Cultural Calendar, June 2-9, 2005
THURSDAY, June 2
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy favorite stories about babies at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
WALKABOUT
Spanish Conversation Group: La Tertulia, a Spanish conversation group, meets tonight and the first Thursday of each month in the Jefferson Room at the Central Library to brush up on studies. All levels welcome. 7pm. 979-7151 or .
French Conversation Luncheon: Rendezvous the first Thursday of every month at L'etoile restaurant on West Main street across from the train station a parler. 11:30am. Details: 971-1118 or .
Mountain Stars: The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club hosts its first Almost Heaven Star Party today through Sunday at the Mountain Institute at Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Dark skies, camping, meals, and stars galore. Visit novac.com/AHSP/index.php to register.
WORDS
An Antique Mystery: Richmonder Emyl Jenkins, published authority on home furnishings and antiques, now picks up the pen to write mysteries. Adriana Trigiani calls her new book, Stealing with Style, "mysterious, funny, and memorable... a great read." Jenkins visits the New Dominion Bookshop today at noon to meet, greet, read, and sign. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.
Not an Oxymoron?: Former Virginia Governor, former U.S. Senator, UVA alumnus Charles S. Robb visits the Miller Center to talk about U.S. Intelligence. That's "Intelligence" with a capital "I," as in CIA. Robb recently co-chaired a presidential commission on the intelligence capabilities of the U.S. regarding weapons of mass destruction– nicknamed the WMD Commission– and will share the commission's conclusions, not only about past intelligence failures in Iraq, but also about implications for present and future intelligence capabilities, especially concerning nuclear weapons holdings. 5:30pm. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236. See Words feature.
TUNES
The Hagens with Junior Moment at the Bistro at 12th and Main in Lynchburg. 7pm. $4.
Jubeus at Coupe DeVille's. Free, 10pm.
Clarence Green's Chameleon Project and Ryan Chiachiere at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Silent Muse at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom with Bio Ritmo. $8-10, 18+, 8pm.
Pat McGee Band at Starr Hill. $18/$15 advance, 8pm.
Las Gitanas at Fellini's #9. No cover, 9pm.
Open Mic Night at Kokopelli's. No cover, 6:30pm.
FRIDAY, June 3
ART
Bright Spot: Artist Phillip Nolley signs and discusses his work, the product of his 25 years as a master glass blower, which he describes as "dreaming in color." Refreshments. 5 -8pm. Sunspots Studios, 202 S. Lewis St., Staunton. 540-885-0678.
House of Straw: Preview "Holding Up for the Long Term: An Exhibit with Sustainable Strawbale Walls, Building, and Architecture" an exhibit at the Charlottesville Community Design Center. 5:30-7:30pm. 101 E. Main St. 293-3900.
WALKABOUT
Local's Night at Cardinal Point: Tip a little with the neighbors, tonight and every Friday 5:30-9pm at Cardinal Point Vineyards. Wine specials, music, and a relaxed atmosphere for picnicking. 9423 Batesville Road, Afton. 540-456-8400.
FAMILY
Art Show: The Virginia Discovery Museum hosts a First Fridays event featuring works of young local artists. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Star Struck: The view is out of this world at Public Night at McCormick Observatory from 9-11pm (weather permitting). UVA's research telescopes on O-Hill will be pointed heavenward, and Astronomy Department staff and students will be on hand with a slide show and answers to starry questions. Free. McCormick Road. 924-7494.
On the Frontier: The Frontier Culture Museum starts their summer First Fridays series. The grounds are open for strolling and picnicking, and the four historic farms welcome visitors. 6-8pm. This month, the Valley Stargazers Club offers a free program in Visitor Center at 8pm followed by stargazing at 9pm. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540- 332-7850.
PERFORMANCE
Twelfth Night: This Shakespeare classic creates comedy at every elevation, from low slapstick to high irony, offering a feast of language and a stage full of memorable characters such as the lovesick Viola and ale-sick Toby Belch. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $14-28. 540-851-1733.
Contra Dance: The Albemarle Country Dance & Song Society hosts its monthly hoedown featuring live traditional music from local favorites Hell on the Nine Mile: Matt Olwell on flute and percussion, Aron Olwell on flute, fiddle and concertina, and Meg Madden on fiddle. The caller for the night is Jim Morrison (back from the dead?). Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. Ext. 8-11pm; beginners workshop starts at 7:30. $7; under 12 free. contracorners.com.
TUNES
The Nighthawks and Eli Cook at Fridays After 5.
Beleza Brasil at Bashir's. No cover, 6:30pm.
Acoustic Groove Trio at the Mudhouse. No cover, 8pm.
Dave Kannensohn and Mike Rosensky at Art Upstairs. 5:30pm.
Charlottesville Funk Allstars at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
DJ Malc D at Orbit. $5 cover after the show starts, 9pm.
Open Mic at Rapunzel's. 7:30pm.
Mir Ali, Peter Richardson, Drex Weaver, and Kristi O'Brien play flamenco and dance at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $4, 9pm.
American Dumpster at Fellini's #9. $3, 10pm.
Safety Scissors at Gravity Lounge. $5, 5pm.
No Evil and Tigerlily at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Kip Michaels at Laughing Lion Gallery. Free, 6pm.
Acoustic Groove Trio at the Mudhouse. No cover, 8pm.
Trashé Blues at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
Dance all Night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required. 10pm.
