Cultural Calendar: 12/15/2005 - 12/22/2005
THURSDAY, December 15
STAGE
Try Out: Looking for a "sure thing"? Then trot out today to PVCC to try out for a part in the one-act play of the same name between 6:30 and 8pm. In addition to that David Ives work, the PVCC theater department needs players for Savage/Love by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin, and I Bring You Flowers by William Lang– all three plays directed by Devynn Bush. Needed: 3-5 women and 3-5 men. No advance preparation required, but come dressed to move and plan to remain for the entire time. Rehearsals set for January and February. Performances February 15-19. V. Earl Dickinson Building. 961-5387.
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
A Christmas Carol: The three Christmas ghosts, the Cratchits, and Tiny Tim are all here to take Ebenezer Scrooge on the ride of his money-grubbing life. Expect to be right in the middle of this well-known tale and experience new twists, surprises, and a production filled with music and cheer for the whole family. Today there is a 10:30am school matinee, and a 7:30pm show followed by a chat with the cast
WALKBOUT
Bill of Rights Acclamation: The Jefferson Area Libertarians gather to celebrate the 214th anniversary of the ratification of the fist 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution (the Bill of Rights). Members will read the Bill of Rights aloud and speak about its impact on American freedoms. 12:15pm. Central Place, Downtown Mall. 540-256-4215.
Grow Slow: This month's meeting of Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population examines the recent proposal to build a road parallel to Rt. 29 from Charlottesville to Ruckersville, tentatively labeled the Ruckersville Parkway. Mitch van Yahres and Bern Ewert, who hatched the scheme, speak. 7:30pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church library at 190 Rugby Road. 295-4843 or stopgrowthasap.org.
Feds Confab: Members of chapter 135 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees gather at the Golden Corral restaurant on Route 29 for election of officers and a gift exchange. 11:30am. 293-3170.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
TUNES
Free Christmas Sing: The Blue Ridge Family Chorus, made up of singers of all ages and experience levels, presents their fifth annual presentation of "WinterSong: A Celebration of the Season." Free, 7 pm. North Branch School, Route 638 off Route 151, 3 miles south of Route 250. 540-456-8450 .
Bella Morte: Dark rockers Bella Morte open for Lauren Hoffman at Gravity Lounge tonight, having traded in the nuclear fission and electric guitars for relative serenity and acoustics. It will be their first acoustic show with the whole band, and should make for an interesting change of pace– their last performance in town, Halloween night at the Satellite Ballroom, had them coating themselves in gore: "We were all covered in blood. We were dressed up like zombies, so we were all messy," says guitarist Tony Lechmanski. If we're really lucky, maybe they'll repeat that show for the unplugged set.
Lauren Hoffman and Bella Morte Unplugged at Gravity Lounge. $8, 8pm.
Satisfaction: The best of top 40, hip-hop, and R&B at R2 behind Rapture. Ladies free all night/guys $5.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Soul Canoe at Gravity Lounge. Free, 4pm.
Perfo at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
The Falsies at Southern Culture. Free, 10:30pm.
Rhett Miller at Starr Hill. $14/$12, 9pm.
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.
DJ Jor-Kane at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10:30pm.
FRIDAY, December 16
PERFORMANCE
Drag Show: Professional female impersonators join past title holders at this annual Christmas extravaganza. Dance afterward to music by DJ Frank Rivera. The reigning Miss Gay Charlottesville, Lucky Supremo, hosts the 10:30pm event at Club 216. $13.
WALKABOUT
Holiday Market: Mark the season at the Holiday City Market. Browse handmade gifts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, toys, decorations, wreaths, and fresh greenery. Downtown Pavilion. 10am-5pm. 970-3371.
WORDS
Short Story Time: This month, the Gordon Avenue Library's Literary Masterpiece Book Group meets to discuss two of Anton Chekhov's classic short stories, "The Kiss" and "The Lady with the Dog." 10 am. All are welcome. Details: Tod Oliver, 296-4041.
Supreme Court Report: Jan Crawford Greenburg, who reports on the U.S. Supreme Court for the Chicago Tribune and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, discusses the recent appointments, important decisions, and issues pending before the Court at the Miller Center Forum. 11am. 2201 Old Ivy Road. Free, and open to the public. 924-7236.
