Cultural Calendar: 11/24/2005 - 12/01/2005
THURSDAY, November 24
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Eat, then Laugh: Have guests in town and don't know what to do after dinner? Go see a performance of The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare's shortest play. It 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. Start a new Thanksgiving tradition! 7:30pm.
DANCE CARD
Salsa Night at Satellite Ballroom. Lessons 8-9pm and dancing all night long! $6.
TUNES
Joseph Mills at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at the Lazy Parrot Grill. No cover, 8:30pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Satisfaction at R2. The best in R&B, top 40, and hip-hop. Ladies free all night/men $5.
FRIDAY, November 25
ART
Holiday Open House: Valley Green Art and Craft Gallery holds its annual festive event today including demonstrations by member artisans and music by Virginia Schweneger, harpist, and Suzanne Morris on the dulcimer. Refreshments provided. Featured artist for the day is Joanne Farrell, Nantucket basket-maker. 10am-5pm. Rte 151, Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford. Info: 361-9316 or 361-2048.
A Handmade Season: A special invitational exhibition for the holidays featuring Virginia crafts is on display in the Artisans Center of Virginia through December 25. Light refreshments, a free drawing, and craft demonstrations perk up today's opening, 1:30-3:30pm, featuring Susan Coville in clay today and Joe Sheridan in rustic furniture Saturday. 10am-6pm today and Saturday; 12:30-5:30pm Sunday. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive, exit 94 off I-64, Waynesboro. 540-946-3294 or .
Tour the Shop: Landscape artist Frederick Nichols gives tours of his printmaking workshop and painting studio today and tomorrow 11am-5pm. Across the street from the studio, Nichols Gallery Annex features "Into the Mountains," an exhibition of works by Gray Dodson, Philip Koch, and Tom Tartaglino, through December. Gallery hours Thursday through Sunday, and by chance or appointment. Near the intersection of Routes 20 & 33 in Barboursville in Orange County. 540-832-3565
FAMILY
Storybook Star: Clifford the Big Red Dog joins the Barracks Road Shopping Center's Holiday Parade starting at 9am. Afterward, the ebullient pup bounces into Barnes & Noble for a very special story time. The parade also features the big man in the red suit and more than sixty of his friends, including local civic organizations, marching bands, antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, and Charlottesville/Albemarle area princesses. Free. 984-6598.
All Aboard: Junior engineers can sit in the train cab and run the world at the 28th annual RF&P Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia. Displays take travelers to Hawaii, the circus in the 1940's, Lake Moose in rural New England, and scenes of Roanoke, Clifton Forge, an other western Virginia towns. Lots more excitement for model railroad enthusiasts. 9:30am-7pm. Included in the price of exhibit admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Well, Are You Coming?: Starting today, visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia get swept up with a trainload of children on a holiday adventure with The Polar Express: The IMAX Experience. Based on the classic Caldecott Medal-winning children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie tells the story of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole in a journey of self-discovery. Through January 22. $8.50. Call for advance tickets and show times. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Get Real: Real boys…and girls too…take the stage at the Old Michie Theatre in Pinocchio. The play, based on the classic Carlo Collodi tale, tells the story of a marionette puppet who yearns to become a real boy. 7pm. $7.50. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree: Starting today through Christmas Eve, families can wander the fields to chop their own Virginia pine or cedar at Ash Lawn-Highland, the historic home of President James Monroe. This is not a tree farm, so there may be some hiking involved, and the trees are growing naturally, not shaped. Check in at the Gift Shop for directions to the cutting fields. Bring a saw and a rope to tie the tree to vehicle. 11am-4pm daily. Donations accepted. Rt. 795, James Monroe Parkway. 293-9539.
FAMILY
Barboursville Open House: Celebrate the holidays at Barboursville Vineyards. Sample special holiday foods from Palladio Restaurant and make a wine gift basket. 11am-5pm. 540-832-3824.
Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival: Experience what Charlottesville was like during the American Revolution. Mingle with famous statesmen, soldiers, craftsmen, clergymen, and citizens gathered for a Day of Public Thanksgiving with about 150 costumed actors at several different venues downtown. There will also be a rededication of Court Square, modern speakers, period music, dancing, historic illumination, and more. 6-7:30pm. 249-4032 or jeffersonthanksgiving.org for details.
Holiday Parade: Kick off the holiday season with marching bands, horses, costumed characters, community participants, and more, at the annual Barracks Road Holiday Parade. 9am at the shopping center. 800-658-8980 x3101 for details.
Get Festive: Get in the spirit of the season with hot mulled wine, gift shopping, a complimentary wine tasting, and delicious holiday refreshments at Wintergreen Winery. 10am-5pm. Free. 361-2519.
Holiday Market: Mark the holiday season at the Holiday City Market at Central Place on the Downtown Mall, 10am-5pm, this and every December weekend until Christmas. Browse through handmade gifts, toys, jewelry, baked goods, decorations, wreaths, and fresh greenery. 970-3271.
Sip to the Season: Taste the new wines and sip on hot mulled wine at Burnley Vineyards' annual Holiday Open House. Free. 11am-5pm. 540-832-2828.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Hamlet: Final performance. After an incredible six-month run at the Blackfriars, the 2005 Summer/Fall season is coming to a close, and Hamlet is certainly a show not to be missed. It's a ghost story, a comedy, a thriller, and a seven-murder tale of revenge that has been the world's most discussed play for nearly 400 years. 7:30pm.
WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: Laura Cockerille Giannini is at Barboursville Vineyards this weekend signing copies of her book. Enjoy a glass of wine and hear her story about a reservation dog who led her into all sorts of adventures. Noon-5pm through Sunday. 540-832-7048. kokopellijournals.com.
TUNES
Cajun Stomp: Matty Metcalfe is known for being a multi-instrumentalist, but this time he's gone too far. For "Matty Metcalfe's Cajun Stomp," his new zydeco band, he plays the Cordovox: "It's basically a mutated accordion. It looks like an accordion, but it has the electronics of an organ inside. You can use it as an accordion or a Hammond organ or as both," he explains. As a result, the Cajun Stomp formula can be pretty intriguing. "You can kind of have the cajun zydeco feel, but we also do some Hank Williams and Leadbelly tunes, with a Rolling Stones song or a Dylan song here and there," he says. "It's good, hearty Americana dance music. It's food for the soul."
Matty Metcalfe's Cajun Stomp at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
2 Clems' Holistic Towin' Service at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.
Bob Bennetta at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.
Navel and the Naked Puritans at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Indecision at Starr Hill. $12/$10, 9pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Bar and Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.
Groove Nation with DJ Edit at R2. Top 40, R&B, dancehall, reggaeton, hip-hop. $6 before 11:30/$10 after.
SATURDAY, November 26
FAMILY
Puppets in the City: Esther, the country mouse, and Priscilla, the city mouse, discover the true meaning of friendship after each one visits the other's home. Old Michie Theatre presents a whimsical puppet adaptation of this classic children's tale. 11am, 2 and 4 pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.
All Aboard: See Friday, November 25.
Get Real: See Friday, November 25.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Last of the Three Musketeers: Alexander Dumas' magnificent adventure filled with duels, love affairs, wicked plots, and breath-stopping escapes makes its final curtain call. 2pm.
All's Well That … Ends Now: Shakespeare's tale of unrequited love asks, "How far will a good woman to get a man?" This is your last chance to find out! 7:30pm.
WALKABOUT
Oakencroft Open House: Sample some Virginia wines and find gift ideas for that special wine lover. 11am-5pm. $8, includes tasting glass. 296-4188 x21.
Sip to the Season: See Friday, November 25. Free. 11am-5pm. 540-832-2828.
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.
Holiday Market: See Friday, November 25. 10am-5pm this and every December weekend until Christmas. 970-3271.
Get Festive: See Friday, November 25. 10am-5pm. Free. 361-2519.