SATURDAY, June 4
FAMILY
At Court: Members of the public are cordially invited to join Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and her court for music, merriment, and mayhem at the Virginia Renaissance Faire at Lake Anna Winery. 10am-6pm. $5. 5621 Courthouse Road., Spotsylvania. www.varf.org.
Magic Happens: Aspiring witches and wizards can meet and greet the most famous student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Children's Museum of Richmond hosts an evening with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 5:30-9:30pm. $12. Registration and an adult chaperone required. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-7011.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
All's Fair: Wintergreen Resort invites city folks to a weekend of good old country-time fun at a Memorial Day Country Fair. Festivities include live music and family barbecue, country square dance, a children's festival, hayrides and pony rides, and "Day at the Lake" activities. 10am-3pm. Free admission, fees for some activities. Rt. 664. 800-325-8180. wintergreenresort.com.
WALKABOUT
Clear the Trail: Help the Rivanna Trails Foundation get everybody's favorite walking path back in shape after the winter. See Walkabout feature.
EnviroFest: Celebrate the natural world at Wintergreen with exhibits, guided nature hikes, and Blue Ridge-centric activities. Fee. 325-2200.
Walk for Kids: Stroll around The Park on UVA's North Grounds and raise money for the university's Children's Hospital at the same time. 8am-noon. Picnic and prizes following the walk. 924-8432.
Baskets for the Garden: Construct your own sturdy basket to use in the garden or at home. 9:30am and 2pm sessions at Monticello's Tufton Farm. $30 fee includes all materials. Registration required. 984-9822.
Relay For Life: Support the American Cancer Society at this annual fun-packed event, with activities, performances, and ceremonies all weekend. And, of course, there's always the walk, from 8am today until 8am Sunday. Monticello High School track. 978-7423.
Strawberries Lite: Dig in at the annual Stanardsville Strawberry Festival breakfast at Standardsville United Methodist Church. 8am-noon. $6 adults, $3 children under 8. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity and the Greene County Food Bank. 985-4124 for details.
History Alive!: After breakfast at the Methodist Church, experience what life was like in Confederate and Union encampments during the Civil War at this Living History Exhibition. Weapons demonstrations, skirmishes, Civil War medical exhibits, crafts, and period music by The Warmed-Over Boys. All day at the Greene County Courthouse. No fee. 985-7133.
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.
Take Me To The River: Learn the paddling strokes and strategies you need to safely maneuver a canoe through flat or moving water. Master your skills on calm easy Lake Monocan, before heading off to put them to the test on the James River. Contact the Wintergreen Nature Foundation for more information. 10am. Fee. 325-8169.
WORDS
History Meets Present-Day: What do war historians and war reporters have in common? Hear UVA Professor and Civil War expert Gary Gallagher, and New York Times staff writer Robert F. Worth, presently reporting from Iraq, talk about the differences and similarities in their ways of "Writing About War." Panel discussion, moderated by CNBC's Tyler Mathisen, takes place 10am-1pm at the Miller Center. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.
PERFORMANCE
She Stoops to Conquer: Playwright Oliver Goldsmith penned this bit of high comedy in the late 18th century, and now Shenandoah Shakespeare brings a comic jewel back to life, lampooning the quirks and customs of old England. 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $14-28. 540-851-1733.
Measure for Measure: See Thursday, June 2.
TUNES
Inner Space at the Station. Free, 10:30pm.
Silent Muse at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
The Collisions and Hope for Agoldensummer at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
Byron Massie and Gene Mills at Rapunzel's. 7:30pm.
Sconch at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Chickenhead Blues Band at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Sweet Trouble at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
Dance all Night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required. 10pm.
SUNDAY, June 5
WALKABOUT
Sunday Polo: Polo is back, and this spring it happens at King Family Vineyards. 1pm every Sunday, weather permitting. Free. 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet. 823-7800.
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.
WORDS
Amandla: A film about the role of music in the resistance movement in South Africa shows at Better than Television, followed by a discussion about the film, accompanied by tea and cookies. Donations suggested. 9pm. 106 Goodman St. Apt. A3, in Belmont. 295-0872
PERFORMANCE
Twelfth Night: See Friday, June 3. Today's show is a 2pm matinee.
FAMILY
At Court: See Saturday, June 4.
FAMILY AND TUNES
Rollin' on the River: Rhythm on the River rolls into its seventh season of monthly outdoor concerts. Tonight's feature is Hot Soup Trio and Willow Branch. 6pm. Free. Dorrier Park in Downtown Scottsville. rhythmontheriver.org.
TUNES
George Turner Trio with Lori Derr at Kokopelli's. $3, 7pm.
Dickey Betts at Starr Hill. $20, 8pm.
Steve Kessler Quartet featuring John D'earth, Robert Jospé, and Pete Sparr at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.
MONDAY, June 6
WORDS
More Books in Crozet: The Crozet branch of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is establishing another book group, this one first Monday evening of every month. Tonight's subject is Hosseini's book on Afghanistan in wartime, The Kite Runner. (For July, read John Steinbeck's East of Eden.) 7-8:30pm. 5791 Three Notch'd Road, Crozet. 823-4050.
TUNES
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
King Golden Banshee at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.
The Gourds and David Childers at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7:30pm.