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Today there's a 10:30am school matinee as well as the 7:30pm performance.
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. 10pm.
FAMILY
Snuggly Stories: Kids of all ages can show up in their PJs at Barnes & Noble's Christmas Storytime Pajama Party. Storyteller Allyson reads holiday favorites, including Santa Mouse and The Night Before Christmas and holiday treats will be served. Don't forget Teddy and a blankey. 7pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Down with That: Those who dig the didgeridoo can learn the ancient shamanic art with Jim Gagnon. The local didg maker and recording artist hosts a performance and workshop at the Glass Building downtown. Didges provided. 7pm. $10. Registration required. 760-1341.
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.
Holiday Lantern Tours: Visitors to the Frontier Culture Museum can experience the holidays as they happened in history complete with warm fires, candlelight, and holiday cheer. Travel to four historic farms to see family vignettes about the holiday heritage of Christmas in 1720s Germany, 1730s Northern Ireland, 1690s England, and 1850s Shenandoah Valley. Tours leave every 30 minutes 5:30-8:30pm. $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Advance tickets required. Rt. 250 in Staunton. 540-332-7850.
TUNES
Terri's Tunes: Terri Allard hasn't made a record in a few years now. "I guess it was 2002," she says with a bit of a surprise, "Wow, it's been a while." Her local performances are more frequent– but only slightly– and her show at the Paramount aims to address both issues. "We're recording the evening and hoping to release a live EP," she says. "We have some old songs with a new twist and some special guests." One is guitarist and multi-instrumentalist John Jennings, who starts as the opening act and sits in with Allard's band later in the evening. "He's a jack of all trades," she says, "and he's been on the road with Mary Chapin Carpenter for over 20 years, since the beginning of her career."
The Terri Allard Band and John Jennings at the Paramount. $20.50/$17.50, 8pm.
Darth Sketchy Beams In: Sketchy unleashes the true power of the dark side of the force at R2. $6 before 11:30pm.
Greg Howard and Matt Wyatt at Fellini's #9. No cover, 10pm.
Josh Rogan at Fusion. Free, 7pm.
Didgerido performance and workshop at The Glass Building downtown– didges provided. $10, 7pm.
Soul Canoe at Gravity Lounge. Free, 4pm.
Sedamentrous, Jake Brake, and Sol Tribe at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
sesshin at Sidetracks. Free, 5:30pm.
Caribbean at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $3-5, 9:30pm.
Karaoke at Damon's Sports Bar and Grill. No cover, 9pm.
Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.
SATURDAY, December 17
ART
Rhino Release: Africa, A Little Rhino Coloring Book, is the fourth book to be written and illustrated by local artist Bob Anderson. Anderson signs copies at the release party today 11am-1pm at Books & Company, 29 W. Nelson St., Lexington. 540-463-4647.
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Santaland Diaries: See Friday, December 16. Today's show is at 5pm.
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Today you have a choice of two shows: a 2pm matinee and a night-time performance at 7:30pm.
FAMILY
Millions of Mittens: The weather outside might be frightful, but Crozet Library offers a workshop that's delightful. Chilly children ages 5 and up can come from the cold to sip hot chocolate, hear some wooly mitten stories, and stitch some mittens that they can keep or give away as a holiday gift. Bring a new pair of mittens, gloves, or socks to add to the Tree of Warmth (donated to MACAA's Hope House for homeless families). Because sewing is involved in this project, an adult must accompany each child. 1pm. Free. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Road. in Crozet. 823-4050.
Snowman or Marshmallow?: Wee ones ages 4 and up can decide as they munch and build their own holiday house with edible materials at the Virginia Discovery Museum. 10:30-11:15am. $7/$5 for members. Pre-registration required. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Christmas Fair on the Farm: City folks are invited out to the country to walk around the farm, pet the animals and snap some Kodak moments at Mangham Wool and Mohair Farm's Open House. Hot cider, cookies, and some holiday shopping are included, with warm wool socks, hand knit sweaters, blankets, hats, and yarns for sale. Wear boots if it's been wet. Noon-5pm. 901 Hammocks Gap Road. 973-2222.
