Fine Arts Center Blog

Carmen Vreeman: Michael took 2 turns OUT of a number! What is the world coming to?! Thanks for the extra oxygen!

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:34:00 +0000

I grew up in the Chicago area and am the youngest of six kids. Christmas was always a very special time for my family, with feelings and traditions that no other holiday brings. Here are just a few of the traditions and favorite memories of Christmas that I grew up with:
~Buying the Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving
~Decorating the tree on a lovely evening: dim lights, old (sometimes falling apart) ornaments, hot chocolate, cheesy music (the Oakridge Boys), singing carols a capella by candlelight, and dancing.
~All 8 of us (parents included) piling into the old Ford van to go shopping for each other in Michigan late one night, which culminated in breakfast sometime between 3 and 5 am at a restaurant where the waitress remembered us each year.
~Christmas caroling at nearby nursing homes
~Taking trips downtown Chicago to see the lights and decorations
~Opening presents late on Christmas Eve night after a church service, wishing “Merry Christmas" right as the clock struck 12.
~Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of homemade cinnamon roles and opening the stockings above the fireplace in the basement
~Knowing that we were all together

It’s certainly accurate to say that I do love all those Christmas clichés. When I think of Christmas, I reminisce about my childhood holidays in Chicago. But it wasn’t long before most of my siblings moved out, got married, and started new lives. Another change happened when I was 12 and we moved away from Chicago. Since then, I have spent Christmas seasons in New Mexico, Washington, L.A and Colorado. Sometimes I feel like nothing will ever beat my perfect childhood Christmases. I’m sure many can relate.

Last year at Christmas time, I was filling out college applications, preparing for auditions for schools, and dreaming about being away at a university somewhere east of the Mississippi for the start of the season and coming home for Christmas. But the year brought disappointment and a major change in plans, and obviously I am not away at college. In these months following graduation, I have struggled to dream and keep my goals alive. (And I think every artist can attest that when you’re not dreaming, you’re not thriving.) Then, miraculously- this show: a reason and spark to dream again. When I was offered a role in Christmas Survival Guide, I was ecstatic and terrified. Knowing that I would get to do my favorite thing in the world (performing, and not just another typical Christmas show) around my favorite holiday brought me goosebumps of joy. Yet, I knew a great challenge was before me. As one of the youngest in the cast, I worried about not having as much to give. But my fellow actors and friends have embraced me, quite literally, in affirmation of my gifts (some that I don’t get to use very often; for example, pointe) That’s not to say it hasn’t kicked my you-know-what. I think it’s fair to say that we all have been challenged, but for the best and so much fun. Being a part of this company and production has blessed me beyond belief. I can’t thank Michael and everyone involved enough for this opportunity.

This show: its content and the people I have been so privileged to work with have brought hope back. I’ve started dreaming again. As I’ve become more familiar with the meaning and characters within Christmas Survival Guide, I have become more aware of the fact that I am not the only who sometimes stops dreaming, or feels stuck where they are, or even dreads the holiday season because they know it won’t be what they expected. Some of my Christmases, like so many others’, have been dampened by many different elements: broken relationships, financial struggle, deferred dreams. And while we actors portray certain individuals in different circumstances, they represent thousands of journeys and feelings toward the Christmas season. I think everyone in the audience will see themselves in the characters on stage, comedic or dramatic. That’s part of the beauty of theatre: there is always some truth (and heart) even in the comedy and drama. It’s particularly poignant in this show.

Christmas happens in the middle of dreams and disappointments. It can also be a cause for both. My hope and prayer is that you will come to this show and participate from where you are in your journey- dreaming or dreading- and find the hope that Christmas can offer in the midst of the frantic rush of life... Hold on. Dream again and keep dreaming. Wait and hope with us. Christmas is coming. And it just might be the best one ever.
~Carmen Vreeman

P.S. A more detailed note about the process of the show: Tonight, Michael took 2 turns OUT of a number! What is the world coming to?! Thanks for the extra oxygen, Michael. J

Sharon Kay White: It's Very Strange Wearing A Tank Top, Singing Christmas Songs!

