Community Theatre update: Spring Horton writes that she's tried every avenue suggested to keep troupe going but none seem able to help. Several suggested asking the school if Empty Wallet could use one of their stages. This would no doubt involve just as much red tape as going through the city and the troupe would have to wait a month or two before anything happened (assuming they said yes). Waiting would delay auditions and performance too much to put on play before school lets out and everyone takes off on vacation.
So Spring has put in an appeal to town that will be decided at the council meeting tonight. She gathering up as many supporters as she can to show up. According to Spring, "It may not make a difference, but at least the town and the council will realize that it's not just me asking for this."
She let me know in case I wanted to come or knew people who would. So now I'm letting you all know. Let's support a community theater that involves all ages, backgrounds, and interests... Can you help? E-mail Spring and let her know.
March 3 - Cibola Arts "March Mudness" Exhibit opening, running through April 29 - works exhibited incorporate a mud theme - see above link to Steppin' Out article with details on exhibit and participating artists. Food and drink will be served during the opening. Gallery hours are 10-5, Tues-Sun. Call 847-0324 or visit the Cibola web site.
March 1, Central Avenue's regular monthly poetry reading. 1 at 7 pm at Winning Coffee Co. , 111 Harvard SE, Albuquerque, 1/2 block so. of Central in the University area. Open mic, free admission. Central Avenue Poetry Magazine issue for this month is released at the reading, free to contributors who are featured that month or $3. per issue.
March 1-4, Santa Fe International Festival of Electroacoustic Music, at O'Shaughnessy Performance Space, Benildus Hall, College of Santa Fe. Performances at 7:30 pm, $8 each; all three for $20. Call 473-6196 to be put on reservation list.
March 13th, NM Evironment Department public hearings about Biomass Plant: three meetings at Estancia Community Center. The first at 1 is the 'techncal' meeting - speakers must register in order to speak; the 2nd at 3 & the last at 6 are public. Addie Draper, who has been organizing local response would like see as much local turn out as possible. Letter from NMED responding to comments on biomass plant. Talking points handout.
(PS counter position posts welcome and invited. Open and informed discussion of all sides is crucial to making an informed decision)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Local & Nearby News & Dates
The main news has to be DATE CHANGE for 2007 Arts Tour. As recently reported, the Community Center was not available for the original and sort of traditional (3rd weekend in May) date of May 19th. The new (but not necessarily improved) date is now June 9th (2nd Saturday). A work by local artist Addie Draper has been selected as official Tour image. I'll post it here - maybe even as blog header - when the promised jpeg hits my inbox. In the mean time, the art work in question hangs at Cibola Arts. You can see it there or go online to view more of Addie's works. Download Art Tour 2007 registration form here. E-mail or call tour management with any questions you might have.
Note about blog links - I heard indirectly about Celeste Simon's link here supposedly going to a porn site, with the (misleading) implication that the blog was sending clickers there. T'wern't so. Not at all. The domain name lapsed and someone else bought it up. That means the new owners can do whatever they want with her name. Once I found out that the url was no longer valid and had even gone somewhat to the dark side (albeit far less so than implied), I deleted the link.
Let this be a cautionary tale for anyone registering a domain name that is also his or her own name: your name is yours only as long as it's paid for. If your lapse means that that a link on the blog here goes someplace you don't want visitors clicking to, let me know so I can take the link down. Makes more sense than complaining to sympatheric folk sympathetic who make comforting tsk tsk noises but can't do anything about it.
Empty Wallet Theater update: February auditions were canceled, and plans for the spring performance are on hold, hopefully a temporary one. Spring Horton regretfully reports that the Town Council turned down her request for space for rehearsals and classes at the Mountainair Campgrounds. Empty Wallet's Wizard of Oz was such a hit with players and audience. It would be a shame not to support them, especially not when Mountainair finally has a theater group after years of talking about wanting one and convening fruitless meetings.
March 1-4 (free) concerts by Canadian Country & Western singer Jack Jackson at the Dr. Saul Community Center in Mountainair at 7:00 pm on March 2nd and 3rd and another at the Gran Quivira Church from 10:00 am to noon on March 4th. At each concert there will be a goodwill offering in lieu of admission. After the concert on Sunday, there will be a pot-luck lunch. The concerts are sponsored by the Gran Quivira Church. For more details call Fred Moore at (505) 847-2962. Gran Quivira Church is located approximately 23 miles south of Mountainair on Highway 55. Pictures from last year's concert - from Country Chronicle, photos by George Hewitt
Jubilee Benefit Bingo March 2, 6 pm at the Mountainair Elementary School cafeteria. The next Jubilee committee meeting is March 1, 5:30 pm at Ancient Cities
March Potluck: 1st Wednesday of the month, March , 5:30 pm at Ruth Ballen's on Limit.
More Shaffer Shake-up (coulda been an early Elvis tune, eh?) : Norma Padilla is now longer associated with Pop's Curio Shop at the Shaffer. That means no Judy and her altered couture either. Fortunately for Judy, the blow fell before she moved her items in and decorated her window. Wana Beth Fox's Western art - prints and wood art - were already on display, now moved out this past weekend. Both are definitely the Shaffer's loss - as well as for visitors.
Anne Ravenstone & Megan Lemcke were off to Santa Fe Thursday for art grant presentation to legislative & purse string holding types... other than box lunch being over-priced even by Santa Fe standards ... Mountain Friends Buyer's Group ordering and pick-up dates for coop order will be the same for March as they were for February - a no-brainer what with orders being every 4 weeks. April goes back to harder to connect and remember dates, so pick up a schedule from Meds & More ... with Addie Draper renting out Mojave Rose, Thursday's oil painting group will be on temporary hiatus until an alternate meeting can be found...if you know of or have a location to offer, please let Addie know (I haven't cleared posting e-mail address with her, so leave a message at Cibola Arts)
Notes from nearby (more "in the neighborhood" than 'burque bits & more part of our natural network)
Nice "keep up good work" note about blog from artist Dorothy Peterson, originally from Estancia, now living in Roswell. She does watercolor and other art workshops (very impressive professional and teaching creds) and would like to know if there might be interest in a workshop here in Mountainair. Take a look at art and bio on her studio site and let us know what you think. Might be a nice something to offer for the tour too. We do like pats better than pans...
A Belen / Los Lunas arts group - Route 66 Society for the Arts - headquarters at Bristles (art supplies) on NM 47 (Main) in Los Lunas. They now have a web page - with good information about programs, projects, and events - some parts still under construction.
March 3 - 31- Belen Model Rail Road Club Spring Show at the Harvey House - 20x40 foot modular set up. Vendors Weekend - Saturday and Sunday March 17 and 18 with extended hours.
The Belen Art League just finished up a month of fiber art exhibits and programs at the Harvey House. The group also maintains permanent exhibit and sales space at 509 Becker Avenue in Belen.
The Harvey House Museum is located at 104 North First Street, is open 12: 30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 861-0581. The Harvey House was part of the extensive restaurant system founded by Fred Harvey. Located near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, it now houses the Harvey House Museum operated by the Valencia County Historical Society.
The Tomé Art Gallery, 2930 Highway 47 near Tomé Hill between Belen and Los Lunas. 565-0556. Beginning in February, the gallery will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can also visit them online at any hour by going to: www.TomeGallery.com - e-mail tomegallery@comcast.net
Note about blog links - I heard indirectly about Celeste Simon's link here supposedly going to a porn site, with the (misleading) implication that the blog was sending clickers there. T'wern't so. Not at all. The domain name lapsed and someone else bought it up. That means the new owners can do whatever they want with her name. Once I found out that the url was no longer valid and had even gone somewhat to the dark side (albeit far less so than implied), I deleted the link.
Let this be a cautionary tale for anyone registering a domain name that is also his or her own name: your name is yours only as long as it's paid for. If your lapse means that that a link on the blog here goes someplace you don't want visitors clicking to, let me know so I can take the link down. Makes more sense than complaining to sympatheric folk sympathetic who make comforting tsk tsk noises but can't do anything about it.
Empty Wallet Theater update: February auditions were canceled, and plans for the spring performance are on hold, hopefully a temporary one. Spring Horton regretfully reports that the Town Council turned down her request for space for rehearsals and classes at the Mountainair Campgrounds. Empty Wallet's Wizard of Oz was such a hit with players and audience. It would be a shame not to support them, especially not when Mountainair finally has a theater group after years of talking about wanting one and convening fruitless meetings.
March 1-4 (free) concerts by Canadian Country & Western singer Jack Jackson at the Dr. Saul Community Center in Mountainair at 7:00 pm on March 2nd and 3rd and another at the Gran Quivira Church from 10:00 am to noon on March 4th. At each concert there will be a goodwill offering in lieu of admission. After the concert on Sunday, there will be a pot-luck lunch. The concerts are sponsored by the Gran Quivira Church. For more details call Fred Moore at (505) 847-2962. Gran Quivira Church is located approximately 23 miles south of Mountainair on Highway 55. Pictures from last year's concert - from Country Chronicle, photos by George Hewitt
Jubilee Benefit Bingo March 2, 6 pm at the Mountainair Elementary School cafeteria. The next Jubilee committee meeting is March 1, 5:30 pm at Ancient Cities
March Potluck: 1st Wednesday of the month, March , 5:30 pm at Ruth Ballen's on Limit.
More Shaffer Shake-up (coulda been an early Elvis tune, eh?) : Norma Padilla is now longer associated with Pop's Curio Shop at the Shaffer. That means no Judy and her altered couture either. Fortunately for Judy, the blow fell before she moved her items in and decorated her window. Wana Beth Fox's Western art - prints and wood art - were already on display, now moved out this past weekend. Both are definitely the Shaffer's loss - as well as for visitors.
