"For the Love of Athens County" Submission Deadline (for February 2017 exhibit) has been extended to January 11th!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

ARTS/West will be closed Dec. 23rd-26th & 31st-Jan. 2nd.
ARTS/West will have very limited hours the week between Christmas and New Year's. Please call 740-592-4315 before heading over to make sure someone is in the office!

Semi-Regular Office Hours will resume on Tue., Jan. 3rd!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Last Turnt & Burnt this Thursday!

THIS THURSDAY!

December 8th @ 6pm!

I Stand Beside You

"I Stand Beside You" is a workshop and community discussion on how we can be positive allies to those facing discrimination and needing support, offered by the Peoples' Justice League. We will teach tactics in Bystander Intervention, discuss how to best handle disclosures of abuse, assault and even undocumented status, as well as brainstorming and providing a list of community resources that an ally should have on hand. The workshop is Saturday, December 10th 2-4 pm at ARTS/West (132 W. State Street in Athens). Please feel free to invite other compassionate, positive community members and repost the workshop: https://www.facebook.com/events/775876259229208/. You may email me or message us via FaceBook (People's Justice League) Child care will be provided and youth are welcome to attend the workshop as well. Thanks, we look forward to seeing everyone and continuing to unite and make our communities stronger.

Left-Handed Musings: Art Opening featuring Joe Brumfield

December's art exhibit will be Left-Handed Musings by Joe Brumfield, and will be on display at ARTS/West from December 7th, 2016 through January 3rd, 2017. The Opening Reception is on Thursday, December 8th from 6:30-8:30pm. Joe Brumfield often draws inspiration from works of the 60's underground comic scene, eastern spirituality, iconic photographs, music, film, and the work of social justice activists. The opening reception is free to the public and will serve light refreshments.

Yang Miller's Improv Comedy Jamboree!

Come enjoy some local improv at ARTS/West put on by 4 teams of Athens' best improvisers. This hilarious and entertaining show will take place in the ARTS/West performance space on Sunday, December 4th from 7-9pm. Comedy made on the spot! It'll never be seen again. More info soon!

Herbal Relief for Cold and Flu Season

Winter is the time for coughs, colds, and flu. Get prepared with knowledge of herbs to fight virus, combat coughs, and support your sinuses! This class will cover common issues that come up with colds and flu and how to help prevent or resolve them with herbs. What helps a runny nose? How do I deal with a sinus infection? Can herbs help this dry cough that keeps me up at night? What kitchen herbs make a good steam? Which herbs are safe for my kids? How can I avoid getting sick in the first place? Join this class for a discussion of herbs that cover all of these issues and more! Register at wildfireherbs@gmail.com, by calling 740-274-9494, or stop by Caty’s booth at Farmer’s Market on Saturdays (9am to noon).

SATB Presents Madrigal Dinner: A Benefit for ARTS/West

Saturday, December 3rd

Doors open at 5pm

Fanfare starts at 6pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!

Hear ye, Hear ye! Join us for a Madrigal Dinner, a Medieval Style Holiday Feast at ARTS/West on Saturday, December 3rd. Doors open at 5pm, the fanfare begins at 6pm. You will be feasted by food provided by Chef Matt Rapposelli, and entertained by our Master of Ceremonies, David Tadlock, SATB: A Different Kind of Choir, Rough Magic: A Unique Band of Traveling Players, the Athens Recorder Consort, a Brass Quintet, dancing by Ellie Olin, a Silent Art Auction, and more! 

Tickets are $50 per person and they are limited! Buy your tickets at ARTS/West or call 740-592-4315.

Here is a sample of the menu:

Wood Smoked Yard Bird: chicken quarter (thigh and leg) smoked over all hardwood fire
Grilled Chop of Swine: thick cut salted boneless pork loin chop
Carnivores Dilemma: assortment of marinated and grilled vegetables, zucchini, yellow squash, roma tomatoes and mushrooms
Pilaf of Farro: cracked wheat pilaf with apples. celery, carrots and onions
Buttered Wortes: pan fried cabbage with onion

Salat: salad of spinach, fennel, mint and onions tossed with salt, wine vinegar and olive oil

Honey Bread Pudding

ARTS/West Closed for Thanksgiving Break

ARTS/West will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday beginning Thursday, November 24th through Sunday, November 27th.

