Friday for the Arts! Program – Dec. 11

Here’s the entire schedule for the Fri. Dec 11 Friday for the Arts! (Old Towne’s monthly art and entertainment fest) – Augustus Wright Block, South Building 17 North Sycamore Street Continuing Storefront Window Exhibit: “Clean Sweep.” Ron Walton, an internationally-known abstract artist born & raised in New York City, presents this large, vibrantly colorful, traffic-stopping work made from […]

December 9, 2009; 10:22 AM • by OTMG

Here’s the entire schedule for the Fri. Dec 11 Friday for the Arts! (Old Towne’s monthly art and entertainment fest) –

Augustus Wright Block, South Building
17 North Sycamore Street
Continuing Storefront Window Exhibit: “Clean Sweep.” Ron Walton, an internationally-known abstract artist born & raised in New York City, presents this large, vibrantly colorful, traffic-stopping work made from plastic bottles, cans, wood, PVC piping, wire, & tennis balls. New art galleries will open next door next month, and here within the next few months.

Stories n’ Storefronts
1, 11, & 110 North Sycamore St.
Continuing Storefront Window Exhibit: Number 11: Trunks, Travel, and Trains. The window tells the story of those bygone days with a display of vintage luggage, including a trunk from Seward and a trunk with a locking mechanism made by the Standard Locking Company. From various contributors there are vintage ads about bagging- and harness-making companies in Petersburg. There is a postcard from the collection of Russell Davis depicting Union Station.
Continuing Storefront Window Exhibit: The windows in Number 110 contain an exhibit entitled “A Touch of Hollywood—Fashion Designs & Finds by Daphne Maxwell-Reid.” Well-known for her role as Aunt Viv on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Maxwell-Reid is also a fashion designer.
Continuing Storefront Window Exhibit: Number 1 will have an exhibit of prints enlarged from Petersburg Postcards, courtesy of Russell Wayne Davis, showing images from Halifax Triangle to the river, as well as VSU. Look for the opening soon, in this location, of 2 Dots, a restaurant offering Southern cuisine.

Utopia Spa
115 North Sycamore Street, (804) 732-1234, www.theutopiaspa.com
New Exhibit: Select pieces from local Artist & Musician Olamina’s personal collection. Life, history, & emotion are intricately captured in several media, from pencil to oils, in his amazing work. Olamina is also a founding member of, and songwriter & lead singer for one of the area’s best known Reggae bands, AAE, Awareness Art Ensemble.
New, Permanent Exhibit: “My Callas,” a beautiful mural of larger than life Calla Lilies by Evelyn Quaye. You’ve probably seen her on a recent cover of “Urban Views Weekly” sporting her “Art Car,” or possibly painting the local sidewalks as part of “Art Underfoot.”
Live Music: Holiday music by Evelyn Quaye. 7:00-9:00 pm.
Continuing Exhibit: Hand-Crafted Herkimer Diamond Jewelry. Save 25% off these treasures during Friday for the Arts!
Light Hors d’oeuvres. 7:00-10:00 pm

Petersburg Regional Art Center
132 N. Sycamore St., (804) 733-8200, www.pracarts.com, open Wednesday-Saturday, 10-4
Opening Reception: Main Gallery: Work by Bill Sabino and Charles Meyer. Dr. Bill Sabino was born in New York City where he grew to appreciate many art forms. The ability to translate art appreciation into practical terms began at an early age when he began to draw. His first-grade teacher recognized his artistic potential and recommended he attend an art school. By the time he was nine years old he had created his first oil painting and for three years attended Pratt Institute’s youth art program, where he learned drawing, composition, and the techniques of art. Upon high school graduation and a stint in the Marine Corps he entered Pratt Institute’s Fine Art Program. In the mid 1960s he exhibited his art in New York City and became president of the Pan American Art Club. Later, family responsibilities caused him to take a hiatus from his involvement in the art world and it was not until the late 1990s that he began again painting in oil and water mediums. Since that time he has not only been involved in expanding his own art career but has been involved with several art associations, chaired shows, taught classes, and worked to help other artists improve their skills. He has been in many east coast shows and his work has been displayed in several galleries in Virginia, Florida, and Cape Cod. Charles Meyer was born in Chicago and learned his trade as an artist from his artist mother and his itinerant-artist grandfather. When he joined the Navy, he became a Navy photographer. He has worked professionally as an artist in New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and, currently, Norfolk. Don’t miss!
Live Concert: Deck the Halls!: Students of the Appomattox Regional Governors School in concert, including soloists, vocal ensembles, and instrumental ensembles, singing and performing arrangements of beloved songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Mary Did You Know?” as well as rarer gems such as “Stepping Out with Santa” and “Cold and Fugue Season.” 7:00 pm. Don’t miss!
Annual Reading: Well-known actress Daphne Reid will give her much-loved annual reading of “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” immediately following the ARGS concert. Don’t miss!
Pantomime: PRAC’s front store-window displays will literally come to life with pantomime performances by ARGS drama students from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and again from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. The north window will feature The Nutcracker, the south window A Christmas Carol. This very special event represents a collaboration between designer Da’vid Montoya, designer Bev Rivers of Rivers’ Edge, and Brandon Becker of ARGS. Don’t miss!
Continuing Exhibits: Mezzanine Gallery Shows: Charles Arnold (oils & drawings); Chris Sumner (oils); Lydia DeRasmo (acrylics & oils); Dolo Briggs (mixed); Alfred Dodson, Jr. (oils); & Jeanna Gibbs (mixed). The Mezzanine Gallery shows end on January 2, 2010.
Ongoing Exhibit: Mezzanine Gallery: Landscapes by Wade Hampton Goodwyn, III.
Open House studio shows by more than 100 artists, on four floors.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
110 Union Street, (804) 733-3415, ext. 2
Concerts by Candlelight: Annual Christmas Concert & Carol Sing. Charles Lindsey, Jr., organ, & Elaine Bowen, soprano. 6:30 pm. Don’t miss!

