Cultural calendar, August 18-25, 2005
THURSDAY, August 18
DANCE CARD
Slippery: Belly dancing and pole dancing lessons at the Berkmar Ballroom. Rio Road. 975-4611.
STAGE
Off the Cuff: Whole World Theater presents live improv comedy at Garden of Sheba. 8pm. $6 (or free with dinner). Every Thursday. 609 E. Market St. 466-9574.
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Comedy of Errors: Shakespeare's shortest play concerns twins– both named Dromio– and another set– both named Antipholus. The twin Dromios are slaves, employed to look after the Antipholus two, but then there's a shipwreck, a ransom, much falling in love and escaping to convents. Hence the name of the play. As expected, at the end everyone is saved, rescued, or married. 7:30pm (talk with the director and cast after the show).
WALKABOUT
Soccer Showcase: Spring Hill Baptist Church hosts a group of professional soccer players from Parana, Brazil who offer free skills workshops for local players while they're in town. 9:30-11:30am at Forest Lakes, and 2:30-4:30pm at Booster Park in Orange. Call the church office at 973-7473 to register.
WORDS
Those Shifting Paradigms: Loved What the Bleep? Get together with simpatico souls to talk about the issues it raises: why are we here? what about paradigm shifts, quantum reality, consciousness, altered states, the thing with feathers? Every third Thursday, 7-9pm, starting tonight. Registration required, $5. Info: Denise Horton 296-2930. noetic.org.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about wild weather at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
TUNES
Dhammapada at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Jimmy O at the East end of the Downtown Mall.Free, 12pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Osmotic at Garden of Sheba. $3, 10pm.
Robbie Schaefer at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
Open mic night at Kokopelli's. No cover, 7pm.
Club Retro at R2. $3, 10pm.
Loveseat at Southern Culture. No cover, 9:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. $5/Free 21+, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Junior Moment (four-piece eclectic/Americana band) at Dr. Ho's Humble Pie at Crossroads. No cover, 7pm.
FRIDAY, August 10
FAMILY
Look Up!: 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..
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton. 540-885-5588
Hamlet: Anyone who needs to read a description of what this play's about definitely needs to get on over to Staunton and check it out. Prince of Denmark, Ophelia in the stream, Laertes, and alas, poor Yorick! It's all here. 7:30pm.
WALKABOUT
Weaving Wonders: Stony Mountain Fibers presents Haluk~usta, master weaver and carpet repairman, teaching a three-day workshop on weaving techniques and unraveling the mystery of the traditional Anatolian Kilim. Learn the design meaning of ancient patterns and the history of the slit weave, weft-float, weft-faced Kilims, and more. No previous weaving experience required. Take home a loom and your woven piece. August 19-21. $300. 939 Hammock Gap Road off 20 North. Info: 295-2008.
Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Bella Sicilia: Revel in the good life of Italian wine, food, and music at Italy On Main's new monthly aperitivo cocktail party series. Each night features wine tastings, authentic antipasti treats, an Italian history discussion, and live music. This month's focus is Sicily. 5:30-7:30pm. 406 W. Main St. in the Main Street Market. $25, tickets in advance. 220-4300.
Community Conversations: Spend the weekend learning about ecovillages, communes, co-ops, and more at Twin Oaks' Community Conference. There will be workshops, community-building, and culture creation that explores such topics as group decision-making, intentional relationships, and sustainable living. $85 (sliding scale) for food and tenting. All are welcome. Friday through Sunday. 138 Twin Oaks Road in Louisa. 540-894-5126.
Kayak Roll Class: Learn to roll, roll, roll your boat with the Outdoor Adventure Social Club. 5:30pm. $15, plus membership fee. 760-HIKE for info and reservations.
TUNES
Wild for Tommy: You want a concept album? Adrienne Young's latest record, The Art of Virtue isn't just political, it's built around her disgust at the fact that last November's election was decided largely because of the emphasis on "family values." "It was a very sobering experience to watch democracy go down a road that looks very bleak. Even though I don't know if I buy how the so-called winner was determined, the fact that it was touted that people chose that option because of morality really bothered me," she says. "It's also loosely based on the writings of Benjamin Franklin," she says enigmatically, "although Thomas Jefferson is... hot." Everyone who 's confused by now should stop by Gravity tonight and demand further explanation.