Anne Ravenstone & Megan Lemcke were off to Santa Fe Thursday for art grant presentation to legislative & purse string holding types... other than box lunch being over-priced even by Santa Fe standards ... Mountain Friends Buyer's Group ordering and pick-up dates for coop order will be the same for March as they were for February - a no-brainer what with orders being every 4 weeks. April goes back to harder to connect and remember dates, so pick up a schedule from Meds & More ... with Addie Draper renting out Mojave Rose, Thursday's oil painting group will be on temporary hiatus until an alternate meeting can be found...if you know of or have a location to offer, please let Addie know (I haven't cleared posting e-mail address with her, so leave a message at Cibola Arts)
Notes from nearby (more "in the neighborhood" than 'burque bits & more part of our natural network)
Nice "keep up good work" note about blog from artist Dorothy Peterson, originally from Estancia, now living in Roswell. She does watercolor and other art workshops (very impressive professional and teaching creds) and would like to know if there might be interest in a workshop here in Mountainair. Take a look at art and bio on her studio site and let us know what you think. Might be a nice something to offer for the tour too. We do like pats better than pans...
A Belen / Los Lunas arts group - Route 66 Society for the Arts - headquarters at Bristles (art supplies) on NM 47 (Main) in Los Lunas. They now have a web page - with good information about programs, projects, and events - some parts still under construction.
March 3 - 31- Belen Model Rail Road Club Spring Show at the Harvey House - 20x40 foot modular set up. Vendors Weekend - Saturday and Sunday March 17 and 18 with extended hours.
The Belen Art League just finished up a month of fiber art exhibits and programs at the Harvey House. The group also maintains permanent exhibit and sales space at 509 Becker Avenue in Belen.
The Harvey House Museum is located at 104 North First Street, is open 12: 30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 861-0581. The Harvey House was part of the extensive restaurant system founded by Fred Harvey. Located near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks, it now houses the Harvey House Museum operated by the Valencia County Historical Society.
The Tomé Art Gallery, 2930 Highway 47 near Tomé Hill between Belen and Los Lunas. 565-0556. Beginning in February, the gallery will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can also visit them online at any hour by going to: www.TomeGallery.com - e-mail tomegallery@comcast.net
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
TBD: final performances reminder & link to pictures
From Dale Harris:
Pictures from the Tibetan Book of the Dead performance are online at Alan Michael Photography. They probably can't be harvested since they are for sale by the photographer, but the viewing is good and will give you some sense of staging and theatrical effect.
All 3 performances of The Tibetan Book of the Dead last weekend were sell-outs, so calling the
Showtimes are Fri. & Sat. Feb. 23-24, 8 pm, Sun. Feb. 25, 2 pm
just north of Griegos.
Tickets: General admission $10; Seniors, students $8
*Reservations (505) 344-4542 (New Number)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Local, all local and (almost) nothing but...
Local, all local, and nothing but... well, almost. Today I offer blog clarifications, arts tour notes, Shaffer shakeup, local music news - Cognitive Dissidents, report & reminder on Other People's Poems feature, blogzibit preview, Sunflower Notes... and a "just for fun" non-local something that I couldn't resisit including...
Coming attractions... Blogzibit, Burfers, more local music notes, and just plain more of whatever looks interesting between now and then...
Blogorama Clarifications:
Rumblings (or were they grumblings?) from the dirty ear department (what happens when you put your ear to the ground) explain a certain, shall we say, coolness I've sensed from folk cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme. Hmm... clarifications may be in order, perhaps overdue. Let me emphasize (yet again) that Mountainair Arts is NOT part of, the voice of, nor in any way represents the Manzano Mountain Arts Council (hereafter referred to as MMAC).
However, as the name Mountainair Arts, indicates, the blog takes an interest in all things both arts and Mountainair related. That interest does not restrict itself to any organization and, indeed, strives to offer a voice for the dispossessed who may feel that local organizations do not address theirs needs or interests. The net is, obviously, a "network" and blogging a tool for networking. Another Mountainair blog, with a different blogger & different focus - but complementary, overlapping, and crosslinked at every possible and plausible intersection - is in the works.
Inclusiveness rules. Contributions welcomed as are comments, questioning authority, and other manifestations of the enquiring, open mind
2007 Tour Notes (our original raison d'être after all)
There are problems with tour date: the Dr Saul Community Center is not available on 19th. An mmac meeting early next week will decide what to juggle - venues or dates. Recent changes at the Shaffer Hotel cast doubt on assumptions (of the previously unconfirmed and thus unwarranted variety) to move there bag and baggage. A council representative is approaching (or has approached) Shaffer owner Joel Marks about Shaffer availability.
For more about tour, applications, tour image selection, venues, studio tour, etc. e-mail MMACtour@Mountainair-NM.com
Although the Tour is an arts council project, we onlooking bystanders who expect to support and help promote the tour, can and should feel free to speculate and recommend. The community center is available the next weekend. Unless announcements have been widely disseminated and submissions made to notable online calendars, hanging the tour date would be a simple alternative. Possibly the simplest. Go KISS! Yet not all tour participants are happy with the Community Center. Reasonable and seemingly valid complaints abound. Dear arts PTB: I didn't make the complaints, so don't blame me.
Nonetheless, the scenario does suggest yet another essay in the "perils and pitfalls of small town event planning" series on my other Mountainair blog (yeah, the inflammatory one - catch me if you can...)
Shaffer Shake-up
Change in management... new managers supposedly making their appearance Monday... SatArt@Shaffer gone the way of the dodo...Judy Mowris and her Straw Mountain Studio items will be moving into Pop's Curio Shop. Look for the display in the window... Veronica Padilla's very welcome stewardship of the Shaffer dining room, renamed Pop's Cafe, is looking bright as signalled by the busy, busy dining room. Currently open Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, the Cafe will start opening Sundays as well, eventually expanding to include dinner service.
Cognitive Dissidents ... Listened to them lately? You can listen to 4 Demo album sangs at their MySpace page or download 3 Cognitive Dissident songs from their demo album at AudioStreet.net. CogD Dennis Fulfer updates us on doings & plans,
Just for fun, sharing a forward - YouTube - Nora, The Piano-Playing Cat. Hey, it's music and this is a putative arts blog. That makes it as appropriate as any other cultural happening that pings my radar
Blogzibit teaser (or would that be a trailer?) for Geree's upcoming blogzibit. Here are a few ATCs by Geree to whet your appetite. Strictly speaking, Geree's are ACEO's because she sells as well as trades them. ACEO = Art Card, Editions and Originals. They've been selling well on eBay, where there dimunitive size is an asset when it comes to increased shipping costs have been chipping away at other sales.
Mesas
The Other Side
Sunflower Notes
More ATCs here too. Sunflower will again showcase ATCs, expanded and tentativelyhopefully with a spring ATC something or other. In addition to the traditional sunfloweria (not necessarily including actual sunflowers) associated with sunflower festivities, there will be another sunflower raffle quilt, squares by a California quiltiing colleague of Meg Chobanian's that she (Meg) will assemble. Eventually, the sunflower raffle quilt, which looks to be becoming a regular feature as well filling important function of putting folk art into Sunflower Folk Art Day is supposed to evolve into a true community quilt project, in which individuals, including students in the Mountainair schools and members of diverse community groups, would contribute squares to the sunflower quilt.
2006 Raffle Quilt
Coming attractions... Blogzibit, Burfers, more local music notes, and just plain more of whatever looks interesting between now and then...
Blogorama Clarifications:
Rumblings (or were they grumblings?) from the dirty ear department (what happens when you put your ear to the ground) explain a certain, shall we say, coolness I've sensed from folk cuyo nombre no quiero acordarme. Hmm... clarifications may be in order, perhaps overdue. Let me emphasize (yet again) that Mountainair Arts is NOT part of, the voice of, nor in any way represents the Manzano Mountain Arts Council (hereafter referred to as MMAC).
However, as the name Mountainair Arts, indicates, the blog takes an interest in all things both arts and Mountainair related. That interest does not restrict itself to any organization and, indeed, strives to offer a voice for the dispossessed who may feel that local organizations do not address theirs needs or interests. The net is, obviously, a "network" and blogging a tool for networking. Another Mountainair blog, with a different blogger & different focus - but complementary, overlapping, and crosslinked at every possible and plausible intersection - is in the works.
Inclusiveness rules. Contributions welcomed as are comments, questioning authority, and other manifestations of the enquiring, open mind
2007 Tour Notes (our original raison d'être after all)
There are problems with tour date: the Dr Saul Community Center is not available on 19th. An mmac meeting early next week will decide what to juggle - venues or dates. Recent changes at the Shaffer Hotel cast doubt on assumptions (of the previously unconfirmed and thus unwarranted variety) to move there bag and baggage. A council representative is approaching (or has approached) Shaffer owner Joel Marks about Shaffer availability.
For more about tour, applications, tour image selection, venues, studio tour, etc. e-mail MMACtour@Mountainair-NM.com
Although the Tour is an arts council project, we onlooking bystanders who expect to support and help promote the tour, can and should feel free to speculate and recommend. The community center is available the next weekend. Unless announcements have been widely disseminated and submissions made to notable online calendars, hanging the tour date would be a simple alternative. Possibly the simplest. Go KISS! Yet not all tour participants are happy with the Community Center. Reasonable and seemingly valid complaints abound. Dear arts PTB: I didn't make the complaints, so don't blame me.
Nonetheless, the scenario does suggest yet another essay in the "perils and pitfalls of small town event planning" series on my other Mountainair blog (yeah, the inflammatory one - catch me if you can...)