ARTS/West Presents: Athens County Community Singers Christmas Concert

Join the Athens County Community Singers for their 4th Annual Christmas Concert at ARTS/West on Monday, December 19th at 7pm. There will be a suggested donation of $10 at the door, as well as a Christmas CD that will be available for purchase. The Athens County Community Singers is a choir for “all voices”, those with and without disabilities. Founded and directed by Stephanie H. Morris, MM, MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) Neurologic Music Therapist. The Athens County Community Singers is a non-profit organization. We help people connect with their community, grow in life skills, and communicate. In turn building camaraderie, promoting self-confidence, and life-long friendships.

Front and Center featuring Jason Smith on Tuba

Front and Center is at ARTS/West on Saturday, December 17th from 12-1pm. Front and Center is a great hour of Saturday afternoon fun for the entire family, as children have an open stage for free musical performances! Front and Center occurs on the 3rd Saturday of each month, with a different musical guest each month. This month, Front and Center will feature Jason Smith on the tuba. Don't miss it!

ARTS/West Presents: Community Yoga with Becky Anderson

Come out to ARTS/West on Sunday, December 4th for the monthly session of Community Yoga! Classes are always on the first Sunday of the month, noon-1pm and free for ARTS/West members (for as little as $30 a year you can become a member!) or a $5 suggested donation for non-members. Contact ARTS/West at 740-592-4315 for more information. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. Classes are taught by Becky Anderson.

Holiday Craft Swap

ARTS/West will be hosting the 2016 Holiday Craft Swap on Sunday, December 4th, from 3-5pm. Bring your homemade crafts and swap them for other homemade goods for cash-free holiday shopping! The swap is a fun way to share your talents, socialize, and enjoy the holiday season in the community. There is no fee to participate.

ARTS/West Presents Athens Old Time Square Dance Social

Saturday, November 19th

7-10pm

Come party with us the old fashin way, live fiddle driven Appalachian dance tunes and easy to dance square dancing. BYOB come dance and enjoy the good music and company. All dances will be taught and no experience or partner or particular dress needed! $6 donation

Turnt and Burnt Cancelled!

Turnt and Burnt has been cancelled this evening, Thursday, November 10th.

ARTS/West Offices Closed Friday

ARTS/West will be closed this Friday, November 11th for Veterans Day.

Many Moons Exotic Market

Come out to ARTS/West on Saturday, November 19th or Sunday, November 20th for the Many Moons Exotic Market! This event only happens once a year so you don't want to miss it! Take a look at imported textiles, jewelry, and more from countries like Nepal, India, Bali, and Thailand. Hours are from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday. Don't miss this unique holiday shopping experience!

Madrigal Dinner: An ARTS/West Benefit

Madrigal Dinner

An ARTS/West Benefit

Saturday, December 3rd

Doors open at 5pm

Fanfare begins at 6pm

Here ye, Here ye!

Join us for a Madrigal Dinner, a Medieval Style Holiday Feast at ARTS/West on Saturday, December 3rd. Doors open at 5pm, the fanfare begins at 6pm. You will be feasted by food provided by Chef Matt Rapposelli, and entertained by our Master of Ceremonies, David Tadlock, SATB: A Different Kind of Choir, Misfits Theatre, Rough Magic: A Unique Band of Traveling Players, the Athens Recorder Consort, a Brass Quintet, dancing by Ellie Olin, a Silent Art Auction, and more! 

Tickets are $50 per person and they are limited! Buy your tickets today at ARTS/West or call 740-592-4315. 

Family Contra Dance Presented by SEOTDS and ARTS/West

Bring the family to ARTS/West on Sunday, November 20th from 3-5pm for the Family Contra Dance! Kids and adults will be dancing all over the ARTS/West performance space to some music that will be provided by The Trophy Wives. No experience or partner is needed! Admission by donation, suggested donation is $3/dancer. For more information, please visit athenscontradance.org or call 740-590-4102.