Giving and Receiving: Magical dreams are appearing at the Old Michie Theatre with a puppet play of the classic holiday favorite "The Elves and the Shoemaker." 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 4pm. $5. 221 E. Water St. 977-3690. oldmichie.com.
Kid's Christmas on the Frontier: Families can make the rounds of the Frontier Culture Museum's historic farms in a Family Christmas Tour. These tours, made special for families with small children, include age-appropriate activities and interpretations. 10am and 2pm. Included with general admission, but advance reservations required for specific timed tours. Space is limited. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540-332-7850.
Holiday Lantern Tours: See Friday, December 16.
WALKABOUT
Holiday Market: See Friday, December 16.
King Family Open House: Come for wine tastings by the fireplace, stay for the holiday shopping and wine specials. 11am-5pm. King Family Vineyards, 6550 Roseland Farm in Crozet. 823-7800.
Hill Top Open House: Enjoy wine/food pairings, homemade soups, hors d'oeuvres, hot mulled wine, and unique gifts at Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery. 2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford 361-1266.
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.
TUNES
Rapunzel's Christmas Party: Rapunzel's Coffee and Books hosts their fabled annual Christmas Party tonight, featuring... well, just about everyone. "We're very emphatic about that, nobody's headlining. Everybody's just doing two or three songs," says Rapunzel's music man Bob Taylor. The Tye River Trio, Junior Moment, Willie Kirschbaum, Andy Waldeck, Byron Massie, Lindsey Osborne, Hell on the Nine Mile, Thomas Gunn, and Eli Cook are just some of those slated to perform.
Rapunzel's Christmas Party. 7:30pm.
Smoove: DJ Ism spins funk, hip-hop, go-go, R&B, soul, and classic dancehall at R2. $5 before 11:30pm.
Dance all night with DJ Frank Rivera at Club 216. Membership required.
All Of 15, Minus the Sidekick, and Blur the Lines at Atomic Burrito. Free, 10pm.
88 Keys at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6pm.
American Dumpster at Fellini's #9. $5, 10pm.
Silent Muse at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Jazz night at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 7pm.
Vernon Fisher at Fossett's at Keswick Hall. 6:30pm.
SUNDAY, December 18
ART
"Champagne, Chocolates, and Chagall": Enjoy wine appetizers and a live and silent auction featuring original art work and Judaica from around the world to benefit Chabad of Charlottesville and the Chabad Jewish Student Association. $20/person, $36/couple. Preview: 4:30&endash;6:30pm, auction at 7pm. Cavalier Inn (Emmett St. & Ivy Road). 293-2955.
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Today's shows are at 2 and 7:30pm.
Santaland Diaries: See Friday, December 16. Tonight's show is at 5pm.
FAMILY
Christmas Fair on the Farm: See Saturday, December 17.
Giving and Receiving: See Saturday, December 17.
Holiday Lantern Tours: See Friday, December 16.
WALKABOUT
Don't Eat the Roof!: Direct your sleigh over to Sage Moon Gallery for a reception and auction honoring winners of this year's gingerbread house competition, and take one home with you– house, that is. 5-7pm. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall.Ê977-9997.
Ash Lawn Through the Ages: This new exhibit highlights the museum's most recent history as well as changes made since the Monroes' residence. It kicks off with a holiday house tour and reception. 11am-5pm. $12 adults, $11 seniors, $10 ages 6-11. 293-9539.
Early Music Meeting: The Shenandoah Recorder Society meets on the third Sunday of every month to discuss the recorder and early music in general. Info: 295-1395.
Hill Top Open House: See Saturday, December 17.
TUNES
Charlottesville Oratorio Society: For this year's holiday concert, the Society imports Winchester guitarist Glenn Caluda, who will be featured on Vivaldi's "Guitar Concerto in D Minor" as well as on Robert Shaw's "The Many Moods of Christmas." "It was originally written for a sort of mandolin that doesn't exist anymore," he says of one of the pieces, sighing as he acknowledges the challenge that presents for him. Caluda should be able to make up the difference, though, since he's the guitar instructor at Shenandoah University.
The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville's Holiday Candlelight Concert at Old Cabell Hall. $10-$25, 3:30pm.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. $5, 9pm.