Vernon Fischer (romantic classical guitar) at Keswick Hall's Fossett's. 6:30-10:30pm. Reservations recommended.
Adrienne Young and Little Sadie with Peyton Tochterman and Andy Thacker at Gravity Lounge.
American Dumpster at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Baaba Seth and Sparky's Flaw at Fridays After Five. No cover, 5pm.
Sweet Trouble at Kokopelli's. $5, 8pm.
Calf Mountain Jam at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Groove Nation at R2. $6, 10pm.
Wells and The Nice Jenkins at the Satellite Ballroom.
Beleza Brasil at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
SATURDAY, August 20
ART
Y'art Sale: Second Street Gallery hosts the annual summer y'art sale today 9am-noon. New and used art materials, craft supplies, books, and objets d'art can be yours for a pittance. 115 Second St. next to Live Arts. 977-7284.
FAMILY
Puppy Love: Biscuit the Preschool Puppy comes to Barnes & Noble for a special story time adventure. Stories and stickers are all part of the fun for fans. Bring your camera for a photo op. 11:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461.
Down on the Farm: Modern folks can spend an evening on the Frontier Culture Museum's American farm enjoying a box supper, bidding on fancy desserts to take home, and dancing to old-time music in the barn. 6-9pm. $13 adults, $9 children 12 and under. Reservations required. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850.
Behind Closed Doors: Visitors ages 5 and up are invited to walk through the "Employees Only" door for a special peek at the inner workings of Maymont's new Nature Center. See just how much care is required for the 13 linked aquariums, a 20-foot waterfall, and more than 200 animals. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Register at the visitors center when you arrive. 1pm. $5. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan heads for Paris with an old horse, his father's letter of recommendation to the head of the King's Musketeers, and a recipe for a miracle wound-healing salve. Although he loses the letter and sells the horse, he's allowed entrance into the Musketeers and is accepted into Athos, Porthos, and Aramis' ranks. The story follows the four friends' heroism in saving an Englishman (Buckingham) and acting valiantly at every opportunity until we learn whether D'Artagnan will become a true musketeer. 2pm.
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, August 28. 7:30pm
WALKABOUT
Virginia Native Fruits: Get up close and personal with Monticello's native fruit collection in Kemper Park. Tour starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Parkway Trailhead. $10. 984-9822 for details and registration.
Open the Door, Hal: The Center for Christian Study presents a viewing and discussion of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. 6:30pm. 1530 Rugby Ave. Free. 817-1050. studycenter.net.
What's Bugging You?: Bugs have lots of interesting abilities to bite, sting, stink, hibernate, and even sing. Come to a program with the Wintergreen Nature Foundation to learn about insects' unique body structures and interesting life cycles on an intensive bug hunt to see how many different bugs live around Wintergreen. 1pm. $10 members, $15 non-members. Young naturalists only! Register: 434-325-8169.
Swing Kids: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society offers a high-energy evening of swing dancing. No partner needed. 9pm-midnight. Municipal Arts Center, 1116 Fifth St. Ext. Lessons from 8-9pm included. $12/general, $6/students (w/ID), $9/members. 873-4947.
Car Show: The Lake Anna Cruizers Car Club always rolls out the chrome for their annual car show, and this year promises to be no exception. Classic cars of all shapes, sizes, and ages are on display, along with games for the kids, food, vendors, and more. 9am-3pm. Louisa County High School. Free. 540-967-2062.
Summer Celebration: Raise a glass to the bounty of the season at Kluge Estate Winery's annual celebration. This year's theme is tomatoes. Special food, drinks, and literature to toast the tomato! Fee. Details: 984-4855.
Music of the Blue Ridge: "Folk Bard" Jerry Cook performs traditional dulcimer and host an old-time music jam session at the Humpback Rocks farm. 3pm. All acoustic instruments welcome, or just bring a lawn chair and hang out. Free. Blue Ridge Parkway. 540-943-4716.