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Ahhh, Christmas. Who doesn't love Christmas? I have to say, as an actor, it's very strange to be wearing a tank top, singing Christmas songs in July, August, September...that's generally when an actor auditions for a Christmas production. But it does put one in a Christmas frame of mind. And oftentimes, doing those same old tired Christmas shows year after year can make any yuletide-lovin' gal a Santa cynic. But A Christmas Survival Guide is unlike any other Christmas show I've ever seen or performed in, and for that, I am grateful! Even though there actually IS a bit of cynicism (and a lot of humor) in the show, it is steeped in reality, and always brings you back to find the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

We're having a great time finding all of that with this show, and we hope to be able to share that with a lot of people this year! I figure that if WE'RE all laughing and crying during rehearsals, surely audiences will have a similar experience in seeing the show. I hope so, because it's a wonderful feeling. It's been a blast working with such a talented and dedicated group of actors, technicians, designers, administrators, and musicians. And what a bonus to be directed by my dear, darling friend, Michael....and even our shared commute from Denver has been a blast. What more could a girl ask for? Well, a date with Santa, I suppose.....see the show. You'll get the joke.

Pictured above: (Left to Right) Marco Robinson, Halee Towne, Sharon Kay White and Carmen Vreeman

Bret: The Sounds of Christmas

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0000

From Breton Parks Christopherson, The Ultimate Sound Designer: Tech week is the second most stressful week in any production. I usually make a list of things I still need to do, then check it twice. When it finally does come along, I love to see all the different pieces of the show come together. After tech week, the show's opening weekend is the most stressful time during a production. The night before opening night, I have trouble sleeping. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, way too excited to sleep. Except in my case, I’m too nervous to sleep. I lay awake wondering if I've done everything I need to and hoping that everything doesn’t fall to pieces opening night.

As of right now I am actively organizing the pre show/intermission music and sound effects. I have been listening to so much Christmas music that I already feel the holiday spirit. The melody to “Here Comes Santa Claus” has been stuck in my head for the last week.

When Director Micheal Gold described his vision for the show as something that would stir up fun and warm memories of Christmas, I immediately pictured my family bustling around the house listening to our traditional assortment of Christmas tunes. In order to bring those memorable feelings to this production, I have included some of the recordings my family normally listens to. My hope is that this will make people think of their own family's personal connection with specific songs of the holiday season.

~Breton Christopherson

Leslie Aldridge: Cinnamon, Outerware & Muppets. You gotta love a Costume Designer!

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:36:00 +0000

3 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

1. Cinnamon. How very lovely it is to walk into a department store and immediately your senses and brain thoughts are enveloped in the warm, familiar smell of cinnamon.

2. Outerwear. It is the perfect time of year to contrast the cloudy skies with a colorful pashmina or a pair of yellow rubber boots lined with a bright plaid print.

3.. A Muppet Christmas Carol. (no explanation needed.)

I SO appreciate the opportunity i have to design costumes for this wicked rad show. But more importantly, i feel super honored to be working with such a talented team of artists and performers. what a great show we have in our hands! it is well worth bringing your friends to and then going home to a nice cup of hot chocolate (with cinnamon of course!), while singing the songs from the show...which may get stuck in your head for days upon days...upon days.

This show is the complete christmas package, minus A Muppet Christmas Carol.

ENJOY!!!

xoxo

leslie a.

Halee Towne: It has been impossible for me NOT to connect with the heart of Christmas Survival Guide.

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:58:00 +0000

From Halee Towne: Actor, the one in the photo with the antlers ...

Every year I do my best to get in the holiday spirit; I watch Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, eat monster cookies, stare at the lights on the tree, sing my favorite carols, and bawl when they play "Christmas Shoes" over the loud speakers at department stores, but sometimes Christmas comes and goes and I am left completely unmoved and unaffected. It leaves me feeling cheated somehow... all of the hype and buildup of Christmas and the "magic" of the season, and I miss it. There is a certain mystery about Christmas... sometimes it sinks in, makes sense and leaves you loving humanity and ready to tackle the brand new year that is ahead... and other times, it kind of lets you down and makes any pain you already feel about every day life 1000 times worse.