Shaffer Shake-up
Change in management... new managers supposedly making their appearance Monday... SatArt@Shaffer gone the way of the dodo...Judy Mowris and her Straw Mountain Studio items will be moving into Pop's Curio Shop. Look for the display in the window... Veronica Padilla's very welcome stewardship of the Shaffer dining room, renamed Pop's Cafe, is looking bright as signalled by the busy, busy dining room. Currently open Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, the Cafe will start opening Sundays as well, eventually expanding to include dinner service.
"We're writing bits and pieces and will be compiling them into a whole new set. We're minus a bassist at the moment, (one is at basic training and the other moved to Abq.) We are auditioning a bassist/singer and a pianist this weekend. Will keep you informed.OPP (Other People's Poems) update & reminder: seven poems have been posted to the OPP thread. The range is fascinatingly formidable - from Cavafy, Rilke & Lorca to cowboy poetry and childhood favorites. Take a look and add your own faves.
Our sound is always evolving with each session. I like this fact. I'm personally wanting to take it to the next performance level in which we actually do some kind of calculated motions, and not just stand there and recite our music. I want to add dance/movement as well as alot of visual effects to our live performances. I'm not sure if everyone else, other than Timothy, would be interested in this aspect. I'm considering doing a "side project" that does entail performance aspects."
Just for fun, sharing a forward - YouTube - Nora, The Piano-Playing Cat. Hey, it's music and this is a putative arts blog. That makes it as appropriate as any other cultural happening that pings my radar
Blogzibit teaser (or would that be a trailer?) for Geree's upcoming blogzibit. Here are a few ATCs by Geree to whet your appetite. Strictly speaking, Geree's are ACEO's because she sells as well as trades them. ACEO = Art Card, Editions and Originals. They've been selling well on eBay, where there dimunitive size is an asset when it comes to increased shipping costs have been chipping away at other sales.
Neon Vibrations - click to view larger image
Mesas
The Other Side
More ATCs here too. Sunflower will again showcase ATCs, expanded and tentativelyhopefully with a spring ATC something or other. In addition to the traditional sunfloweria (not necessarily including actual sunflowers) associated with sunflower festivities, there will be another sunflower raffle quilt, squares by a California quiltiing colleague of Meg Chobanian's that she (Meg) will assemble. Eventually, the sunflower raffle quilt, which looks to be becoming a regular feature as well filling important function of putting folk art into Sunflower Folk Art Day is supposed to evolve into a true community quilt project, in which individuals, including students in the Mountainair schools and members of diverse community groups, would contribute squares to the sunflower quilt.
2006 Raffle Quilt
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Notes on out of town doings
Promise ... very next post will be local ... more than usual to cover...Arts Tour update, Shaffer shake-up, Chamber meeting report, blog policies (again!), clarification on blog purpose and non-existent relationship to MMAC, and perhaps even some editorializing, past due (imnsho)... And now to get out of town doings notes out of the way...
Usual blog policy on announcing out of town events on Mountainair Arts: list closest, ranging no farther afield than Albuquerque. With this in mind, I cull various announcement lists and query area performance, literary and art groups to send me announcements, news, updates, usw. Network, network, network...
However, Santa Fe's ArtFeast is so intriguing that I can't resist including it. One of Santa Fe's most special and unusual art events - in a city known for such, ArtFeast, starting Thursday February 22, is a benefit project of the Santa Fe Gallery Association to provide art materials and instruction in the Santa Fe public schools. From Thursday, February 22nd through Sunday the 25th, ArtFeast engages art buyers, art makers, gallery owners, restaurants, fashion designers, real estate brokers and the children of Santa Fe. Four days of camaraderie, art- and food-mania benefit art education and Santa Fe children. For tickets, call the Lensic Theater Box Office at 988-1234 or go to http://www.artfeast.com.
Take a look at the Art Feast site, peruse events... what can we learn / take away from this project embodying the felicitous collaboration of art, education, and business?
Albuquerque
Too late now to cover Friday's ArtCrawl, but you already knew about it anyway, didn't you? If you missed last Friday, there'll be another Friday to crawl art in Albuquerque. It's like men and steetcars - if you miss one, another will be along shortly.
Dale reports that Friday's performance of The Tibetan Book of the Dead or "How Not to Do it Again" was sold out (SRO!), with brisk advance sales for other performances. Thursday's dress rehearsals went well. I've asked Dale for performance pictures when she gets a chance. VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 4th Street NW in Albuquerque.
Just Cashews' recently initiated Albuquerque sustainability project has morphed into and taken on greater Fair Trade. The last meeting, February 9, worked on plans for an Albuquerque Fair Trade Forum to promote increased use and availability of Fair Trade goods in local businesses. The next meeting is February 16 at 4:45 at Peace Craft, 3215 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Fair Trade Facts
Reception for the Exhibit, Documentation of The Luna Lodge on Route 66. Tuesday, February 20, 2007 , 5:30-7:00pm - Foyer, UNM School of Architecture & Planning. The exhibit, running from Feb. 11 to 23, features results from the University of New Mexico Summer Institute for Preservation course, Recording Historical Resources: Route 66 Measured Drawings. For more details, e-mail jmcgilvr@unm.edu
El Centro de la Raza's Film & Discussion Series in honor of Africano History Month presents Professora Sagrario-Cruz & Doloris Careaga-Coleman & their discussion of Africano Presence in Mexico Monday February 19th 2007. 4:00 - 6:30 pm @ the Mesta Vista Hall Foyer (area in the center of the 3 cultural centers). Two short documentaries will be screened."African Blood" by director Roberto Olivaras features testimonies from comtemporary Afro-Mestizos in the Costa Chica region of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Creator Signora Doloris Careaga-Cruz will present the second documentary, on cultural presence and connection through the traditional foods of her Afro-Mestizo culture. She will also prepare tradtional dishes featured in the film to share after the screening. If you have any questions, concerns or need more information, please feel free to contact Jenya @ 277-5020.
Las Cruces
Author/poet/correspondent and globetrotting troublemaker John Ross will present "Voices of Global Resistance" on Wednesday, February 21, at 3:30 p.m. in the fourth floor gallery of New Mexico State University's Branson Library. Ross will read poems and narratives of global resistance from Iraq to Oaxaca and Palestine to Chiapas.
John Ross, the author of eight volumes of fiction and non-fiction, has received both the American Book Award and the coveted Upton Sinclair Prize. Also known as a stand-up poet and graduate of the Beat Generation, Ross is the author of nine chapbooks. A rebel journalist with nearly fifty years on the front lines, he is also a longtime contributor to the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Noticias Aliadas (Lima), The Nation, Counterpunch and KPFA's Flashpoints.
For more information, please contact Molly Molloy (505) 646-6931 or mmolloy@lib.nmsu.edu, or Daniel Smith at (505) 646-5492 or dlsmith@nmsu.edu.
Usual blog policy on announcing out of town events on Mountainair Arts: list closest, ranging no farther afield than Albuquerque. With this in mind, I cull various announcement lists and query area performance, literary and art groups to send me announcements, news, updates, usw. Network, network, network...
However, Santa Fe's ArtFeast is so intriguing that I can't resist including it. One of Santa Fe's most special and unusual art events - in a city known for such, ArtFeast, starting Thursday February 22, is a benefit project of the Santa Fe Gallery Association to provide art materials and instruction in the Santa Fe public schools. From Thursday, February 22nd through Sunday the 25th, ArtFeast engages art buyers, art makers, gallery owners, restaurants, fashion designers, real estate brokers and the children of Santa Fe. Four days of camaraderie, art- and food-mania benefit art education and Santa Fe children. For tickets, call the Lensic Theater Box Office at 988-1234 or go to http://www.artfeast.com.
Take a look at the Art Feast site, peruse events... what can we learn / take away from this project embodying the felicitous collaboration of art, education, and business?
Albuquerque
Too late now to cover Friday's ArtCrawl, but you already knew about it anyway, didn't you? If you missed last Friday, there'll be another Friday to crawl art in Albuquerque. It's like men and steetcars - if you miss one, another will be along shortly.
Dale reports that Friday's performance of The Tibetan Book of the Dead or "How Not to Do it Again" was sold out (SRO!), with brisk advance sales for other performances. Thursday's dress rehearsals went well. I've asked Dale for performance pictures when she gets a chance. VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 4th Street NW in Albuquerque.
Just Cashews' recently initiated Albuquerque sustainability project has morphed into and taken on greater Fair Trade. The last meeting, February 9, worked on plans for an Albuquerque Fair Trade Forum to promote increased use and availability of Fair Trade goods in local businesses. The next meeting is February 16 at 4:45 at Peace Craft, 3215 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Fair Trade Facts
Reception for the Exhibit, Documentation of The Luna Lodge on Route 66. Tuesday, February 20, 2007 , 5:30-7:00pm - Foyer, UNM School of Architecture & Planning. The exhibit, running from Feb. 11 to 23, features results from the University of New Mexico Summer Institute for Preservation course, Recording Historical Resources: Route 66 Measured Drawings. For more details, e-mail jmcgilvr@unm.edu
El Centro de la Raza's Film & Discussion Series in honor of Africano History Month presents Professora Sagrario-Cruz & Doloris Careaga-Coleman & their discussion of Africano Presence in Mexico Monday February 19th 2007. 4:00 - 6:30 pm @ the Mesta Vista Hall Foyer (area in the center of the 3 cultural centers). Two short documentaries will be screened."African Blood" by director Roberto Olivaras features testimonies from comtemporary Afro-Mestizos in the Costa Chica region of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Creator Signora Doloris Careaga-Cruz will present the second documentary, on cultural presence and connection through the traditional foods of her Afro-Mestizo culture. She will also prepare tradtional dishes featured in the film to share after the screening. If you have any questions, concerns or need more information, please feel free to contact Jenya @ 277-5020.
