Arts Minded: CAB Board seeks members for new year of events

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Happy New Year! Well, it’s not quite 2010 yet, but tomorrow there will be assessments to take, resolutions to make, greetings to tender and, one hopes, sleeping in to do after a fine and busy holiday season.

And then, it’s time to get to work.

The arts in River Falls don’t stop. In January, our local performers and artists are preparing their works for the spring art season. And the Community Arts Base is getting ready for a new year of art shows, dances, concerts, a GALA and fairs.

Even more important, getting these events up and running requires talent, work and a strong board of directors. It’s time to elect a new board; some of our long term board members are leaving their posts to become very active CAB volunteers; others must leave because work requires a move.

Because of the vacancies they create and because our board has a flexible number, we welcome candidates to serve on the board and help keep the arts flowing in our area. The CAB board needs artists and arts lovers. But it also needs people with talent and interest in crafts, organizing, publicizing, technology, and those just plain willing to work.

Those of you interested in serving, can contact one of the following: Beckham@pressenter.com or 425-7143, Jeff Kulow at jjkulow@pressenter.com or David Markson at rfsignguy@yahoo.com or 425-7226.

We’d love to have candidates lined up by Tuesday, Jan. 5: The meeting and board election is Monday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. That is the annual meeting and it is open to all.

Meanwhile, if you would enjoy working with us, get in touch to let us know you’re interested.

One more important New Year observation: The Wisconsin Humanities Council has selected our own River Falls Public Library to host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Key Ingredients: America by Food” in early 2011. It is about food – but if you don’t think food and creative eating is art, just remember the food you’ve experienced in the last few weeks.

Work will begin on this exhibit and allied events will begin right away so anyone interested in helping prepare programming and exhibits to compliment this display should contact Katie Chaffee at the library.

January Arts Events include:

Barn Dance: Saturday, Jan. 9, at the River Falls Academy gym; 7-10 p.m. All are invited and all have fun; no experience necessary; the caller teaches each dance as it comes up. 7–8:30 p.m. is Family Dance; from 8:30-10 p.m., we get a chance to try more challenging dances with the help of the caller; the band is Lulu Gals; light refreshments are available; Maple Street entrance; for more information, contact Sue Beckham at Beckham@Pressenter.com or 425-7143; if you miss this one, there will be dances in February, March, and April.

Neighborly Art: Community art show continues at the River Falls Public Library through Sunday, Jan. 3. Those who have seen the show find it wonderful and recommend that the rest of us catch it.

Brad Labadie Blown Glass: Continues at RFPL through Wednesday, Jan. 20. This show is part of an effort to showcase young artists. Katie Chaffee says, “It’s great to see these up-and-coming young artists’ work.” Watch the lobby display case for more mini shows of local glass and pottery.

The Art Circle and Working Systems: Nine members of the Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota (WARM) exhibit at the RFPL; multi-media show; Sunday, Jan. 10 through Feb. 7, 2010; public reception 2-4 p.m. also Jan. 10.

Wilson Decker’s watercolor classes: Sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays, Jan. 11 and 25; free; basic materials provided; RFPL; continues on the second and fourth Mondays through June.

Earth Angels Events: All Earth Angels events free and open; for more information, call (715) 220-2975.

1)New Year’s Eve Open Mike: Thursday, Dec. 31, 6:30-9 p.m.; 321 2nd St.; in time for participants to make traditional New Year’s Eve parties; open mike provides for local musicians, singers, poets, and storytellers to share their talents with the public.

2)Olde-Tyme Folk singer-songwriter Sue West: Jan. 2, 6:30-9 p.m.

3)Sara Van Valkenburg: Folk and Country singer; Fri., Jan. 8, 6:30-9 p.m.

Stone Soup Gallery: Specializing in local artists at new location at the old Post Office site in downtown Hudson. It would be nice to stop by when things are slow in January.

Tags: arts and entertainment, river falls public library, opinion, columns, food, events