You never can tell what it will bring.

A Christmas Survival Guide deals directly with the mystery of Christmas and I am loving the process it is taking me through. Today, Marco and I rehearsed a scene where we are a couple in love, ready to spend our first Christmas together and how excited we are as we decorate our tree until we start realizing that Christmas means two completely different things to each one of us, and our day and tree are destroyed because of it. Sammy does a brilliant number where he is trying so desperately to love the season but he is never allowed to connect with it with all the chaos around him. Sharon Kay is left alone with her TV after a party, trying to reconcile her loneliness with the happiness she is supposed to be feeling this time of year. Carmen needs all of the the fruitcake and Santa and plastic reindeer and Johnny Mathis in order to experience the joy of the holidays. As we look to a book to find our answers to the millions of questions we have about Christmas, at the end, we are all left with the one question... what is Christmas all about?

I have loved exploring this question with the four FABULOUS other cast members, our director and musical director and the designers of this show. It has been impossible for me NOT to connect with the heart of Christmas Survival Guide.

What a gift it has been to me!

Halee

Ryan Neely: A Slave to the Costume Designer

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:02:00 +0000

For the past few weeks my position as assistant production manager has expanded to
include impromptu costume model. Although Leslie Aldridge’s costumes are fantastic and very colorful I do not appreciate being put into skirts and tutus. When I ask Leslie if she can please find someone else she says “Oh don’t worry about it you’re a perfect model even though you have skinny legs”

~Ryan Neely
Assistant Production Manager

Alan Osburn: I Dedicate This One To Ken

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

From Alan Osburn: As the Producing Artistic Director I have the wonderful opportunity to sit in on design meetings and watch all of these creative people continue to impress and inspire me with their passion and experience. I get to step into the room next to my office see costumes appear where a couple of days ago there was just some fabric. I can go to a rehearsal and watch these talented actors just come up with stuff that makes Michael’s face glow with wonder. But I also have moments of extreme sadness in dealing with very sensitive situations.

When Michael cast these five triple threats I couldn’t have been happier for him. But like the holidays, sometimes with great joy, there comes great sadness. I got a call today from Ken Robinson, one of the members of the cast. For those of you who saw The Full Monty he was Malcolm, the guy who sang Is This the Wind at the funeral in act two, which Ken did beautifully. Ken came to Michael and me a few days ago and told us he had hurt his knee outside of the rehearsal process. Today, after many trips to his physical therapist, his doctor, and after having an MRI, he informed me that he did indeed have a torn meniscus in his knee. With this being such a heavy dance show, and knowing that he would also have to dance on a raked stage, it was clear to me that the best thing for both the show and Ken’s health was that I would need to replace him. As a producer this is one of the hardest calls to make, especially with someone like Ken.

I don’t think most people have a true understanding of how deeply passionate performers feel about what they do. How euphoric they feel when they hear the sound of applause or laugher coming from the darkness just beyond the edge of the stage. Or understand the deep seated drive that actors have to finish the second act of a show, even when they just slipped on the stairs during intermission and cracked their head open and are covered in blood, as one of our Youth Repertory Theatre students (Alex Killan) did this past summer.

On the phone today Ken told me he would do whatever it would take to somehow still be in the show, which basically means he would have to ice, stretch, and heat his knee constantly, and still hold down a full time job, spending his evenings and weekends grimacing in pain, praying that no one in the cast or crew would see him because as he put it he “didn’t want the show to suffer.” We are very fortunate to have in the wings the very talented Marco Robinson who will join the company tomorrow. But for tonight, here’s to Ken, our first choice, our friend, and an inspiration to anyone who has ever had to play hurt for the good of the show.

Pictures:

#1: Ken peforming with Saturday Evening Post in The Music Man

#2: Ken playing the role of Malcolm in The Full Monty

#3: Ken in Sunday in the Park with George

#4: Ken in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

Jacyshyn: A little holiday carol, a little Elvis and a little Hannukah!

