Atlanta’s arts scene is vibrant and exciting, and Encore Atlanta is proud to be a part of it. Here you’ll find news bits about and ruminations on The Scene.
High Museum awards 2010 David C. Driskell Prize
On Monday, April 19, the High Museum of Art will honor artist Renee Stout as the 2010 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize. Named for the renowned African-American artist and art scholar David C. Driskell, the annual award recognizes an artist/scholar early in their career, whose work makes an original and important contribution to African-American art or art history.
Based in Washington, D.C., Stout works with a variety of media including photography, sculpture, painting, drawing and printmaking. Her works examine the impact of the African Diaspora and the traditions of her African heritage as well as the themes of self-exploration, empowerment and healing. Using a variety of elements and visual languages, including African aesthetics and secondhand materials, she creates narratives that tie history to contemporary society.
“Renee Stout is a visual artist fully incorporating every available resource to create works relevant to both past and present,” stated High Museum Director Michael E. Shapiro. “Her ability to draw upon the implications of the African Diaspora and highlight African culture through her imaginative and distinctive art exemplifies the qualities of a David C. Driskell Prize recipient. We are pleased to support her vision and development through this award.”
Catch a world-class collection of rolling sculptures at the High Museum of Art
Since automobiles first began to replace the horse and carriage, a love affair has existed between man and these technological marvels. From now until June 20, the High Museum of Art has on display 18 extraordinary cars that date from the 1930s to the 1960s.
“These are 18 of the most rare and spectacularly conceived vehicles, which show man at his most creative and innovative,” says Michael Bartsch, of Porsche Cars North America, the exhibit’s lead corporate sponsor. “This exhibit is not about ‘cars,’” he stresses. “It is about art, design, emotion, fashion and history.”
And each of the cars do evoke emotion, glamour, a feeling of velocity, an optimism for the future and encapsulate the fashions of the past in its own way, which is why Michael E. Shapiro, the Nancy and Holcombe T. Green Jr. Director of the High Museum of Art calls them “rolling sculptures.” Before “The Allure of the Automobile” opened on March 21, Shapiro says they already had sold more than 20,000 tickets to people from 18 states and Canada. And they will be coveted tickets: The exhibit will only appear in Atlanta.
The first part focuses on the custom body work done by coach builders between the two world wars to create special automobile bodies for discerning clientele. “Until World War I, most cars had been utilitarian objects with one principal goal: transportation,” says Ken Gross, guest curator of the exhibition. “But as tastes and wealth coincided, designers could create and/or customize an automobile’s body, dramatically altering its silhouette and decoration, producing artful, one-of-a-kind objects. Lavish and often beautifully trimmed with aluminum, chrome, inlaid wood and lacquer, the streamlined silhouettes of the finest mid-century cars represent prime examples of Art Moderne design.”
On display in this section are two cars owned by Clark Gable: a 1935 Dusenberg JN Roadster, which had a 320-horsepower engine when most cars only had 100-horsepower engines, and a 1934 Packard LeBaron Runabout Speedster, which has a 12-cylinder engine (most cars today have V6 engines). Other automobiles include a 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow (“Only five were built; only three survive; and we have one,” Gross says); a 1937 Delage D8-120S, which was so often seen driven by beautiful women it prompted actor Peter Ustinov to remark, “One drives, of course, an Alfa Romero; one is driven in a Rolls, but one gives only a Delage to one’s favorite mistress”; the airplane-inspired 1937 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H-6C “Xenia,” which took five years to build; a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster; a 1938 Alfa Romero 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta; and a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante (my personal favorite is the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic-Electron Coupe, but any Bugatti is a work of art).
The second section of the exhibition spotlights the divergence in design between American and European post-war automobile manufacturers. While business boomed in America, cars began to personify the population’s economic optimism and desire to enter the space race. In Europe, however, cars got smaller and sportier.
Two rare Porsches bridge the divide between the pre- and post-war automobiles on display. The shell of the 1938-39 Porsche Type 64, the first car to bear the Porsche name, looks like a modern sports car. “It was designed for the Berlin to Rome race that was canceled due to WWII,” Bartsch says. “This is the first time it’s been exhibited outside of Germany.” Along with a second rare Porsche in the exhibit, the 1953 Porsche 550, Bartsch says “designers make pilgrimages to look at these [automobiles] to remind themselves of the Porsche DNA” before beginning work on new models.
Some of the cars in the post-war section, like the 1957 Jaguar XK-SS Roadster that Steve McQueen once owned (only 16 were ever built), 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Comp and 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, seem like they’re in perpetual motion, even when stationary. Other highlights include a 1948 Tucker Model 48 Torpedo, which was manufactured in Tucker, Ga., and the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Concept Coupe, which is the only one of its kind.
Special events being held in conjunction with “The Allure of the Automobile” include a family day on April 11 and a classic car parade and showcase down Peachtree Street on May 8. For more information, call 404-733-HIGH or visit high.org.