Las Cruces
Author/poet/correspondent and globetrotting troublemaker John Ross will present "Voices of Global Resistance" on Wednesday, February 21, at 3:30 p.m. in the fourth floor gallery of New Mexico State University's Branson Library. Ross will read poems and narratives of global resistance from Iraq to Oaxaca and Palestine to Chiapas.
John Ross, the author of eight volumes of fiction and non-fiction, has received both the American Book Award and the coveted Upton Sinclair Prize. Also known as a stand-up poet and graduate of the Beat Generation, Ross is the author of nine chapbooks. A rebel journalist with nearly fifty years on the front lines, he is also a longtime contributor to the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Noticias Aliadas (Lima), The Nation, Counterpunch and KPFA's Flashpoints.
For more information, please contact Molly Molloy (505) 646-6931 or mmolloy@lib.nmsu.edu, or Daniel Smith at (505) 646-5492 or dlsmith@nmsu.edu.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
The Tibetan Book Of The Dead or How Not To Do It Again
The Tibetan Book Of The Dead or How Not To Do It Again by Jean Claude Van Itallie is a highly theatrical concept that was originally produced at La Mama in New York City. It combines mixed media projections, original music, with movement, and spoken dialogue to create a perpetual stream of colors, sensations and illusions that illuminate the classic Buddhist text.
The show, directed by Scott Sharot, is a fundraiser for Copper Mountain Institute, a New Mexico Non-Profit Dharma Center that supports humanitarian and monastic works in Tibet and The Tibetan Cultural Preservation Initiative. An art show “Compassion – Ground of Being” runs concurrently in the North 4th Street Art Center’s Gallery, artists donating work for sale.
Where: The North Fourth Street Art Center
4904 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM
When: Performances Feb. 16 – 25
Fridays and Saturdays 8 pm, Sundays 2 pm
Art Show opening reception Fri. Feb. 16, 6:30 pm
Tickets: General admission $10 seniors, students $8.
Reservations (505) 345-2872 Ext.18
Contact: Scott Sharot (505) 242-4930 or scottanddale@earthlink.net
To Friends of the Dying
from original NYC Staging of TBD
The show, directed by Scott Sharot, is a fundraiser for Copper Mountain Institute, a New Mexico Non-Profit Dharma Center that supports humanitarian and monastic works in Tibet and The Tibetan Cultural Preservation Initiative. An art show “Compassion – Ground of Being” runs concurrently in the North 4th Street Art Center’s Gallery, artists donating work for sale.
Where: The North Fourth Street Art Center
4904 Fourth Street NW, Albuquerque, NM
When: Performances Feb. 16 – 25
Fridays and Saturdays 8 pm, Sundays 2 pm
Art Show opening reception Fri. Feb. 16, 6:30 pm
Tickets: General admission $10 seniors, students $8.
Reservations (505) 345-2872 Ext.18
Contact: Scott Sharot (505) 242-4930 or scottanddale@earthlink.net
- Artifacts from the actual Tibetan Book of the Dead
- Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
- Text of the Tibetan Book of the Dead
To Friends of the Dying
Oh you,The Dying
Who have come to this place,
Sisters and brothers, friends,
This person is dying.
She (he) has not chosen to do so.
She is suffering greatly.
She has no home, no friends.
Falling as from a cliff,
She is entering a strange forest.
Driven by the winds, swept by the ocean,
She feels no solid ground.
She is embarking on a great battle.
Moved from state to state,
She is alone and helpless.
Embrace her with your love.
My friend,The Moment of Death
You are feeling heavy,
You can no longer open or close your eyes.
Blue, yellow, red and green are turning white.
Logic and the chair and the table are dissolving.
The earth element in your body is dissolving into water.
My friend,
Your mind is losing its hold,
You grab at this,
You grab at that.
Your blood is slowing,
You feel faint.
Logic and the chair and the table are dissolving.
No more external sounds,
No more internal sounds.
You have no saliva, no sweat.
Everything is drying.
The water element in your body is dissolving into fire.
My friend,
Now you feel cold.
You have a sense of far-off vastness,
And you seem to see fireflies, or sparks
Within smoke.
You can’t get enough air.
You are losing ground.
Everything seems hollow.
You try to remember who you love.
The fire element in your body is dissolving into air.
My friend,
Now you are losing your last touch with the world:
Your sense of taste.
The last sign:
A sputtering butter lamp,
About to go out.
The air element in your body is dissolving into ether.
My friend,
Now is the moment of death.
The time has come for you to start out.
You are going home.
Oh, Nobly Born,
Now is the moment.
Before you is mind, open and wide as space,
Simple, without center or circumference.
Now is the moment of death.
Your mind in this moment is total transparency:
No color, no substance, empty,
Sparkling, pure and vibrant,
A mass of light
Not stopped by any obstacle.
It has neither beginning nor end.
Go toward the light.
Merge with it.
Merge with the light.
Death has happened.
It happens to everyone...
Death has happened.
So nothing can hurt you.
You can’t die again.
Don’t be afraid.
Merge with the light. Merge. Merge.
from original NYC Staging of TBD
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Local & Valentine's Day Notes
Just local notes today. For tomorrow or later, there's sizeable collection of down the road stuff for kulture vultures with big CO2 footprints. However, if I don't post Valentine's Day bits today, they'll be out of date before I do. So, gentle reader, consider this my Valentine to you.
Shaffer Dining Room Open
Shaffer Dining Room Open
The Shaffer Dining Room opened today to a moderate breakfast run and a busy lunch replete with happy diners giving good reviews. The menu is basic breakfast and standard Mexican & American luncheon fare. Expect menu changes and adjustments over the next few weeks. The restaurant is supposed to be renamed something along the line of a Pop's something or other. We may just stick with calling the Shaffer Dining Room or restaurant at the Shaffer. All that's missing now is SatArt@Shaffer! I haven't yet heard word as to whether Judy Mowris and Geree McDermott will be there Saturday but hope they are - SatArt@Shaffer is too good an idea to let languish.Valentine's Day
- Ancient Cities 3rd Annual Valentine's Dinner - roast beef / trimmings / desert. 6 pm - 9 pm. Call 847-2368 for reservations
- Generate a love poem instantly. Print your love poems in a surprising way, for example, in the shape of a heart.
- Read a love poem: the Poetry Foundation has 150 poems online for Valentine's Day(Poetry tool - use by poem, poet, audio.visuals, articles, childrens)
- Calculate the chances of finding your dream partner.
- Valentine's Day Trivia Quiz
The Manzano Mountain Arts Council selection committee is looking for original art [presumably by local artists] for the 2007 tour image that will be used on the the Tour postcard, flyers, advertising, etc.Spanish Classes
Submissions: send photographs or image CD of original artwork to
MMAC: Art Tour Image
PO Box 534
Mountainair NM 87036-0534
If submitting actual artwork rather than photos or CD, deliver to Cibola Art Gallery on Broadway in Mountainair. Deliver between February 15-21 (gallery is closed Mondays).
Deadline: the selection committee will make its decision February 22. No submissions can be considered after February 21, 2007.
Contact: Celeste Simon, e-mail: MMACtour@Mountainair-NM.com; phone: 505/847-0105
At the Mountainair Senior Center, ongoing - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-2 pm. 107 N. Summit Ave. 847-2885. Drop-ins welcome. Regulars even more welcome.
Monday, February 12, 2007
leaves of grass to biomass - what a gas
Tonight - later than intended but just in case anyone is heading into 'burque - Bruce Noll is Walt Whitman in "Pure Grass," a dramatic performance at the UNM SUB Ballroom C, Monday night Feb. 12, 7 pm. This event is a fundraiser for Communication Studies graduate students. $5. students, $7. for others. For more info contact Bruce banoll@unm.edu
Good turn out - approximately 24-26 - at 1st Wednesday Potluck, Feb 7, at Montgomery Designs (Main & Cedarcrest). I doubt "1st Wednesday Potluck " is actual designated nomenclature, even doubt that there is one, but this does at least identify in time if not space (changes from month to month) and is kinder than "expat potluck." Perhaps a naming is in order. The next evening there was a meeting at Addie Draper's, Thursday February 8, about the Estancia Biomass plant. Add that to recent Senior Valentine banquet at the Babtist Church, Fire Dept's Valentine Bingo, and Wednesday Feb 13 Shaffer opening - so goes the local social whirl ...
As for the biomass issue, I (trying to avoid the pseudo authority stance inherent in the editorial 'we') ran a short piece on here a while back and have been researching another so forwarded a request to former Sierra Club mag editor Bob Schildgen (aka Mr Green) for help. Guardians of the Forest has a "talking points" handout/FAQ that I can upload somewhere to link here. It makes a good starting point, even though somewhat on polemical side. Additionally, Mary Schultz worked up a list of questions for PNM that could also be sent to Western Water & Power Production, the company actually operating the plant, the NM Clean Energy Development Council, and even the NM Climate Change Advisory Group. I have a list with telephone number of the NM Biomass Task Force in case anyone activist wants to go telephonic. Here's a fair to middling biomass overview to get you started. And more answer than you ever wanted to the question, "What is biomass?"
from MountainView Journal editorial: Strong Turnout A Hopeful Sign
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division
Budget: Up to $50,000
Deadline: April 20, 2007
Eligibility: Open to all artists who are citizens and reside in the United States
The EMNRD, State Parks Division wishes to commission an interior mediation pedestal and sculpture for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park Peace and Brotherhood Chapel located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park , north of Angel Fire, NM (27 miles east of Taos ). The artwork will be the focal point of the interior of Chapel. The concept and impression to be embodied and conveyed by this artwork is based on honor, tranquility, healing, peace and brotherhood to all mankind. This was the first major Memorial established in the United States to honor Vietnam veterans and has drawn worldwide attention as a place of healing for those affected by the Vietnam conflict.