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Today's entry is from Musical Director Roberta Jacyshyn:

A Christmas Survival Guide is just plain fun. There's a little holiday carol here and there, a little Elvis, a little Hannukah tune, moving ballads; all performed with style and grace by our talented cast of five. The five-piece band is set to be on stage, which is always a welcome addition to any show.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to lead the cast and band. Looking forward to merry holiday music making.

-- Roberta

P.S. The image is a Chris Sheley model of the set.

Gleason: "This show is the best. Period."

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +0000

From actor Sammy Gleason, a member of the show's five-person ensemble...
Hey Bloggers,
Being a part of this show has been a blessing in disguise for me. At the beginning of this season I had not given A Christmas Survival Guide a second thought, or a first thought for that matter. To be quite honest, my mind was preoccupied with a very different show in the season line up. But when I received a call from the staff here at the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company asking if I would come and audition I thought “Why not?” So I went to the audition and danced and sang, read a few lines and generally had a very good time. I went home, and AGAIN I didn’t give it a second thought. Then I was asked to come in for a callback. “That’s weird” I thought. I went in, danced some more, read some more and sang some more, and I went home. When I got called for a third time, my interest was positively peaked. I went in and read again, I sang again, and I went home...again. Fast forward to the very next day and I was in full hunger mode -- I wanted this show. I was totally on PINS AND NEEDLES waiting to hear who had been cast. Having seen Michael Gold in last season’s “The Music Man” and having now auditioned three times for him, I was just itching for the chance to be in this show. To my utmost surprise and delight I was offered a part -- I even did a little touchdown dance! It’s funny how things come along when you’re not expecting them. I hadn’t planned on this, yet here I am working with some of the best in the business and having the time of my life. Like I said, it’s been a blessing in disguise and one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received.

My favorite part of the rehearsal process so far has been the dancing. I LOVE to dance! And Michael, being the Broadway veteran that he is, is just full of ideas when it comes to moving actors around the stage while they sing. There are leaps and shimmies; there are shuffles and splits (that’s my own fault). Feather boas and microphone stands as dance partners, and TURNS! OH how Michael LOVES the turns. In fact, one of his favorite pass times has been to say “…and I’m gonna add another turn here” just to watch our eyes get huge as we try to figure out how to do it without falling over! Then he giggles and shows us how it’s done, all the while knowing that he’s going to do that two more times before the night is over! But seriously, it’s a LOT of fun. And there is SO much dancing. This show is literally song after song after song with little break in between for scenes and dialogue. That’s one of the best parts of the show, but it is also one of the challenges. Any musical theater performer will tell you that hopping from one number to the next with little room for breathing is difficult and “Survival Guide” is no different -- I think the five of us are finally starting to realize how much work this show is going to be. Add to that all of the amazing choreography Michael has given us (and the TURNS!) and you can probably imagine what a ragtag, exhausted bunch we are at the end of rehearsals. Yet with that said, what other show lets you belt your heart out in a jazzy opening number, tap dance as one of Santa’s reindeer, bemoan the Christmas blues in a torchy Bob Fosse-esque tribute, AND sing beautiful ballads and familiar holiday carols in the span of about 90 minutes? NONE! This show is the best. Period.

OK, serious bit now. I have an amazing family and a whole bunch of wonderful Christmas memories -- this season has always been full of joy and magic for me. However, everyone can relate to feeling overwhelmed during the holidays and I am no exception. Not knowing where you fit, who you are, or what the whole thing is about is a very common holiday affliction and “A Christmas Survival Guide” is a show that deals with those ups and downs. Getting to work with this amazing group of artists has brought home to me the concept that Christmas is about being with family and friends. It’s not about what you give or what you get, but rather who you share it with. As long as you are surrounded by loved ones, you WILL experience the joy of Christmas.

So, welcome to the “Christmas Survival Guide” experience! You guys are in for an amazing time, full of fun, laughter and LOTS of heart. Now go buy tickets!!! Cheers!