Here’s a sneak preview of what you will see:
Introducing the Atlanta Opera 2010-2011 season
The Atlanta Opera’s three-show 2010-2011 season at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will kick off with Puccini’s La bohème on Oct. 2, 5, 8 and 10. Set in wintry Paris, La bohème is a story of beauty, love and idealism that is subjected to the harsh realities of life. Sung in Italian with English subtitles, the piece will feature sets from the Arizona Opera production.
On Feb. 26 and March 1, 4 and 6, 2011, Porgy and Bess will follow the lives of several 1930s Charleston residents yearning for great love and a better life. The Gershwin classic features the Atlanta Opera Chorus and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart in his company debut.
Così fan tutte closes the season with four performances on April 9, 12, 15 and 17. The youthful comedy is a Mozart classic that explores the relationships of two soldiers who test the faithfulness of their fiancés by pretending to be called away to duty; what they discover when they “return” is more than either expected.
For additional show information, or to purchase single or season tickets, visit Atlantaopera.org.
Arts Access Program at the High Museum: 100,000 participants and counting
The High Museum of Art recently reached a major milestone: its Art Access program, which provides metro Atlanta students with free Museum visits, has welcomed more than 100,000 participants since 2004.
The program gives students and chaperones free admission to the museum, complimentary teacher resources and money for school bus transportation. In addition, the child and his or her family receive additional free admission tickets.
The Kendeda Fund has provided funding for a grant seeking to make Art Access a permanent program at the High Museum.
The Art Access program focuses on providing a compelling visual arts experience, especially for metro Atlanta students from high-risk schools or districts where arts education funding has been cut. The program is open to all public schools and all grade levels in the 10-county metro Atlanta area, and in the city of Marietta and city of Decatur school districts.
“The High has had the privilege and ability to significantly enrich the educational experiences of thousands of Atlanta children by providing a foundation for life-long learning and enjoyment of the visual arts through Art Access,” stated Patricia Rodewald, the High’s Eleanor McDonald Storza director of education. “We look forward to continued support and our next 100,000 students.”
Allison Goldstein is a 12th grade student at Alpharetta High School, who will be attending the University of Georgia as journalism major in the fall of 2010.
Announcing Theater of the Stars’ 58th season
Theater of the Stars’ 2010 lineup celebrates 58 seasons of presenting musicals at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
“We have some wonderful world-class entertainment in store for 2010, from old-fashioned fun to brand new shows that are sure to dazzle,” stated Theater of the Stars Producer Christopher B. Manos.
The 2010 season:
Little House on the Prairie, The Musical (June 15 – June 20): the beloved celebration of early America featuring Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years on the timeless television series, appearing onstage as “Ma.” Based on the classic book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
The Phantom of the Opera (June 26 – July 6): the award-award winning tragic love story of an opera singer and a young composer, featuring “the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever to have been created for the stage.” Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this production is the longest running show in Broadway history, and typically sells out.
The Sound of Music (Aug. 24 – Aug. 29): the heartwarming musical featuring infamous titles like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “So Long, Farewell” and of course, “The Sound of Music.”
Blue Man Group (Sept. 7 – Sept. 12): a wildly popular combination of music, comedy and theatrics described as “an intensely exciting and widely outrageous experience that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state.” Making its Atlanta debut, the show has played for years in cities such as New York, Chicago and Orlando.
Nine to Five: The Musical (Sept. 28 – Oct. 3): the new musical comedy straight from Broadway, featuring original music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the popular 1980s film.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Nov. 2 – Nov. 7): the bouyant story of two showbiz veteran hoofers putting on a show to help an old army buddy, packed with dancing, romance, laughter, and some of the best songs ever written. Directed by Tony Award-winner Walter Bobbie, this show promises to be a heartwarming experience for the entire family.
Tickets for the Fantastic 58th Season of Musicals are on sale now at Theaterofthestars.com.
Allison Goldstein is a 12th grade student at Alpharetta High School, who will be attending the University of Georgia as journalism major in the fall of 2010.
Runnicles’ to conduct Atlanta Symphony Orchestra through 2012 season
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) extended the contract of Principle Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles for an additional year, through the 2012 season.
“The excitement and fulfillment of working with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra deepens for me each year,” Runnicles stated. “I have such confidence in both this orchestra and Robert [Spano's] leadership, and look forward to continuing our musical partnership.”
The 2010 season marks Runnicles’ ninth season with the ASO, as well as his ninth year of collaboration with Musical Director Robert Spano.
“It is my greatest joy to work with this orchestra, and I can think of no better artistic partner and friend to share in this journey [with] than Donald,” Spano stated. “I am so happy to have him here, and I look forward to all that lies before us.”
Allison Goldstein is a 12th grade student at Alpharetta High School, who will be attending the University of Georgia as journalism major in the fall of 2010.
Designers strut their stuff at Actor’s Express
Can’t get enough of those eager fashion designer hopefuls on “Project Runway”? Check out Atlanta’s Project Expressway, an ode to the hit TV show. On March 6, the designers — all Bauder College fashion graduates — will compete before a panel of celebrity judges (including actor and restaurateur Mitchell Anderson and television and radio host Holly Firfer) at La Fais do-do.