TUESDAY, June 7
WALKABOUT
Walk Smart: Learn the ins, outs, pros, and cons of Nordic walking with Gene Elizabeth Verel from LEKI USA. It's "a new approach to fitness," and you get to use poles. What's not to like? Get the full scoop at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports tonight at 7pm. 977-4400.
Acupuncture and you: How does acupuncture care help you, your symptoms, your issues? Presented by Ron Greathead, 1110 Rose Hill Drive, Suite 100, Reservations please. 962-2770. First Tuesday of every month. Free. 7-8pm.
Italian for Vacationers: Ecco Italy's six-week summer course covers all you need to get around in Italy. Practice real-life scenarios with shopping, ordering and tasting exercises. Six two-hour lessons on Tuesdays today through July 12. Perfect for the absolute beginner. 9:30-11:30am. $120. eccoitaly.com or 825-4390.
TUNES
Ted Stryker's Drinking Problem with The Stabones and TRMNSPRX at the Satellite Ballroom. $3, 18+, 9pm.
Adelyn at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 10pm.
Travis Elliott at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, June 8
PERFORMANCE
Measure for Measure: See Thursday, June 2.
Twelfth Night: See Friday, June 6. Today's performance is at 1);30am school matinee.
African Drum Classes: Kevin Munro offers a summer session of West African drum classes every Wednesday night through July 20th. Taught in a group and geared to beginner and intermediate-level drummers. 6-7pm. $70 for the six-week session. Info or to register: 977-1499 or .
WALKABOUT
Wild and Wonderful: Check out the West Virginia mountain country first hand on this railroad cruise with the Wintergreen Nature Foundation. Ride the authentic Cass Railroad on the old lumber route from Bald Knob. Bring a bag lunch. 7am. $28 members and $35 non-members. 325-8169.
Go Native: The Jefferson Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society meets to tour UVA's new-ish Morea arboretum. 6:30pm at the retention pond directly across Emmet Street from the Central Grounds Parking Garage. 293-8997.
Cook's Class: Learn how to create Southern summer masterpieces like tarragon chicken salad, crab cakes, corn pudding, and more with the pros at Mona Lisa Pasta. 7pm at 921 Preston Ave. $45 per person. 295-2494 or .
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy favorite storybook stories about dinosaurs at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
WORDS
Look East: Robert M. Field, retired senior CIA analyst and current consultant to the World Bank, visits the Miller Center today to talk about "Looking at China." Field has published dozens of articles on China with special attention to population and manpower, industry, and agriculture. 5:30pm. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.
Feeling Cosmic?: Earthling Ed Pearson invites participants to his Conversations about the Cosmos. Pearson invites people to come "freely share their experiences, information, and ideas." 7-8:45pm. Main branch Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Market Street. 361-2507. .
TUNES
Jubeus at Orbit. Free, 10pm.
Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt and Tulsa Drone at the Satellite Ballroom. $12/$10 advance, 18+, 9pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Guano Boys, The Pones, American Dumpster, and Mando Mafia at Gravity Lounge. $8, 6pm.
THURSDAY, June 9
ART
No Indians?: Through July 23, the Arts Center in Orange presents The Art of Motorcycle Design, a look at the art of industrial design through the development of a single product, the motorcycle. Oogle three state-of-the-art machines from Harley, BMW, and Honda, as well as a representation of the designs developing the unique and radical B91 Wraith by Confederate Motor Company, the first models of which are scheduled to be released to buyers in October. The show is in conjunction with The Big Damn Bike Show on June 18 and an exhibit at the James Madison Museum of antique motorcycles from the 1920s through the 1980s, on view beginning June 14 though October 23. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. 129 E. Main St. 540-672-7311.
FAMILY
Summer Safety: Mommy & Me (& Daddies, too) celebrates Sensational Safety Day with activities all about home and water safety issues. 10am-noon. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 977-4583.
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, June 8.
PERFORMANCE
Twelfth Night: See Friday, June 3.
Bedroom Plays: Enter the most private quarters of life in Offstage Theatre's Bedroom Plays, running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June 9-25. All performances start at 8pm, but seating is limited so arrive early. Lush Life, 309 E. Water St. 244-8432. See Performance feature.
WALKABOUT
CulpeperFest: Head up to Culpeper to find out just what this pepper-themed party is all about. All-you-can-eat catfish, grilled chicken, and more; live music from The Rhondels; local exhibits; and displays, all in recognition of all things Culpeper. $25 adults, $10 children. 540-825-8628.
TUNES
A Decade of Fun: The Music Resource Center's 10th Anniversary Celebration features music by Terri Allard, Corey Harris, Greg Howard, John D'earth, Darrell Rose, and MRC members. No cover, 2:30pm.
Muelle at Coupe's. Free, 10pm.
The Lesser Birds of Paradise at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover.
Appetite for Destruction at Starr Hill. $8, 9pm
Matty Metcalfe at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm
Greg Brown with Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman at Gravity Lounge. $28, 7pm
Greg Howard, Matt Wyatt, and Darrell Rose at Kokopelli's. $7, 8:30pm.
ONGOING AND UPCOMING
ART
Seeking Artists: The deadline for artists to submit proposals to the sculpture competition for ArtInPlace is July 1 for the October 2005-September 2006 show. Applications and information: artinplace.org or email questions to .
Planet Art: McGuffey artists offer free workshops for children at Planet Art 2005, June 15-30. One-time classes are available in sculpture, collage, papier mache, stained glass, dance, poetry, and more for children ages 7-16. Classes happen at the McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. Space is limited, so get details and register soon at mcguffeyartcenter.com.