ARTS/West Presents: Front and Center featuring Liz Pahl on Guitar

Bring the entire family to ARTS/West on Saturday, November 19th from 12-1pm for the monthly Front and Center! Front and Center provides free musical performances and an open stage for children's solo or ensemble acts. Best of all, it's free! This month, our featured artist will be Athens local singer/songwriter, Liz Pahl. For more information, please contact Trisha Lachman at trisha@boochee.com.

Watercolors by Pam Callahan, Jean Beard & Lisa Schorr

ARTIST STATEMENTS:

Pam Callahan

Painting continuously amazes me. I sit on the tip of the iceberg. The view is dramatic and breathtaking. Art lies abundantly beneath and possibilities are endless.

Great painting friends, Lisa and Jean, are explorers with me.

Apples from Pam Callahan

Lisa Schorr

Watercolor is such a natural part of my life, while it’s a medium that may never be in my total control, I am sure this is the ongoing intrigue that keeps my interest and attention. I find watercolor to be an intrinsic medium to express nature and animals.

Adding the simplistic quality of ink along with watercolors, I introduced my Rainy Day Series which took my art on a new path and today the Rainy Day Series continues to evolve.

My latest series is “Dogs in Party Hats”. Painted in acrylics, they are lively, bring, textured and guaranteed to make you smile. Much Inspiration for this series has been from my two Airedales.

I teach watercolor at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio in Lancaster Ohio and I offer private lessons in my home studio.

School bus from Lisa Schorr

Jean Beard

There is no deeper, hidden meaning in my artwork. It merely reflects what I see, what I like, what I want to learn with each piece.

I never thought of myself as an artist. I took art classes in school because they were required; my grades proved that I was diligent, or maybe just acquiescent. I have no work from my school days that I wanted to keep. Art was not important.

As an adult, I found myself among artistic people, beginning with my husband, a wood turner; and my sister, a jeweler, weaver, painter and multi-media artist. When the workaday world no longer controlled my time, we ran an artisan’s market in our small town in Ohio, and through that I met many creative, inspiring people who work in a variety of media. Feeling an urge to create more than a good meal, a welcoming home, and responsible children, I looked around and found my mentor, Lisa Schorr, at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Through her classes I met Pam Callahan. Together they fostered my fledgling interest into a passion, for which I am forever grateful.

The work you see here is the result of my relationship with these two wonderful women, who asked me to join them to create “We Three”.

Pumpkin Image from Jean Beard

Women of Appalachia Project: 8th Annual "Women Speak"

ARTS/West is pleased to host the 8th Annual Women of Appalachia Project (WOAP) “Women Speak” performance, an evening of juried poetry, story and song, featuring artists from throughout Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. The event will be held in the Robert L. Winters Memorial Performance Space on November 18, 2016, at 6pm. The mission of WOAP is to showcase the way in which female artists respond to the Appalachian region as a source of inspiration, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences to embrace the stereotype – to show the whole woman; beyond the superficial factors that people use to judge her. Doors open at 5:30pm. The presentation is free to the public though donations in support of WOAP and ARTS/West will be taken at the door. There will be a short reception immediately following the performance. Refreshments will be served. For more information go to www.womenofappalachia.com.

Rep. Debbie Phillips joining us on Tuesday, October 25th!

Please email cpeterson@ci.athens.oh.us or call 740-592-4315 to RSVP!

Reception hosted by Stuart's Opera House and Fullbrooks Cafe.

Contra Dance Presented by SEOTDS and ARTS/West

Come out to ARTS/West on Saturday, November 12th from 8-11pm for a night of dancing! A beginner's lesson is offered at 7:30pm. We encourage anyone and everyone to comes as no experience or partner is needed. Kate Power will be calling the action with music by The Backporch Swing Band. Only $7 for adults, $3 for students, or $15 for the entire family! For more information and directions visit www.athenscontradance.org or call 740-590-4102

ARTS/West Presents: Community Yoga with Becky Anderson

Come out to ARTS/West on Sunday, November 6th for the monthly session of Community Yoga! Classes are always on the first Sunday of the month, noon-1pm and free for ARTS/West members (for as little as $30 a year you can become a member!) or a $5 suggested donation for non-members. Contact ARTS/West at 740-592-4315 for more information. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. Classes are taught by Becky Anderson.

