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Posted: 01/19/11

SAC features a variety
of shows, classes for 2011

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      An easel of new shows and re-worked events from the Starkweather Arts Center is slated to paint a bright 2011.
       Members of the art center have booked a year's worth of events as well as a full schedule of classes to help spread the creativity and culture of art.

With the exception of closing in January for renovations, the arts center has already scheduled an event for nearly every month.
       "We're still taking in new ideas for new shows," said Marian McLaughlin, Starkweather board president. "We're seeing what works, what doesn't, and we've had substantial success with shows that we're going to do again and elaborate on."
       Kristin Barr, the center's director, said the art featured in each show will vary from traditional paintings, sculptures and collages to more eclectic works like encaustic art that use oils and beeswax.
       "I'm really excited about a lot of the artists coming in next year," said Barr. "I think we have some up and coming contemporary artists."
       For example, those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere will enjoy the center's new show, "Happy Serum." The June exhibit will feature the works of three pop surrealist artists, otherwise known as "low brow" artists.
       "I love their work, it should be a fun show coming into the summer," said Barr.
       Following the success of its "La Grotesque" exhibit in October, the center plans to hold another Halloween-inspired show. This time, Barr said it'll take its name and theme from the Mexican holiday, "Day of the Dead."
       "It'll go with the Halloween theme, only it'll be more vibrant, more lively," she said.
       The center is looking to expand its August event, "Moonflowers and Music." The event typically features food from businesses around the Romeo area as well as live music, but this year the center will bring an artist and more bands.
       "We're going to try and update it a bit, to make it a bigger event," said Barr.
       Other traditional events and shows make a return in 2011, such as the Holiday Showcase in November and December and the member's show in February.
       The member's show will run alongside an old idea brought back, "A Show of HeART." Anyone who donates $10 to the center will receive a wooden heart they can decorate and submit to the center to be displayed.
       "We're still looking for artwork for both the membership and heart show," said Barr.

       Teaching the arts
       The center is offering a schedule of art classes for both youths and adults alike. The Parks and Recreation Center has the schedule on its website (www.rwbparksrec.org) as well as a catalog of what is offered.
       "We're offering more classes in the winter than we are usually able to," she said. "We've pulled together a unique class schedule, offered different things and hopefully over summer we can continue that."
       The center is also offering life drawing classes every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the exception of holidays.
       Artists of any skill level are invited to attend the un-instructed sessions, where they can use their preferred medium to capture costumed and nude models.
       Open Mic Nights will also continue to be held every fourth Friday of the month. Run by a Starkweather board member, the events are open to musicians, poets and comedians.

       Raising funds
       McLaughlin said the center is struggling a bit since grant dollars have been depleted, so the center is looking for other sources of revenue.
       The center's carriage house, for instance, may be utilized for artists who want a space to study and work. The center is also looking to paint murals on block buildings in the area.
       "We're trying to get art students from the schools interested in helping with that," she said.
       A plaque is also in the works that will allow donors to have their names placed in a special place in the art center.
       For more information, visit www.starkweatherarts.com. The Starkweather Arts Center is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.