The Visual Art Center at the Globe
201 N. Sycamore St., (804) 862-3097
Pantomime: South Storefront Window: The Globe’s south store-window displays will literally come to life with pantomime performances by ARGS drama students from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and again from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. The pantomime at the Globe will feature Little Women. This very special event represents a collaboration between Paula Mims of The Globe, designer Da’vid Montoya, designer Bev Rivers of Rivers’ Edge, and Brandon Becker of ARGS. Don’t miss!

Office of Sheriff Vanessa Crawford
Courthouse Square, (804) 733-2369
New Exhibit: “The Man in the Mirror.” Art by incarcerated men who have looked at their lives and situations and have captured the image on canvas or in picture. One night only.

Art Underfoot
On the sidewalks in the 200-block of North Sycamore Street; for information call Kimberly Ann Calos at (804) 586-1633, or email her at kimberlyanncalos@aol.com
New Public Art: Original works of art created by some of the premier artists in the area—on historic Old Town sidewalks. More than fifty artists have painted 60-plus concrete “canvasses” with designs ranging from abstract to realistic, creating a carpet of color that connects Old Town to the newest venues for local art further south on Sycamore Street. The artists range in age from infant to 70 and are a kaleidoscope of ethnicities, beliefs, and professions. For some, art is their sole livelihood; for most it is their favorite pastime. Some folks painted one piece, others several. Some worked on their designs for days and days; others were done in a few hours; most came from Petersburg; others from Richmond, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Matoaca, Chester, Midlothian, Disputanta, Charlottesville, West Point, and Ettrick. Students from VCU, VSU, and Blandford Academy participated. Some artists have disabilities but all are tremendously talented visionaries who transformed images from sketches, photographs, or their imaginations onto the rock-hard, bumpy surface with seemingly little effort. All of the artists donated their time and talents. Organized by Kimberly Ann Calos, Gail McCann, Barry Roebuck, and Mark Pehanich, in collaboration with the City of Petersburg, Franklin Development Corporation (who donated $1,000), and Palmore Decorating Center (who provided the paint at cost). Don’t miss!

Dixie Diner
250 N. Sycamore St., (804) 732-7425, open Mon.-Sun., varying hours
Continuing exhibit: “13•22” and “Crest of Humility” by Douglas Hamilton.
Continuing Exhibit: Slinky darlings, by Prince George High School student Erin Copeland.
Continuing Exhibit: New Renaissance photographs by Kevin Hedgecock (U.S. Navy).
Continuing Exhibit: Super-funky new millennium rock appreciation, by Jez Beasley.
Continuing Exhibit: Canvas faces by the Roebucks.
Live music: Dale Traylor, beach music sing-along, 6:00 to 9:00 pm; The Houston Scott Band, 9:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Late Night Breakfast served until 3:00 am.

