Arts Minded: It’s almost here — CAB Spring GALA
My, it’s a busy period for the arts in River Falls and vicinity — but, of course, for this column the most important arts event is the CAB Spring GALA on April 28.By: Sue Beckham, arts columnist, River Falls Journal
My, it’s a busy period for the arts in River Falls and vicinity — but, of course, for this column the most important arts event is the CAB Spring GALA on April 28.
Like last year, it will be at the Riverview Hotel and Suites — but that’s about the only thing that’s like last year. This year, for the first time, we have a theme.
In honor of two Jazz Bands — the Tin Pan Alley Cats and Generation II “Big Band” — and a third music group that has the spirit and sources of jazz, our theme is the “ Jazz Age.”
That means you can dress up if you want to.
Most of the volunteers will be donning beads and crepe to resemble flappers as much as possible. But people in ordinary 2012 street clothes are equally welcome.
That third music group, in case you haven’t heard, will be the River Falls Gospel Choir directed by Camilla Horne from the university.
If you heard them at the MLK Breakfast, you know they’re wonderful — this time they will be in their secular mode but the music will be just as stimulating.
Most important — this year the wooden dance floor is in fine shape — and larger than it was last year — so come prepared to “shake a leg” as they said in the Jazz Age.
As usual we will have the fine arts raffle (featuring this year, an oil by Richard Reynolds Ward, a mixed media drawing by Charlie Keenan, exotic metal, pearls and blown glass jewelry by Kati and Steve Pflipsen Olivova and, new this year, season passes to the Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls).
Great local art will be displayed and available for sale (if you get the highest bid) in the silent art auction, lovely local products in the silent auction of gifts from the community. And don’t forget, you can now use your credit card for GALA purchases.
The hors d’oeuvres will be as elegant as ever with a cash bar and complimentary coffee and water.
To learn more about the GALA — and enjoy our committee’s creativity — watch for Gale Upton’s “20 Questions” show on Channel 16 — River Falls community television. This program will be repeated several times this week and next.
Remember, tickets are less expensive ahead of time but, as always, available at the door.
To purchase ahead of time, contact me (Sue Beckham), Steve Preisler, Phyllis Golden, Sue Bushard, Nancy Stowall or other CAB Board Members — or buy them at the Dish and The Spoon, the Whole Earth Grocery, Junior’s or the First National Bank.
If you’re not a CAB member, $5 of your ticket price can be applied to a membership. See you April 28 the Riverview Hotel and Suites!
While the GALA is the best thing happening in the next couple of weeks, River Falls and environs are replete with other ways to tempt your arts craving:
— Earth Day Show: Found Art Exhibit: Foster Art Vault, Hammond; April 21, 5 to 9 p.m. and Apr. 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Artists: Amy Palmer, Julie Adams, Angela Plumbo, Barb Erickson, Judy Paulson, Glen Riddle, Carolyn Kelly, Beth Karjala, Greta Hammelman. Following dinner, hear the Tin Pan Alley Cats , Hammond Hotel, 8 to 11 p.m. More info, contact Paulette Anderson at lupine.anderson@gmail.com.
— Bonnie Rubenstein: Local artist to be honored as an Invitational Artist at the American Craft Council show; River Center, St. Paul Minn., booth #812, April 20-22. Even without a local artist, the annual celebration of American Crafts Show is worth a visit. It isn’t often in St. Paul.
— Gallery 120 at Global M.A.D.E.: April’s exhibit features paintings and photography by Debra Bystrom Lucero, jewelry (You may want to take some home) by Larry Trondsrud, and wind chimes made from reclaimed material — well worth considering — by Rich Lucero .
— Ugandan Drumming Lessons: Gallery 120, April 21; 10 to 11 a.m. for Children 4-11; 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. for 12 and over — including adults. To participate: $10 apiece; to watch and listen, free. Lessons require reservations, call 715-821-9411 (leave a message — calls will be returned).
— Richard III: Play by William Shakespeare, UWRF Fine Arts Building; April 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 7:30 p.m. “Richard III” depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of Richard III of England — director, Sean Dooley sets this production in Madison. As a way of saying “thanks” to our patrons and supporters all performances of Richard III are free. Reserved seating is required.
— ‘Illuminations:’ calligraphy exhibit at River Falls Public Library; includes prints from the St. John’s Bible; through April. Tim Ternes, director of the St. John’s Bible, will speak about its creation at 7 p.m., April 19, Gallery Level.
— 2012 art OPENer The St. Croix Valley Studio Tour: Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; includes Pottery@Raccoon Highway, Elaine Studio, Spiritworks Pottery, Cassanova Glass Studio, Meiissa: Studio d’Art, Sigwath Glass, Richard Reynolds Ward Studio, Michael Bond Etchings Studio, Ilwaco Glass. More info at www.artopener.com/
— The Creative Drive: May 5 & 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 60 artists at 4 sites. Color Crossing, Onkka Pottery, Silver Bison Ranch, Trout Lily Studios; representative Artists: Margy Balwierz, Dennis Burich, Marlene Meyer, Paul & Denise Morris, Dan Riordan, Jim Herold, Kerri Norman, Mark Tomlinson, Coleen Tabaika, Ed Krause, Barb Riegel Bend, Judy Larson, Greta Hammelman, Him Moenke. More information at www.thecreativedrive.com
— International Migratory Bird Day: Local celebration at River Falls City Hall and White Pathway. Bird Identification, bird-banding, guided hikes, face painting, arts & crafts. May 5, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sponsored by (among others): Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, Midwest Organic, Earthworks, Wolf Honey Far, Whole Earth Grocery, Prairie Enthusiasts, City of River Falls, Carpenter Nature Center.
— Terra Madre “Mother Earth” featuring The Four Voices String Quartet and David Milne with the UWRF Faculty Jazz Quartet. April 23, 7:30 p.m. at the University Center Falcon’s Nest on the UWRF campus.
— New Music Ensemble: 7:00 p.m., April 26; UWRF, Kleinpell Fine Arts, William Abbott Concert Hall.
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