“Art Rocks!” at the Columbus Arts Council — and rolls and inspires and expands horizons. The nonprofit organization launches its 2015-2016 season theme with a three-day span of exhibits, live music and rock-themed art activities Thursday through Saturday at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus.
The theme emphasizes that the arts are not stuffy, elitist or “off limits” to anyone, said CAC Executive Director Tina Sweeten-Lunsford and Program Manager Beverly Norris.
“The arts are fun, exciting, cool and relevant to every person out there, no matter their age, race, religion, socio-economic background, hair color, shirt size, whatever,” Norris said. One arts council goal is to encourage individuals to explore what the arts mean to them personally. Another is to emphasize to younger audiences the value of arts and arts organizations to a community.
“We appreciate so much our wonderfully loyal patrons who faithfully support our concerts, classes and exhibits and help us all really enjoy our work with the arts,” remarked the program manager. “And we want to be sure we fill a need for young audiences so they can ‘grow into’ being great art supporters as well.”
The season ahead will channel Art Rocks! through visual and performing arts that encompass everything from “4 on the Floor” concerts on the arts center’s gallery floor to Random Acts of Art — live reenactments of famous American artworks.
Thursday kickoff
The public is invited to a free reception Thursday, Aug. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. opening a multi-faceted exhibit. Sculptural artwork and vessels by Conner Burns of Natchez evoke the organic earth, while art by Sami Austin and Montero Baker includes their renderings of (rock) musicians. Also look for Ross Whitwam’s rock formations called Inuksuit. Burns will give a gallery talk at 6 p.m.
All ages can pause to pan for gemstones or create a piece of “rock art” of their own.
Flathead Ford Friday
The season’s “4 on the Floor” series of concerts at the Rosenzweig Arts Center begins Friday, Aug. 7 with the bluesy rock of Flathead Ford, featuring Jerry Carnathan, Lee Graham and John Staggers. Food is provided by Zachary’s. Doors open at 8 p.m. The band begins at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets cover the music and food; soft drinks and beer (with proper ID) are $1 each.
Saturday rocks, percussion circle
Rock art activities for all ages are offered Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rosenzweig Arts Center. Gemstone panning begins at 11 a.m. outside on the sidewalk. Participants will be working with paints, water and sand, so dress appropriately.
“We’ll be drawing with patterns on rocks, or participants can make pet rocks or even make people out of your rocks,” said Rebecca Hester of the CAC staff. “It’s a fun, interpretive medium; we invite everyone to come out.”
At 1 p.m., ages 12 and up are invited to take part in a recycled/found/junk percussion circle with Dr. Bob Damm of Mississippi State University’s Department of Music. “Instruments” will be provided. Saturday activities are free.
A complete season listing of gallery shows, performances, art classes and activities will be available soon.
“We hope that through all of these events, the Golden Triangle will agree that, indeed, Art Rocks!” said Norris.
For more information, contact the CAC at 662-328-2787 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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