Sense & Sensibility

From our local Theater company comes a new production.

Records were broken when Lamplighter’s Theatre Company hosted the 2009 world premier of Paula K. Parker’s sparkling stage adaptation of “Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.” Lamplighter’s Theatre is now proud to present the world premier of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility. And the timing couldn’t be better, with performances situated around the Valentine holiday.

Set in early 19th century England, “Sense & Sensibility” follow the trials and tribulations of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne – two women who have very different ideas about the propriety of love. Elinor is temperate and rational, while Marianne is fueled by youthful passions. Cast out from their childhood home by the whims of fate, the sisters still manage to attract suitors.

Elinor’s quiet beauty attracts the equally quiet and reserved Edward Ferrars, while Marianne’s impulsive zest for life draws the attention of both the heroic Colonel Brandon and the charming but roguish John Willoughby. But there are a multitude of obstacles on the road to romance in this delightful, new stage version of the beloved Jane Austen novel.

Veteran actor/director Shannon Spencer, takes the director’s chair for the Jane Austen classic. Spencer is no stranger to area theatre goers having recently seen onstage as ‘Sheila’ in Lamplighter’s Theatre Company’s poignant production of “The Boys Next Door.”

Lamplighter’s Theatre Company’s production of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility runs February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm; Sunday performances are at 4:30 pm.

Lamplighter’s Theatre is located on the campus of Springhouse Worship and Arts Center at 14119 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna, TN. Tickets are available at www.ticketsnashville.com. For more information contact Lamplighters Theatre Company at (615) 852-8499(TIXX), or visit us online at www.Lamplighterstheatre.com.

This is a wonderful resource for our community and I am glad to assist anyway I can to help them.

Music and more

There is an effort to bring to the downtown of Smyrna music and more.

Carpe Artista, which officially launched in February of 2011, is based at LifePoint Church, but plans to move to downtown Smyrna this year. While Alley is Carpe Artista’s only paid employee, the organization has a volunteer CFO, a volunteer public relations person, two volunteers who help with fundraising, and 18 instructors who are paid through the lessons they teach.

Art commission in Smyrna soon

My column this week in the Smyrna AM is about a planned Art commission that will be up for a vote in the Town Council meeting in the near future. I will not rehash the whole issue, just the basics.

The Town Council was going to do an initial 'new business' vote to organize an art commission for Smyrna. Because there was some questions on the wording on how people would be put on the board they tabled it for one month. If it comes back for a 'new business' vote in September, and then a second vote as 'old business' October, we might have a new flegling board by November.

This is not like other boards as it is an unfunded advisory board. They will work to organize and bring to Smyrna art shows and other art based activities, advise the Mayor and council, and to find funding for projects. There is no worry that your tax monies will be used to fund art you might find questionable.

Since they did not have the wording on how people would be places on the commission I can only hope that there will be a large number of activist artists. My own mother commented to me on the subject that she would love a craftsman/artist style flea market occurring on a semi regular basis.

On the off chance that you want to try to help Smyrna go from a bedroom community to something richer and vibrant I suggest that you pre-apply for the commission. On the bottom of the 'Boards and Committees' page is the application link in a PDF form. Just fill it out and drop it by the drive through window at the town hall. Easy as pie, and you have the joy of helping bring art to our fine town.

Airport art show cancelled

The airport art show that Christina Cudworth was working so hard for has been put on semi-permanent hold by the airport.

From the bad news email

As John and I have reviewed your proposal, we realize that Art in Smyrna Airport could potentially be quite an undertaking. We also realize that we do not have the mechanism in place to proceed at this time. All of our Airport work is governed by an Airport Master Plan that’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the TN Division of Aeronautics. I’ve researched a number of airports and how they handle their art showcases. All of them have an Airport Arts Master Plan (Plan) that delves into the community history, vision and passion, and the art exhibited is a reflection of the community. We feel that our own exhibits should do the same.

Over the next months we hope to draft a Plan for consideration by our Board of Commissioners. We plan to enlist the help of MTSU’s aviation department to assist with writing/designing this Plan. While I would not presume to know how our Board will react to Airport Arts, I would expect them to appoint members to an Arts Commission who would then implement the various facets of the Master Plan.

They included this line.

We believe a well-thought-out Master Plan is the best way to set goals and methods to achieve them so that our community can be as proud of our art exhibits as they are Smyrna Airport.

A government bureaucracy just cannot do something right, they need a master plan to know it is right.

Well I am greatly disappointed and it is only midweek.

Art Forward

News from the area of art in our town.

Art Forward is having a free art forum every Friday until the end of April. Bring a chair maybe a table and their medium of choice for some FREE studio time. 15 years and up please! Fun and artist fellowship for free!
Where: 701 President's Place Smyrna (next to Tokyo Steakhouse)
When: 8pm-10
Contact: Chris (615)482-3157

If interested give her a call and enjoy.