Jeffersonian Thanksgiving Festival: See Friday, November 25. 6-7:30pm. 249-4032 or jeffersonthanksgiving.org.
Barboursville Open House: See Friday, November 25. 11am-5pm. 540-832-3824.
WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: See Friday, November 25.
TUNES
Berry Nice: Heather Berry used to perform across the region with a band by the rather confusing name of Virginia Carolina, but no longer. "After I signed with Blue Circle records last month, they resigned. I have a new band called Dominion Grass," she says. The new group has local roots as well, though. "All the members are from Virginia. It's a really smooth, polished sound."
Heather Berry, The Vulgar Bulgars, The Amazing Monticupp, and the Blue Ridge Music School at First Night Virginia on the Downtown Mall, 2pm.
Big Bobby and the Nite Caps at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.
Michael Mulvaney at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
The Royce Campbell Trio at Gravity Lounge. $8. 7pm.
The Country Gentlemen at The Prism. $18/$15, 8pm.
Miles Pearce and Friends at Rapunzel's. $5, 8pm.
Cerberus Shoal and Micha Blue Smalldone at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.
Jazz night at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 7pm.
Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.
Blast, a mostly '80s Dance Party with Egghed 23 at R2.
SUNDAY, November 27
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Comedy of Errors: In this final production of a rollicking farce of mistaken identity, Shakespeare transports Roman comedy to dizzying heights. It's the Bard's shortest play, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy together one last time. 2pm.
DANCE CARD
Sunday Salsa: Ninety percent salsa and 10 percent merengue, cha-cha and more. Every Sunday with the Charlottesville Salsa Club at the Outback Lodge. 8pm-midnight.
WORDS
Kokopelli Journals: See Friday, November 25.
WORDS AND FAMILY
Read for a Cause: Reading aficionados can put their passion to work for a good cause at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library's Read for a Cause at Northside Library. Folks can be part of "Read to Me" with young children one-on-one, 1:30-2:30pm. Those who like to read alone can settle in with their favorite book with "Read to Myself," 2:30-3:30pm. Those who like an audience can read their own work or someone else's during "Read to the Group," 3:30-4:30pm. Proceeds benefit Hurricane Katrina and tsunami relief funds. Refreshments and door prizes available. Registration encouraged. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
FAMILY
All Aboard: See Friday, November 25. Times today are 11:30am-5pm.
Get Real: See Friday, November 25. Today's performance is at 3pm.
WALKABOUT
Get Festive: See Friday, November 25. 10am-5pm. Free. 361-2519.
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.
Oakencroft Open House: See Saturday, November 26. 11am-5pm. $8, includes tasting glass. 296-4188 x21.
Holiday Market: See Friday, November 25. 10am-5pm, November 25-27 and every December weekend until Christmas. 970-3271.
Sip to the Season: See Friday, November 25. Free. 11am-5pm. 540-832-2828.
Barboursville Open House: See Friday, November 25. 11am-5pm. 540-832-3824.
TUNES
Too Big to Handle: George Melvin's primary claim to fame might be as one of the few remaining Hammond B-3 organ players, but he also plays around town with the "Group Sound," a complex setup involving several keyboards and an array of drum loops that lets him sound like a one-man jazz combo. Will we ever see a Group Sound performance with the B-3? "You can't move that son of a gun by yourself! You've gotta be playing with someone who can help," he says. So maybe not.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. $5, 9pm.
Randy Waller and Heather Berry at Gravity Lounge. $5 at 2pm; $7 at 8pm.
Dan Sebring and Bill Edmonds at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 11pm.
MONDAY, November 28
ART
No Brush-Offs: The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild meets to install new officers and enjoy cover-dish holiday lunch. 1pm. Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, 717 Rugby Road. 979-4291.
FAMILY
Free the Children: A school run by students? (Gasp!) Blackberry Village is a K-12 school now forming based on the premise that the best way to learn to be responsible citizens of our free society is through actually living and learning in freedom. Informational meeting tonight at Central Library. 6:30pm. Free. 201 E. Market St. 540-894-5117. blackberryvillage.info.
