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.