New Rivers’ Edge & Upscale Resale
16 West Bank St., (804) 722-0605, www.riversedgeinteriors.com, varying hours
New Exhibit: A one-man show by Richmond artist Sterling Hundley. The show marks the public release of the limited edition print, “Poe’s Honeymoon,” signed and numbered by the artist, who is well known for his work in Rolling Stone and Virginia Living. The striking illustration, featured in the January 09 issue of Richmond Magazine, is the first and the only known artist’s depiction of Poe’s honeymoon, and is destined to become a sought-after collectible. Limited to an edition of 100, each will be signed, numbered, and dated by the artist on site, the very place where Poe and his cousin Virginia Clemm stayed for their honeymoon.
Continuing Exhibit: Important new work by Aimee Joyaux and Rod Givens.
Continuing Exhibit: Artistic children’s furnishings by Glenna Jean.
Preparing for Hiram Haines Coffeehouse and Restorative Shop at 12 West Bank Street: Tee-shirts featuring a “Poe Virginia” drawing by Andrew Stronge, one of the artists who participated in Art Underfoot. Soapstone coasters printed with photographic images of Poe and Virginia. Tours.

Siege Museum
15 West Bank Street, (804) 733-2427
Continuing Exhibit: Ground Floor Gallery: Petersburg 1909. A display commemorating the centennial anniversary of President Taft’s visit to Petersburg in 1909. Includes Petersburg-Area Images of Lewis Wickes Hine. Photographs taken by Hine during his visit to Virginia in 1911 documenting working and living conditions for factory and mill workers in Petersburg and Matoaca in the first decades of the twentieth century.
Continuing Exhibit: Ground-floor Gallery: Civil War Photographs of Petersburg.
Gift Shop: Unique gift ideas, including the newly released cookbook Flavours of Our Heritage: Four Centuries of History and Cookery. Compiled by the Bolling Family Association, the 600-page volume features a wide variety of recipes coupled with illustrations and historical facts about Bolling family historical properties, many with local significance. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook benefit the Petersburg Museums Foundation.

Charles Leonard Building
20 W. Bank St., open by appointment
Continuing Exhibit: In the storefront windows: Work by Midlothian mosaicist & Petersburg High School graduate Jacki Sowers, who adds, as a part of this wonderful display, “School Spirit,” a mosaiced mannequin couple, representing a PHS couple from the 1950s & 1960s.

The Gallery at Purple Passion
29 W. Bank St., (804) 863-1943, open Tues.-Sat., 10-6
New Exhibit and Reception: Jewelry artists Pam Kossman and Alice McCabe will both be in the gallery selling their unique and clever creations. Kossman, a Virginia Beach artist, creates fabulous pieces using natural materials, recycled materials, and women’s vintage collectables. McCabe, a Petersburg artist, creates eclectic collage pieces, using sterling silver, authentic crystals, and pearls.
New Exhibit and Reception: The walls of the gallery will display the paintings of one of Purple Passion’s local favorites, W.H. Goodwyn III, of Waverly, whose meticulously painted scenes taken from the Tidewater and mountain landscape are always a big hit. Don’t miss!
New Exhibit: Last but not least, artistic floral creations using Virginia greenery will be for sale for holiday decorating.

Appomattox Tile Art Company
113 W. Bank St., (804) 732-8810, www.appomattoxtileart.com
Annual Holiday Reception:
New Exhibit: Paintings by Elizabeth Thacker, Sarah Williams, Carolyn Carico, Lisa Waraksa, and Judson Carter, as well as mosaic tile mirrors, tables, coasters, trivets, & seaglass jewelry.
Activities: Mosaic-making for children, factory tours.
Appomattox Tile Art produces world-class mosaics for a nationwide market. One of Petersburg’s hidden gems. Don’t miss!

Cockade City Grill
305 N. Sycamore St., (804) 862-2537
Live Music: Pony Keg Social Band, 9:00 pm-1:00 am.

Longstreet’s
302 N. Sycamore St., (804) 722-4372
Live Music: Kyle Davis (acoustic keyboards and guitar; national recording artist). 10:00 pm until 1:00 am.

The Oak Antique Mall
400 N. Sycamore St. (804) 861-6111, Mon.-Fri. 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun. 12-5.
New Exhibit: New acrylic paintings by local artist Elizabeth Thacker, who holds a BFA from VCU. This group of paintings concentrates on abstractions of trees.
412 North Sycamore: New Storefront Window Exhibit: Gwen Perdue has transformed this storefront into a Winter Wonderland chocked full of beautiful Christmas décor, including garlands, wreaths, and much more. Everything you see is available for purchase.
Raffles: Bring a can of food for a raffle ticket. All donations go to the Virginia Food Bank.