WORDS
Song of Himself: An exhibition of UVA's remarkable collection of Walt Whitman's papers, publications, and memorabilia, including photos of the poet himself, continues in UVA's Harrison Small first-floor gallery until June 30. 924-6040.
South American Transformation: Artifacts from before, during, and after the first contacts of Europe with South America form the student-initiated exhibit at UVA's Harrison Small Library titled "South America's Gran Columbia: From Native Empires to Independent Nations," on view until August 16. 924-6040.
PERFORMANCE
Practice Swing: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts weekly practice sessions for beginners and intermediates Thursdays. Singles and couples welcome. DJ takes requests. 7:30-9pm. Auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.
Country Dance: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Dance lesson Wednesday 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm. $7, students $4. (students $2 every fourth Wednesday). 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.
FAMILY
The Eyes Have It: What you see isn't always what's really there at the Science Museum of Virginia's new rotating exhibit. See Family feature.
TJ for Children: Monticello offers Tours for Children and their Families on weekends through June 12. Throughout the summer they happen every day. Families should request this special tour at the admission desk. 1 and 3pm. Included in the price of general admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Rt. 53. 984-9822.
Circus: Kids don't need to run away to join the circus this summer, because the circus has come to them. It's the current Back Gallery exhibit at Virginia Discovery Museum, and kids are the stars of the show. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Tavern Tour for Kids: Family is the focus of Michie Tavern's living history tours available through Labor Day. Throughout the summer, kids can participate in Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt (the prize is a sack of gold coins– well, ok, there's chocolate inside), dress up in 18th century clothes, make herb sachets to take home, write with a quill pen, dancing a Colonial reel, and more. Offered daily 11am-3:30pm. Free to local residents or included in general admission. Rt. 53. 977-1234.
WALKABOUT
Woods Walk: Tour the 250-yeard-old wonder of James Madison's Landmark Forest at Montpelier. Guided tours every Sunday at 2pm. Included in general admission fee. 540-672-2728.
Humpback Rocks: Stroll through a re-created 19th century Appalachian farm, complete with traditional music, on your way up to the breathtaking view from the Humpback Rocks overlook. Visitor's Center open every day 10am-5pm. Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 5.8. (540) 943-4716.
Italy on Main: Going to Italy in the near future? Ecco Italy's full-day cultural and linguistic immersion course, "Italy on Main" could be the ticket. Travel to Italy-on-Main-Street (the "Italian wing" of the Main Street Market) for a fun day of language practice (greetings, ordering, shopping), cultural exploration (mini-lectures on history, current events, cuisine), and numerous tastings (espresso, gelato, wine). Friday, June 17, 9:30am-5:30pm. $115 includes lunch and wine tasting. Info: ecco/italy/.com or 825-4390.
Glassy Classes: Try your hand at a one-day glass blowing class– create a paperweight, ornament, or a hand-blown vase. Class times and themes vary, as do fees. 202 S. Lewis St. in Staunton near the old train station. Registration info: 540-885-0678 or .
Parkway Nature Walks: Monticello offers guided walking tours of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the linear park along the Route 53 entrance to Jefferson's estate, every Sunday morning through November. 9:30am. No fee. Meet at Kemper Park at the base of the Parkway, a quarter-mile east of the intersection of Routes 53 and 20. 984-9822.
Downtown Tours: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society offers walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville every Saturday at 10am. Tours leave from the McIntire Building across from Lee Park and cover over 250 years of community history in one hour. $3 suggested donation. 296-1492.
Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. Open to all. Info: 295-1395.
ART LIST
For June, the McGuffey Art Center presents "Gentle Africa," an exhibition of Gloria Mitchell's acrylic paintings and small collages, in the main gallery. The downstairs hall galleries feature two painting shows: "Distant Cousins, Paintings from My Family Album" by Reba Peck, and "Mayibuye i Afrika. (Come Back Africa)" by Lindsay Michie Eades. Upstairs, August Rolin displays a variety of his latest work. All shows run through June 26. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
On June 4, the University of Virginia Art Museum opens "loose leafs," an exhibition of work by Monica Angle, featuring an artist's talk at 4pm, and a reception, 5:30-7:30pm. The show runs through July 17. And be sure not to miss "The Naked and the Clothed: Photographs from the Collection," which hangs through June 19. Also on view: the much-anticipated "Masterpieces of European Drawing," an exhibition of 62 works on loan from the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie. The only presentation of this collection in the U.S., the show features pieces by Courbet, Delacroix, Rubens, and Rembrandt, among others, and runs through June 5. The museum also presents "After Collage," a show of mixed-element work by contemporary artists, including John Baldessari, Katherine Porter, and Frank Stella, through August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592. See Art feature.
During June, the McIntire Department of Art presents paintings by Susanne McDougall Carmack and stained glass sculptures by Mimi Tawes at The Dell Gallery. Dell 2 Studio Building, Bonnycastle Drive. 924-6123.
Second Street Gallery presents "Constant Battles: Installation by Anne Kesler Shields," on view through August 13. 115 Second St. SE in City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.