Heather Berry and Dominion Grass at Gravity Lounge. $5, 2pm.
The Rogan Brothers at Gravity Lounge. $5, 7pm.
Jan Glennie-Smith and Reds at the Cardinal Café in Scottsville. 6pm.
Dan Sebring and Bill Edmonds at the Blue Bird Café. No cover, 6pm.
B.C. at Miller's. No cover, 11pm.
MONDAY, December 19
TUNES
The Margaret Parson Quartet at Gravity Lounge. $10, 7pm.
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, December 20
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Today's shows are at 10:30am (school matinee) and 7:30pm.
FAMILY
Holiday Lantern Tours: See Friday, December 16.
WALKABOUT
Go West: Ash Lawn-Highland celebrates the anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase with special tours and visits with President Monroe, who was involved with the negotiations with Napoleon for the purchase of New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory. 1-4pm. 293-9539.
WORDS
Civil War Round Table: Join Civil War enthusiasts for an evening of historical discussion with noted authors and professors. 7:30pm at the UVA JAG School, North Grounds. Public welcome. 295-9463 or avenue.org/cwrt.
TUNES
Karaoke at City Limits. No cover, 9pm.
Ezra Hamilton at Mono Loco. No cover, 10pm.
WEDNESDAY, December 21
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Today's show is at 7:30pm show.
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy storybook favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Giving and Receiving: See Saturday, December 17.
Holiday Lantern Tours: See Friday, December 16.
WALKABOUT
Wintergreen in Winter: Take in some crisp mountain air on a hike to Pedler's Edge and Hemlock Springs Trails with the Wintergreen Nature Foundation. Moderate difficulty. $5 ($3 for Foundation members). Bring a snack. 10am. 325-8169 for reservations.
Bottle it In: The Greene County Library airs the 2003 Australian film Rage in Placid Lake by Tony McNamara as part of its ongoing independent film series. The film chronicles a young rebel's attempts to conform by any means possible&endash; the haircut, the suit&endash; in order to secure his own future. 7pm. Free. 985-5227.
TUNES
Brotherly Love: Matt Curreri– that's not a typo, he's Paul's brother– is visiting this week from California, where he's preparing for the February release of an album with his band the Ex-friends. While he's here, however, he'll be performing– without them, unfortunately– at Gravity Lounge. Devon Sproule and Paul might end up filling in for them, seeing as how they know the material so well; they once toyed with the possibility of recording an album filled with nothing but covers of Hank Williams and Matt Curreri tunes. They clearly hold Matt in high regard, and that's coming from two of Charlottesville's favorite songwriters. What better endorsement could you ask for?
Matt Curreri at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
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 22
DANCE CARD
Salsa Night at Satellite Ballroom. Lessons 8-9pm and dancing all night long! $6.
FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, December 21.
Giving and Receiving: See Saturday, December 17.
Holiday Lantern Tours: See Friday, December 16.
STAGE
Blackfriars Theater
10 S. Market St., Staunton.
540-885-5588
A Christmas Carol: See Thursday, December 15. Stay after tonight's 7:30 show to chat with the cast.
TUNES
Satisfaction: The best of top 40, hip-hop, and R&B at R2 behind Rapture. Ladies free all night/guys $5.
George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.
Graboids and the Smashcasters at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.
The George Turner Trio at Zocalo. No cover, 9pm.
Jim Waive, Sarah White, and Critter and Co. at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $3-$5, 9:30pm.
Thompson/D'earth at Miller's. $4, 10:30pm.
Karaoke at the Lazy Parrot Grill. No cover, 8:30pm.
Upcoming and Ongoing
DANCE CARD
Clogging Confab: Folks who've admired the Buck Mountain Cloggers and their whirlings to bluegrass, country, Celtic, pop, folk, rock music and live banjo, now have a chance to join 'em. Sign up for classes open to adults and children ages 9 and up, and show up in tap shoes. Younger children welcome with a parent's (or another adult's) participation. $36, 7-7:45pm every Monday (beginners January 9-February 13; intermediate February 27-April 3). Greenwood Community Center. 296-5844.
