Soca Jukebox

Established in 2019, Art’s Alive is a local organization that provides community members with the opportunity to be a part of all forms of the fine arts. According to their mission, Art’s Alive “will present affordable entertainment, promote education in the realm of the Fine Arts and provide exposure to the Arts, in its MANY forms.” Dan Maxey, Art’s Alive President, said, “Art’s Alive would like to bring not only the forms of entertainment that the community is familiar with, but also to expose individuals to some unexpected and surprising opportunities.”

Art’s Alive has been able to fill the void/lack of fine art-related activities in the community with concerts, musicals, theatrical presentations, activities, and classes. Recently, Art’s Alive put on the play Harvey by Mary Chase and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, which featured community members as cast members. Art’s Alive also held concerts such as Deadwood, a blues/rock band from Kirksville, MO, and Angstrom Brass, a chamber ensemble from Kansas City. Art’s Alive will have an upcoming Soca Jukebox event on February 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the THS Performing Arts Center. Soca Jukebox is an interactive band playing a unique blend of island-rock covers in classic hits. The five-piece ensemble features steel pans, Latin percussion, rhythm, and guitar work. -socajukebox.com

As a result of the recent covid pandemic, Art’s Alive was forced to “shut down” all activity. After the lifting of barriers, Art’s Alive jumped back into action and began strategically planning for the future. They were able to return to providing the community with various opportunities for the fine arts. Dan said, “We would like to be able to continue bringing bigger/better fine arts opportunities to our community and gain more community involvement/support in all aspects of the organization.” Anyone can be a member of Art’s Alive. For $20, individuals are offered the opportunity to attend all monthly meetings, become a part of all group planning, and are given a single vote on any issue voted upon by the board. Dan went on to say, “We are only able to grow if we have the support of the community. Through membership, financial gifting, and community support, Art’s Alive will be able to continue to grow!”

For more information about Art’s Alive and upcoming events, to become a member, or to make a donation, attend one of the meetings, or follow Art’s Alive on Facebook. Individuals may also contact the current President, Dan Maxey, at dan_w_maxey@yahoo.com.

Submitted Photo Jim Norris, Art Instructor and Dorris Rider Gallery Director from Trenton, has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Employee for January 2023. Jim holds a Master of Arts degree in Sculpture and has been at NCMC for almost 22 years.

Jim describes his job as inspirational, evolving, and creative. When asked about his favorite thing about NCMC, Jim said, “I’ve had lots of great students and co-workers over the years!” Recently, Jim has been working to update the content and technology in the Art Appreciation courses to give students an even better learning experience. He would also like to set up some themed group shows in the gallery and continue to bring in individual artists for solo shows.

When asked how he sees his department changing, Jim said, “The art world is ever-changing. Ancient artifacts are constantly being discovered, and new forms of art-making are always being developed. It’s very exciting!”