During June, Les Yeux du Monde features bronze work by Steven Strumlauf and oil paintings by Sonia Fox. Both shows run through July 9. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
For its June show, The 302 features models, photographs, and multi-images from Dan George's Greenbrier and Pocahontas Central-Model Railroad. Photography by Mark Chase. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (next to the Lewis & Clark statue). 924-5405.
The Main Street Market Galleria displays the colorful abstract paintings of Andrew Acosta during June. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.
Aaron Farrington shows his photographs at the Gallery at Starr Hill during June. 705 W. Main St. 409-0745.
Marco & Luca's Noodle Shop presents a photography exhibition honoring refugees who have re-settled in the Charlottesville community through the efforts of the International Rescue Committee. On view through June 20, International Refugee Day. York Place on the Downtown Mall. 979-7772.
During June, local fave Monty Montgomery offers his latest pop-art-inspired acrylics at Café Cubano in a show entitled "Situations." York Place on the Downtown Mall. 242-4212.
Transient Crafters presents "Candle Art: Floral Designs in Wax," featuring the waxy work of Donita Hoyer, during June. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
New Dominion Bookshop features "Returning to Italy," watercolors by Alice Cannon, on its mezzanine level during June. 404 W. Main St. 295-2552.
During June, The Charlottesville Community Design Center presents "Holding Up for the Long Term: An Exhibit of Strawbale Walls, Building and Architecture," sponsored by Abrahamse & Company. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
During June, the C&O Gallery features "To Bed Without Supper: Odd Bits of Watercolor," a show of work by Sandy McAdams. All proceeds go to the Blue Ridge Food Bank. 511 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
Nature Visionary Art displays new work by multiple artists during June. 110 Fourth St. NE. 296-8482.
In June, Marta Sánchez presents "The Angel Series," a show "depicting calm earthly and heavenly women of color to raise awareness about sexual violence," at the Garden of Sheba. 609 E. Market St. 977-7336.
The new Elements Art Gallery (formerly the Dave Moore Studio) presents a group art show featuring work by Will May, Jen Poe, Jen Santos, Andrew Groner, Rob Grachus, Nicole Truxlo, and Andy Acquaro. 414 E. Main St. (under the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar). 566-2841.
During June, the 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams displays watercolors by Mercedes Lopez, abstracts by Caroline Cobb, mosaics by Danielle Dorsett, and acrylics by Elaine Colletti.. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold goes to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.
Crozet's Kokopelli's Café features "Form and Shadow," an exhibition of black and white photographs by UVA professor John Bunch. The show remains on view through June 30. 5793 The Square. 823-5645.
Through June, Angelo displays "Glimpses," landscape monotypes and etchings by Tim Michel. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art presents "Seeing the Other: The Human Image by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Artists," on view through August 13. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place (off Route 250 East at Pantops). 244-0234.
For its June show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water offers "Juicy Harvest," oil paintings by Ann Friend Clark. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
Sage Moon Gallery presents a June show of oil paintings by Adel Sansur. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
View "Facts and Fancy," an exhibition of watercolors by Eloise Giles and Lois Kannensohn, during June at Art Upstairs. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
The Laughing Lion Gallery offers a June show of Terrence Pratt's graphite portraits on paper.103 E. Water St. (above Londons). 984-4000.
For the month of June, BozArt Gallery features oil paintings in an expressionistic style by Kris Bowmaster. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
Asha Greer's "feet and pigs," plus Greg Kelly and Bill Duford's assemblage, is on view at the Mudhouse during June. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.
Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's 206) presents "Light," watercolors by Lee Alter, during June. 128 Water St. 295-3080.
Glo is currently showing paintings by Christian Peri. 225 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-7432.
Sunspots Studios in Charlottesville features work by Daniel Scogna during June. Meadowbrook Shopping Center (behind Anderson's Foods). 977-5531.
Blue Ridge Beads & Glass displays new paintings and art glass by Jerry O'Dell. 1724 Allied St. 434.293.2876.
L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
Radar
Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist and Realist Paintings from the McGlothian Collection." The exhibition of 35 noteworthy works includes pieces by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer, among others. Also on view: "The Council: Serving VMFA since 1955," a display of objects supported by the Council's gifts. Both shows run through September 18. 200 N. Boulevard. 804-204-2704.
The Artisans Center of Virginia presents "Nature's Designs," fiber art by Renee Harris, on view through June 30. The Center also displays "Sacred Icons: A Collective Vision of Symbolic & Ritual Objects," a juried exhibition that will remain on view through June 29. 601 Shenandoah Dr. (Exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
Opening June 6 at The Arts Center in Orange, "The Art of Motorcycle Design," on view through July 23. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Rebellion Held in Compassion," an exhibition of pastel paintings by Cynthia Haney, which is on display through July 13. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-8315.
The Barn Swallow features pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork. Route 682 off 250W. 434-979-4884.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.
Other
McGuffey Art Center artists offer free workshops in sculpture, collage, papier mache, stained glass, dance, poetry, and more, for children ages 7-16 during Planet Art 2005, June 15-30. See mcguffeyartcenter.com for a detailed schedule. Call 295-7973 to register.
ArtinPlace invites artists to submit proposals for its annual sculpture competition leading to the October 2005-September 2006 show around Charlottesville. Deadline: July 1. Applications and information available at artinplace.org.
The Virginia Poverty Law Center invites entries for its 2005 juried photography exhibition, "Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia." Submissions for consideration will be accepted through June 30. The kick-off for the touring public display of finalists and an awards ceremony are scheduled for October 14. Contest rules and the entry form at pvlc.org. 700 E. Franklin St., Suite 14T1, Richmond. 804-782-9430.
