes for the evening, only teens that registered for the event (and have a movie ticket provided by us), will be allowed to remain inside.  All teens will be supervised by library staff the entire time.  Rides should be ready to pick up teens by 7:30PM.
September's movie features a band of young monster fanatics trying to save their town from Dracula and his cohorts.

THE CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
220 Cypress St. │ 325.677.8389 │ www.center-arts.com
 
Exhibits
 
Sept. 9-Oct. 24
"Unexpected Colors" by j b denny in the Jane Breed Gallery.
"Nabateaen Ancient Structures: Jordan to Saudi Arabia" by Ellie Hamby in the Bill and Alice Wright Photo Gallery.
"Above the Surface" by Susan and David Harmon in Gallery 3.
"Stirring Up Scrambled Eggs" by Jana S. Cross in Gallery 4.
 
COCKERELL ART STUDIOS & GALLERY
1133 N. 2nd, Second Floor | 325.829.7975 | www.cockerellgalleries.com | Carolyncc52@yahoo.com

MESQUITE STORY TELLERS
Come Listen to a Tall Tale or Tell One!
Meets the 3rd Tuesday every month (except Dec.)
Open to the public! No Cost! All ages welcome!
2nd Floor - Studio 209
7-:8:30 p.m.
 
SINGING CIRCLE
Hosted by Musician ANDREW HOLMES
Studio 209 - 2nd Floor of The Cockerell Art Studios
Come ready to sing, play acoustics, or just enjoy listening!
7-9 p.m. every Sunday
 
September show
"Mechanical Dreams" by artists Jen Burns' La Bijoux Belle and Thomas Madrid's Suenos de la Vida Photography of Studio 206. Show will include Steampunk jewelry and photography. Opens ArtWalk on Sept. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
 
AMY GRAVES RYAN FINE ARTS GALLERY
McMurry University
1642 Sayles Blvd. | 325.793.4888 | www.mcm.edu
 
Through September
"No Direction" - Paintings by Patty Rae Wellborn - Ryan Gallery
 
JODY KLOTZ FINE ART
1060 N. 2nd St. | 325.670.9880 | fineart@jodyklotz.com | www.jodyklotz.com
 
19th and 20th Century European and American paintings, representing Contemporary artists Randy Bacon and Gary Bukovnik, and Western artists Xiang Zhang, Brian Grimm, etc.
 
MODERNISM: TEXAS/AMERICAN/EUROPEAN
Through mid-October
An exhibition of mid-20th Century Abstract artists. Texas and American Modernism juxtaposed with its European counterpart, demonstrating the universality of a new visual language, which developed at home and abroad.

"Modernism" lecture in the gallery - September 2015
Lecture to be given by Judy Tedford Deaton, chief curator, The Grace Museum
 
Mike Lanier Fine Art / STUDIO 13 GALLERY
909 N 13th St. | http://mlanier.fineartstudioonline.com/
 
Sept. 4-Sept. 30
 "Hispanic Heritage Art Show" - a show of art by artists of the Abilene Hispanic community. Reception is Sept. 11.
 
September at Studio 13
Every Wednesday for 12 Weeks
Art for the Home-Schooled
8:30-10 a.m. ages 5-8
10:30 a.m.-noon ages 9-12
$250 per student
Patty Rae Wellborn, Instructor
 
Abilene Civic Center
1100 N. 6th St.│ 325.676.6211 │ www.abilenetx.com/CivicCenter/
 
Bud Clayton's art display is in the Red Carpet Lobby.
 
Abilene Writer's Guild
Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Classroom B of the Rose Park Senior Citizens Center, 2625 S. 7th St. except in November (third Thursday) and December (no meeting). Annual memberships are $25 for individuals and $35 for a family.

 
   
Arts Calendar
 

Hearts for the Arts  


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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