Icy Gathering : All the Hoos in Hooville are gathering at the Charlottesville Ice Park for an evening of holiday fun. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, in both cartoon form and the Jim Carrey version, will be shown. The fun includes caroling by local choirs and UVA a cappella groups, free popcorn and hot chocolate during the movie, and a free-for-all broomball game for UVA students on the ice. 6-11pm. West end of the Downtown Mall. 817-2400.
WALKABOUT
Winery Holiday: Do your Christmas shopping at Cardinal Point. There'll be wine, crafts, foods and holiday treats available all week long. 9423 Batesville Road, in Afton. 540-456-8400.
TUNES
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.
Open mic night at Baja Bean. No cover, signups at 8:30pm, show at 9pm.
Matthew Willner at Miller's. No cover, 10pm.
Travis Elliott at The Virginian. No cover, 10pm.
TUESDAY, November 29
WALKABOUT
Tree-Lighting: The Omni throws the switch on its holiday decorations at this annual ceremony. Live music and refreshments. Free and open to the public. 5:30-6:30pm. 971-5500
TUNES
The Greg Ward Project at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10:30pm.
The Pat McGee Band at Starr Hill. $15/$18. 9pm.
Karaoke at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.
Ezra Hamilton at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.
Deep Kutz with Umlaut and DJ Audio Rapture at R2. Free.
WEDNESDAY, November 30
ART
Tucker Box Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of current exhibitions followed by lunch in the gallery at the Kluge-Ruhe. Bring your own lunch or order one for $7. 12:15-1:30 pm. Reservations required. 400 Worrell Drive, off Route 250 East at Pantops. 244-0234.
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Santaland Diaries: For those who missed him last year and for those who need to see their favorite oversized Santa's helper again, John Harrell climbs back into his elf knickers to embark on another humiliating seasonal career as an elf named Crumpet in this "anti-holiday" show for grown-ups by David Sedaris. Recommended for mature audiences. 7:30pm. Preview performance; pay what you will.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites about holidays throughout the year at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
WORDS
Gross Anatomy: James Edmonson, chief curator of the Dittrick Medical History Center and Museum at Case Western Reserve University, presents "Haunting Images: Dissection, Photography, and American Medical Students," as part of the UVA med school's History of the Health Sciences lecture series. See how medical students and human cadavers became a photographic subject in the early years of daguerreotype photography. 5-6pm on the ground floor of the Health Sciences Library. Free. 924-0052.
Sunny Event: Meet Esmont resident Jan Karon, author of a new book Light from Heaven, currently #2 on the NYT bestseller list, and get signed copies for Christmas presents. 3-5pm. New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.
Pieces of Pie: Local author and life coach Pie Dumas signs copies of her new autobiography, Pieces of Pie, at Barnes & Noble. You may have seen her passing out… wait for it… pieces of pie on the Downtown Mall back in September. Tonight she discusses her work. 7pm. 989-2300.
WALKABOUT
Cook's Class: Learn from the pros at Mona Lisa Pasta. This month, they're making grilled salmon, cheddar fudge, crispy salmon in grape leaves, coconut rice, and rum fudge cakes. 7pm. 921 Preston Avenue. $45. 295-2494 for details and reservations.
TUNES
Divided Like A Saints' at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Donations accepted, 9:30pm.
Mary Robinson and Friends at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
B.C. at the Buddhist Biker Bar. No cover, 11pm.
Bennie Dodd at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm.
Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.
Evan Mook at Fellini's #9. No cover, 8-11pm.
Karaoke at Jaberwoke. No cover, 21+, 10pm.
The Mike Rosensky and Jeff Decker Quartet at Miller's. No cover, 10:30pm.
Acoustic Groove Trio at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.
Open jam at Rapunzel's, 7pm.
THURSDAY, December 1
STAGE
Shenandoah Shakespeare
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Santaland Diaries: See Wednesday, November 30. This is another pay-what-you-will preview show at 7:30pm.
DANCE CARD
Salsa Night at Satellite Ballroom. Lessons 8-9pm and dancing all night long! $6.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, November 30.