Habitat for Humanity and the Charlottesville Community Design Center invite entrants for the international "Urban Habitats" competition, which asks participants to design a 72-home community of mixed-use, mixed-income units. Details and specific guidelines at 984-2232 or .
The University of Virginia Art Museum announces "Summer Arts @ the Ix," its creative programs for 4th-12th grade students. First session: July 18-22. Second Session: July 25-29. Students' art will be displayed August 16-24. Tuition: $220 for members; $255 for nonmembers. A limited number of full scholarships are available for students with financial needs. For more information, contact Lili Grabbi at 434-243-6830 or .
First Friday, June 3
The McGuffey Art Center celebrates its exhibits by its four June artists, Lindsey Michie Eades, Gloria Mitchell, Reba Peck, and August Rolin, with a reception, 5:30-7:30pm. Special treat: Musician Darrell Rose plays a variety of African instruments during the opening. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
The McIntire Department of Art hosts an opening for its show of paintings by Susanne McDougall Carmack and stained glass sculptures by Mimi Tawes at The Dell Gallery. 5-7pm. Dell 2 Studio Building, Bonnycastle Drive. 924-6123.
Second Street Gallery welcomes Anne Kesler Shields installation "Constant Battles," with an opening, 6-8pm. Artist's talk at 6:30pm. 115 Second St. SE in City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.
Les Yeux du Monde opens its June display of bronze work by Steven Strumlauf and oil paintings by Sonia Fox with a reception, 5:30-8pm 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
Marco & Luca's Noodle Shop hosts a reception for its photography exhibition honoring refugees who have re-settled in the Charlottesville community through the efforts of the International Rescue Committee. 5:30-7:30pm. York Place on the Downtown Mall. 979-7772.
The 302 celebrates its exhibition of Dan George's and Mark Chase's model-train-related art, 5:30-9pm. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (beside the Lewis & Clark statue). 924-5405.
Transient Crafters welcomes Donita Hoyer's wax works exhibition, "Candle Art: Floral Designs in Wax," with an artist's reception, 6-9pm. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Elements Art Gallery (formerly the Dave Moore Studio) hosts a reception for its June artists, Will May, Jen Poe, Jen Santos, Andrew Groner, Rob Grachus, Nicole Truxlo, and Andy Acquaro. 5-10:30pm ("or later"). 414 E. Main St. (under the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar). 566-2841.
The Charlottesville Community Design Center opens its exhibition "Holding Up for the Long Term: An Exhibit of Strawbale Walls, Building and Architecture," 6-9pm. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
Marta Sánchez opens "The Angel Series" at the Garden of Sheba, 5-8pm, with music by Morewena Lasko and Jay Pun. 609 East Market St. 977-7336.
Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's 206) hosts an opening for "Light," watercolors by Lee Alter, 6-9pm. 128 Water St. 295-3080.
The BozArt Gallery opens its show of new paintings by Kris Bowmaster, 6-9pm. 211 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 296-3919.
The Main Street Market Galleria hosts an opening for the colorful abstract paintings of Andrew Acosta, 6-8pm. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.
The Gallery at Starr Hill welcomes Aaron Farrington's photographs with a reception at 8pm. 705 W. Main St. 409-0745.
Art Upstairs holds an artist's reception for watercolorists Elois Giles and Lois Kannensohn, 5:30-9pm. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
The Gallery @ 5th & Water welcomes its exhibition of paintings by Ann Friend Clark with a reception, 5:30-8:30pm. 107 Water St. 979-9825.
The Laughing Lion Gallery celebrates Terrence Pratt's portraits in graphite with live jazz by Kip Michaels. 6-8pm. 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.
Sage Moon Gallery celebrates its exhibition of oil paintings by Adel Sansur, with an opening reception, 6-9pm. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
New Dominion Bookshop opens "Returning to Italy," watercolors by Alice Cannon, with a reception, 5-7pm. 404 W. Main St. 295-2552.
The C&O Gallery celebrates "To Bed Without Supper: Odd Bits of Watercolor" by Sandy McAdams, with a reception. 5-7pm. 511 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
The 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams opens its display of work by Mercedes Lopez, Caroline Cobb, Danielle Dorsett, and Elaine Colletti, with a reception, 5-7pm. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.
Nature Visionary Art hosts a celebration of its multi-artist June show. 5:30-8pm. 110 Fourth St. NE. 296-8482.
Sunspots Studios in Charlottesville holds a reception for master glass blower Daniel Scogna, 5-8pm. Meadowbrook Shopping Center (behind Anderson's Foods).
ART
Get your barings: UVA lets it all hang out
BY LAURA PARSONS
You never know what fringe benefits will come from exposing yourself to art. For instance, this past week while Ken Jennings and company stood mute and buzzer-less on Jeopardy's "Ultimate Tournament of Champions" when asked what G-named photographer created the series The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, I was yelling at the TV, "Nan Goldin! Nan Goldin!"
How could I be so sure when the know-it-alls were stumped? I had just seen "Vivienne in the Green Dress," a photo in Goldin's series, while visiting the University of Virginia Art Museum's current exhibition, "The Naked and the Clothed: Photographs from the Collection."
