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Current Newsletter
Some news and upcoming events
for the week of
December 1, 2008
PRINT VERSION
In Missoula
Elsewhere in Montana and the Region
Nationally
Internationally
Finally
Historical Museum at Fort Missoula presents Holiday Games from now through January 4. With this exhibit the museum explores old-fashioned fun. Continuing through December is Treasure State Remnants: Montana's Ghost Town Heritage, featuring photographs by Lee Silliman that document former "boomtowns" around the state. Unintended Consequences: The 1918 Flu and WWI continues through February. Visit www.montana.com/ ftmslamuseum/ or call 728-3476.
The exhibits currently at the Missoula Art Museum include Shiny, Happy, Pretty through January 31; Elk Dogs through February 21; Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran through November 22; and The Wide Open through January 10. Antique Quilts: Unique Patterns and Shapes opens December 5 and continues through the month. There will be an Elk Dogs Artists Reception and Gallery Talk as part of First Friday, on December 5 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The Saturday Family Art Workshop is from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on December 6. Admission is Always Free. For more information call 728-0447 or visit www.missoulaartmuseum.org
Montana Modernists, highlighting the art of Henry Meloy Robert DeWeese, Lela and Rudy Autio and others, continues at the Montana Museum of Art & Culture through December 12. For more information call 243-2019 or visit www.umt.edu/montanamuseum
The University of Montana President's Lecture Series presents Michael Coonrod for a lecture/recital entitled The Russian Romantics: Tchaikowsky, Scriabin, Medtner and Rachmaninov tonight, Monday, December 1 at 8:00 p.m. in the UM Recital Hall. Admission is free.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus are at Laurie Lane Studios every Sunday till Christmas for an open studio between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This is the same Santa that has been at the Mall in the past. Kids are asked to bring in canned goods so that Santa's elves may bring our neighbors at the food bank our donations. Kids can visit with Santa free of charge or may have their photos taken by Laurie Lane. We are also offering on the spot fine art portraits of families in time for the holidays. For more information call 542-3623.
The University of Montana Department of Drama/Dance presents The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare's timeless comedy. The Merry Wives of Windsor runs in the Montana Theatre of the Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center on campus December 2-6 at 7:30 p.m. A Saturday matinee will be performed at 2:00 p.m. on December 6. For more information call 243-4581.
The University Center presents Uncorked: Wine History and Culture, a panel discussion on the historical and cultural implications of wine, as well as its relevance to everyday life (does not include a tasting), on December 2 at 7:00 p.m. Call 243-6357.
The UM Dance Department presents Swan Lake: Undercurrents, a performance by seniors Jess Zacharias and Elizabeth Martin, on December 3 and 4 at the Masquer Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Call 243-4581.
Fact and Fiction presents Marina Snow, reading and signing Ailanthus Park at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, at Fact and Fiction downtown; Wendy Parciak, reading and signing Requiem for Locusts at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4 at Fact & Fiction University Center; Stan Cohen signing Missoula: Postcard History at noon and Lindsay Combs signing Light of Edori at 3:00 p.m., both on December 5 at Fact & Fiction University Center; David Allen Cates, reading and signing Freeman Walker at 7:00 p.m. on December 5 at Fact & Fiction Downtown; Alan Weltzien, signing The Norman Maclean Reader and Father and an Island, on Saturday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Fact & Fiction University Center and at 1:00 p.m. at Fact & Fiction Downtown; Barry Schieber with Moritz, signing Moments of Wonder at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7 at Fact & Fiction Downtown; and Rick and Susie Graetz, signing Montana: High Wide and Handsome: Volume Two on December 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Fact and Fiction Downtown. For more information, visit www.factandfictionbooks.com or call 721-2881.
The Dana Gallery presents its Holiday Show, with an opening reception December 5 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., featuring the works of Dudley Dana, Hadley Ferguson, Tu Gang, Tom Gilleon, Louise Lamontagne, Jennifer Li, Caleb Meyer, Davi Nelson, Nicholas Oberling, Robert Schlegel, William Schneider, Margarete de Soleil, Janet Sullivan, Fran Switzer, Jeff Walker, and Michael Gallacher. There will be an Artist Demonstration / Talk on Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
MCT Center for the Performing Arts presents Nuncrackers Wednesdays through Sundays from December 5-14. Visit www.mctinc.org or call 728-PLAY.