See www.nmparks.com for complete RFP information
Deliver or mail to:
Sharon Schultz
State Parks Division, EMNRD
Marketing Section
141 E. De Vargas
Santa Fe , NM 87501
Telephone (505) 827-1472
Good turn out - approximately 24-26 - at 1st Wednesday Potluck, Feb 7, at Montgomery Designs (Main & Cedarcrest). I doubt "1st Wednesday Potluck " is actual designated nomenclature, even doubt that there is one, but this does at least identify in time if not space (changes from month to month) and is kinder than "expat potluck." Perhaps a naming is in order. The next evening there was a meeting at Addie Draper's, Thursday February 8, about the Estancia Biomass plant. Add that to recent Senior Valentine banquet at the Babtist Church, Fire Dept's Valentine Bingo, and Wednesday Feb 13 Shaffer opening - so goes the local social whirl ...
As for the biomass issue, I (trying to avoid the pseudo authority stance inherent in the editorial 'we') ran a short piece on here a while back and have been researching another so forwarded a request to former Sierra Club mag editor Bob Schildgen (aka Mr Green) for help. Guardians of the Forest has a "talking points" handout/FAQ that I can upload somewhere to link here. It makes a good starting point, even though somewhat on polemical side. Additionally, Mary Schultz worked up a list of questions for PNM that could also be sent to Western Water & Power Production, the company actually operating the plant, the NM Clean Energy Development Council, and even the NM Climate Change Advisory Group. I have a list with telephone number of the NM Biomass Task Force in case anyone activist wants to go telephonic. Here's a fair to middling biomass overview to get you started. And more answer than you ever wanted to the question, "What is biomass?"
from MountainView Journal editorial: Strong Turnout A Hopeful Sign
Although percentages of registered voters taking part in Tuesday's elections were not yet available, Torrance County Clerk Linda Kayser said turnout was good in all three school districts— Moriarty, Estancia and Mountainair— and stronger than past school board elections.
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division
Budget: Up to $50,000
Deadline: April 20, 2007
Eligibility: Open to all artists who are citizens and reside in the United States
The EMNRD, State Parks Division wishes to commission an interior mediation pedestal and sculpture for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park Peace and Brotherhood Chapel located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park , north of Angel Fire, NM (27 miles east of Taos ). The artwork will be the focal point of the interior of Chapel. The concept and impression to be embodied and conveyed by this artwork is based on honor, tranquility, healing, peace and brotherhood to all mankind. This was the first major Memorial established in the United States to honor Vietnam veterans and has drawn worldwide attention as a place of healing for those affected by the Vietnam conflict.
See www.nmparks.com for complete RFP information
Deliver or mail to:
Sharon Schultz
State Parks Division, EMNRD
Marketing Section
141 E. De Vargas
Santa Fe , NM 87501
Telephone (505) 827-1472
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
a correction, reminders, anounning etc
CORRECTION: The SHARE order deadline is Friday February 9 - NOT Feburary 12 as posted. Drop by Shirley Jones’ at 207 N. Corbett to place your order; call 505-847-0114, 505-847-9750. Ordering information and forms are also available at the Laundrymat and Senior Center. That's also the same day as the ShopNatural Buyers Club order deadline.
February 10 -
Note from the kingdom of the clueless: someone e-mailed Dennis Fulfer asking him to update a blog entry here. More than the irresistible entertainment value, it's a teaching moment I can't let pass - IT Literacy 101. If you want to report a mistake for correction, I am the only one who can "update" blog entries (although that's not quite the best way to do it), so e-mail me. It's not that hard to get an exit visa from the kingdom of the clueless - nor are you ever too old to apply for one!
By way of background and general explanation, the blog used to be set up for others, including Dennis, to contribute directly. Since none were contributing regularly enough to justify the arrangement, I changed the settings. However, even before the change, no one else could edit my posts anyway. Contibutors could edit or delete their own post but no one else's. I could edit or delete anyone's posts, not just my own. It's good to be king, not that this necessarily qualifies.
I still accept, welcome, encourage contributions but take them by e-mail and post them myself, always always giving clear and full credit. If you have an event, a local business offering specials, a yard sale, open house, community news, or information to share, please let me know. So far, Dale Harris is the only one contributing regularly - and most appreciated too!
Speaking of which - Dale would like to remind us one and all about Scott's all-consuming project (as both director & actor), Tibetan Book of the Dead, performanaces February 16-26. Call 345-2872 ext. 18 to make reservations. With so much interest in the show, full houses are anticipated. See "a dram of drama drama" post for flyer and more detail. (Look for a piece exclusively about TBD next week)
Word on the (unpaved & pothole ridden) street - something ATC comes this way come spring - also look for the Town of Mountainair to put on a spring event - nothing firm yet but something wind themed is looking likely. Makes sense - bound to be winds in the spring, so it wouldn't be like will they or won't they waiting on sunflowers come August. More anon - researching "wind festivals" for a future post.
February 10 -
- Valenetine Banquet for Seniors at the Baptist Church - resvp was for Feb 1 but there is still space, so give them a call
- Valentine Bingo at the Firehouse (bet you hadn't been thinking of bingo as a romantic interlude)
Note from the kingdom of the clueless: someone e-mailed Dennis Fulfer asking him to update a blog entry here. More than the irresistible entertainment value, it's a teaching moment I can't let pass - IT Literacy 101. If you want to report a mistake for correction, I am the only one who can "update" blog entries (although that's not quite the best way to do it), so e-mail me. It's not that hard to get an exit visa from the kingdom of the clueless - nor are you ever too old to apply for one!
By way of background and general explanation, the blog used to be set up for others, including Dennis, to contribute directly. Since none were contributing regularly enough to justify the arrangement, I changed the settings. However, even before the change, no one else could edit my posts anyway. Contibutors could edit or delete their own post but no one else's. I could edit or delete anyone's posts, not just my own. It's good to be king, not that this necessarily qualifies.
I still accept, welcome, encourage contributions but take them by e-mail and post them myself, always always giving clear and full credit. If you have an event, a local business offering specials, a yard sale, open house, community news, or information to share, please let me know. So far, Dale Harris is the only one contributing regularly - and most appreciated too!
Speaking of which - Dale would like to remind us one and all about Scott's all-consuming project (as both director & actor), Tibetan Book of the Dead, performanaces February 16-26. Call 345-2872 ext. 18 to make reservations. With so much interest in the show, full houses are anticipated. See "a dram of drama drama" post for flyer and more detail. (Look for a piece exclusively about TBD next week)
Word on the (unpaved & pothole ridden) street - something ATC comes this way come spring - also look for the Town of Mountainair to put on a spring event - nothing firm yet but something wind themed is looking likely. Makes sense - bound to be winds in the spring, so it wouldn't be like will they or won't they waiting on sunflowers come August. More anon - researching "wind festivals" for a future post.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
fine dining and more
Today's chamber luncheon meeting at the Shaffer had a record turn out - 16, although I do recall some about that size back in the dim past. The mix was more representative of local business interests than is sometimes the case. It was, however, still long on organizations & businesses geared to visitors & newcomers, while short on local businesses less oriented to serving either relocators or mythical daytrippers.
No detailed report for now - there's a curse attached to blogging chamber of commerce 2x in one day on an arts blog. The infamous mummy's curse pales in comparison...
Fine-dining-wise, our interest is less chamber than Shaffer dining. Lunch, serving salad, homemade soup, and desert, marked the first meal served in this latest incarnation of the Shaffer Restaurant. The restaurant opens officially February 13, next Tuesday, and will be open 6am-3pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with eventual plans to expand the schedule to dinners.
Tracking local eateries can be like playing whack-a-mole. This will bring the eatery count back up to four, with two, Ancient Cities and Chuckwagon, serving from breakfast through dinner. Two, Ancient Cities and Shaffer, serve breakfasts. Granny's does neither breakfast nor dinner but stays open until "darkish," as she puts it. Each has its specialties, although none, so far, represents a significant departure from standard fare.
Mention has been made of another option that would offer something different yet not moving so far beyond the pale of local eatery expectations as to incite traditionalists among local diners - and plans are afoot for yet another, very different kind of eatery.
Monthly Potluck, first Wednesday of the month is tomorrow, 5:30 pm, at Hamilton Montgomery's home / studio at corner of Main and Cedardale. Bring a "covered dish" (casserole, desert, salad, entree, veggie, whatever) & your own plate, salad bowl, coffee cup, utensils, etc. Ruth Ballen, aka The Wayward Elf, coordinates the potlucks, but there is no need to call her. She hates getting telephone calls; besides, you already know what you need to know.
No detailed report for now - there's a curse attached to blogging chamber of commerce 2x in one day on an arts blog. The infamous mummy's curse pales in comparison...
Fine-dining-wise, our interest is less chamber than Shaffer dining. Lunch, serving salad, homemade soup, and desert, marked the first meal served in this latest incarnation of the Shaffer Restaurant. The restaurant opens officially February 13, next Tuesday, and will be open 6am-3pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with eventual plans to expand the schedule to dinners.
Tracking local eateries can be like playing whack-a-mole. This will bring the eatery count back up to four, with two, Ancient Cities and Chuckwagon, serving from breakfast through dinner. Two, Ancient Cities and Shaffer, serve breakfasts. Granny's does neither breakfast nor dinner but stays open until "darkish," as she puts it. Each has its specialties, although none, so far, represents a significant departure from standard fare.