Verve 27 Gallery
27 Bollingbrook Street
New Exhibit: In the Main Gallery: “Fauna, Facce and Finestre.” a collection of work by Pam Roberts, who lives and works in Petersburg though she was born in New York City. After graduating with honors with a fine arts degree from Northeastern University, she continued classes through the VMFA museum school and VCU graduate classes in painting, and has studied under distinguished artists such as Corey Silverman, Joan Elliott, and Laura Loe. She reports her greatest influence as the “Ashcan School” of art made popular in the 1930’s. This work does not idealize the world but shows it for what it is. It is genuine and gritty. But her work nevertheless includes that which amuses or fascinates her. She loves vibrant color. “I love to paint,” she says. “I can become totally lost in the moment but keep true to the story of each painting.” Roberts’ portraits reflect her skills as an award-winning painter, and her portfolio demonstrates her ability to capture the unique personalities of her subjects. In addition to her many personal portraits is a new series of animals in historic or playful costumes and often put in the same frame with their nemesis. Even with this more playful work, she takes every commission seriously and provides the research and study required to capture the nuance of personality of each animal as they “pose” for their portrait. Another differentiator is her attention to detail in the background. This attention is deliberate so that the work can stand up against other collections the buyer may have. Currently she is the Gallery Administrator for Petersburg Area Art League, where she helps to nurture other artists and promote their work in the community. Don’t miss!
Continuing exhibits: Work by many other important artists, including Carol Anna Meese; Ron Kent, a world-renowned artist in wood; and Wes Hunting, who produces wonderfully playful work in glass.
Upstairs in the Gallery: additional new paintings & bin work by Carol Anna Meese available, surrounded by heavenly scents, beauty gift items, & certificates for massages through the Therapeutic Massage Center.

Therapeutic Massage Center & Boutique
27 Bollingbrook Street (upstairs), (804) 722-1720, open Monday-Saturday, 10-5
Continuing Exhibit: Allegorey. A select jewelry collection of imaginative-designed necklaces and earrings in an eclectic mix of crystals, pearls, European Art Glass, mixed metals, and stone by Nancy E. Hendry—”Living locally and designing independently.”
Continuing Exhibit: In the Gallery: New work by Carol Meese.

Wabi-Sabi
29 Bollingbrook Street, (804) 862-1365, www.eatwabisabi.com, Mon.-Thurs., 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Fri-Sat., 11:00 am to 12;30 am, or until . . . .
Continuing Exhibit: Tavern: Absurnatural: New Work by Kevin Orlosky.
Richmond artist Kevin Orlosky returns to Wabi-Sabi to exhibit a new series of work exemplifying absurdities between predator and prey. “It is my duty,” he says, “to provoke change, and raise awareness of the downfalls and faults of American culture. That one day we may use it only to better ourselves.” Orlosky received his BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2004. In addition to showing his work previously at Wabi-Sabi, he has exhibited in Petersburg at Sycamore Rouge; in Richmond at Artworks, Gallery 5, and the Jefferson Hotel; and in Milan, Italy, at MiArt.
Continuing Exhibit: Music Room: New work by Rishigun Olomidun, who received his Masters in Art from Columbia College, Chicago, in 2001. Using abstract subconscious imagery, he focuses on the African-American experience and reverence for the ancestors.
Live Music: The Chicago Cy Band, led by Cy Taggart, who grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois, & studied music & directed music programs & choirs in secondary schools in Illinois before moving to Richmond in 1995. He played with Solid Gold Fishbowl, the Boucan Brothers, & numerous other bands before forming the Chicago Cy Bandin 2004. He has performed in more than 300 shows in the last five years. Described as playing “swingin’ bluesy funky reggae rock” & “Chicago-grown Americana arrangements, abridgements, & originals,” he delivers “tight vocal harmonies & great dance grooves.” Critics have said that he takes “jazz, blues, & rock ‘n roll to a whole new level,” that his “enthusiasm & hard-working ethic create a bluesman the caliber of blues legends of the
past.” Tom Lenahan is on drums, Tim Stanton on bass. Don’t miss!

Farmer’s Bank
19 Bollingbrook Street
Special Opening: The Fort Henry Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities will hold a special opening of the banking rooms of the Farmer’s Bank (1817) & its kitchen, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm. The Fort Henry Branch renovated this important building in the 1960s. Be sure to see the bank’s safe & the vault it was lowered into every evening. 6:00-8:00 pm.

The Funky Lamm
12 Bollingbrook Street, (804) 733-1766
New Exhibit: Voodoo/EMO artwork by Leslie Johnson.
Live Music: Acoustic lyrics & guitar by singer-songwriter Cloe Klaus, of Richmond.