Art at the airport

There is going to be a display of local artists at the Smyrna airport and if you feel up to it you're invited to submit some for presentation. I'm presently seeking more details on dates, times, and contact information, but this is a continuing effort by a local art activist to keep pushing for a better Smyrna.

Update:
I heard back from Christina Cudworth and she said this.

I am looking at April 10th for final considerations to begin with. I am really needing portfolio's, pictures, websites to consider stat. Spread the word! I appreciate it! All my info is ok to give.

Her email address is chris_cudworth@yahoo.com . Drop her a line and have fun.

Update 2:
A bit more information

Art displayed and for sale. I need to reveiw artists to make sure it is ready and professional for sale. Reviewing portfolio's gives me a starting pool of artists to pull from for this gallery. All art displayed is to be up for sale and rotated monthly. The sooner I get artists the sooner in April I can get some art in there.

Art and the city

In just a few moments Christina Cudworth will hopefully join a growing rank of people who will become a more visible site in Smyrna. Activists. People with ideas and a mission. Hers is based upon art and she is addressing the town council tonight. She has given me permission to post here her speaking notes so wish her luck.

My name is Christina Cudworth and I own a local business “Cudworthcreative” that is a service business in where I teach and make custom murals and art. I moved here to Smyrna, and have enjoyed the growth and community here, The only thing I have noticed is a lack of connection with visual art. I know there are art leagues in Murfreesboro and Nashville, but those who live here in Smyrna have to leave and drive a distance for time to work and relax in the realm of art. Which brings me to my desire to start an art league /community art center here in Smyrna.

I plan on having the league family friendly, children, teens, adults and seniors, but not denying artists who paint more than just landscapes.. I am looking to educate, encourage art in the community of Smyrna. I plan on for profit, and membership based, capacity in the community. I also teach art at Jerry's Artarama. I want a strong emphasis about redefining art in Smyrna as being more than just paintings or sculpture. I would even like to have themed rotational art exhibits. New art festivals here and group with others for a large event showcasing art, in all mediums. The only restrictions for the immediate gallery would be nudes or offensive material., the artists are free to explore these areas, but for the sake of children being present members would be asked not to show work depicting such things .

Currently I am seeking a building or meeting place that is visible to the public, and can accommodate 50 or more artists. Any offers or suggestions are welcome. Also a place to host a fundraising event would be very helpful.

I am open to any questions regarding this matter. Thank you for your time I greatly appreciate it.

Art today...Chickens tomorrow...who knows what activist might decide needs addressing the day after.

The Plowhaus Presents: Abstrakta

The Plowhaus Artists Cooperative has announced an opening this week. They put on good shows - and the openings are full of interesting people. As a side note, if you've never done the "Nashville Gallery Crawl," it's worth doing. It's a long party of art openings and free drinks and food. The only way to beat something this cool would be to get some art here in Smyrna. I'm still working on that.

Now here's the Plowhaus info:


Plowhaus Artists Cooperative presents
ABSTRAKTA
April 4- 25, 2009
Opening Reception during Nashville Art Crawl: April 4th from 6-10pm

The Plowhaus Artists Cooperative of Nashville proudly presents ABSTRAKTA, an exhibition of abstract art. In this group exhibit, Plowhaus artists delve into art without limits, where form, color and composition become a universal means of communication to create an emotional response and spiritual connection with the community.


Artists include:
Carrie Mills, Beth Winnett, Susan Striepe, Franne Lee, Franco Scaramuzza, John Holland, Candice Brett, Barry A. Noland, Judy Klich, Stephen McClure, Nubian Sun, Tom Winnett, Robert Bruce Scott, Beth Inglish, Mandy Peitz. Jamie Bandtin, Marsha Rusk, Odenedo
Betsy Clapsaddle, Mel Davenport, Celeste Holliman, Catherine Chaput, Michelle Schrieber, Shonna Sexton, John Barcus, Peach McComb, and Tammy Rochelle


The Plowhaus Artist's Cooperative
www.plowhaus.org
Tennessee Art League Building
808 Broadway, 2nd Floor
Nashville, Tenn.
Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10am to 4pm
About Plowhaus
Plowhaus is a 501(c)(3) artist-supported cooperative and gallery space dedicated to presenting new art to the Nashville community. Plowhaus was the first gallery to open in East Nashville. It is committed to support, challenge and inspire artistic growth among its members and to build, educate and sustain audiences for contemporary art.
www.plowhaus.org

Art Show this Saturday

Just a quick note to let my fellow Smyrna neighbors know that I have a solo exhibition coming up this weekend in Springfield at the Talents Coffee Studio. (www.talentscoffeestudio.com) I'll be there for the opening reception on Saturday afternoon, from 1 - 3, at least. I'd love to see you there!

If you can't make it, some of the art I'll be showing is also online at www.davidthegood.com.

Peace!

-DG

Upcoming Art Show - "Untitled" Turns 18!