The Clay Studio presents a Reception: Holiday Show December 5 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Visit www.theclaystudioofmissoula.org or call 543-0509
The University of Montana Creative Writing Program is presents the ninth event in its Fall 2008 Series: a reading by Visiting Poet Brian Blanchfield, author of Not Even Then, a book of poetry published by University of California Press, on Friday, December 5, at 7:00 pm in the Dell Brown Room of Turner Hall on the University of Montana campus. For more information, visit http://www.cas.umt.edu/english/creative_writing/readingseries.html
The International Wildlife and Media Center presents Free Friday at the Roxy, featuring A Christmas Story on December 5 at 7:00 p.m. Visit www.wildlifefilms.org or call 728-9380.
Red House recording artists Storyhill, the acoustic/pop duo featuring Bozeman musicians Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson, return to Missoula for a concert on Friday, December 5 at 8:00 p.m. at the Masquer Theater on the University of Montana campus. Tickets will be on sale at Rockin Rudy's. For more information call 406-721-9161.
Full Moon Prophet, a rhythm and blues, classic rock band, performs at the Union Club on December 5 at 9:30 p.m. Learn swing dance, both triple step East Coast and West Coast tempos, nightclub 2-step, sometimes a rumba. For more information, visit dancing@thewomensclub.com
Downtown Missoula presents the annual Downtown Parade of Lights throughout the day on December 6. This illuminated extravaganza includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree, carolers, rides at the Carousel, a bonfire and a holiday art workshop. Call 543-4238 or visit www.missouladowntown.com
The International Choral Festival is holding a Bookfair Fundraiser, "The Holidays Around the World," on December 6 at Barnes and Noble from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and will feature live choral music. A percentage of the sales that day will go to the International Choral Festival if the customer mentions the Festival when making their purchases. Festive holiday music will be performed by the following Missoula choirs: Dolce Canto (11:00 am), Big Sky High Bel Canto (11:45 am), Missoula Mendelssohn Club (12:00 pm), Hellgate High Chevaliers (12:30 pm), and the Sentinel High Spartanaires (1:00 pm). Holiday stories will be read in the children's section at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The choral program emcee is Terry Conrad and stories will be read by Mary Ann Albee, Sue Talbot and Germaine Conrad. For more information call 721-7985 or visit www.choralfestival.org
The Friendship Force of Western Montana is holding its Holiday Party on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Welcome Club, 3108 Clark Street. Non-members are welcome. Call Mary at 542-6634.
The Missoula Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Pops Concert will be held at the University Theatre on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. Featuring conductor Darko Butorac and special guest Teri Hansen, the program will include toe-tapping jazz tunes and swinging holiday favorites the whole family will enjoy. For more information, visit www.missoulasymphony.org. For tickets please call 721-3194.
The Missoula Folklore Society presents a Contra Dance on December 6 at the Union Hall, featuring the AM String Band from Helena with Big Little Mama Janet Grove calling. Visit www.montanafolk.org
Missoula's premier vocal ensemble Dolce Canto will present Angels and Demons-a concert of a cappella choral music to stir the senses and soothe the soul-on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Montana Music Recital Hall. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. There is no admission charge for the concert, however a donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students is suggested. For more information, call 544-4923 or Peter@DolceCanto.info
The International Wildlife Film Festival & Media Center is proud to announce the Grand Reopening of the Historic Roxy Theater on December 12, 2008. Call 728-9380 for questions.
Missoula Artisans is having an Open House Holiday Art Sale at 1032 Sherwood Street December 13 from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Call 543-6215 or visit www.jenniferbardsleyart.com
On four evenings in January and February of 2009, legendary Montanans will gather on stage at the University of Montana Theatre, with The University of Montana President George M. Dennison. You are invited to be part of the audience 'looking through the window' as they share stories about our state's fascinating past. Montana Tales, a fund raising event for A Carousel for Missoula, covers state history from Montana's first people, through frontiersmen, pioneers and settlers, to the glory days of Butte and the establishment of Missoula. Program dates are January 9 and 22, and February 4 and 18. Each program begins at 7:30 p.m. Prior to each performance, a reception will be held backstage, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Those who have purchased reception-level tickets are invited to enjoy appetizers and beverages and to meet with the evening's storytellers. For more information, please visit www.MontanaTales.com To purchase tickets, please visit www.griztix.com or call 243-4051 or 888-MONTANA.