Andrade’s International Restaurant
7 Bollingbrook Street (804) 733-1515
Continuing Exhibit, Main Dining Room: Paintings by Paul C. Penrod.
Continuing Exhibit: Main Dining Room, Corridor Gallery: Irish Art by Jeannie Cameron.
Continuing Exhibit, Corridor Gallery: Drawings of the R/UDAT vision for downtown Petersburg.

Petersburg Area Art League
7 E. Old St., (804) 861-4611, www.paalart.com, open Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon to 6 pm
Opening Reception: Main Gallery & Upstairs Gallery: The Trees of Christmas. Seventeen very different Christmas from local merchants, schools, and organizations, decorated to the hilt, in both galleries, surrounded by the glorious joyous quilts of Garry Curtis, as well as paintings by Nan Brown Jones and Milly Youngblood Horner. This traditional December exhibit has never been as much fun. Don’t miss!

Maria’s Café & Italian Restaurant
16 West Old Street, (804) 862-3100
Live music: Michael Redman (jazz sax) & Gil Edwards (jazz vocals), 8:00-9:30 pm.

Sycamore Rouge
21 W. Old St., (804) 957-5707, www.sycamorerouge.org
Theatrical Performance: In the theatre: The sardonic, wonderfully humorous, and much-acclaimed monologue Santaland Diaries and Season’s Greetings. 8:00 pm. $18-22.

Penniston’s Alley Antiques
102 West Old Street, (804) 722-0135
New Exhibit: Handcrafted Traditions. Available at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe inside Penniston’s Alley are quality items for Christmas gift giving. Limited edition BYERS’ CHOICE CAROLERS, INGE-GLAS of Germany Heirloom Christmas ornaments, and German Christmas Smokers, including General Lee and General Grant! Fine cultured pearl jewelry at amazingly low prices. Open every day through Dec. 24th.

The Bistro at Market & Grove
434 N. Market St., (804) 732-4480
Continuing Exhibit: Paintings in a variety of media by local artists Donna H. Williams and Savannah Cabral, the Artistic Ladies. They work in pastels, oils, acrylics, and colored pencils, focusing on nature and the environment. By paying close attention to color and composition, they emphasize the rhythm and textures of their paintings, creating more involvement with the viewer.

The Destiny Inn B&B
517 High St., (804) 722-1016, www.thedestinyinn.com
Live Music: Pianist Nathan Lee, formerly director of music for Princess Cruise Lines, will play tunes ranging from traditional Holiday music to jazz.
Food Art: Chef Absalom Thomas will display “Food Art” and host a “Fall/Winter” food tasting featuring a variety of hors d’oeuvres. The courtyard behind the Inn will be open for guests to ather and enjoy hot drinks, a fire pit, and the sounds of Holiday music. The Inn will be open 6:30 – 9 p.m.

A Timeline for the Evening:
6:00-10:00 pm Friday for the Arts! visual arts openings
6:00-10:00 pm Cloe Klaus (acoustic) at The Funky Lamm
6:00-7:00 pm Pantomime: Little Women in the SW window at The Globe
6:00-7:00 pm Pantomime: The Nutcracker & A Christmas Carol in the windows at PRAC
6:00-9:00 pm Dale Traylor, at the Dixie Diner
6:30 pm Annual Christmas Concert & Carol Sing: Charles Lindsey, Jr., organ, & Elaine Bowen, soprano, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
7:00-8:00 pm Deck the Halls! concert by ARGS students at PRAC, followed by Daphne Reid reading “‘Twas the Night before Christmas”
7:00-9:00 pm Evelyn Quaye, at Utopia Spa
8:00 pm Santaland Diaries & Season’s Greetings, at Sycamore Rouge. Admission.
8:00 pm The Magic of Zack Owens, at PRAC
8:00-9:00 pm Pantomime: Little Women in the south window at The Globe
8:00-9:00 pm Pantomime: The Nutcracker & A Christmas Carol in the windows at PRAC
8:00 pm Farmer’s Bank exhibit closes
8:00-9:30 pm Michael Redman (sax) & Gil Edwards vocalist) at Maria’s
9:00 pm Exhibits close at PAAL
9:00 pm to midnight Chicago Cy, at Wabi-Sabi
9:00 pm to 1:00 am Pony Keg Social Band (rock) at the Cockade
9:00 pm to 2:00 am The Houston Scott Band, at the Dixie Diner
10:00 pm to 1 am Kyle Davis (acoustic keyboards & guitar) at Longstreet’s
2:00-3:00 am Late Night Breakfast at the Dixie Diner

December 9, 2009 10:22 AM 0