TwoFifty briefs—May 23, 2007

From staff reports / News Virginian
Published: May 23, 2007

Ken Schwartz of Staunton is the featured artist in the Summit Square Art Gallery, 501 Oak Ave., Waynesboro, from June 1 through July 31.

Schwartz has become well known for his fresh interpretation of an intrinsically American form of art, exhibiting the charm and strength of the American Primitive School with his own characteristic use of vivid color and clarity of vision. His show includes paintings in acrylic and on reverse glass.

Schwartz has been both a businessman and an educator. In the early 1970s, he began painting as a way to relax from a busy schedule. After retiring in 1991, he was able to devote more time to painting as well as running an active bed and breakfast with his wife in Lexington.

Now a resident of Staunton, Schwartz continues to enjoy painting and showing his artwork. His paintings have won numerous awards, including Judge's Choice in the Roanoke Fine Arts Museum and ribbons for First Place and People's Choice in the Rockbridge Fair Art Show. His works are in both museum and private collections in Canada and the United States.

Located on the second floor of Summit Square adjacent to the Gallery Dining Room, the show is open to visitors from the community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Visitors are requested to sign in at the receptionist's desk at the Oak Avenue entrance.

Ridgeview Park to host teen pool party

The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth (OOY), United Way and the Waynesboro Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring a teen pool party at the Waynesboro Pool at Ridgeview Park on June 8 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The entire pool has been reserved for this private teen pool party. The cost is $1 and all area middle and high school youth are invited to attend. There will be a D.J. and refreshments. Free transportation for Staunton and Augusta County youth will be provided. Permission slips are required if transportation is needed and are currently being collected. For more information or to obtain a permission form, please call Nancy Tyree at 332-3806 or .

Stone Soup to host dulcimer demonstrations, workshops

Stone Soup Books and Caf- is adding "Appalachian sweetness" to its already interesting and eclectic mix. Located at 908 W. Main St. in Waynesboro in a recently renovated 1890's farmhouse (built when "country" wasn't so far away), Stone Soup Books and Caf- offers nourishment for body, mind and soul. Pathways through beautiful gardens and exhibits by local artists' "On the Wall" series welcome each visitor; Stone Soup offers caf- or patio dining and new and good-quality used books for sale or trade.

Now Stone Soup will host presentations featuring the sweet sound of the Appalachian dulcimer. Dinah Ansley, Stone Soup's Artist-in-Residence, will be playing the Appalachian dulcimer at Stone Soup from noon until 2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning June 1. Dinah will also be offering an introductory dulcimer workshop on June 9 from 9-11:30 a.m. Cost is $35, with dulcimer rental available for $15. A dulcimer mini-camp for kids ages 8 and up is also being offered from June 18-21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $125, including a Stone Soup lunch. Dulcimer rental available for $15. No child will be excluded due to funds. Inquire about options for contributions.

The dulcimer, 3- or 4-stringed, easy-to-play mountain instrument, has a strong kinship to the Shenandoah Valley. As the early settlers migrated southward up the "Great Valley," they brought with them, if not the actual instruments, memories of the sounds and shapes of centuries-old music and tunes. Thus, through adaptation and recollection the Appalachian dulcimer was born.

Today, thousands of people of all ages, some who "can't even play a radio," take great delight in coming together at festivals, campgrounds and neighbors' homes to play the dulcimer. Even kids as young as 8 can play a dulcimer. The mountain dulcimer is an "immediate gratification" instrument. A tune can be learned in two hours - mastery takes a lifetime.

Renaissance Faire opens its doors

The Virginia Renaissance Faire will be open on weekends and Memorial Day through June 17 at Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania. Before there was Jamestown, there was Elizabeth's England. Step back to 16th century England with the Virginia Renaissance Faire and see where it all began. Bring the entire family for an adventure in Stafford, a town of lively characters, hands-on activities, music, artisans, fine foods and drink. You'll cheer your favorite jouster or hound on the course, learn a dance or two, try your hand at the long bow, sword and pike, meet the strange "long-necked sheep" from the New World, make a puppet or learn to spin and stroll through the shops filled with beautiful wares. All tickets $5; children 5 and under free. Active Military are special free guests Memorial Day Weekend with identification. Visit http://www.varf.org for more information.

Artisan's Center hosts McLemore ceramics

The Artisans Center of Virginia Featured Artist Exhibition Schedule presents Williamsburg artisan Brad McLemore during the month of June, with opening reception on Saturday, June 2, from 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.

McLemore uses sodium vapor and wood fueled firing to create a finishing synthesis of form and surface. The compound washes over the edges, lines and surface of the pieces, which defines them in a less predictable, yet often serendipitous ways. In this special collection of pots and service ensembles, McLemore has varied his treatment in regard to surface topography in a couple of ways. He emphasizes the areas within the vessel by pinching and swelling the volume of the rims and handles and through patterned applications of thick slip to create unique patterns defined by the interaction between the clay, glaze and kiln atmosphere.

ACV is a non-profit, visual arts organization representing Virginia crafts through exhibition, education and retail opportunities. The center is located at Willow Oak Plaza, 801 West Broad Street, Waynesboro. For more information, call 540-946-3294, e-mail or read about ACV on the Web at artisanscenterofvirginia.org.

Hughley to appear at Paramount

A seasoned actor and one of the most popular and highly-recognized stand-up comedians on the road today, D.L. Hughley has proved himself to be one of the hardest-working men in showbiz. From the mega-hit film "Original Kings of Comedy" to NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," his late-night Comedy Central show "Weekends at the DL" to his sitcom "The Hughleys," to national and international performances on the road, Hughley does it all. In a performance featuring opener David Raibon, Hughley will bring his stand-up act to Charlottesville on Friday, June 1, for a special 9 p.m. show at the Paramount Theater.

Tickets for D.L. Hughley's Paramount Theater performance on Friday, June 1, are $39.50, $49.50, $59.50 and $64.50. Half-price student rush tickets and group discounts are also available. Tickets and further details may be found online at http://www.theparamount.net, or through the Paramount's Box Office at 434-979-1333. The complete schedule of performances and events in the Paramount's 2007 summer season is available at http://www.theparamount.net.

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