Curated by the always-interesting Stephen Margulies, the show explores how photographers have approached the psychological and social aspects of clothing or the lack thereof. Margulies writes, "Nothing is more intense than our nudity. Nothing is more intense than clothing that implies our nudity or that implies our desire to create a clothed identity as truly us as our nudity."
The show's images include famous and lesser-known works by the 20th century's camera-wielding big guns– Richard Avedon, Edward Steichen, Edward Weston, Alfred Stiegletz, Duane Michals, etc.
Margulies divides the predominantly black-and-white works into four sections– "Artists and Models," "Dressing Up," "The Exposed Male," and "Revelations of Woman."
Within these sections, he calls attention to how different photographers have addressed similar questions by placing comparable images next to each other. For instance, in "Dressing Up," Edward Steichen's 1933 portrait of actor Paul Robeson as The Emperor Jones hangs alongside Richard Avedon's 1955 photograph of author Isak Dinesen. Both subjects seem encased by their clothing. Robeson's strong-yet-vulnerable face glares defiantly from within the gold-braided collar of his military jacket, its fringed epaulet seeming almost as big as his head. On the other hand, Dinesen looks frail yet smug and unreachable, protected by her immense bear-fur coat.
The exhibition also includes one of my all-time favorite photographs, Judy Dater's "Imogen and Twinka at Yosemite" (1973). On the left, elderly photographer Imogen Cunningham stands fully dressed, gazing thoughtfully around a redwood's trunk at nude model Twinka Thieman, whose youthful body is coyly posed as she playfully looks back toward Cunningham. It's a tender and humorous comment on beauty, art, nature, and time's inevitability.
One last note: The signage for "The Naked and the Clothed" is extensive and may seem daunting, but I encourage reading Margulies' remarks because, without fail, they're insightful and drip with juicy tidbits about the artists and images.
"The Naked and the Clothed: Photographs from the Collection" is on view at the University of Virginia Art Museum through June 19. 155 Rugby Road
PERFORMANCE
Bedroom Plays: Offstage goes under covers
BY ROBERT ARMENGOL
Apparently it's okay now to write about 9/11 and play with its stranger consequences, and that's a good thing. The most tragic of events often give life the very significance it seems to lack much of the time. And this turns out to be ideal fodder for a night of quirky performances.
Take the one-night stand, for instance. For one NYC playwright, casual sex in the aftermath of 9/11 was charged with an unprecedented gravitas. When two grieving Brooklynites find comfort in each other in Colin McKenna's one-act short, your prosaic hookup turns profound.
Modestly titled "any-body," the play runs on three weekends this month with a collection of five other one-acts having nothing to do with September 11, but also set in bedrooms. They're being staged at downtown Charlottesville's Lush Life, an interior design studio.
You can always count on Offstage Theatre, one of the most dynamic performance troupes in town, to stay true to its name. Its revival of The Bedroom Plays, not seen in town since 1990, features a medley of short pieces chosen from 120 submissions in a nationwide search, ranging from the melodramatic to the utterly absurd.
Offstage producer Bree Luck says the group was aiming to put together more site-specific work and "go beyond" its popular Barhoppers series. With a maximum capacity of 25, the intimate setting allows audiences to connect with a local team of actors and directors who have worked closely with the playwrights.
"It's a real thrill, because it becomes more of a process-oriented production than just product-oriented work," Luck says.
Since each piece lasts 10 or 15 minutes, it's hard to talk about the plays without giving too much away, but the blurbs Offstage has circulated say more than enough to pique curiosity.
Here are two more acts running with "any-body." Nancy Gall Clayton's "A Mustache and a Mattress" goes like this: "She needs a mattress. He needs to sell one. A mustache complicates the deal." And there's "Fertile Ground," by Adam Lehman: "What happens when two sperm compete to fertilize the same egg?"
These may seem like strange bedfellows alongside a drama about 9/11, but that's exactly the idea, Luck says. "One of the most wonderful aspects of The Bedroom Plays is the variety of shows," she says. "Part of the goal is to help new playwrights get their names out there, and doing one-acts is the most efficient way."
Enter the most private quarters of life in Offstage Theatre's Bedroom Plays, running Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, June 9-25. All performances start at 8pm, but seating is limited so arrive early. Lush Life, 309 E. Water St. 244-8432.
FAMILY
Look sharp: Tricky exhibit fools the eye
BY LINDA KOBERT
Seeing is believing, they say, but those who visit Adventures in 3 Dimensions at the Science Museum of Virginia this summer may be doing a double-take. Your hand may feel just fine, but look at it through a special tube and you'll think there's a hole in it. Walk into the Illusion Room and the child becomes taller than her parents. And see that diamond ring? Just try to pick it up!
Adventures in 3 Dimensions takes visitors on a tour of all the fun and fantastic tricks your eyes can play on you while teaching the genius of eye-brain coordination. The Hologram Gallery, for example, explains why photographic images can look like real objects. Reproductions of great works of art from van Eyck to Escher show how artists use lines in the painting or drawing to create perspective. And a cheeky mock infomercial "sells" viewers on the equation 2 eyes + 1 brain = 3-D.
Several View Master stations show 3-D vacation slides from places like Paris and Pisa as well as the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. A 3-D vision test offers visitors the opportunity to check their binocular acuity. Then there are those way-cool glasses with one blue lens and one red lens to clarify those off-kilter images from 3-D comics and movies.