Cut a Rug: Terry Dean's Dance Studio has a new slate of classes for beginners: rumba (Monday, 7:30-8:15pm); swing (Tuesday, 7:30-8:15pm); foxtrot (Wednesday, 7:30-8:15pm); salsa (Thursday, 7:30-8:15pm); cha-cha (Friday, day, 7:30-8:15pm). 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.
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.
Back to School: UVA Community Scholar Program spring 2006 course registration has begun. Community members can enroll in on-Grounds UVA credit courses without applying to a degree program. Community Scholars sit alongside and enjoy the same intellectual challenges as full-time students and may take up to two courses each semester. Courses begin Wednesday, January 18. 434-982-4789 or uvacommunityscholar.info.
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.
Monticello Winter Tour: Learn all about Thomas Jefferson's friends and neighbors on this extended seasonal tour of the house. 9am-4:30pm, through the end of February. Included in price of general admission.
Mental Wellness: The holidays can be a stressful time. A new support group for mental wellness meets every Wednesday 6-7pm. On Our Own of Charlottesville, 123 Fourth St. NW. 465-1674.
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
Christmas Past: Throughout December, the Frontier Culture Museum hosts Holidays in History. Historic farm sites are decorated for Christmas and costumed interpreters tell of the traditions of our past. 10am-4pm daily. Included in the cost of admission. Rt. 250 West in Staunton. 540-332-7850.
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.
Well, Are You Coming?: Visitors of 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.
Out of the Closet: Peter and Lucy venture into the magical land of Narnia as the Carpenter Science Theatre Company performs The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This main stage production runs through January 1. 1pm and 3pm on weekends, 11am Tuesday-Friday. $8. 2500 W. Broad St. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
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 displays "Portraiture: Identity," an exhibition featuring paintings, prints, and photographs from the permanent collection. Also on view: "Mi Cuerpo, Mi Pais: Cuban Art Today." Both shows are on view 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 offers "Gary Baseman: Bedtime for Toby" in the Main Gallery, and "Interactions 2," a show of black and white photographs by local children and their UVA-student mentors, in the Dové Gallery. Both exhibitions run through January 28. 115 Second St. SE (in the Charlottesville City Center for the Arts). 977-7284.
Les Yeux du Monde features two exhibitions, on view through January 14: "Rabbits and Fairies" by Lincoln Perry and a "Holiday Happening," featuring work by Anne Chestnut, Shelby Fischer, William Mead, and Gerald Mitchell. 115 S. First St. 973-5566. See Art Feature.
The University of Virginia's ArtSpace hosts a group exhibition by the Virginia Stonecarvers Guild through January 12, featuring 46 sculptures by 11 members. Newcomb Hall. Info: 434-823-1007.
Through December 31, Ladd Fine Arts features the watercolors of Sandra Oppegard. 701 W. Main St. 977-4147.
White Orchid Restaurant displays photographs of Vietnam by Georgia Barbour through March 31. 420 W. Main St. 297-4400.
Paintings by Blake Hurt focusing on Paris in autumn are on display during December at New Dominion Book Shop. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.
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. Through February 18. 400 Worrell Drive (Pantops). 244-0234.
During December, Transient Crafters presents "Bead Beings: Sculptures with Personality," a show of works created by Steve Cunningham. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Art Upstairs presents its annual group show, "Small Wonders for the Holidays," during December. 316 E. Main St. (above the Hardware Store). 923-3900.
The Laughing Lion Gallery for December features its portrait of the month, "David and Anne," plus a continuing show, "Flesh Forms (don't bring the kids)," both created by Terrence Pratt. 103 E. Water St. (above London's). 984-4000.
For the month of December, the C&O Gallery offers "Transitions– Botanicals and New Panoramic Imagery by John Grant." 515 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.
Photographer Hal Brindley displays his exhibition of wildlife images, "Polar Opposites: the Icons of Penguins and Polar Bears," during December at Creature Gallery. 824 Hinton Ave.284-1800.
Through January 30, the Charlottesville Community Design Center presents "In Our Backyard– the Neighborhood Design Day Exhibit," featuring individual neighborhood plans that resulted from information gathered on October 8, Neighborhood Design Day. 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 December, Fellini's #9 features artwork by Marla McNamara. 200 W. Market St. 979-4279.
