Check out all the great Abilene arts events happening in August!

August 2016 News & Updates

Mark your calendars for 2 p.m. Sept. 11! We are launching "The Year of Garth Williams" with a free showing of the 2006 movie "Charlotte's Web" at the Paramount Theatre and special costumed character guests. "The Year of Garth Williams" will include a list of community-wide events celebrating the books Williams illustrated that will take place leading up to the 2017 Children's Art & Literacy Festival. Best of all, nearly all the events are free!

Our arts partners have lots to see and do in August. The universities are back in session, new exhibits are opening and season tickets are on sale for shows and performances for the 2016-17 year. Check out our calendar for a complete list. Don't miss out on all the fun! 

Artfully Yours,
Lynn Barnett
Executive Director
Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

Learn Japanese Shibori dyeing

The Grace Studio at The Grace Museum is offering a class on Japanese Shibori dyeing technique with natural indigo dye.  The class will feature a variety of folding and binding techniques and each participant will leave with several finished pieces. Fee includes all supplies and participants may bring the beverage of their choice!

AUGUST 4
Twenty-five years of singing  

Chorus Abilene celebrates its 25th anniversary with an evening of music presented by both current and alumni, youth and adult, singers from the past 25 years. The concert is 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Abilene Civic Center. The concert will feature conducting by founder Dr. Betty Karol Wilson and a commissioned piece by composer Nicholas White. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for 10 and under.

AUGUST 6
August exhibits opening at Center

New exhibits by artists Charlie Hukill, April Rifenburgh and Danville Chadbourne are opening at the Center for Contemporary Arts on Aug. 9. Hukill's exhibit "The Best Deal" features painting with dogs of all kinds and a reception 6-9 p.m. Aug. 13. Rifenburgh's exhibit "Fragility" features encaustics, paintings and mixed media. Chadbourne is displaying sculpture and painting in an exhibit that will run through Oct. 22.

AUGUST 9
Downtown goes to the dogs
Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at ArtWalk:
DogWalk.
Your Four-legged family member is invited to enjoy the galleries at The Center for Contemporary Arts, and enter a Beach Party Costume Contest sponsored by The Abilene Kennel Club, complete with Doggie Pool in the street in front of The Center.  There will be doggie coloring pages inside The Center, dog puzzle make-n-take at Abilene Public Library, and doggie make-n-take at other art venues.  There will also be a "dog-drawn" food truck in the street near The Center, so come hungry and enjoy an evening with "man's best friends."
"Giant" explores lives of a wealthy Texas family and changing times   

Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean star in the 1956 classic film "Giant," a sweeping Texas western about a wealthy rancher who takes an East Coast bride and then brings her home to live on his land. The life of an entire generation of a Texas family is explored in this epic film. The rivalry between the ranch owner and the ranch hand grows stronger as the years pass and fortunes change.

AUGUST 12-13
ACT comedy reprises hilarious Pazinksi family

The Pazinski family of last season's "Over the Tavern" leave the conservative 1950s for the rebellious 1960s in Tom Dudzick's hilarious sequel "King O' The Moon" presented by Abilene Community Theatre. There's rarely a quiet moment in the Pazinski household as they hurtle towards the next decade. Directed by Ginger Vinson. This is the Abilene premier of this show. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for seniors, students and military.

AUGUST 18-20 & 25-27
ACU Theatre premiers new musical

A musical romance infused with humor and heartache, "After
Zoey" captures the passion of a 16-year-old dreamer who yearns for a full and healthy life as she battles a critical illness. Presented by Abilene Christian University's Department of Theatre. Book by ACU's Adam Hester, who is also the director. This heart-warming, life-affirming musical was part of a 2015 New York workshop production, now making its debut in Abilene. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Dinner option on Aug. 20.

AUGUST 19-21 & 26-28    
Grace Gala honors Judge Hamilton
The theme of this year's fall gala at The Grace Museum is "Law & Art," and the fitting honoree for this black tie event is Judge Lee Hamilton, who, along with his wife Dr. Rae Ann Hamilton, is involved in the Abilene arts scene. The gala includes music by Vocal Trash, dancing, silent auction and food by Perini Ranch Steakhouse.

AUGUST 27
BOOK BUZZ:
"The Appetizer Radio Show" host pens book for musicians

D. Grant Smith is busy promoting his new book, "The DIY Musician's Radio Handbook," which promises to help independent artists get airplay for their music. "Too many artists keep themselves in the dark by constantly trying blanket solutions in vain, such as aiming for major FM radio. He demystifies the process by revealing clear steps and realistic outcomes. And to top it off, the path to success outlined in this book is one D Grant Smith has walked himself on his road to radio syndication," James Moore, founder and president of Independent Music Promotions, says in a review of Smith's book. Smith started "The Appetizer Radio Show" on KACU in Abilene that showcases indie musicians that has since been syndicated nationwide and internationally. His 150-page book was published this year by Clear Fork Media Group and retails for $17.50 paperback, $3 on Kindle and the audio book is free for a limited time.

See the whole calendar!

Go to our website for a complete list of Abilene arts events for the coming months. Don't see your event? Email sidney@abilenecac.org the details!

There you will find shows, performances, concerts, art exhibits, art receptions, family programming, art classes and workshops and more!

  Abilene Cultural Affairs Council | A division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce
 325-677-1161| info@abilenecac.org | www.abilenecac.org
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