For more information about arts events in the Missoula area, visit www.missoulacultural.org
ELSEWHERE IN MONTANA AND THE REGION...
Call to Artists:
Organizers are accepting applications for vendors to sell their work at the Montana Arts Marketplace during the 71st National Folk Festival, July 10-12, 2009 in Butte. Openings are available for 25 Montana-based artists/craftspeople, who will be selected through a juried process and have the opportunity to sell their products to thousands of attendees at the event. Download guidelines at www.nationalfolkfestival.com/2009/pdf/Craftguidelines.pdf The National Folk Festival is also accepting applications for Native American artists and crafters to participate in the First People's Marketplace, a unique festival market that features the work of Montana's Indian artists. Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 festival marketplace from enrolled members of recognized Native American tribes. Twenty artists will be juried into this market. To download guidelines visit www.nationalfolkfestival.com/2009/getinvolved_sellfirstpeoples.php For details on either marketplace, call George Everett at 497-6464 or email geverett@mainstreetbutte.org
The Carbon County Arts Guild in Red Lodge presents Rock Creek Miniature Exhibit from December 1-31. Enjoy the Guild's annual miniature show in the Main Depot Gallery. All artwork is 8x10 or smaller and includes paintings and 3-D works. The show runs through December and is a great opportunity to see the work of many of our local artists. For more information, call the Arts Guild at 446-1370.
The Shrine Auditorium in Billings presents the Festival of Trees December 4-7. Call 252-9799
The Hamilton Performing Arts Center presents Dreams of Nutcracker December 4-6. Visit www.hamiltonPAC.org or call 961-1818
The Hamilton Playhouse presents Forever Plaid - Plaid Tidings Thursdays through Sundays from December 5-21. Call 375-9050
On Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, historical re-enactor and local artisan Scott Cameron presents Gifts from the Past: Mandellas, Rosettes, and Hatbands from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Travelers' Rest State Park in Lolo. In this interactive, family-friendly demonstration, Cameron displays examples of old-time holiday crafts and shows visitors how to make them. From Native American mandellas to decorative rosette ornaments and leather hatbands, these unique and creative holiday gifts are sure to please someone on your list. For information on Travelers' Rest, call 273-4253 or visit www.travelersrest.org.
The Mother Lode Theatre presents the Butte Symphony: Noel Notions December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Visit buttecenter.tripod.com/index.htm or call 723-3602
Flathead High School Auditorium in Kalispell presents Philip Aaberg's "Montana Christmas" December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Call 257-3241 or visit www.gscmusic.org
The Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts presents the Great Falls Symphony: Handel's Messiah December 6 and 7. Call 453-4102 or visit www.gfsymphony.org
The Helena Civic Center presents Helena Symphony: Handel's Messiah December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Call 442-1860 or visit www.helenasymphony.org
The Bozeman Folklore Society presents Wintergreen 2009, a dance camp from January 23-29 at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture. Now open for early registration. Visit www.bozemanfolklore.org or call Rab at 586-2844.
The INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane presents the Spokane Symphony and Alberta Ballet: "The Nutcracker" December 5-7. Call 509-624-1200 or visit www.spokanesymphony.com
For more information about arts events throughout the region, visit www.livelytimes.com
From the Montana Associated Technology Roundtable
Missoula Community Foundation Fund strikes it rich
The Missoula Community Foundation has supported more than 50 projects during the past seven years with over $100,000, supporting local institutions like the Missoula Art Museum and Missoula Children's Theater. Foundation leaders say they aim to help charities and donors get the most bang for their buck.
Transforming Art Into a More Lucrative Career Choice
Some artists have begun to figure out ways to make money and make art - aiming to end the notion that "starving" and "artist" are necessarily linked.
NATIONALLY...