TUNES
Fishy Business: The last time Baltimore-based rockers Lake Trout came to town, they opened for The Pixies at the Pavilion. "We did three or four shows with them, and that was the first," says guitarist Ed Harris. "It was kind of a career high point." Nevertheless, Starr Hill might prove to be an even better experience; Harris says they thrive in intimate environments. "I don't know if it changes the playing so much as it changes the feeling," he says. "There's something cool about the tightness of the sound." And that's saying a lot, especially with a drummer like Mike Lowry– Lake Trout is known for blending elements of electronica with their vaguely jammy approach to gritty, repetitive rock, and Lowry can keep up with all but the most outlandish jungle rhythms.
Lake Trout and Moneypenny at Starr Hill. $12/$10, 9pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Danny Schmidt at Gravity Lounge. $8, 7pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at the Lazy Parrot Grill. No cover, 8:30pm.
The Nice Jenkins at Mellow Mushroom. No cover, 10:30pm.
Satisfaction at R2. The best in R&B, top 40, and hip-hop. Ladies free all night/men $5.
Upcoming and Ongoing
DANCE CARD
Cut a Rug: Terry Dean's Dance Studio has a new slate of classes for beginners: hustle (Monday, 7:30-8:15pm), waltz (Tuesday, 7:30-8:15pm), rumba (Wednesday, 7:30-8:15pm), samba (Thursday, 7:30-8:15pm), tango (Friday, day, 7:30-8:15pm), and all levels West Coast swing (Friday, 8:15-9:00pm). Dance Party every Friday, 9-10:30pm. Individual classes $10 per person per class. Friday class and dance party $10 inclusive. 1309 A. Seminole Trail. Details: 977-3327 or terrydeansdancestudio.com. Times and classes change December 1.
Square Dance Classes: Learn to do-si-do with the pros. The Virginia Reelers Square dance club offers beginning square dance classes on Tuesday nights. 7pm at Woodbrook School. Open to all, no experience necessary. Details: 296-9704.
Dancing 'Round the World: Learn circle, line, and partner folk dances from all over the world to authentic music from the Balkans, Middle East, South America, USA, and Africa. Beginners welcome. Ezher N. Uremiz instructs at the Senior Center, Pepsi Place. Tuesdays 6-8:30pm. 823-9705
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.
WALKABOUT
Michie Tavern: Local residents can preview the Tavern Museum's Jamestown 1607-2007 commemorative exhibit and its 18th century fashion display. Free. Open daily 9am-5pm. Rt. 53 opposite Monticello. 977-1234.
Spruce Up: Through December 24, cut your own tree at Ash Lawn-Highland. Donations will be used to help preserve the historic presidential home. Check in at the Gift Shop for directions to the cutting fields. Bring a saw and a rope to tie the tree to your vehicle. 10am-4pm daily. 293-9539.
Celebrate the Season: The Science Museum of Virginia celebrates the holiday season with "Joy from the World," displays and events highlighting a variety of cultural traditions from around the world, through January 1. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Job Seekers Support Group: Encouragement, motivation, and a circle of support for those in search of employment. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the FOCUS house, 1508 Grady Avenue. 10am. Details: 293-2222 x23.
Arts for Peace Gala: Celebrate solidarity at a benefit December 10 for the Charlottesville Center for Peace & Justice, featuring arts and craft vendors, vegetarian gourmet food, beer and wine, and a live auction of goods and services. Dance to the music of Corey Harris with Darrel Rose, John Gilmore, and Huston Ross. 6pm-midnight. Greek Orthodox Church, 100 Perry Drive. $10, children 12 and under free with adult. 434 842-1647 or .
Mental Wellness: The holidays can be a stressful time. A new support group for mental wellness meets every Wednesday beginning December 7, 6-7pm. On Our own of Charlottesville, 123 Fourth St. NW. 465-1674.
Lights of Love: UVA Hospital auxiliary sponsors the annual "lights of love" tree lighting ceremony December 4. Community members are invited to remember and honor friends and loved ones by sponsoring lights on the tree. At $10, each light benefits the UVA Children's Hospital. Call to sign up 924-5251.
