46
Arts
March 2016
www.GilbertSunNews.com
GVAL’s annual juried show on at the museum BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert Visual Art League is bringing local art to the forefront once again. Its 13th annual juried fine art show runs through March 26 at the Gilbert Historical Museum’s gallery space. About 70 pieces of art in mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, photography, sculpture and glass are on display. Exhibiting artists compete to win the Best of Show and People’s Choice awards, the latter of which is announced at the closing reception. The art league was founded in 2003 to promote visual art in the community and give artists a venue to show their work and be recognized for their talents. Membership is nearing 60 and is drawn from not just Gilbert, but Mesa, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. “It’s doing really well; we continue to grow in size,” said Jean Smith, copresident. Smith said that about eight years
ago, the group was “lucky to have five or six people” attend the meetings. Nowadays, they draw dozens. She attributes the success of the group partly to its enhanced meetings, which, while being social get-togethers, are also informational. Each meeting features a constructive critique and a professional artist who demonstrates a particular art and imparts information on its concept. Members participate in two annual shows and also have their work displayed in different venues in Gilbert. In the fall, they raise funds by selling small, unframed paintings on canvas. The nonprofit group gives back to the community with a fine art award of at least $250 to a student. “Our main mission is to try to develop an interest in art in our community,” Smith said. “Schools have done away with art programs to a large degree. We’re trying to have art shows to expose the town to art.”
Tom Thomas, “Three Stories Up,” an oil painting by Tom Thomas, won the ‘Best of Show’ at Gilbert Visual Art League’s juried fine art show last year. Submitted photo
Sharon Hess’s “Boot & Spur” is a watercolor painting in this year’s show. Submitted photo
During the show, members are planning to paint a translucent fiberglass bench from a defunct public art project in the Town. The bench will be painted with depictions of local landmarks, such as the water tower, and installed in the Heritage District.
John Priddy’s “Mercury, Messenger for Ford” is an acrylic painting in this year’s show. Submitted photo
The Gilbert Historical Museum is located at 10 S. Gilbert Rd. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors 60 and older and $3 children ages 5 to 12. Admission applies for entrance to the art show.
ON STAGE “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” Tuesday, March 8, CCA. As two colorful and madcap ItalianAmerican families come together as one, everyone in attendance joins in the fun as guests of the bride and groom. Loreena McKennitt, Wednesday, March 9, MAC. A well-known composer and singer whose Celtic music has received critical acclaim worldwide, and gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in 15 countries across four continents. Juilliard String Quartet, Thursday, March 10, MAC. Widely known as the quintessential American string quartet, founded in 1946 and the first ensemble in the United States to play all six Bartok quartets. Crystal Trio, Saturday, March 12, HCPA. Professional musicians Igor Sklyarov, Vladimir Popras and Vladimir Perminov play special instruments made from glass—glass harp, verrophone and glass panflute bass. Spice of Life Senior Variety Show, Wednesday, March 16, CCA. More than 30 acts, ranging from dancers and singers to musicians and comedians, perform in this 24th annual show.
Paul Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, Thursday, March 17, MAC. The legendary folk singers of Peter, Paul and Mary are known for such classics as “If I Had a Hammer,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Puff, The Magic Dragon,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Rita Rudner, Friday, March 18, CCA. One of the country’s top comediennes and a New York times best-selling author, Rita Rudner is a notable TV personality, screenwriter, playwright, Broadway dancer and actress. Chandler Symphony Classical Series, Sunday, March 20, CCA. The Chandler Symphony Orchestra provides quality symphonic and orchestral music performed by a wide range of volunteer musicians. Igudesman and Joo: And Now Mozart, Tuesday, March 22, MAC. Two classical musicians with 40 million YouTube hits, numerous TV appearances and performances for crowds of 18,000. Il Volo, Thursday, March 24, MAC. Composed of members Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble, Il Volo recently won the “Big Artist” Award at the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival in Italy. Vince Gill, Friday, March 25, MAC. A modern country musician, famous for his 1990 hit “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year award as well as a Grammy.
Flamenco Kings Starring Los Vivancos, Friday, March 25, CCA. With their roots in dance, music and martial arts, Elias, Judah, Josua, Cristo, Israel, Aaron and Josue came together in 2007 to create Los Vivancos. Frankie Ballard, Saturday, March 26, HACC. The Michigan country star is known for his hit songs “Helluva Life,” “Sunshine & Whiskey” and “Young & Crazy.” Chris Botti with the Phoenix Symphony, Saturday, March 26, MAC. A Grammy awardwinning trumpet player makes his Phoenix Symphony debut for an evening of jazz classics. The von Trapps, Friday, April 1, CCA. Their performances make room for melodicas and ukuleles, lyrics that can unspool in 10 languages with twinges of Appalachia and Portlandia, some shout-outs to the Mamas and Papas, all filtered through the DNA of the most beloved musical, “The Sound of Music.” 2CELLOS, Saturday, April 9, MAC. Their version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” went viral in 2011, and the Croatian cellists continue to win fans with dynamic music videos and covers.
VENUES CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www. chandlercenter.org HACC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www. harrahsakchin.com HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 279-7194, www. higleycenter.org MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www. mesaartscenter.com