Visitors can test their luck with autostereograms, such as the Magic Eye images, which one must stare at to identify the pictures within the picture. Examples of a French art form known as trompe l'oiel are displayed, though as the literal translation implies, they do deceive the eyes in a remarkable way.
In fact, nothing is as it seems in this exhibit. Faces of famous people like Alfred Hitchcock and Katherine Hepburn appear to pop out at passersbys, and architectural objects seem to reverse their shapes. A leapin' lizard even jumps from one side of the pole to the other without moving a muscle.
Adventures in 3 Dimensions proves you can't always believe your eyes. See it all summer at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia can have Adventures in 3 Dimensions through September 5. The exhibit is included in the price of exhibits admission: $8.50 adults; $8 seniors, active military, and kids ages 4-12. Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm, Sunday 11:30am-5pm. 2500 W. Broad St. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
WORDS
Intel glitch: Robb talks WMD findings
BY SUSAN TYLER HITCHCOCK
Just over a year ago, President Bush chose George Mason law prof Chuck Robb– former Senator and Virginia governor– to be co-chair of the newly formed Commission on the Intelligent Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, WMD Commission for short.
Robb was the Democrats' counterpart to the Republicans' Larry Silberman, a retired federal judge known to support wiretapping in the service of the search for terrorists.
Together they presided over a group of seven, including Yale University President Rick Levin and Arizona Senator John McCain, charged by the president to assess the ability of the U.S. intelligence community to ferret out and protect the citizenry from weapons of mass destruction in the hands of "foreign powers (including terrorists, terrorist organizations, and private networks)."
Forming the commission was a double-edged risk for Bush: on the one hand, the group's very existence (and possibly its findings) might justify his stated reasons for going to war in Iraq. If WMDs were a global threat, then it didn't matter about specifics found in Baghdad– it was a cause worth fighting for. On the other hand, the new commission could come up with discoveries that cast light into new black holes, threats abroad, or insecurities at home.
In its final report, submitted to the president on March 31, the commission minced no words. The report overview baldly called the mistaken presumption of WMDs in Iraq "one of the most public– and most damaging– intelligence failures in American history," caused by "analytical shortcomings" and "a failure on the part of those who collect intelligence," flaws they found not to be endemic but too common to be overlooked.
"Across the board," wrote the commission, "the Intelligence Community knows disturbingly little" about nuclear efforts of some of the more dangerous entities in the world– and knows less now than it did a decade ago. In painting a picture of this organism that they called the "Intelligence Community," the commission portrayed a dinosaur: large and cumbersome, antiquated and slow to change.
In a report whose overview alone ran to 200,000-plus words, the commission concluded that while Iraq was "a hard target for human intelligence," it will not be the last such target facing the United States; that the U.S. government needs to hone its ability to "test the veracity" of intelligence findings; and that technical, organizational, and conceptual renovation is needed throughout the intelligence community.
Up to now, Chuck Robb has spoken about his experience on the commission only through official statements such as the report. This week he comes to Charlottesville, his past constituency, and his alma mater– one hopes, to speak his mind.
Charles S. Robb asks "How Can the Nation's Intelligence Capabilities Be Fixed?" at the Miller Center on Thursday, June 2, at 5:30pm. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.
WALKABOUT
Chop, chop: Cleaning fun on the RT
BY TIM SPRINKLE
The culture, the scenery, the people; it's no secret that Charlottesville has a lot going for it. And don't forget the festivals and activities that keep us busy and entertained week in and week out. After all, that's why everyone's moving here, right?
With so much going on in town, it's easy to overlook one of the cheapest, most relaxing diversions in the area: the Rivanna Trail. This 20+-mile natural sanctuary around the city has been delighting local strollers for the past decade, offering a respite from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. [See story this week in the News section for a recent controversy–editor.]
"For starters, the [Rivanna] trail is the most cost-effective thing this community can do for public heath," says Rivanna Trails Foundation president Diana Foster. "Walking is cheap physical activity. But it's also a tremendous resource for teaching and showing people the natural world."
But these benefits come at a price. As the trail has increased in popularity over the years, regular wear and tear has increased dramatically. Trail maintenance that used to occupy a handful of volunteers for an afternoon now requires teams of laborers on a regular monthly schedule. In short, the Rivanna Trail is becoming a victim of its own popularity.
Fortunately, we have National Trails Day to set the trail straight. Organized by the American Hiking Society, this nationwide event is designed to raise public awareness about trails and get hikers motivated to take care of the land that they're using.
Here in Charlottesville, Trails Day has become the Rivanna Trail's spring cleaning day, an annual work day that attracts hundreds of volunteers and sets the tone for the whole year.
"It's a fun community event," Foster says. "It provides people with an opportunity to do some clean-up on the trail."
It's also muddy, sweaty, and backbreaking fun. This year, Foster admits that, due to the rainy spring, a lot of the maintenance will involve clipping branches. But, really, how often do you get an excuse to spend all day playing in the dirt?
Clean-up teams for the Rivanna Trail will meet at McIntire Park's shelter #1 at 8:30am Saturday, June 4. From there, groups head out and work until noon before heading back for a free lunch, music, and prizes at McIntire Park. If you're interested in helping out, RTF asks that you visit avenue.org/rivanna to reserve a space (and a lunch) before Saturday. Also, bring clippers, rakes, or other trail-cleaning tools if you have them. Info: americanhiking.org.