Senior Basketball: Charlottesville Parks and Recreation offers basketball for seniors 55-up at the Key Recreation Center, Mondays 9:30-11:30am through February. 800 E. Market St. 970-3271.
UVA Polo: Polo goes year round (well, almost). The university's nationally ranked squad has an indoor/outdoor facility on Forest Lodge, on the left off Fifth Street Extended, and they play every Friday night at 7pm, rain or shine. $2 students, $4 non-students. Info: student.Virginia.edu/~polo. 979-0293.
Know When to Fold 'Em: The local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous meets every Tuesday night at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 717 Rugby Road. 296-2284.
Ninja Yoga: Toward a revolution of consciousness. Suitable for all levels of expertise. Free and open to the public at "Better than Television," a new community center in the art space under the Jefferson Theater. Times vary. 295-0872.
FAMILY
Dog Daze: The Science Museum of Virginia is going to the "Dogs." It's their latest rotating exhibit that explores all the archetypes of Man's Best Friend. Visitors can don gigantic dog ears to locate and hear termites, examine dog and wolf skulls to see how they differ, explore a canine family tree, learn a bit of dog body language, watch a video of life from a wolf's perspective, and so much more. "Dogs" includes interactive exhibits, multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas that include taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern domestic dogs. Included in the price of admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Invasion Persuasion: Young outdoor types in 1-5 grades are invited to participate in the national 2005-2006 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Garden Club poster contest. This year's contest is dedicated to helping prevent the spread of invasive species in our nation's forests, but posters do not necessarily need to have this theme. Deliver posters to the Dogwood Garden Club Chairman by December 1. For rules and to arrange for pick up of posters, call 979-9900.
Take a Hike: Young outdoorsmen can discover what camping is all about at a new exhibit at the Back Gallery at the Virginia Discovery Museum. Visitors can follow a map to their campsite in the deciduous forest of the Blue Ridge, pitch a tent and settle into a sleeping bag, or enjoy all the outdoors has to offer including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife. Through January 15. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Playing Doctor: The Health Hut comes to the Virginia Discovery Museum from its former home at the UVA Children's Hospital. This interactive collection of activities helps kids learn about their bodies, health care, and making healthy choices. Slim Goodbody, for example, gives the inside scoop on the heart, lungs, and other organs. In the doctor's office, kids can view x-rays and examine patients. Discover the five senses, find out how much you weigh and how tall you are, and much more. This exhibit will be displayed in the Back Gallery for the next year. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
ART LIST
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "Mi Cuerpo, Mi Pais: Cuban Art Today," on display through December 23. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.
The McGuffey Art Center presents its annual Holiday Group Show, where visitors are invited to cash-and-carry away artworks of their choosing. The exhibition runs through January 1. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
Second Street Gallery presents "Ju-Yeon Kim: Recent Paintings" in the Main Gallery and "True Defenders of the Craft: Drawings by Warren Cragshead" in the Dové Gallery. Both shows run through November 26.115 Second St. SE (in the Charlottesville City Center for the Arts). 977-7284.
Les Yeux du Monde features two exhibitions, on view through November 26: "Drawings" by Christophe Vorlet and "Recent Paintings" by David Summers. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
During November, UVA's Off Grounds Gallery presents an intriguing collaborative exhibition by almost 30 faculty, alumni, and artist friends under the title "The Land of Wandering: Exquisite History Volume I." 300 W. Main St., First Floor (Ridge St. entrance). 924-6122.
The University of Virginia's ArtSpace hosts a group exhibition by the Virginia Stonecarvers Guild, featuring 46 sculptures by 11 members. The show is on view through January 12. Newcomb Hall. More info: 434-823-1007.
Gallery 302 features paintings by Aaron Staengl during November. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (top floor, Ridge St. entrance). More info: .