Mention has been made of another option that would offer something different yet not moving so far beyond the pale of local eatery expectations as to incite traditionalists among local diners - and plans are afoot for yet another, very different kind of eatery.
Monthly Potluck, first Wednesday of the month is tomorrow, 5:30 pm, at Hamilton Montgomery's home / studio at corner of Main and Cedardale. Bring a "covered dish" (casserole, desert, salad, entree, veggie, whatever) & your own plate, salad bowl, coffee cup, utensils, etc. Ruth Ballen, aka The Wayward Elf, coordinates the potlucks, but there is no need to call her. She hates getting telephone calls; besides, you already know what you need to know.
community notes: artful civics & civil arts
Civic notes -
Election today - school board & bond issue to repair elementary school roof - so go vote.
Report tomorrow or maybe even tonight on the Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting and election at the Shaffer. What the hey, even I might join at $5 blowout rate for seniors, especially since by-laws do not specify that it is a limited privilege or "associate" rather than full membership, If they want to do that - legally, they'll have to change the by-laws.
Last post, we wrote about the Rail Runner and promised Mountainair to Belen bus connecting us to Rail Runner. There is also Torrance County bus service connecting Mountainair with Estancia and Moriarty. Pick up a schedule at the Senior Center and at Town Hall. For more information on the Torrance County Project Office rural transportation program, call 832-0332.
Blogzibit update -
Soon to be kicking up her heels in Chile, Geree McDermott will be our first blogzibitor. The blogzibit, featuring Geree's colorful ATCs and floorcloths, is a gesture of farewell and appreciation for Geree McDermott's considerable contributions to the arts community - 2003 Arts Tour chair, role model for selling art online successfully, prime mover in bringing ATC to the local art scene, Sunflower ATC display at the Poets & Writers Picnic, SatArt@Shaffer, Mountainair Arts contributor, and more - not the least being her successful campaign for sidewalk repairs. Husband Jim (occasionally mistaken for as either Grinch or Oscar the Grouch) has been an active and outspoken contributor to the community, most especially the planning commission.
Next blogzibitors: Megan Lemcke, followed (we hope) by Wana Beth Fox's Western Art (waiting for pictures...)
Election today - school board & bond issue to repair elementary school roof - so go vote.
Report tomorrow or maybe even tonight on the Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting and election at the Shaffer. What the hey, even I might join at $5 blowout rate for seniors, especially since by-laws do not specify that it is a limited privilege or "associate" rather than full membership, If they want to do that - legally, they'll have to change the by-laws.
Last post, we wrote about the Rail Runner and promised Mountainair to Belen bus connecting us to Rail Runner. There is also Torrance County bus service connecting Mountainair with Estancia and Moriarty. Pick up a schedule at the Senior Center and at Town Hall. For more information on the Torrance County Project Office rural transportation program, call 832-0332.
Blogzibit update -
Soon to be kicking up her heels in Chile, Geree McDermott will be our first blogzibitor. The blogzibit, featuring Geree's colorful ATCs and floorcloths, is a gesture of farewell and appreciation for Geree McDermott's considerable contributions to the arts community - 2003 Arts Tour chair, role model for selling art online successfully, prime mover in bringing ATC to the local art scene, Sunflower ATC display at the Poets & Writers Picnic, SatArt@Shaffer, Mountainair Arts contributor, and more - not the least being her successful campaign for sidewalk repairs. Husband Jim (occasionally mistaken for as either Grinch or Oscar the Grouch) has been an active and outspoken contributor to the community, most especially the planning commission.
Next blogzibitors: Megan Lemcke, followed (we hope) by Wana Beth Fox's Western Art (waiting for pictures...)
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Sun(day)Sundries
Another "everything but the kitchen sink" collection
Murally speaking…
I'd written elsewhere asking about it without so much as a blip back. Ah, serendipity. If I hadn't been getting all sheepdog and having problems seeing where I was going, I would not have known. Nancy has mural finisher / final protective coat stacked up in corner at Hair Enchantment - not waiting for a perm or streaking but for spring & warmer weather since the temperature needs to be 40 or above for applying. Drop by and tell Nancy how much you want to help apply the final protective sealant. It's not an "art thing" - it's a community thing.
Can anyone out there update us on plans, announced Mayor Vel Gilley's at the mural dedication, for the town to provide paint and enlist local artists in painting a mural on the monumentally ugly maintenance building on US60W? Last heard (admittedly some time back), guitar artist Roberto Morales was to be the jefe muralista. Best mural topic idea:painting a field of sunflowers on the building, which would also provide sunflowers for Sunflower day shouls caprices of summer rainfall once again deprive us of sunflowers/
From the “another rumor bites the dust” department: according to flyers about town the Chuckwagon reopens this weekend, bringing the local eatery count up to three.
Best news of the week department. Rail Runner finally began commuter service to Belen on Feb. 2. Travel between Belen and Downtown Albuquerque is free for everyone until April 1st. Schedule (in .pdf format). Call the Torrance Country rural transport program (Estancia) or Mountainair Town Hall about connecting bus service. I was assured there would be such, but hearing is not the same as being...
Mountainair Buyers' Group for ShopNatural Coop - Ordering deadline: Friday February 9. If you are interested in joining the buying group and ordering, pick up the catalog and schedule sheet at the Meds & More pharmacy window. You can also research Shop Natural online. Then contact coordinator Tom Willamon only if you want to place an order.
As I understand the arrangement, there is (and has been for years) a local buyers' group, albeit minus formal membership or dues. I seem to remember it having a name with the word "mountain" in it. The items you can order are the same as those carried by Wild Oats, La Montañita, or any other natural foods grocery or coop: natural & organic, often free trade items, mostly but not limited to groceries and include vitamins, supplements, household & personal care products. Ordering by catalog, however, you can't browse the aisles, look at items, pick up boxes and read the backs. If you've shopped at a natural foods coop anywhere, you should be familiar with the products to recognize and visualize them. Need more? Go online to http://www.snproduct.com to search by product name or number for pictures and nutritional information.
Unlike trekking to wallyworld, shopping the local coop buyers' club does not take significant business away from local merchants as the buying club handles mostly items not locally available.
About consumer co-ops
SHARE is a once a month food program that operates like a co-op buying club - "if you eat, you qualify." Order by February 12. Drop by Shirley Jones’ at 207 N. Corbett to place your order; call 505-847-0114, 505-847-9750, or e-mail (indicate SHARE in subject line). Box pick-up is Saturday February 24, Church of the Nazarene, 203 Piñon. Come at 8 am on Saturday to help box the delivery from the Albuquerque warehouse and join the regulars for a fellowship breakfast.
The previous food box program the church operated offered just one box, no choices, and no individual item orders. SHARE, run by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver, offers a variety of boxes, including a produce only box, a small frozen meat bag, a frozen meat only grill selection, and a pantry box (staples). Other boxes are a mixture of meats and meat products, prepared or ready to prepare foods, canned goods, staples, deserts, etc. Many box items can also be ordered separately. SHARE foods are standard grocery items. There are always some "blowout specials" too. Selections for February order.
Don't look for naturals, organics, herbal teas, vegetarian meat substitute products, or other exotica. This is the meat and potatoes gang - not the Birkenstock crowd.
DATE CORRECTION: Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at the Shaffer, Tuesday February 6, 11:30 am. Election, vote on 2007 budget and mission statement/goals (already posted on web site). There was earlier confusion about date – reported what I heard rather than insisting on having it put in writing, but this is it. Come if you are seriously interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce.
Other meetings (in case Candlemas and impending spring stir your hibernating civic spirit unto awakening):
Town Council Meetings - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month.
Fire Station, 5:30 pm. To place an item on the agenda, contact Town of Mountainair no later than Wednesday preceding the meeting. E-mail (use subject line to indicate Town Council business): mountainairmayor@uphi.net. Phone: (505) 847-2321. Fax: (505) 847-2589
Planning Commission Meetings - 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, Town Hall, 5:30 pm. E-mail Town of Mountainair :mountainairmayor@uphi.net (indicate Planning Commission business on subject line). Phone: (505) 847-2321. Fax: (505) 847-2589
School Board Meetings - 1st Tuesday of each month. Superintendent's Office, 7 pm. E-mail Superintendent Jay Mortensen jmortensen@mountainair.k12.nm.us (indicate School Board meeting business on subject line)
Manzano Mountain Arts Council general membership meetings (Sunday afternoons): March 11, recital; July 1, potluck; September 16, picnic; November, holiday party. Board meetings will be held in April, July, and October. For meeting times, location and agenda, contact MMAC by e-mail or telephone, (505) 847-0324
I noticed the wonderful JJ Brazil bean elevator drawing at the Mountainair Grocery and found myself wondering when and where the Mountainair Heritage Center will be reopening. Another thought would be for historic or at least traditional & hence symbolically charged locations around town to display heritage art and memorabilia. In addition to the grocery, Uncle Walter's, Gustin's, the library, Town Hall, the Shaffer, Abo Trading, and other locations come to mind
Here's a question - What is the "Mountainair Art Group"?
MIA: SatArt@Shaffer. I don't see it getting back rolling unless Judy find someone to partner up when the McDermotts leave for Chile at the end of March.
If you have not seen much of Jim or Geree McDermott lately, that's because they have been pursuing online tesl certification. Native speaker English instructors are in high demand in Chili, which has been been developing strong trade in markets where English is either native tongue or lingua franca. Geree, reducing inventory before their March move to Chile, reports good eBay sales. Watch for kick butt buys on used art supplies. I'm planning a Farewell Blogzibit featuring atc's & floorcloths.