Polo Match: Join the Piedmont Polo Club (formerly Piedmont Women's Polo Club, but now all-inclusive) for a night of polo action in the rolling hills of Albemarle. 6:30pm. Forest Lodge Road, off Old Lynchburg Road. 977-POLO or .
Share Fair: Peruse a collection of booths and family-friendly activities at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Ruckersville. 10am-2pm. Free. 973-7473.
Chicken Run 5k: Local runners know all about this annual race and BBQ fest. Toss in live music, games, food, and a truck raffle, and you've a full day of activities. Race 8am; BBQ 1-5pm. North Garden. Details: 293-3367 or Ragged Mountain Running Shop.
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $5 non-members. 10am. Info: 325-7451.
TUNES
No Gods No Monsters: They're at the Outback Lodge for the upteenth time tonight, this time armed with copies of the new "Zombie Hunter EP," recorded by drummer Jon Hartline and finalized in bassist Matt Singleton's new studio. "It's definitely a good hybrid of the old and the new," says guitarist Hal Brigish. Outback will be the same way, as it will both introduce the new EP and bid farewell to Hartline, a founding member.
No Gods No Monsters, Last Crash, and Soul Sledge at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
Eli Cook: Despite seven months of hard work with the Red House Blues Band in support of debut album Moonshine Mojo, blues guitarist Eli Cook is still in it for fun. "I've sold the minimum I had to in order to break even," he says. "That's all I was going for." In other words, your attendance and purchase will be a much appreciated bonus.
Eli Cook's Red House Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm.
Dwight Yoakam at the Charlottesville Pavilion.
Groove Train at Fat Daddy's. 21+, 9pm.
Chuck Prophet at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
Travis Elliott at Orbit Billiards. No cover, 21+, 10:30pm.
DJ Izm at R2. $6, 10pm.
Fletcher Bridge at the Wild Wing Café. No cover, 9pm.
Vernon Fischer (romantic classical guitar) at Keswick Hall's Fossett's. 6:30-10:30pm. Reservations recommended.
The Staunton Music Festival presents Handel, Mozart, Corella, and Telemann. $15/$13/$8, 8pm.
SUNDAY, August 21
WALKABOUT
Sunday Polo: Polo is back, and this summer it's happening at King Family Vineyards. 1:30pm every Sunday, weather permitting. Free. 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet. 823-7800.
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. 5pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 100 W. Jefferson St. 295-1395.
Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $5 non-members. 10am. Info: 325-7451.
Old-Time Tunes: The traditional music duo Em and Jim whoop it up with some classic string band favorites at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center. Blue Ridge Parkway. 2-4pm. Free. 540-943-4716.
FAMILY
Plantation Exploration: Modern kids can see what it was like to work and play on a 19th-century plantation during special youth tours of Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe. Children's Day on the Plantation features craft demonstrations, hands-on workshops, music, colonial games, and more. Bring a lunch and picnic on the grounds. 1-5pm. $5/children 4-11 and local residents, $9/adults, $8/seniors. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
Get Your Kicks: Soccer fans can meet and greet the 2005 UVA soccer teams today. Members of both the women's and men's teams will be available for autographs and photo ops. Posters and schedules will be handed out, and refreshments will be served. 1-3pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center (next to Wachovia & McDonald's). 924-UVA1.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, August 19. Today's performance is a matinee at 2pm.
DANCE CARD
Sunday Salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice salsa and other dances in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8pm. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $3-5. cvillesalsaclub.com or 979-7211.
TUNES
Bruce is Back: It looks like Charlottesville may soon be able to draw hordes of famous musicians to town now that it has an appropriate venue– even if it is distressingly like a school auditorium with a fancy name. "I think it's fantastic to be able to go see national acts on the downtown mall," says local sax man Bobby Read. Maybe that's why he decided to bring Bruce Hornsby around for the first time since their show at the Performing Arts Center several years back.
Bruce Hornsby at the Charlottesville Pavilion. $47/$37/$27/$17, 7:30pm.
Elephant Minor and Jubeus at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7pm.
