"To Make An End is to Make a Beginning" T.S. Eliot

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas weekend. That's one holiday down and one to go! The birth of a new year is upon us once again. And just how did this past year go by so quickly? Funny how the sands of time sure seem to flow faster and faster as I get older. And, though I've stopped beating myself up by making unreasonable new year resolutions, I do enjoy looking back at where I've been and getting "back on track" in the months to come.

I've never heard of anyone saying from their deathbed, "I wish I'd spent more time at work." In the year ahead, remember in your rush to make ends meet that it's important to make time to do those things that bring joy into your soul. Spend some time letting your creative juices flow. How about flinging caution to the wind and trying something completely new that you haven't had the guts to tackle yet? Pick up a paint brush. Try out for a part in your local community theater. Let that piece of wood show you how to carve. Sing more songs - in your voice, not someone else's. Try saying, "I can't!" a lot less often and get out of your own way.

So, here's to what the future year brings for you with a quote from T.S. Eliot. "For last year's words belong to last year's language, And next year's words await another voice, And to make an end is to make a beginning."

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Daily through December 30 - "Student Art Show" Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Sunday, January 3, 2:00 p.m. - "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
• Thursday, January 7, 7:30 p.m. - Preview of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, others $12
• Friday, January 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Reception, Adult Student Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 7:30 p.m. - "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 8:00 p.m. - "Greater Tuna." Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $16.
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.

Reason for the Season?

In 1948, Earl Count authored the book "4,000 Years of Christmas" and included this passage, "Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding."

This season brings a lot of different things to a host of divergent cultures. As I watched the news on Friday night documenting gridlock on Corpus Christi highways leading to the area's malls and shopping centers, watched cars circling parking lots looking in vain for a parking space, and read repeated angry emails about "reclaiming Christmas," it's a bit difficult to remember that at the heart of the season, we are all more similar than we are separate. This is supposed to be a time of giving and celebration, not materialism or pettiness.

Whatever your beliefs, this is a time of rebirth and second chances. The winter solstice marks the seasonal and spiritual turning points when the light returns to lengthen our days again, when we reflect on the year just passed and we wonder (and hope) about the year to come. Whatever label you choose to put on it, whatever weft you wish to weave; if it's done with love, you can't go wrong. We all have the potential to be artists everyday; weaving color into our loved ones' lives, adding texture to the canvas of our days, and making a positive contribution to the beauty around us. Best wishes for the season, everyone!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Tuesday, December 29, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through December 30 - "Student Art Show" Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Sunday, January 3, 2:00 p.m. - "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
• Thursday, January 7, 7:30 p.m. - Preview of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, others $12
• Friday, January 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Reception, Adult Student Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 7:30 p.m. - "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 8:00 p.m. - "Greater Tuna." Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $16.
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.

One of my favorite things about being part of the Rialto Theater is the role I get to play in supporting new artists and introducing new creative works. Several musicians (with varying degrees of stage fright) have made their public debut at our acoustic jam and are now regulars on stage with us every Tuesday. A few visual artists who had never exhibited their work have allowed us to encourage them by hanging their pieces in the gallery to great success. It's very satisfying to sell a first-time artist's work and see their mixed reaction at letting a "baby" go.

As the year comes to a close (I can't believe how fast it's gone!), I enjoy looking back at the folks we've supported on their creative journey. The landscape is constantly changing; some stay, some go, some we watch take a dogleg and introduce completely new sounds and unexpected styles. It's a joy to watch, even though it sometimes means saying goodbye to an artist as they move on to other stages and other galleries.

This Friday, the Rialto is celebrating another first with a book-signing by local author Jeanie Edwardson. I met Jeanie quite some time ago as she was just getting started in the publication process. After a few delays and challenges along the way, her children's book has finally been released! "Froggy Fun" profiles Freddy of Fernleaf Forest who sings and plays the autoharp. His friend, Franny, encourages him not to hide his talents (just like the Rialto does!). Please join us at the reception on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Let's show support for our local artists in a big way and celebrate Jeanie's tenacity in getting this book published!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Daily through January 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. Admission: Free.
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Daily through December 30 - "Student Art Show" Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. - "Froggy Fun" Book Signing by Jeanie Edwardson. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, December 22, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Sunday, January 3, 2:00 p.m. - "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Thursday, January 7, 7:30 p.m. - Preview of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, others $12
• Friday, January 8, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Reception, Adult Student Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 7:30 p.m. - "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Friday & Saturday, January 8-9, 8:00 p.m. - "Greater Tuna." Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $16.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend filled with friends, family and, of course, good food! And, I hope you made some time to explore and enjoy the beautiful arts community we have in our area. We joined a group of "orphans;" an eclectic group of folks without family in the region who got together for a potluck (and delicious) meal. The hostess is quite the visual artist with paintings and sculpture displayed throughout. Rumor has it that the host plays a mean sax. Their home was filled with lovely pieces that reflected their diverse tastes and the music on the stereo set the stage with sounds from around the world.

It was a joyful evening catching up with old friends while getting to know some new ones. Many give back to the community through a variety of ways; volunteers and professionals working for the Lupus Foundation, The Fulton Mansion, and the Rialto Theater; active in historical renovations for needy houses; and, of course, through their patronage of places like The Rockport Art Center.

As I've gotten older, I've grown more and more disgusted with the commercialization of Christmas and the holidays. So, I'm going to encourage you (the economy aside) to please think about the true meaning of the season and rededicate yourself to give more of your time and money to deserving non-profit organizations in our region. There's such a need across the board that everyone can find a cause that touches their heart. Whether it's art-related or not, please think about giving more than money this year. Volunteers always seem to be in short supply - organizations need your presence. Think about that instead of vying for a parking place at the mall to spend money on more stuff nobody really needs.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Friday-Saturday, December 4-5, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 6, 2:00 p.m. - "Misery" by Simon Moore, Adapted from Stephen King's novel. Live Stage Production. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Saturday, December 5, 5:30 p.m. - Opening Reception for "Currents" Member Show. On exhibit through January 23. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Sunday, December 6, 2:00 p.m. - "Student Art Show" Opening Reception. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Friday & Saturdays through December 11, - Opening night for "Christmas Carol." Live Theater. Fridays & Saturdays through December 11. Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
• Saturday, December 12, 2:00 p.m. - "Acoustic Country Blues Guitar Workshop" by Steve James. Intermediate to advanced guitar players. Advance registration required: Minimum six, maximum twelve participation. Rialto Theater. Admission: $30.
• Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. - "Steve James in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Sunday, December 13, 2:00 p.m. - "My Life As a Dog." Cinema Flashbacks Club, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Members, $5 to join.
• Friday & Saturday, December 18-19, 7:30 p.m. - "The Jolly Holly Follies" Revue. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12. Daily through January 6 -
• Daily through Jan 6 - "Bright Energy," The works of Narice Hopp. Rialto Theater Main Gallery. "Meet the Artist" Reception, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.