-Sammy Gleason

Sheley: This process has been so rewarding; I'm wearing a Santa hat right now

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Scenic Designer Christopher L. Sheley, who has earned awards from The Gazette, Denver Post and Pikes Peak Arts Council, takes his turn at blogging.

I remember, years ago, walking down Chicago Avenue with my then roommate Jay carrying a Christmas tree just selected from a vendor who was set up in an abandoned lot on the near north side of Chicago. We were bundled up, sipping lattes and laughing ourselves stupid. In the end, this became the inspiration behind my scenic design for A Christmas Survival Guide.

At the first production meeting, our director, Michael Gold, walked in and said “let’s make this fun and warm, easily recognizable to the audience with iconic Christmas images and warm memories." We then talked about sled riding, about picking out a tree, about shopping for gifts, about the smell of chestnuts roasting, about snow and all of the sense memories people often carry with them from year to year. We even talked about those memories we all have that are not so good, about the heartbreak and the loneliness that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives during the holidays. We put all of our ideas into the proverbial hopper, talked about the script’s needs, and as the meetings progressed it became clear we all felt we wanted the space to be warm and inviting almost to the point of actually roasting chestnuts.

In the end, this process for has been so rewarding and so upbeat that I am wearing a Santa hat even as I write this blog. Leslie Aldridge’s costumes are of a beautiful color pallet, Jessica Rose’s props…especially Santa’s puppet…look tight as always, Bret Christopherson’s sound effects are right on, and Holly Rawls’s lighting will have thousands of looks including some fifty strands of Christmas lights which I’m sure will offer a terrific warmth and glow to the whole show.

We watched rehearsal this past Sunday and the show has some remarkable numbers and characters. There is truly some big, big talent in this cast. And speaking of, Michael Gold’s talent and energy are always astonishing. His motor runs a hundred miles an hour (must be the sugar from all of his baked goods), and his passion and work ethic are terribly impressive. I have to say we are all very fortunate to have him here with us here at the FAC.

I must also say I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I have so much to be grateful for and so many loving and kind people with which to share the season. To Olivia and Holly…….I love you both more than words can describe. To the rest of you and the whole world….I wish you all the love and kindness your hearts can hold. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

- Chris

Gold: "Not your typical Christmas show"

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Find out what goes on behind-the-scenes of an FAC Theatre Company production. Starting today, the actors, designers, musicians and technicians of A Christmas Survival Guide will give you their insights on the creative process for this holiday show, which opens Nov. 27. Tickets are available online.

First up, Broadway veteran Michael E. Gold, the show's director and choreographer.

Dear Bloggers:

Merry Christmas and welcome to the FAC Blog for A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE! As Director/Choreographer, I invite you to meet the ensemble, musicians and staff of CSG and share your holiday spirit with us. We’re putting together a unique piece that will surprise and entertain you. We’re about halfway through rehearsals and it’s been a blast. We have assembled an ensemble of five actors/five musicians that are top-notch. Their energy and enthusiasm has made me approach this project and Christmas with a renewed spirit, which is the whole point of the show.

I promise you this is not your typical Christmas show. It’s refreshing for me to be a part of something new and for people to have an option this year that’s not a repeat from years past. It’s a unique approach to looking at the holidays, with all its joys and dysfunctions, through traditional and not-so-traditional songs, tap dancing reindeer, Elvis, a 12-Step approach and some of the most beautiful ballads you’ll hear this season.

I happen to love Christmas but it’s not always been so easy for me. Eleven years in New York away from home, loss of parents, relocating, performing on Christmas were all challenges that made each year different. Families, money, work, parties, food, loneliness, etc. all take a toll on us. But I am in a place in my life now that I treasure this time and look forward to it. This year I think we have a special gift for you.

So come have a laugh on us and really enjoy Christmas ’09 at the FAC. I guarantee you’ll more then survive!