The Staunton Music Festival presents music from and inspired by Josquin Deprez. $15/$13/$8, 8pm.
Open mic night at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
MONDAY, August 22
TUNES
Steve Richmond at Atomic Burrito. Free, 9:30pm.
Paul Thorn at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
Brandon Collins at Southern Culture. No cover, 9:30pm.
Ezra Hamilton at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. No cover, 9pm.
Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover, signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.
Travis Elliott at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
TUESDAY, August 23
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Three Musketeers: See Saturday, August 20. Tonight's performance, part of family night, begins at 6:30pm.
FAMILY
Animal Encounter: Ever wonder why are some birds are called "raptors?" Or if owls really can see in the dark? Maymont offers inquisitive animal lovers ages 5 and up the chance to hunt for information about predators of the sky in a closer encounter that includes fun facts and a glimpse of one of Maymont's feathered friends. 3pm. $4. Reservations required. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333. maymont.org.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Circus in the Sky: Observe the aerial acrobatics of the annual nighthawk migration with members of the Monticello Bird Club. Diving, twisting, whirring, and climbing, it's all part of their trip to the winter habitat in South America. Meet in the parking lot at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Bug spray recommended. 6:30pm. Free. Earlysville Road (Route 743). 973-7772.
Mindful Meditation: Join UVA's Department of Family Medicine for a guided meditation session. All are welcome, no experience necessary. 12:15-12:45pm. Free. Hospital Chapel. 924-1190 or .
TUNES
Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
Superjock JJ at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
The Winter Blanket at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. No cover, 9pm.
Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Matthew Willner and Friends at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, August 24
DANCE CARD
Street Salsa: Salsa Dura Dance Company offers beginner classes with Caroline Davis, intermediate with Tiffany Sanchez. No partner necessary. Second and fourth Wednesdays. 8pm. $8 adults/ $6 students. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. SW. 510-681-8255.
WALKABOUT
Young Professionals Party: Love Charlottesville but frustrated with the lack of opportunities to meet other young pros? Whether you're networking or socializing, the Charlottesville Young Professionals is the group for you. Their kick-off party is this evening from 5:30-8:30pm in McIntire Park. Big Jim's BBQ, beer, wine, and fun provided. Free. RSVP or 906-2079..
One If By Land: Kick it old school at Ash Lawn-Highland while learning the art of lantern making. Design and create your own hand-punched lantern.11am-noon. $3.50 workshop fee in addition to regular admission charge, reservations recommended. 293-9539.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Comedy of Errors: See Thursday, August 18.
DANCE CARD
Hustle: Berkmar Ballroom's weekly chance to shake what your mama gave ya. Berkmar Drive. 975-4611.
Country Dance Night: Couples dancing and line dancing. Dance lesson (free with cover charge) 7-8pm. Dancing 8-11pm. $7 cover, full-time students, $2. Fry's Spring Beach Club, 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.
FAMILY
In Stitches: Jeanette McCarthy teaches a workshop on quilting at Ash Lawn-Highland. Participants will make a quilted Christmas tree ornament using "English piecing," a once-popular historic technique which was used by Maria Hester Monroe (daughter of the President) to create a quilt top now in the James Monroe Museum collection. Intended for ages 10 and up. Bring your favorite thimble. 11am. $3 plus regular admission ($5 locals), includes tour. 1000 James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about sports at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
More Animal Encounters: Curious bug lovers ages 5 and up can dig into the world of insects with a close encounter that includes fun facts and a glimpse of some of Maymont's creepy crawlies. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 3pm. $4. Reservations required. 1700 Hampton St., Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 333. maymont.org.
TUNES
Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
The Taters with Amelia Ray at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
The Staunton Music Festival presents chamber music by Brahms, Bach, and others. $15/$13/$8, 7pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 11pm.
Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Josh Mayo at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Karaoke at Jaberwoke. No cover, 21+, 10pm.
The Mike Rosensky and Jeff Decker Quartet at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.
Open jam at Rapunzel's, 7pm.
Chris Jamison and William White at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
THURSDAY, August 25
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
Hamlet: See Friday, August 19. Stay around after tonight's 7:30 performance to "talk back" to the actors.