Straw Mountain Studios page featuring Judy Mowris' fiber art - especially altered couture and wall hangings - is in the works, under construction by Roy Kirby and, when completed, will be added to artist links at the bottom of the blog.
Another new Mountainair website - as yet empty and ever subject to manana syndrome - Mountainair NM - http://mountainair-nm.com - but I'm not telling you more. Why spoil a surprise?
2006 National Book Award Winner - Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl. This is also the story of Mountainair, whether or not specifically mentioned by name in Egan’s book. Multiple reviews + excerpt & author bio
New Mexico’s Film Industry
NM named #4 location in the US for filming, article by Jennifer Schwalenberg, deputy director of the New Mexico Film Office in the New Mexico Business Journal
NM Filmmakers’ Program
As New Mexico’s film industry continues to grow, an important mission of the New Mexico Film Office is to support and nurture local filmmakers by way of the New Mexico Filmmakers’ Program. A number of new initiatives, designed to help build a sustainable filmmaking community in the state, have emerged in the past year. In addition to the annual Governor’s Cup Competition and NM Filmmakers Showcase, New Mexicans now have opportunities to network with one another, attend free seminars to sharpen their craft, and apply for contract funds toward the creation of new work.
Now how do we get Mountainair selected as a filming location?
Man Dressed As Chewbacca Arrested For Head-Butting Tourist
Call for Proposals -- ARTHAUS66 is now accepting proposals from artists with a coherent body of work and an original idea for a solo show. For information on guidelines and submissions download prospectus or call 830-9653.
ART DEADLINES LIST
Groundhog Day
According to German folklore, we can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil, the more famous western Pennsylvania groundhog, came out of his hole to predict spring is at hand. However, not all groundhog prognosticators across the land agree with Phil. Groundhog (and other) opinion is divided. So far it still feels like more winter
Most experts suggest the tradition began when German settlers brought their tradition of Candelmas to North America in the 1700s. Feb. 2nd is supposed to be the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. According to legend, if the weather was good on that day, the rest of the winter would be stormy and cold. If not, the coldest season of the year would be over soon and farmers could start to think about planting their crops.
Eventually a hedgehog (the fox & the hedgehog is yet another story) - not the more traditional creature used today - was added, and the story of seeing his shadow began. But Groundhog Day owes its current status more to commercial reality. A newspaper editor named Clymer Freas came up with the idea in Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Spirit in 1886. Thus was born the legendary Punxsutawney Phil..
Since then, dozens of small towns in every part of North America have taken up the banner. Among the other groundhogs that compete with the more famous pair: Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam; Brandon Manitoba's Brandon Bob; Alberta' Balzac Billy; Birmingham, Alabama's Birmingham Bill; Marion, Ohio's Buckeye Chuck; West Virigina's French Creek Freddy; Georgia's General Beauregard Lee; Long Island's Malverne Mel; Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Octarara Orphie; Hollis, New Hampshire's Pennichuck Chuck; North Carolina's Sir Walter Wally
Murally speaking…
I'd written elsewhere asking about it without so much as a blip back. Ah, serendipity. If I hadn't been getting all sheepdog and having problems seeing where I was going, I would not have known. Nancy has mural finisher / final protective coat stacked up in corner at Hair Enchantment - not waiting for a perm or streaking but for spring & warmer weather since the temperature needs to be 40 or above for applying. Drop by and tell Nancy how much you want to help apply the final protective sealant. It's not an "art thing" - it's a community thing.
Can anyone out there update us on plans, announced Mayor Vel Gilley's at the mural dedication, for the town to provide paint and enlist local artists in painting a mural on the monumentally ugly maintenance building on US60W? Last heard (admittedly some time back), guitar artist Roberto Morales was to be the jefe muralista. Best mural topic idea:painting a field of sunflowers on the building, which would also provide sunflowers for Sunflower day shouls caprices of summer rainfall once again deprive us of sunflowers/
From the “another rumor bites the dust” department: according to flyers about town the Chuckwagon reopens this weekend, bringing the local eatery count up to three.
Best news of the week department. Rail Runner finally began commuter service to Belen on Feb. 2. Travel between Belen and Downtown Albuquerque is free for everyone until April 1st. Schedule (in .pdf format). Call the Torrance Country rural transport program (Estancia) or Mountainair Town Hall about connecting bus service. I was assured there would be such, but hearing is not the same as being...
Mountainair Buyers' Group for ShopNatural Coop - Ordering deadline: Friday February 9. If you are interested in joining the buying group and ordering, pick up the catalog and schedule sheet at the Meds & More pharmacy window. You can also research Shop Natural online. Then contact coordinator Tom Willamon only if you want to place an order.
As I understand the arrangement, there is (and has been for years) a local buyers' group, albeit minus formal membership or dues. I seem to remember it having a name with the word "mountain" in it. The items you can order are the same as those carried by Wild Oats, La Montañita, or any other natural foods grocery or coop: natural & organic, often free trade items, mostly but not limited to groceries and include vitamins, supplements, household & personal care products. Ordering by catalog, however, you can't browse the aisles, look at items, pick up boxes and read the backs. If you've shopped at a natural foods coop anywhere, you should be familiar with the products to recognize and visualize them. Need more? Go online to http://www.snproduct.com to search by product name or number for pictures and nutritional information.
Unlike trekking to wallyworld, shopping the local coop buyers' club does not take significant business away from local merchants as the buying club handles mostly items not locally available.
About consumer co-ops
SHARE is a once a month food program that operates like a co-op buying club - "if you eat, you qualify." Order by February 12. Drop by Shirley Jones’ at 207 N. Corbett to place your order; call 505-847-0114, 505-847-9750, or e-mail (indicate SHARE in subject line). Box pick-up is Saturday February 24, Church of the Nazarene, 203 Piñon. Come at 8 am on Saturday to help box the delivery from the Albuquerque warehouse and join the regulars for a fellowship breakfast.
The previous food box program the church operated offered just one box, no choices, and no individual item orders. SHARE, run by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver, offers a variety of boxes, including a produce only box, a small frozen meat bag, a frozen meat only grill selection, and a pantry box (staples). Other boxes are a mixture of meats and meat products, prepared or ready to prepare foods, canned goods, staples, deserts, etc. Many box items can also be ordered separately. SHARE foods are standard grocery items. There are always some "blowout specials" too. Selections for February order.
Don't look for naturals, organics, herbal teas, vegetarian meat substitute products, or other exotica. This is the meat and potatoes gang - not the Birkenstock crowd.
DATE CORRECTION: Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting at the Shaffer, Tuesday February 6, 11:30 am. Election, vote on 2007 budget and mission statement/goals (already posted on web site). There was earlier confusion about date – reported what I heard rather than insisting on having it put in writing, but this is it. Come if you are seriously interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce.
Other meetings (in case Candlemas and impending spring stir your hibernating civic spirit unto awakening):
Town Council Meetings - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month.
Fire Station, 5:30 pm. To place an item on the agenda, contact Town of Mountainair no later than Wednesday preceding the meeting. E-mail (use subject line to indicate Town Council business): mountainairmayor@uphi.net. Phone: (505) 847-2321. Fax: (505) 847-2589
Planning Commission Meetings - 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, Town Hall, 5:30 pm. E-mail Town of Mountainair :mountainairmayor@uphi.net (indicate Planning Commission business on subject line). Phone: (505) 847-2321. Fax: (505) 847-2589
School Board Meetings - 1st Tuesday of each month. Superintendent's Office, 7 pm. E-mail Superintendent Jay Mortensen jmortensen@mountainair.k12.nm.us (indicate School Board meeting business on subject line)
Manzano Mountain Arts Council general membership meetings (Sunday afternoons): March 11, recital; July 1, potluck; September 16, picnic; November, holiday party. Board meetings will be held in April, July, and October. For meeting times, location and agenda, contact MMAC by e-mail or telephone, (505) 847-0324
I noticed the wonderful JJ Brazil bean elevator drawing at the Mountainair Grocery and found myself wondering when and where the Mountainair Heritage Center will be reopening. Another thought would be for historic or at least traditional & hence symbolically charged locations around town to display heritage art and memorabilia. In addition to the grocery, Uncle Walter's, Gustin's, the library, Town Hall, the Shaffer, Abo Trading, and other locations come to mind
Here's a question - What is the "Mountainair Art Group"?
MIA: SatArt@Shaffer. I don't see it getting back rolling unless Judy find someone to partner up when the McDermotts leave for Chile at the end of March.
If you have not seen much of Jim or Geree McDermott lately, that's because they have been pursuing online tesl certification. Native speaker English instructors are in high demand in Chili, which has been been developing strong trade in markets where English is either native tongue or lingua franca. Geree, reducing inventory before their March move to Chile, reports good eBay sales. Watch for kick butt buys on used art supplies. I'm planning a Farewell Blogzibit featuring atc's & floorcloths.
Straw Mountain Studios page featuring Judy Mowris' fiber art - especially altered couture and wall hangings - is in the works, under construction by Roy Kirby and, when completed, will be added to artist links at the bottom of the blog.
Another new Mountainair website - as yet empty and ever subject to manana syndrome - Mountainair NM - http://mountainair-nm.com - but I'm not telling you more. Why spoil a surprise?
2006 National Book Award Winner - Timothy Egan's The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl. This is also the story of Mountainair, whether or not specifically mentioned by name in Egan’s book. Multiple reviews + excerpt & author bio
New Mexico’s Film Industry
NM named #4 location in the US for filming, article by Jennifer Schwalenberg, deputy director of the New Mexico Film Office in the New Mexico Business Journal
NM Filmmakers’ Program
As New Mexico’s film industry continues to grow, an important mission of the New Mexico Film Office is to support and nurture local filmmakers by way of the New Mexico Filmmakers’ Program. A number of new initiatives, designed to help build a sustainable filmmaking community in the state, have emerged in the past year. In addition to the annual Governor’s Cup Competition and NM Filmmakers Showcase, New Mexicans now have opportunities to network with one another, attend free seminars to sharpen their craft, and apply for contract funds toward the creation of new work.