For its December show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water presents still life and landscape oils by Lindsay Michie Eades. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett and Stoneking/vonStorch. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
In December, Sage Moon Gallery showcases the oil paintings of Andre Lucero. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
Brand new venue Retroformat Gallery has opened with an inaugural exhibition, "Charlottesville Transformations," featuring stereo slides and framed prints by Boris Starosta. In the basement of 300 W. Main St. (below UVA's Off Grounds Gallery). Info: .
During December, BozArt Gallery presents its annual All Members Show. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
La Galeria presents a December showcase exhibition, "Fruits and Flowers," featuring oils and pastels by Anne de LaTour Hopper. 218 W. Market St. (next to Vinegar Hill Theater). 293-7003.
The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild has new work hanging at the Albemarle County Courthouse. 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. 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 hosts "A Handmade Season," an invitational exhibition of Virginia crafts. The show remains on view through December 31. 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.
Nellysford's Spruce Creek Gallery shows "I'm from New Orleans, Baby," Amzie Adams' paintings of Hurricane Katrina, on view through December 31. 1368 Rockfish Valley Highway (Rte. 151). 434-361-1859.
Visit The Arts Center in Orange for "Equus II," a collection of work by area artists celebrating horses, on view through December 31. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center presents "Chapters Before," a show featuring mixed-media work by J. Garcia, which runs through March 5. 540-948-6544.
Lovingston's The Eye of the Beholder gallery offers "Stopping Points"– paintings, drawings, and photographs by Elizabeth Hutson. Located in the Packing Shed on Front St. 996-5058.
The Barn Swallow has pottery by Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burke, plus other handcrafted artwork on view. Route 682 off 250W. 434-979-4884.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery is hosting paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Puckish Perry: A mirrored 'Midsummer Night'
BY LAURA PARSONS
When Westerners first encounter Indian classical art– miniature paintings or temple friezes- one aspect that may seem strange is how the same characters recur several times within a single work. This impression isn't mistaken–- such pieces are, in fact, visual narratives, usually recounting tales of the gods, where one episode flows into another as the story unfolds across the page or wall.
Painter Lincoln Perry adopts a similar strategy in the two 16.5-foot scrolls that comprise "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the piece de résistance of "Rabbits and Fairies," his current exhibition at Les Yeux du Monde. Not only does the artist depict the same characters over and over in his modern vision of Shakespeare's fantasy, but he also mirrors their gestures and emotions in trees and imagined sculptures.
For this epic project, Perry has chosen to work in gouache, which readily conveys his signature intensity of color as well as the fluidity of the multi-layered narrative. The top scroll moves left to right, playing out the drama of love nearly derailed by enchantment gone wrong. The bottom stretches right to left as it re-imagines Bottom's donkey-headed dalliance with the fairy queen.
The artist intends the scrolls to mirror each other. The midsection of each moves through the forest realm of magic and rapture, which Perry makes appropriately dark and confusing by creating a kaleidoscope of purple, turquoise, and green fractals that tumble and shift within the work. The effect is dizzying and brilliant. Above, the lovers' affections become addled and misdirected through Puck's miscast spell. Below, Puck turns baffled Bottom into the luckiest ass in the world.
The scrolls contain other parallels. The landscapes that begin and end each stretch indicate the characters' contrasting everyday environments: expanses of meadows and mountains for the leisure class above; a gritty district of nuclear cooling towers and telegraph poles for the craftsmen below. In Puck's shadow world, however, all become equally ridiculous.
At one point in each scroll, Perry defines the protagonists' faces, having them look directly at the viewer. And in each, after Puck casts his spells, the two characters turn their backs, isolated in their altered worlds. The depiction of Bottom, his long ears silhouetted against a full-moon night sky is particularly poignant.
Given the ambitious scope of Perry's project, missteps are inevitable among the moments of brilliance. The morning-after scene of the lovers is surprisingly bland and half-hearted in the upper scroll, whereas Bottom's seduction amid dark-world skeletal remains in the lower scroll is spellbinding.
Lincoln Perry's "Rabbits and Fairies" is on view at Les Yeux du Monde through January 14. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.