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, August 24.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Circus in the Sky: See Tuesday, August 23. Meet in the parking lot at Ivy Creek Natural Area at 6:30pm. Free. 973-7772.
TUNES
The Nice Jenkins: Wells and The Nice Jenkins host a doubleheader at the Satellite Ballroom, with each band celebrating a new release; Wells has an album, while the Jenkins have an EP they'll be handing out free. "We're just giving out the beginnings of a full album," says Jenkin Nate Walsh. "It's about halfway done. We're shooting for sometime in September."
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Brandon Collins: Naughty minstrels B.C. will be playing at Southern Culture on Thursday the 25th, but cellist Brandon Collins will be breaking loose tonight and playing the third in his recent string of solo shows. "I'm calling it 'works in progress' because I'm trying to flesh out some ideas, mostly centered around eastern themes and meditation. Then I'm also trying to blend that with American folk music, and try to get some blues in there," he says. "I like the folksy stuff. It's nice and pretty, but I'm a much darker person than that."
B.C. at Southern Culture. No cover, 9:30pm.
Salsa Night at the Satellite Ballroom. $6/$8, 8pm.
Duncan Sheik at Starr Hill. $15, 9pm.
The Violent Femmes at the Charlottesville Pavilion. $22/$17/$10, 7:30pm.
George Turner, Madeline Holly Sales, Darrell Muller, and Robert Jospé at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. $5/Free 21+, 8:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Robin Wynn and Andrew Gregory at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.
Upcoming and Ongoing
ART
Columbus to Kerouac: Through January 3, 2006 UVA's Harrison Small special collections library presents a selection of treasured manuscripts, books, and artifacts tracing some of the remarkable journeys that brought us from 1492 to the mid-20th-century era of social protest. Main Exhibit Gallery, McCormick Road. 924-6040 or lib.virginia.edu/harrison. Call ahead or check website for hours.
WORDS
Learn Italian in an Italian Setting. Charlottesville's only gourmet language and culture school, Ecco Italy, is now enrolling for "ECCO UNO: Italian for Beginners." Morning and evening classes: Tuesdays 10-11:30am (September 6-December 13) and Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm (August 31-December 14) section. $225. Visit ecoitaly.com or call 434-825-4390 for more info or to enroll. 406A W. Main St. in The Main Street Market.
WALKABOUT
Sharing Sadness: Hospice of the Piedmont offers eight-week bereavement support groups starting in early September. These groups are open to the community and are led by trained Hospice staff and volunteers. If interested, please call 434-817-6900 or 800-975-5501 to learn more details regarding locations and times. Come share the journey of grief with others who have similar loss.
Hip-Hop: Two sessions of new six-week dance performance class to choose from: Session 1: Sundays August 28-October 9 excluding Labor Day weekend. Rehearsals 7-8:30pm. Session 2: Mondays August 29-October 10 excluding Labor Day weekend. Rehearsals 8:30-10pm. Attendance required at all rehearsals. Students will create their own costume, and the class will culminate in a final performance TBA in October. Participants must demonstrate a command of the choreography in order to perform. $85 each class. Pre-registration is required at 510-681-8255 or email . Both at Studio 206 downtown.
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.
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.
Yes, Yoga: Kundalini yoga purifies the body and liberates the spirit. Experience it for yourself for $5 per class, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm in the attic of the Glass Building, 313 Second St. SE. 293-7439.
FAMILY
Kindermusik: Join a music class for parents and kids together. Licensed Kindermusik educator Dana Wassenaar offers classes for infants, toddlers, young children and combined age groups. Weekday, evening, and weekend classes begin in September. Registration required. Info: 245-9888. .
Passport, Please: Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau gives folks an incentive to have fun. Visit six participating sites (two each from Arts & Entertainment, Heritage/Museum, and Restaurant/Retail/Accommodations categories), get your passport stamped, and win a free t-shirt. Passports available at either visitor center location. Free. Good through the end of the year. In the Monticello Visitors Center building (Rt. 20 S.) or at 100 Fifth Street NE, in the Market St. parking garage. 293-6789. soveryvirginia.org/passport.