National Public Radio
All Things Considered 11/24/2008
"U.S. Museums draw 850 million visitors a year. That's six times more than all major-league sporting events combined." For the Full story, visit A History of Museums
From Americans for the Arts Cultural Policy Listserve:
Changing Skyline: Cuts weren't in Carnegie's library plans
Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), 11/21/2008
Philadelphia's mayor plans to close eleven of the city's branch libraries, including four built by Andrew Carnegie. "The poor, as Carnegie understood, are destined to remain poor unless they have access to information. In 2008, that information is digital. Yet, in Philadelphia, barely half the households have computers and Internet access, compared with 77 percent nationally, according to information compiled by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. . . . Half the branches slated for closing are in neighborhoods where library statistics show more than 20 percent live below the official poverty line."
Wanted: More arts venues
Greensboro News Record (NC), 11/23/2008
In Greensboro, NC, "performers struggle to find a well-suited place to play." The symphony, for example, played a recent pops concerts at a "mega-church." The issue has been often studied and debated in recent years, "but little has changed. . . . [N]ow community-development group Action Greensboro will consider whether to pay for a study and long-term plan that looks at all city performing arts facilities - sometime in the next 3 to 5 years."
Arts District hit hard by sluggish sales
Vineland Daily Journal (NJ), 11/22/2008
In Millville, NJ, businesses in the arts district are struggling. "[T]he city wants to help the owners 'stay afloat' on the hope the New Jersey Motorsports Park and a soon-to-be-renovated Levoy Theatre will bring more tourists. [Mayor James] Quinn and other city officials met with local owners recently at City Hall, and the city is working on a plan it hopes to unveil soon that could benefit the businesses."
High hopes for arts-friendly president
San Francisco Chronicle, 11/22/2008
The San Francisco Chronicle reports on Americans for the Arts' recent policy webinar. Although "[t]he Obama team was not ready to speak on the record about the specifics of any proposals," Americans for the Arts staff praised his platform on the arts. Another dominating theme was the effect of the recession on funding. According to Massachusetts state senator Stan Rosenberg, "Facing plunging tax revenues and heavier obligations to fund the 'absolute necessities' of health care and education, states and cities will be hard-pressed to find money for other programs, including the arts." Creative political solutions will be key.
Hard times for the arts
Baltimore Sun, 11/23/2008
"Due to stock market turmoil, endowments [are dropping], limiting the money that can be withdrawn for operating expenses. State grants have been cut significantly. And some arts groups have seen a drop in ticket sales. . . . Stories of the economy's impact on the arts pop up almost daily around the country. Within the last few weeks, Opera Pacific in Southern California's wealthy Orange County closed its doors. A little farther north, a consortium of orchestras in Pasadena canceled half of this season's remaining concerts and furloughed its executive director. Despite strong advance ticket sales, the Washington National Opera has postponed its much-anticipated production of Wagner's Ring, a four-part cycle of operas, because the company could not find donors for the remaining $5 million-plus needed for the project. At the San Francisco Opera and New York's Metropolitan Opera, there is talk of fewer and less expensive productions next season."
London mayor unveils cultural strategy
Variety, 11/24/2008
London Mayor Boris Johnson "wants to encourage London's youth to go to the opera and ballet as well as enjoy the more populist arts introduced by the previous Labor administration. The moves are part of the mayor's cultural strategy for the capital in the next four years, unveiled Monday in his Cultural Metropolis document. Key elements, to be implemented by Johnson's director of cultural policy Munira Mirza, include increasing the cultural education of young people as well as cutting the red tape involved in producing cultural events."
Cleveland Museum of Art to return art to Italy
Associated Press, 11/19/2008
"The Cleveland Museum of Art agreed Wednesday to return 14 ancient treasures ranging from Etruscan jewelry to a Medieval cross that authorities say were looted or stolen from Italy. Italian Culture Ministry officials and the director of the Cleveland museum signed a deal in Rome to transfer the artifacts within three months in exchange for long-term loans of other treasures. The agreement is the latest success in an Italian campaign to recover artifacts that survived for centuries only to be dug up by looters, smuggled out of the country and sold to prestigious museums across the world. Similar deals have yielded the return of scores of pieces from museums, including the J. Paul Getty Museum in California and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York."
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