Painter Nell Finger presents "Colors of Water" at Art Upstairs during November. Above the Hardware Store on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
Thirteen artists associated with local watercolorist Lee Alter have mixed-media works on display at ALC Copies during November. 1170 Emmett St. (corner of Barracks Road). 295-2679.
Piedmont Virginia Community College Gallery displays its Art Faculty Exhibition, which runs through November 30. Earl Dickinson Building. 434-5203. See Art feature, page XX.
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection features "Yilpinji: Love Magic and Ceremony," which explores love magic rituals of the Kukajta and Warlpiri peoples of the Tanami Desert region. On view through February 18. 400 Worrell Drive. (Pantops). 244-0234.
During November, Transient Crafters presents "Collaborative Creations," a show of works created by two or more artisans. All works displayed are open to bids in a silent auction to raise money for the cooperative. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Through November, the C&O Gallery presents "The Road Show," an exhibition of 20 new landscape paintings by David Eakin. 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
The Abundant Life Chiropractic and Gallery offers "Inner Spaces," a show of "fresh, bold abstracts" by Kim Baldt, on view during November. 201 E. Main St., Suite Q. 979-5433.
C'ville Coffee hosts an exhibition of paintings by Eugenia Rausse during November. 1301 Harris St. 817-2633.
Through November 28, The Charlottesville Community Design Center examines visions for the future of transportation in our fair city with the exhibition, "Destination: West Main." 101 E. Main St. 984-2232.
Angelo presents watercolorist Nga Bui Katz's exhibition, "Windows of the Soul," on view through December 31. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.
During November, James Covert shows his non-representational oil paintings at the Mudhouse. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.
Painter Lindsay Michie Eades presents "Faces" at Fellini's #9 through November 30. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
Artist Gerald Mitchell displays work to benefit the Charlottesville Free Clinic at The Jeweler's Eye during November. 201 E. Main St. 979-5919.
For its November show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water presents paintings by mother-daughter duo Anne & Sallie Meade in an exhibition entitled "Relative Impressions II." Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett and Stoneking/vonStorch. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
In November, Sage Moon Gallery showcases oil paintings created plein air by Jennifer Young. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
During November, the Laughing Lion Gallery presents "Flesh Forms (don't bring the kids)," a show of new paintings by Terrence Pratt. 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.
For the month of November, BozArt Gallery presents "A Celebration of Life," an exhibition of oil paintings by the recently deceased Vidu Palta. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
La Galeria presents a November showcase exhibition, "Pastels from Italy," by Barbara Albert. 218 W. Market St. (next to Vinegar Hill Theater). 293-7003.
Enjoy Cary Oliva's various photographic works at BodyLogic during November. 416 E. Jefferson St. (in Court Square). 971-7765.
For the month of November, New Dominion Bookshop features paintings by Patsy Walsh from her City Market Series. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.
Sidetracks presents the hand-colored pen and ink drawings of Natalie Estrellita in an exhibition entitled "Touch the Hem of your Government," on view during November. 218 W. Water St. 295-3080.
Through November 28, artwork by Clark and Greenbrier Elementary School students is on display at City Hall. 605 E. Main St. 245-2414.
The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has new work hanging at the Albemarle County Courthouse through November. 410 E. High St. 964-1423.
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.
Paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri are on view at L'etoile restaurant. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
Radar
Gordonsville's Galerie LaParliere & Studios presents "Couleurs d'autmne," featuring work by Paula Pritchett and Bill Remington, on view through December 9. 117-A S. Main St. 540-832-3786.
On November 25, the Artisans Center of Virginia opens "A Handmade Season," an invitational exhibition of Virginia crafts. The show remains on view through December 31. The Center hosts a Community Open House, November 25-27, featuring light refreshments and craft demonstrations. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive (exit 94 off I64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
The Williams School of Commerce at Washington and Lee University in Lexington offers a dual exhibition entitled "North and South," by painter Eric Fitzpatrick. The show remains on view through December. 540-458-8602
Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Dazzle" the first of four exhibitions under the title "Look Here," highlighting the museum's permanent collection, on view through January 29. The VMFA also features a 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 "Equus II," a collection of work by area artists celebrating horses, on view through December 31. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
Barboursville's Nichols Gallery showcases work by Gray Dodson, Philip Koch, Frederick Nichols, and Tom Tartaglino in an exhibition entitled "Into the Mountains," on view through November 27. 540-832-3565.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Healing Artists," an exhibition of work by Magali Boehlen, Karen Collins, Cindy Haney, Trilbie Knapp, and Alegria Barbara Strauss, which runs through December 3. 540-948-6544.
