A sentimental walk down memory lane was had by all during the Cool Waters Cowboy Music concert this past Saturday night. Lots of folks were there and enjoyed the music of our youth together.
Richard Oldfield had his incredible collection of cowboy memorabilia on display for all to enjoy too. I want to say a special Thank You to Richard for being a big reason that this event was possible. I know he joins me in saying thank you also to the many sponsors that contributed to this event’s success. If it were not for the generosity of our sponsors we would not be able to bring in the variety of entertainment and educational opportunities that are provided at the Arts Center. Sponsors are vital to our success!
Ornaments Created for National KY Christmas Tree in Washington, DC
Speaking of opportunities, we have a rare one for our youth in grades 5th – 12th. The Kentucky Arts Council has awarded us the opportunity for our youth to create the Christmas ornaments that will be adorning the National Kentucky Christmas Tree in Washington, DC. This tree is a part of the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony that will take place on December 1st at 5:00pm. In fact, one of these ornaments will be chosen to be placed on the National Christmas Tree.
Artist Amanda Brantly will be working with these youth and we only have 24 ornaments with a short amount of time to create them. Amanda will be holding 4 workshops: November 5: 10-noon & 1-3:00pm and November 12: 10-noon & 1-3:00pm for students to work on the ornaments. If you are a youth or know of a youth that would be interested in participating in this awesome free opportunity please call the Arts Center ASAP: 859-498-6264.
Morehead State University Art Student Exhibit
Also coming up this week we have a couple of other wonderful events. This Friday we will be hosting the Opening Reception for the annual Morehead State University Art Student Exhibit. This is always a fascinating exhibit showing what our emerging artists are creating and discussing.
A Gallery Talk will be held at 5:30pm and following at 6:30pm the Morehead University BFA Creative Writing Students will be reading from their works as well. So join from 4:30-7:00pm for a free evening of art and creative writings by some very talented artists. We wish to thank Morehead State University for generously sponsoring this exhibit again this year.
Louisville Mandolin Orchestra
Sunday afternoon, November 6 at 4:00pm, we have another rare opportunity for our community. The Arts Center is presenting the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra - 20 musicians with a variety of Mandolins playing a variety of music from classical to contemporary.
This is an event that you do not want to miss! Having 20 Mandolins together in one space will be a beautiful event for the listener. As you may know the Mandolin is a favorite instrument for Bluegrass Musicians too.
Tickets are $12.50 for adults, and $5 for students of all ages and available at the Arts Center and Ruth Hunt Candy. Please take time to experience this amazing musical event and invite a friend to come too.
“A Wedding to Die For” by Donna Ison
Donna Ison, originally of Mt. Sterling, has been busy writing many plays for theatre groups to perform throughout the region. We are privileged to present one of her recent murder mysteries right here in her own hometown.
On Saturday, November 12th at 7:00pm, we will be presenting “A Wedding To Die For” in the Lewis Apperson White Performance Hall at the Arts Center. An intriguing “who done it” murder mystery that the audience is in the middle of.
Come join the fun and celebrate with Donna Ison as we present one of her plays for the first time. Tickets are $30/person and include dinner and set ups (soft drinks, water, etc.) You may bring your favorite beverage if you like. Tables of 8 may be reserved. Tickets are on sale at Ruth Hunt Candy and the Arts Center. For more information please call: 859-498-6264.
After School Art Camp
November 14-18th an “After School Art Camp” will be held at the Arts Center. This is for children grades 2nd-5th from 2:45-4:15pm daily. Drawing, painting, collage, stenciling, etc. are what these children will be learning under the expertise of artist Cathy McGinnis. This is a great way to spend chilly afternoons in the warmth of a classroom experience.
For this week of learning experiences the cost is $50. To register please call: 859-498-6264. Call soon for this camp will fill up quickly.
“Bits & Pieces” Community Built Mosaic
But there is more taking place at the Arts Center! The “Bits & Pieces” Community Built Mosaic is about to begin. Designed by nationally renowned Mosaic Artist Sherrie Warner Hunter we will be working with children and adults of all ages to create this mosaic that depicts the images of our Gateway Area.
If you are interested in learning how to do mosaics and would like to lead a team on Saturdays to create this beautiful work of art we need you. Sherrie will be teaching how to do Mosaics the evenings of November 17 & 18. Please call: 859-498-6264 to sign up as a team leader (you do not have to have prior experience).
If you are interested as an individual or group to participate in the building of the mosaic we will be doing the first placing of tiles on Saturday & Sunday – November 19 & 20. The “Bits & Pieces” Gateway Mosaic will be installed on the side ramp of the Arts Center this spring and will measure 25ft x 5ft. This is a tremendous project that will be seen by many generations to come and we thank Mosaic Artist Terri Pulley for her coordination and direction on this project. This project is free to all participants.
If you would like to have your name or business name placed permanently on display with this mosaic please call me and I would love to speak with you about this opportunity: 859-498-6264 or caylane@bellsouth.net.
Open Mic Night
Our Young Adult Team will be presenting “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, November 17th in the Small Performance Café (we are still looking for a donor to name this space after!) at the Arts Center. These nights have been delightful evenings of listening to emerging artists by supportive audiences.
If you would like to try your hand at performing it is free to participate. Just come to the center at 6:30pm, sign up, and share your talent (music, creative writings, etc.). As an audience, the performances start at 7:00 and it is free to you also. What a great way to spend a cold evening in a cozy space with talented performers. Hope to see you there.
Upcoming in December
Also add to your calendar: The Artisan Gift Market that will open December 2 in the Gallery; the 25th Annual Advent Musicale – Ascension Episcopal Church on December 4th; Noteables Youth Chorus Concert – Dec. 6th; and the Polar Express at the Arts Center the weekend of December 10th & 11th (Gingerbread House contest, Holiday Edibles contest, Train displays, and so much more).
Join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center to celebrate the arts through entertainment and educational experiences. We are working to present quality arts programs that are usually only available in larger cities. We invite you to come in and be a part of these wonderful experiences at your Gateway Regional Arts Center. Visit us on facebook and www.gatewayartscenter.com or call: 859.498-6264.