-Michael

SOLI Chamber Music Ensemble

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Earlier this month, SOLI Chamber Ensemble performed among the art of Personal Paradise in the FAC's El Pomar Gallery. The concert was part of the UCCS Contemporary Music Concert Series. Watch video from the performance here:

'Broadway Bound' feature from Colorado Culture Cast

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Check out Colorado Culture Cast's new video on Broadway Bound. Craig Richardson talks to Alan Osburn, Marco and Oscar Robinson, and Amy Brooks about the Neil Simon production, which plays for three more performances this weekend at the FAC.

'Heart and Music' video from the Denver Post

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:52:00 +0000

The Denver Post recently posted this video podcast on a benefit concert held at the FAC in August. Heart and Music, organized by actor Natalie Jensen, raised over $5,000 for the Susan G. Komen breast-cancer foundation and the Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers' Memorial.

Heart & Music Benefit - Behind the Scenes from Ray Bailey on Vimeo.

NY Times: Arts education, graduation rates

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:47:00 +0000

In a report to be released on Monday the nonprofit Center for Arts Education found that New York City high schools with the highest graduation rates also offered students the most access to arts education.

Read the complete story here.

On the Legacy of Neil Simon

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:23:00 +0000

The New York Magazine looks at the legacy of writer Neil Simon, who wrote the book for the FAC's current production of Broadway Bound.

"Bashing Neil Simon has been almost de rigueur for highbrow critics since the playwright had his first hits in the early sixties. But now that he’s 82 and in iffy health, and a major revival of two of his most celebrated works—the first and third parts of the Brighton Beach trilogy, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound—is about to open, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for the popular theater he once dominated. For better and worse, Simon’s plays—in their complacency, insularity, and, yes, hilarity—connected with their audience on a level that theater almost never does anymore.

"Simon’s wisecrack-laden comedies made him, by many estimates, the most commercially successful playwright of all time. For a quarter-century, you could count on one of his 30-plus plays or musicals to be packing ’em in on Broadway ... "

Read the complete article here.

Intersections Film Festival at the FAC this Sunday

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Intersections Film Festival will screen two outstanding films at the Fine Arts Center this Sunday: Abu-Assad's Rana's Wedding (Palestine 2002) at 4:30 p.m., followed by a discussion with Dr. Livia Alexander, Executive Director of ArteEast; and Nadine Labaki’s Caramel (Lebanon/France 2007) at 6:30 p.m. All screenings are free and open to the public. Visit the IFF site for more information and links to trailers.

Fulbright Scholar at the Fine Arts Center

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Nigar Nazar, a Fulbright Scholar and the first woman cartoonist of Pakistan, will give a Gallery Talk (Oct. 15) at the Fine Arts Center, in conjunction with Colorado College, which is free to the public. Her work will be on display in the Hybl Family Screening Room through Oct. 21.

Learn more about her visit on ColoradoCollege.edu.

Chalk art comes to life in the FAC courtyard

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Check out this video by artist Douglas Rouse, one of the amazing entertainers at our Venetian Carnivale Gala on Sept. 26.

Photos from the Opening Celebration

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:52:00 +0000

We've posted photos on flickr from our Oct. 2 Opening Celebration for Personal Paradise, At the Foot of the Colorado Rockies, and BOLD!

Big weekend ahead at the FAC ...

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:42:00 +0000

What do you do after hosting 400 guests for Gala Weekend events? Well, at the Fine Arts Center, we load up four events for the very next weekend, because we are gluttons for punishment.

We have a very special Opening Celebration on Friday, Oct. 2; from 5-8 p.m., in conjunction with the First Friday Gallery Walk and the exhibits, Personal Paradise, Bold, and At the Foot of the Colorado Rockies. Meet the four artists from Personal Paradise! Admission: FAC Members ($5); non-members ($15). Visit csfineartscenter.org or call 719.634.5583.

Artist Panel Saturday, Oct. 3 11 a.m.
The four renowned artists featured in Personal Paradise will talk about their work and experiences in the El Pomar Gallery: Mexican artist Eric Pérez; American Indian artist Kay WalkingStick; Montana artist Theodore Waddell; and Argentinean Julia Fernandez-Pol. Admission: FAC Members ($7); non-members ($12). Visit csfineartscenter.org or call 719.634.5583.