In case you're not familiar with the Untitled Artists Group, they're a long-standing organization that's been putting on art shows and bringing art to non-traditional locations around Nashville. I recently accepted a nomination to become part of their board of directors. It looks like this upcoming show is going to be incredible. The number of artists signing up, the amazing location, and the buzz is impressive.

Attached is the poster and the press release. They need more Smyrna artists - so if you're out there, jump in!



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BARELY LEGAL ART SHOW COMES TO NASHVILLE

(Nashville, TN) – Somewhere… deep in the heart of Nashville… an 18-year-old is getting WAY too crazy! It’s Friday night – do you know where YOUR local arts organization is? You do now! Come join the Nashville Untitled Artist’s Group for its 18th birthday at ICON in the Gulch. That’s right – the groundbreaking artists collective is all grown up!

The party happens on March 13th from 6 – 10PM. Enjoy great art, cold cocktails, and fascinating people in a relaxed non-traditional environment. A wide variety of artists are participating and most of the works are for sale. Street art, traditional art, sculpture, photography… if you can dream it up, it’s probably been at one of our shows.

Even better? This show takes place at the hippest development to hit Nashville since the cotton gin. ICON in the Gulch is a creative person’s dreamscape, featuring luxury loft living in the midst of Music City. Once you step in you won’t want to leave. Tours of ready-to-move-in units will take place throughout the evening. You’re also invited to a special cocktail reception in ICON’s ultra lounge on the rooftop pool deck. Show up early and take a tour… or just hang out high above the city, chatting up artists and enjoying the ambience. Let ICON treat you like a celebrity.

Also participating in “Barely Legal,” the Nashville Film Festival will be screening some celluloid magic with its “Best of the Fest” shorts collection, showing adjacent to the gallery space. And Music City’s favorite music man, DJ Synapse Trap, will be serving up a hot helping of fresh and funky grooves.

Bring your best pair of eyes, your beau, and your bad self on down to “Barely Legal.” We guarantee you’ll fall in love with the Nashville visual arts scene during Untitled’s 18th Birthday Extravaganza. I mean, seriously… we’d show up for your birthday!

“Barely Legal” takes place at 600 12th Avenue S, Suite 4. Find out more at www.untitlednashville.org or e-mail info@untitlednashville.org.

About UNTITLED:

UNTITLED Nashville has introduced new artists to the community since 1991, is comprised of several hundred artists, and has left an indelible stamp on the burgeoning Nashville art scene. UNTITLED members include staff and exhibiting artists from Zeitgeist, Dangenart, Plowhaus, Twist Gallery, and (fov) gallery. UNTITLED members also include art faculty, students, and graduates from Watkins College of Art and Design, Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Florida Atlantic University, Lipscomb University, TSU, Fisk University, MTSU and many other fine institutions.

UNTITLED is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting artists, reaching new art audiences, and offering alternative visual arts experiences in the Nashville community. The group's meetings and shows provide opportunities for artists to connect, collaborate and learn from each other. All artists at all levels and in all media are invited to attend weekly meetings every Wednesday at 7:30, and to participate in quarterly exhibitions as well as the group’s annual glow-in-the-dark fundraiser “The Glow Show.” The deadline for artists to register for “Barely Legal” is March 6th. New artists are highly encouraged to show! For more information about this show and the Untitled Artists' Group and its programs to support and promote the visual arts, please visit our website at www.untitlednashville.org or email us at info@untitlednashville.org.

BARELY LEGAL POSTER
Designed by Ginny Edwards
myspace.com/vedwardsgraphics

(More images online here: http://www.untitlednashville.org/barelylegal/press.htm)

Visit untitlednashville.org for more details.

Naked Carnivale

Just a reminder - there's a totally crazy art show in downtown Nashville tonight at "Diamond Sound Studios." I'll be there, as will my lovely wife. I have one piece in the show, and five more for sale at their "small works" table. And in honor of our ailing economy, all my pieces are bargain priced.

The show will feature the Nashville Roller Girls, games, music, burlesque ladies, sideshow performers and who knows what else.

Still not convinced? Then I give you two words: free alcohol.

Hope to see you there. Details below:

http://untitlednashville.org/nakedcarnivale/

-DG

Upcoming Show/Call to Artists

If any of our readers are artists, the "Untitled Nashville" Artist's group will soon hold its Fall show "Naked Carnivale." I'll be there, as will many other local artists from Middle Tennessee. It would be nice to see more artists from Smyrna. The show looks like it will be a blast. (And I have no idea where they got the name "Naked Carnivale." As best as I can tell, Untitled is nudist-free.)

There's still time to register your piece, if interested. Only a few days left. The Untitled Group will be meeting tonight. Details are here:

http://untitlednashville.org/nakedcarnivale/

Of course, if you're an art appreciator, this is a great one-night-only chance to see and buy original work. The range of art is usually excellent, from traditional landscapes to street art, drawings, photography and sculpture. I met a fellow at a previous show who's been attending Untitled events for years, looking for the next up-and-coming stars.

Hmm... maybe I should cut my ear off and see if my sales pick up.

-DG