Nellysford's Spruce Creek Gallery presents "Rothwell and Rothwell," an exhibition of paintings by Junk Ono Rothwell and functional pottery by Nan Rothwell, on view through November 8. Route 151. 434-361-1859.
Lovingston's The Eye of the Beholder gallery offers "Stopping Points," featuring paintings, drawings, and photographs by Elizabeth Hutson. Located in the Packing Shed on Front St. 996-5058.
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.
Other
VSA arts of Charlottesville/Albemarle invites artists with disabilities, ages 13 and up, to submit work for the Sixth Annual VSA Art Show. Ready-to-hang art will be accepted November 28, 29, and 30 at the Independent Resource Center, 815 Cherry Ave. The show will be on display at the Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center, January 13-March13, 2006. Info: 970-3264.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Teachers' revelations : PVCC teachers walk the talk
BY LAURA PARSONS b style="color:black;background-color:#ffff66">READTHEHOOK.COM
I can't help it– I grit my teeth when I hear someone blithely toss out the maxim, "He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches." Doubtless the quipster is oblivious to the original context of the quote (it's from George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman), and equally doubtless the wiseacre has never faced down a classroom.
The truth is that for many artists– and other creative types– no such doing-teaching dichotomy exists. Although they may enjoy sharing their expertise, ultimately teaching is a means to finance and support the doing. And as the current "Art Faculty Exhibition" at Piedmont Virginia Community College reveals, lucky PVCC students have teachers who not only can but do with talent and virtuosity.
The works on display showcase the creative range of 12 PVCC art instructors, but three faculty members' pieces stand apart for their stellar technique and visual impact.
Ceramicist Tom Clarkson displays seven functional vessels reminiscent of Japanese and Chinese pottery. Each has a round fullness that reflects Clarkson's fondness for gourds.
Clarkson's complexly patterned and textured glazes in lush greens overlaying iron-rich browns convey a fertile earthiness. Across the surface of a circular platter, controlled yet organic-feeling lines of teal cut through waves of chartreuse, calling to mind an aerial view of a tilled field with an arroyo slashing through its upper reaches.
In two large abstract paintings, Martha Saunders rivets the eye with layered pigment, paper, and beeswax on wood panels. Her encaustic technique allows a seductive palette of rusts, greens, blues, ochres, and mauves to fuse and diffuse within the same painting.
In contrast to their molten waxiness, Saunders' compositions contain a geometric architecture, incorporating rectangular columns and horizontal bars. For her diptych "Oscillating Vistas," Saunders appears to have layered in photographic prints of interiors, barely discernable yet elemental to the overall sense of the piece.
Finally, Haley Hasler's three realistic paintings, patterned on European portraiture from past centuries, offer a wry look at motherhood. In each color-saturated image, Hasler paints herself looking directly at the viewer. Her visage is consistently pale and tightlipped, rendering her emotions inscrutable.
Nevertheless, Hasler humorously adapts the symbolic trappings of Renaissance paintings– flora, fauna, frippery– to elevate the mundane ordeal of parenting to the level of epic fantasy. In "Nursery," an imperious toddler laughs atop a flower-spilling chest of drawers as Hasler, lurching in a polka-dot party dress, swats at escaped birds with a spatula.
When artists like Clarkson, Saunders, and Hasler clearly can and do produce such stunning works, that they also teach is icing on the creative cake.
Piedmont Virginia Community College's "Art Faculty Exhibition" is on view through November 30 in the North and South Galleries of PVCC's V. Earl Dickinson Building. 961-5203.