Hosted by Actor’s Express Artistic Director Freddie Ashley, in the role of Tim Gunn, and local actress Park Krausen, as co-host Heidi Klum, the event will be the culmination of months of work from designers Tian Justman, Sharrod Woods and Shenelle Evans. And much like the show, video highlights will recap the creative process and each designer’s personal journey to the runway.
The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. All funds raised from the event will benefit Actor’s Express Theatre. For more information, including video interviews with the designers, a Project Expressway trailer and tickets, visit actors-express.com/pe.
The Rembrandt of the Rodeo
From Jan. 16 through May 22, a very special exhibition will be on display at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Ga. Featuring 50 oil paintings and sculptures of the West and its inhabitants, “Kenneth M. Freeman Legacy Exhibition-Artist at Work” gives patrons a very special glimpse of a lifetime of work by Kenneth M. Freeman (1935-2008), a man nicknamed the “Rembrandt of the Rodeo” by members of the Arizona media, who viewed him as a local treasure and source of pride.
Central to the exhibit is a re-creation of the artist’s studio. “It’s a great way for people to understand how an artist makes a living,” says Bonnie Adams, curator of the Kenneth M. Freeman Legacy Collection. “It shows how he painted and what was in his environment. People can see the [Old Masters] technique he used. He painted a picture three times. First, he put a full drawing on canvas. Then, on the same canvas, he laid down the full value painting in one color: burnt umber. Then, he laid down the same painting in color. There are also lots of artifacts that Ken used in his paintings. Having [the studio] there, we hope you’ll feel Ken and his magic.”
Because the exhibit opens on Martin Luther King weekend, Adams chose to include several of his Buffalo Soldiers paintings and sculptures. Freeman and many of his models were members of the re-enactment group, the Ninth Memorial Arizona Buffalo Soldiers calvary. “People think all the Buffalo Soldiers were black, but the officers were white,” Adams explains. “There are a lot of under-told and unappreciated stories about them. The Buffalo Soldiers were sent to the toughest and most remote areas of the West.”
Although Freeman’s Western-themed paintings hang in the collections of the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress’ Legacy Collection from Arizona, he painted portraits of Western legends such as John Wayne and Waylon Jennings, and he illustrated many Louis L’Amour books, he was an unlikely cowboy painter. Raised in Chicago, Freeman was brought up in a traditional Jewish family and had a very successful 20-year career as an illustrator that began with an apprenticeship with Haddon Sundblum, best known as the creator of Coca-Cola’s iconic Santa Claus ads.
But his childhood dream was to be both an artist and a cowboy. “When he was 43 years old, he decided Chicago was too cold and it was time to pursue the other part of his dream. So he moved to Arizona and took his camera and went to powwows, rodeos and cattle drives. He’d be herding cattle and photographing all at the same time. Then he’d come home with those photographs and bring those models to life on his canvas.”
While in town during the exhibit’s opening, Adams will also be accepting a posthumousa award for Freeman. “Western Artists of America is awarding him their lifetime achievement award for his body of art, and from here on in, it’s going to be called the Freeman Award,” she says.
For more information, visit the Booth Museum Web site.
A Cappella Competition – call for submissions
Have you and your group ever thought about performing on the Tony Award winning Alliance Theatre stage? What about the opportunity to record a professional demo? Here’s your chance!
In honor of their latest show, the a cappella Doo Wop musical Avenue X, the Alliance Theatre is proud to present our “Sing Your Soul” A Cappella Competition, and they would love to see your entry! Visit http://alliancetheatre.org/contest for all the details!
Record a video with at least three people singing an awesome a cappella song and upload it to YouTube. Fill out an application and email it to lindsey.hardegree@woodruffcenter.org. Then tell everyone you know to come and vote!
Each week during Avenue X, they’ll be picking a semifinalist based on the highest rated YouTube video. Each weekly semifinalist will then open that Friday evening’s performance of Avenue X before a packed Alliance house.
It gets better!!!
The three semifinalists will be then be judged by 3 all-star judges:
- Jody Feldman, Associate Producer and Casting Director for the Alliance Theatre
- Nick Spangler, Season 13 winner of “The Amazing Race” and cast member of Avenue X
- Christine Pullara, host of WXIA-TV’s “Atlanta & Company” (a live, studio-based weekday show featuring Atlanta businesses, food, arts, events and more)
The ultimate winner will receive professional studio time to make a recording! So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and a video camera and get to singing!
Get away to the islands this weekend
Looking for a way to escape this holiday season? Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, the U.S. Virgin Islands will be hosting an island party weekend at Lenox Square Mall. Amenities will include complimentary Caribbean-inspired cuisine, mock jumbie dancing, live Caribbean music and a vacation giveaway. The event is free and open to the public, and if you get swept away — there will be people to assist you in booking travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands on-site. Visit VisitUSVI.com for more information. — Mollie Nichols
Mollie Nichols is an 11th grader at Milton High School who recently completed her internship with Atlanta Metropolitan Publishing.