Gallery Treks Saturday, Oct. 3 11 a.m.Look, listen, and share ideas while exploring At the Foot of the Colorado Rockies in the FAC galleries. Interactive activities and discussions give everyone in the family the chance to participate! Gallery Treks are designed for young visitors – 6-10 years old – and their adult companions. Admission: FAC members (free); non-members ($2.50, kids 6-10); $7.50 (adults). Visit csfineartscenter.org or call 719.634.5583.

SOLI Chamber Ensemble Sunday, Oct. 4 7 p.m.The UCCS Contemporary Music Concert Series kicks off this weekend at the Fine Arts Center with the SOLI Chamber Ensemble. This award-winning ensemble consists of Stephanie Key, clarinet; Carolyn E. True, piano; Ertan Torgul, violin; and David Mollenauer, cello. They will be playing the following program:

Air and Simple Gifts (2008) John Williams as heard at the inauguration of President Obama
Musica, por un Tiemp (2008) Xavier Rodriguez commissioned by SOLI
Quartet for the End of Time (1941) Olivier Messiaen

Call the FAC Box Office for tickets at 719.634.5583 on online at csfineartscenter.org. Tickets are $15 general and $5 students. Visit solichamberensemble.com for more information about the group.

Curator + 10 video

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Check out this short promo video on YouTube about the newest exhibit in the FAC's permanent collection, Curator + 10: Broadmoor to Bemis created from beginning to end by ten Bemis School of Art students.

Starting off the Season with Neil Simon's Broadway Bound

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:33:00 +0000

There's still time to get ahold of tickets for the season opener! Not football of course, but the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's 09-10 Theatre Season, opening with Neil Simon's acclaimed play, Broadway Bound.

The past two seasons have opened with Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues. Simon's autobiographical trilogy ends with Broadway Bound, set in the late 1940s in Brighton Beach, N.Y. and follows the life of Eugene Jerome and his family. Broadway Bound won two Tony Awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Play and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Check out a clip from the 1987 Tony Awards featuring Jonathon Silverman and Tony award winning Linda Lavin.

Subscribe for FAC theatre season tickets or call all 719.634.5583 and save!

Four Takes on Modern Landscapes

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:18:00 +0000

The Independent's Edie Adelstien recently reviewed one of the FAC's newest exhibitions, Personal Paradise: Contemporary Perspectives on Landscape running now through December 6th.

"Today, landscapes appear to carry on under the dubious brushes of Bob Ross, Thomas Kinkade and legions of hobby followers. However, high art landscapes aren't dead. Contemporary artists have now revamped the genre, taking modern, sometimes aggressive approaches to the old sky-background-foreground format."

Adelstein's discerning look at each of the four landscape artists whose work make up the exhibition, along with commentary from its curator, Tariana Navas-Nieves, offer a peek into the dynamic narrative of the exhibit.

Read the whole article here.

Join the FAC for the Opening Celebration of Personal Paradise: Contemporary Perspectives on Landscape on October 2nd, 5- 8 p.m.

Also check out the exciting events FAC is offering in association with the exhibit, including an Artist's Panel and Curator's Tour.

Voting ends today for Indy's Best of issue

fac@csfineartscenter.org (Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:13:00 +0000

Today is the day to vote for the FAC in the Independent's 2009 Best of edition. Categories to look for ... Café 36 could work for Overall Restaurant, Innovative Menu, Restaurant for a Wedding Reception, Fine Dining, or Patio Dining. In shopping, LUMA at the FAC could go for Place to Buy Art or Place for a Unique GiftAnd for the Fine Arts Center in general:
· Frolicking: Place for a Wedding
· Making News: Nonprofit Organization
· Making Noise: Cultural Attraction/Museum
· Making Noise: Tourist Destination
· Making Noise: Art Gallery

VOTE and VOTE OFTEN!