Last week, Camden County’s talented young artists provided the community with a look at their artistic accomplishments this year during an exhibit at the high school auditorium. Watching students, parents and teachers enjoy these refreshing pieces was interesting; it gave us all something unique and potentially unifying to talk about. The overwhelming interest this display created also made me wonder about the prevalence of the visual arts in our area.
I found that our community is plentiful with places to view visual art. Did you know there are 37 galleries, art stores, and exhibits between St. Marys and St. Augustine? Almost all of them feature artists whose work is indigenous. That is a lot of artistic energy in a fairly small region; that has to be a good thing. Last week, while shopping in one of the fun stores in our community, my spouse found some lovely ceramic pieces of serving ware created by a local medicine man that moonlights with his potter’s wheel. There is nothing like practical artwork; its tactile rewards are exceeded only by its visual beauty.
There is also nothing to compare with owning art for its own sake, especially pieces that have memories of travels with family and special occasions. One of the ways that we have found to make a new place your own is to bring it home with you. Last year, during a long overdue visit to my sibling in the north country, we happened upon a local artist that only displays his work in that community. We found something we could afford, as did my brother and his wife. Now, every day when I enter my kitchen, I can remember that weekend and our mutual enjoyment of this man’s talents.
So browse for and enjoy works by local artists and artisans. Owning them is nice, but sharing them is even more enjoyable. They always provide something unique and memorable for you to talk about, touch, and enjoy.
At the movies: Disney’s newest release, the remake of “Once Upon A Mattress,” the musical that rocketed the now legendary Carol Burnett to fame, came out on Dec. 20. This version features Burnett in the role of Queen Aggravain, opposite Tommy Smothers as her mute, but wise husband/king, and Tracey Ullman as Princess Winnifred, who handles the physically demanding role with aplomb. Great for kids and grownups alike.
Other best bets for this week: last chance to enjoy this year’s “Christmas Carole” at Alhambra Dinner Theatre, through 12.24; annual kids Christmas railroad toy train exhibit, through Dec. 29, 4-8 p.m., at First Christian Church in Orange Park; give kids a taste of the arts at Holiday Art Camp, Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach, daily through Dec. 30, 9-11:30 a.m. (kids 4-5) & 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (kids 6-10); kids ages 6-12 make holiday gifts at Holiday Hoopla one-day art camp at Cummer Museum of Art, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; kids learn about the world of science at MOSH’s Winter Day Camp, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., acoustic Christmas music is the program for Inspection 12 at Jack Rabbits, 8 p.m., Dec. 25.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net
12.21.05
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