Fall Cat's Pajamas!

Cat's Pajamas Clothing Exchange: A benefit for ARTS/West

Thursday, November 3rd: 6-8pm (ARTS/West members' night)

Friday November 4th: 5-8pm

Saturday November 5th: 10am-6pm

@ ARTS/West 132 West State Athens, Ohio

How it works:

Now through November 3rd, bring unwanted clothes to ARTS/West during business hours to receive a golden ticket that allows you to take unlimited items on the exchange days. A massive amount of clothing will be available during the exchange. If you bring clothes on the exchange days, you will get a regular ticket, & you may take as many items as you brought, additional items $1. Thursday, November 3rd is ARTS/West members’ night, which is open to all current or new ARTS/West members, with a $15 entry.
Entry is $15 on Friday, November 4th, & $10 on the 5th. Once entry is paid, you may return to the event as many times as you want. (entry only paid once.) Free for children 12 & under!


ARTS/West Phone # & business hours:

740-592-4315
Monday-Thursday
10am-4pm
*Please note hours often extended for evening activities, call for additional hours


For more information, or to volunteer:
Emily Beveridge beveridge.emily@gmail.com

The Drowsy Chaperone Auditions are this weekend!

Misfits Theatre announces auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone directed by Marissa Dienstag

Preferred age is 14+ 

Audition Info:

Saturday, October 22nd, 3pm-6pm 

Sunday, October 23rd, 3pm-6pm

Monday, October 24th, 6pm-8:30pm (CALLBACKS)

@ ARTS/West, 132 West State St, Athens, OH 

- Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song from the 1930s-1960s (e.g. Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, etc.)

- Bring a headshot/resume if you have one

- Bring dance shoes if you have them and please dress to dance

Rehearsals are set to begin October 31st. Rehearsals will be Mondays-Thursdays. Performances will be January 20th-22nd and 27th-29th. 

If you have any questions or cannot make an audition date but would still like to audition, contact info@misfitsdrama.com

Character Breakdown: 

Man In Chair

Musical theatre aficionado who mourns the end of the Golden Era. He narrates the show as he listens to the record on vinyl.

Mrs. Tottendale

The air-headed, proper, and bossy host of the wedding.

Underling

Mrs. Tottendale's savvy butler who is thrifty and stiff yet has an understated sense of humor.

Robert Martin

The dashing, ever-cheerful groom; played by matinee-idol Percy Hyman.

George

Robert's anxious, dim-witted best man who has Robert's best-interest always at heart.

Feldzieg

Broadway producer who is desperate for his star to return to his show; played by Jack Adler.

Kitty

Feldzieg's dim-witted companion who has hopes of being a star; played by Sadie Adler.

Gangsters

Posing as pastry chefs, this duo is intending to collect from Feldzieg; played by the vaudeville duo Tall Brothers. (May be male or female) 

Aldolpho

European self-proclaimed "ladies man"; played by former silent movie star Roman Bartelli.

Janet Van De Graaf

The famous bride. Glamorous and talented star of Feldzieg's Follies; played by rising star Jane Roberts.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Janet's alcoholic confidante and friend; played by well-established stage actress Beatrice Stockwell

Trix

The brave and brash female aviator who, by chance, is recruited to perform the wedding.

Ensemble

Staff; Reporters

Synopsis: 

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Hailed by New York Magazine as "The Perfect Broadway Musical," The Drowsy Chaperone is a masterful meta-musical, poking fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre. Because of its many featured roles and accessible script, The Drowsy Chaperone will fit perfectly into any company's season or school's calendar.

Front & Center this weekend!

Turnt & Burnt is back this week!