Trail Training: Every year more than 2,000 local schoolchildren learn the ways of nature as they walk the trails of Ivy Creek Natural Area with volunteer guides. Those with an interest in nature and an enthusiasm for working with children are invited to participate in a free guide training course starting September 6 and lasting for six consecutive Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-noon. Call to sign up or find out more. 973-7772.
Circus: Kids don't need to run away to join the circus this summer, because the circus has come to them. It's the Back Gallery exhibit at Virginia Discovery Museum through August 28, and kids are the stars of the show. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
TJ for Children: Monticello offers Tours for Children and their Families daily throughout the summer. Families should request this special tour at the admission desk. Included in the price of general admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Rt. 53. 984-9822.
Tavern Tour for Tots: Family is the focus of Michie Tavern's living history tours available now through Labor Day. Throughout the summer, kids can participate in Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt (the prize is a sack of gold coins– well, okay, 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 the price of general admission. Rt. 53. 977-1234.
ART LIST
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "Unfold Yourself," a show of work by 4th-12th graders who participated in UVA's Summer Ix program. The show runs through August 24. And be sure not to miss "After Collage," a show of mixed-element work by contemporary artists, including John Baldessari, Katherine Porter, and Frank Stella, which continues through August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.
Les Yeux du Monde presents Megan Marlatt's "Ten Years After the NEA: Ten Years of Painting," on view through August 30. 115 S. First St. 973-5566. See Art Feature.
The C&O Gallery shows Richard Bower's "Seventeen Paintings" during August. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
During August, the Main Street Market Galleria presents Rudger Clawson's latest paintings. 416 W. Main St., 244-7800.
Transient Crafters presents the watercolors of jenni elle in an exhibition entitled "Not Just Florals," on display through the end of August. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Through August, the Charlottesville Community Design Center presents James Hall's photographic series, "Artifacts of Light and Memory: The C.B. Holt 'Rock House.'" All proceeds go to the Rock House Preservation fund. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church displays Darin Schoeny's exhibition entitled "Interior/Exterior Landscapes." 717 Rugby Road. 977-5411.
Through the end of August, the 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams features a solo show of Andrew Hersey's photography. 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.
Through August 31, Angelo displays "Marsh + Sea," an intimate group of oil paintings by award-winning painter Robin Braun. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.
Marta Sanchez's "The Angel Series," which draws attention to sexual violence and its survivors, is on display at Fusion through the end of August. 412 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 923-3354.
For its August show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water showcases Pat Howe's "The Colors of Summer," an exhibition of acrylic paintings. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, P.C. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
Through August 27, the 302 presents work by Pacific Northwest artists Lisa Sheets, Doug Kinney, and Sultan Mohamed. 300 W. Main St. (top floor– enter on Ridge St.). Contact: .
Sage Moon Gallery presents an August exhibition of Allen Sandy's oils. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
During August, Starr Hill features work by Nicole Truxell in its gallery. 709 Main St. 977-0017 x 23.
Vanity Salon and Serenity Spa feature the photography of Aimee Susanah and Nick Kessler during the month of August. 1112 E. High St. 977-3332.
In August, Luther Gore presents a show of oils and watercolors entitled "Cloudscapes: An Intrusion of Airplanes" at Art Upstairs. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
For the month of August, BozArt Gallery presents its "Associates Show," a collective display of members' artwork. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
Jack Cacciatore presents his photography at Fellini's #9 during August. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
Through September, Romney Brand presents "Sparkles of Light," a show of neo-primitive oil paintings, at Breadworks. 923 Preston Ave. 979-1470.
Glo is currently showing paintings by Christian Peri. 225 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-7432.
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
The Artisans Center of Virginia presents an invitational exhibition of Virginia textile artists participating in Fiberarts Design Book 7. The show runs through the end of August. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive, exit 94 off I-64, Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
Andy Acquaro shows his photographs at Scottsville's The Gallery for Healing during August. 330 Valley St., Studio c (around back). 434-286-4400.
During August, local art impresario Monty Montgomery displays his latest exhibition, "assorted flavors," at Richmond's ADA Gallery. 228 W. Broad St. 804-644-0100.