Now how do we get Mountainair selected as a filming location?
- NM Filmmakers Resource Center
- New Mexico Film Office
- New Mexico Resources - Film Office - City of Albuquerque
Man Dressed As Chewbacca Arrested For Head-Butting Tourist
Los Angeles Police arrested a man dressed as Chewbacca on Thursday. His crime: Head-butting a tour guide on the Hollywood Walk of Fame "who told the character he shouldn't be asking a tourist for money," reports KABC-TV.In addition to posting Dale Harris' regular reports on poetry and readings, mostly in the Albuquerque area, I periodically digest arts calendar information from various source. You too can sub to them:
A collection of oddball types roam the Walk of Fame, dressed like Tinseltown characters. They pose for pictures with out-of-towners -- usually, in exchange for a few coins. On Thursday, "Chewbacca was putting his arm around a tourist, and the tourist didn't want him there," explained a gaunt, dye-jobbed "Superman" to the Jimmy Kimmel Show. A Starline Tour employee told Chewie to back off. And as everyone knows, it's not wise to upset a wookie. "He head-butted him," Supes added. "The cops were called, and they came down, basically to arrest Chewbacca.
- nmculture listserv
- CultureNet Newsletter (monthly) - bncn news
- Both listserv and newsletter are from New Mexico CultureNet
- Wingspread Collector's Guide
- Santa Fe New Mexican
- Daily Lobo, subscription/registration
- the abqjournal wants money from you but the Albuquerque Tribune has a free online edition, event calendar + search tool
- Alibi - calendar (separate calendars for arts, community, food, music
- art & lit (categories: performances; announcements; galleries & museums; book signings & events; poetry & music)
- abq Craig's List
- Duke City Fix - arts & culture category - food & drink - music - day trips. Contact. (sample article, "A Surprising Afternoon in Belen" by Johnny_Mango)
Call for Proposals -- ARTHAUS66 is now accepting proposals from artists with a coherent body of work and an original idea for a solo show. For information on guidelines and submissions download prospectus or call 830-9653.
ART DEADLINES LIST
Groundhog Day
According to German folklore, we can expect an early spring instead of six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil, the more famous western Pennsylvania groundhog, came out of his hole to predict spring is at hand. However, not all groundhog prognosticators across the land agree with Phil. Groundhog (and other) opinion is divided. So far it still feels like more winter
Most experts suggest the tradition began when German settlers brought their tradition of Candelmas to North America in the 1700s. Feb. 2nd is supposed to be the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. According to legend, if the weather was good on that day, the rest of the winter would be stormy and cold. If not, the coldest season of the year would be over soon and farmers could start to think about planting their crops.
Eventually a hedgehog (the fox & the hedgehog is yet another story) - not the more traditional creature used today - was added, and the story of seeing his shadow began. But Groundhog Day owes its current status more to commercial reality. A newspaper editor named Clymer Freas came up with the idea in Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Spirit in 1886. Thus was born the legendary Punxsutawney Phil..
Since then, dozens of small towns in every part of North America have taken up the banner. Among the other groundhogs that compete with the more famous pair: Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam; Brandon Manitoba's Brandon Bob; Alberta' Balzac Billy; Birmingham, Alabama's Birmingham Bill; Marion, Ohio's Buckeye Chuck; West Virigina's French Creek Freddy; Georgia's General Beauregard Lee; Long Island's Malverne Mel; Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Octarara Orphie; Hollis, New Hampshire's Pennichuck Chuck; North Carolina's Sir Walter Wally
- Groundhog Day The Movie, Buddhism and Me, a page with lots of text and links on the film's religious impact, by Paul Schindler.
- Groundhog Day done in 60 seconds, at YouTube.
- Groundhog Day in Minnnesota (where it's a porcupine)
Thursday, February 1, 2007
a dram of drama drama
EMPTY WALLET Theater Troupe
Local writer and dramturge, Spring Horton reports on her December production of The Wizard of Oz and future plans for Empty Wallet, a community theater troupe that she organized and manages:
FEBRUARY 15, 2007: THEATRE OXFORD PLAY CONTEST DEADLINE
CONTACT: Dr. Dinah Swan, 662-236-5052
Theatre Oxford’s (Oxford, Mississippi) Eighth Annual International 10 Minute Play Contest deadline is approaching. Submittals of 10 minute plays must be received or post marked by February 15, 2007 to be eligible to win the L. W. Thomas Award which includes $1,000 and a production of the winning play.
Entries must be typed on no more than 10 pages. There are no theme or content limitations, but casts of five or less characters are recommended. No musicals or children’s plays. Plays must be original and unproduced. A $10 fee must accompany all entries. Contest rules are on the web at http://www.10minuteplays.com or for more information call the contest director, Dinah Swan at 662-236-5052.
Plays (only one per writer) should be mailed to:
FEBRUARY 16-25 , Albuquerque, North Fourth Art Center
Scott Sharot (formerly of Mountainair & the Hummingbird Cafe & caterer for past Poets & Writers Picnics) will be appearing in Tibetan Book of the Dead or How Not to Do It Again. Inspired by and incorporating translated passages from the ACTUAL Tibetan Book of the Dead, this play by fellow Belgian Jean-Claude van Itallie premiered at Café LaMama, NYC, January, 1983,
John Davis, another sometime Mountainair resident, is also involved with the show, doing some way out lighting effects.
Reveiws of Tibetan Book of the Dead or How Not to Do It Again
Local writer and dramturge, Spring Horton reports on her December production of The Wizard of Oz and future plans for Empty Wallet, a community theater troupe that she organized and manages:
Sorry I haven't had time to get back to you. Everything was so crazy with the play, the holidays and now I'm writing the next play and getting ready for a trip at the end of the month. Thanks for putting some focus on us. We had (what I would consider) a huge turnout that night. The kids and adults did great and I think everyone enjoyed it.OTHER DRAMA NEWS (not Mountainair)
I consider this a theatre group. Yes, I am the director, among many other things, but I would like more than just actors to be involved. Once doesn't have to be in every production to be involved. There are costumes to make and we need set runners every semester. I plan to do two play seasons a year with the summer off. Since most of the cast so far had been children I find it easier to follow the school semesters.
For the spring play, I decided to write an original. It will be for kids and adults alike and both are encouraged to audition. It is a cultural adventure with good action, but also with a few lessons and a lot to be learned about cultures other than our own. It will also be more complex than the Wizard of Oz as I'd like to present more of a challenge to the returning cast members. I will have to talk to the city again about using the facilities. I will be asking for rehearsals to be Mondays and Thursdays with the auditions starting the second week of February. I will get back to you when I know for sure. The performance itself will probably be set for May.
Here is th cast shot from Oz. I will take more pictures when Empty Wallet starts up again.
I also have another project in the works that involves crafts, teaching more classes, and opening a kind of enrichment school. This semester I plan to offer course in screenwriting, jewelry making, crocheting, as well as some academic courses. So far, though, I haven't set a location
FEBRUARY 15, 2007: THEATRE OXFORD PLAY CONTEST DEADLINE
CONTACT: Dr. Dinah Swan, 662-236-5052
Got a short play in a drawer, on your hard drive, in your head?
Theatre Oxford’s (Oxford, Mississippi) Eighth Annual International 10 Minute Play Contest deadline is approaching. Submittals of 10 minute plays must be received or post marked by February 15, 2007 to be eligible to win the L. W. Thomas Award which includes $1,000 and a production of the winning play.
Entries must be typed on no more than 10 pages. There are no theme or content limitations, but casts of five or less characters are recommended. No musicals or children’s plays. Plays must be original and unproduced. A $10 fee must accompany all entries. Contest rules are on the web at http://www.10minuteplays.com or for more information call the contest director, Dinah Swan at 662-236-5052.
Plays (only one per writer) should be mailed to:
Theatre Oxford 10 Minute Play Contest;
P. O. Box 1321;
Oxford, MS 38655
FEBRUARY 16-25 , Albuquerque, North Fourth Art Center
John Davis, another sometime Mountainair resident, is also involved with the show, doing some way out lighting effects.
Reveiws of Tibetan Book of the Dead or How Not to Do It Again
- Boston production
- New York Time's review of Café LaMama premier, January 19, 1983
...an ensemble incantation about the need for faith. While acknowledging Mr. van Itallie's ecumenical spiritual fervor, one must also suggest that ''The Book of the Dead'' does not have the innovative vitality or the immediate relevance for Western audiences of [his] earlier piece [The Serpent].The North Fourth Art Center is operated by VSA arts of New Mexico, a not-for-profit organization, affiliated with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the national VSA arts network. Calendar -
The play deals with the afterlife, where in a state of suspended animation the dead re-experience the life cycle. As adapted by Mr. van Itallie from translations of Tibetan texts, the work speaks with self-induced rhapsody about entering ''a great forest'' and embarking on ''a great battle.'' In addition, some of the mime - for example, a heap of prostrate bodies posing for carnage - embraces pretension. At other times there is a guilelessness in the performance that can disarm an audience, and there are moments that have a soothing placidity as we enter this self-descriptive Theater of Illusion.
The author has envisioned the setting as the inside of a skull. Though that image is not precisely evoked in Jun Maeda's stage design, there is a semblance of it in the atmosphere.
Ritual Scepter and Bell
(vajra-ghanta, rdo rje dril bu)
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