Thursday, October 13 @ 6pm

Moon Tunnel: A Graduate Literary Reading Series

Join us for a Friday night of literature. Moon Tunnel continues at ARTS/West on Friday, October 14th at 7:30pm in the basement. Moon Tunnel is a reading series featuring the work of Creative Writers from Ohio University's graduate programs. The series will be held on five Friday evenings throughout the 2016-17 Academic year at 7:30pm in the basement room of ARTS/West. Moon Tunnel is sponsored by the OU English Department.

Athens County: What's Our Story

New Digital Sound System Tutorial

Join David Eubanks on Sunday, October 9th from 2-3:30pm as he shows off the new digital sound system recently installed in the ARTS/West Robert L. Winters Memorial Performance Space. Learn how to use the iPad in conjunction with the digital mixer and get certified to work as a technician with ARTS/West! To register, please email Chelsa at cpeterson@ci.athens.oh.us or call 740-592-4315.

Contra Dance

Come out to ARTS/West this Saturday for a night of fun and dancing. David Mould will be calling the action while Corn in the Mornin' provides the tunes. The action begins at 8pm with a beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. No experience or partner needed! Only $7 for adults, $3 for students, or $15 for the entire family!

Knitting & Crochet Returns Oct 25th!

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CLICK HERE to REGISTER ONLINE
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Nesting Patterns, the art of Rachel Clark

Nesting Patterns, the art of Rachel Clark, will be on display in the ARTS/West gallery space from October 6th-31st. Rachel has the following to say about her exhibit: "My studio practice revolves around the development of a personal, often playful, version of abstraction. I am drawn to contemplate ideas of an inner essence corresponding with the outer world as I form repetitive lines, print relief matrices, or collate materials"

ARTS/West Presents: Community Yoga with Becky Anderson

Come out to ARTS/West from 12-1pm on Sunday, October 2nd for the monthly session of Community Yoga! Classes are always on the first Sunday of the month, noon-1pm and free for ARTS/West members (for as little as $30 a year you can become a member!) or a $5 suggested donation for non-members. Contact ARTS/West at 740-592-4315 for more information. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat. Classes are taught by Becky Anderson.

Fiber Faire Special Guest: Anne Hanson

Anne Hanson will be a special guest at the 3rd Annual Athens Area Fiber Faire on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd at the Athens Community Center. Make sure to sign up for her Yarn Voyage for Knitting and Design class on Saturday, October 1st from noon-3pm.

Click here to sign up!

Knitspot owner and designer Anne Hanson, a life-long knitter with experience in the fashion and graphic design fields, enjoys an ongoing conversation with users, incorporating customer feedback into knitspot products wherever possible. Anne also teaches and writes about knitting, spinning, and designing in her “knit spot”, and lives in ohio with David, who loves wool, too.

Anne’s background as a patternmaker/draper, technical designer, and costumer in New York City’s garment district informs her work, providing a rich source of experience in garment construction and fit, as well as knowledge of a wide range of fibers and fabrics.

For more information on Anne and Knitspot, please visit: http://knitspot.com/

Front and Center: Featuring Jim Wachtel on Piano

Front and Center returns to ARTS/West on Saturday, September 17th from 12-1pm. Front and Center is a great hour of Saturday afternoon fun for the entire family, as children have an open stage for free musical performances! Front and Center occurs on the 3rd Saturday of each month, with a different musical guest each month. This month, Front and Center will feature Jim Wachtel on the piano. Don't miss it!

Moon Tunnel: A Graduate Literary Reading Series

Join some of the brightest, most intelligent folks in Athens for a Friday night of literature. Moon Tunnel returns to ARTS/West on Friday, September 16th at 7:30pm. This event is sponsored by the Ohio University Department of English. 

ARTS/West is a Great Nonprofit!

Hello lovers of ARTS/West! Please take two minutes out of your busy day to fill out a review of ARTS/West for GreatNonProfits.org. Just 10 reviews distinguishes us as a top rated nonprofit! Just click the following link:http://greatnonprofits.org/org/arts-west-1