Nellysford's Basic Necessities presents "Gallic Dream," Ted Pfaltz's photographs of France. Route 151. 434-361-1766.
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. In addition, the museum features rotating series of paintings under the umbrella title of "An Enduring Legacy: Paintings Acquired Through the J. Harwood and Louis B. Cochrane Fund for American Art," 200 N. Boulevard. 804-204-2704.
The new Virginia Holocaust Museum Art Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by G. Roy Levin, on view through December 31. 2000 E. Cary St., Richmond. 804-257-5400.
The Arts Center in Orange features "Moments in Time: Photographs by Poul Ober & Lon Holmberg," through September 11. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
In Lexington during August, the Nelson Fine Arts Gallery displays "Et Hoc Genius Omne," an exhibition of paintings by Kelly Gravely Mattox. 27 W. Washington St. 540-463-9827.
Lovingston's Eye of the Beholder gallery, located in the Packing Shed, features work by E. Hudson, G. Mankie, and D. Garland. Front St. 295-8097.
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
The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has a few bus seats available for its September 20 field trip to view art in Washington, DC. The bus departs Charlottesville at 7:45am and return at 8:45pm. Info: 842-2350 or 489-5445.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Toying with life: Megan Marlatt's wry eye
BY LAURA PARSONS
Sometimes it's good to be wrong. I admit when I glanced at the postcard for Megan Marlatt's current show at Les Yeux du Monde, the first word that flew to mind was "schtick." The image showed a jumble of plastic toys with an eye-achingly yellow smiley-face doll lying haphazardly on top. I rolled my eyes, sure that I was about to encounter yet another wink-wink nudge-nudge artist making snarky comments about pop culture.
But once I was standing in front of Marlatt's paintings, I realized her work is much richer than I'd suspected. And the longer I spent with her pieces, the more I appreciated her insight, mastery of technique, and sly, wry humor.
Entitled "Ten Years After the NEA; Ten Years of Painting," the exhibition reveals where Marlatt's mind and brush have wandered since winning the coveted National Endowment for the Arts award a decade ago. Upstairs Les Yeux du Monde displays Marlatt's recent toy-focused works, while downstairs a retrospective follows Marlatt's odyssey from tiny gouache studies through collaged mock-scientific illustrations to fresco painting on found objects.
The threads that connect Marlatt's work are her love and deep knowledge of color combined with a fascination for the chaos and disasters that defy our everyday attempts at order. Whether it's the giant pot gorgeously boiling over in front of a grease-stained wall in " Domestic Turmoil #2" (which garnered the NEA) or a confusion of toys, looking like dazed survivors of a plane crash, in "Mr. Potato Head & Friends," Marlatt presents microcosms of life via inanimate objects"
She also makes subtle yet sharp (as in "ow!") observations about societal attitudes. Taking advantage of acrylics' textural and color qualities (plastic to paint plastic), in "Mr. Potato Head and Friends," Marlatt has a space-age action hero sit idly on a play mummy's sarcophagus, as if to say, in our here-and-now society, history is expendable.
In "Men," the postcard's painting I so casually dismissed, a bird's eye view of a cardboard box full of plastic male figures hilariously exposes the mixed messages about male identity children receive. On top of a testosterone-heavy pile of modern archetypes– gunslingers, shield-wielding trolls, racecar drivers, muscled soldiers, and firemen– all oozing save-the-world aggression– the benign yellow smiley-face guy seems to add, "Oh yeah, and don't worry, be happy."
Through the visual vocabulary of her palette and brush, Marlatt has a lot to say. But none of it is snarky. And being wrong made my day.
Megan Marlatt's exhibition, "Ten Years After the NEA; Ten Years of Painting," is on view at Les Yeux du Monde through August 30. 115 S. First. St. 973-5566.
Correction: Although no one has complained about the mistake (perhaps even pointing out errors is too much in this heat), last week my sweat-addled brain had my fingers type "Joseph Campbell" instead of "Joseph Cornell" in my column, "Paste-up: The sequel "after glow." That's when it's bad to be wrong.