I'm in Seattle this week honeymooning and celebrating two milestone birthdays as well! And, of course, loving all the artistic expressions to be found here. I love visiting new places and observing how regional differences influence the work of local artists. The waterfront and the Native American presence is obvious here in the beautiful works we see everywhere. Larger metropolitan areas also tend to provide support (financial and otherwise) with artistic avenues in the public spaces and that's always inspiring.

It seems everywhere we look, there's sculpture sitting alongside a park walkway, or a highway or a street corner. Many buildings and walls have colorful murals or mosaics displayed. We even saw a very colorful installation using chewing gum for its media as we were walking along Post Alley in the Pike Market area. And, yes, the public is welcome to and happily adds to the work. Art? In this case, believe it or not, yes. But don't try that at home, folks!

Closer to home, we've got some great live stage events to see (but leave the chewing gum at home...). It's the final weekend for "Rush Limbaugh at Night School," at the Rialto, the "Yee Haw" variety show is on at PACT, "Aida" continues at Harbor, and "Rocky Horror Picture Show" explodes at the Aurora. The rain will stop, the sun will shine and art will continue to inspire. Go grab some!

Upcoming Events:

• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., through September 25 - Final Weekend. "Rush Limbaugh Goes to Night School" Stage Comedy. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Saturday, September 25, 7:30 p.m. - "Yee Haw!" Variety Show. Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: Call for Info.
• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 p.m. through September 26 - "Aida!" Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
• Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m. through October 31 - "Rocky Horror Picture Show," Aurora Arts Center. Admission: $14.
• Daily through September 24 - "Man Alive Group Show" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Daily through September 30 - "Young Musings." Anita Bransom Debut Art Exhibit and Aransas Pass Chamber Mixer. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, October 2, 7:30 p.m. - "Yee Haw!" Variety Show. Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: Call for Info.
• Saturday, October 16, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - "4th Annual Port Aransas Art Walk." Self-guided tour of art galleries and studios on the island. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Daily through October 16 - "Sylvia Benitez" Art Exhibit Opening Reception. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.

Jen Jones Rubinowitz 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.

The Art of the Story

Joe Hayes, resident storyteller at Santa Fe's Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, says "I think the greatest contribution you can make with storytelling is that it really builds a sense of community. The tellers and listeners work together, and when we share a story, it removes barriers of strangeness." I have yet to make it to the annual George West's Storyfest every November, usually because it conflicts with the Rialto Theater's "Black Tie & Blue Jeans" Gala, but I can certainly relate to Mr. Hayes' point of view.

Every artist, whether visual or performing, attempts to impart a story in that moment to their audience. Some via a two-hour play, others through a painting, a three minute song or through touch of a sculpture. In today's culture of soundbites, the internet, and instant gratification, artists are challenged to capture the patron's interest and attention with their work. Some painters spend their life telling a story through a series of paintings while others paint a picture with only one. A triptych is a series of three panels comprising one body of work. You'll often see them in the regional art exhibits here in the Coastal Bend.

Regardless of how the artist chooses to share in their media of choice, think about art as simply a way of telling a story to you. It's nothing more or less than that; a way of reaching out to you, removing the barriers of strangeness that separates and alienates us as individuals. Art can provide a common bond and enable you to see someone else's point of view in a whole new way.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Friday, August 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Reception. Live Music, Food & Drink. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, August 10, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through August 7 - "Shirley Blackman Poster Artist" Reception and Opening Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 p.m. through August 8 - "Chicago" Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $16.
• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. through August 15 - "Cabaret" Aurora Arts Center. Admission: $7-$14.
• Daily through September 23 - "Young Musings." Anita Bransom Debut Art Exhibit and Aransas Pass Chamber Mixer. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m., September 10-11 - "Rush Limbaugh Goes to Night School" Stage Comedy. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. September 24-October 9 - "Driving Miss Daisy" Rialto Theater's 2010-2011 season opener. Final Performance October 10, 2:00 p.m. Matinee. Admission: $12.
• Saturday, October 16, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - "4th Annual Port Aransas Art Walk." Self-guided tour of art galleries and studios on the island. Art Center for the Islands. 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 atjen@jenscoastalbend.com.

"Tony Awards" & Local Theaters

The Tony Awards continue to razzle-dazzle us, year after year. The themes of both the Best Play and Best Musical award winners this year revolved around true stories (or as "true" as any staged or Hollywood presentation is) from other areas of the creative arts. "Red" portrays American expressionist Mark Rothko and his struggle to create a masterpiece while coping with competition from his protege'. Best Musical "Memphis" is loosely based on the work of 1950's disk jocky "Daddy-O" Dewey Phillips who stretched the boundaries of the day and broadcast music based on what he liked, ignoring racial boundaries. Daddy-O was also the first to play Elvis' "That's All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky" debut on the air.

Another Best Musical nominee, "Fela" tells the story of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. "American Idiot" is a post-911 tale set to the music of the popular band "Green Day." "Sondheim on Sondheim" is a portrait of the famous Tony-award winning composer/lyricist. It seemed this year, art itself was the inspiration for many fine plays who all deserved to win, of course. I also found it interesting that many of those nominated had strong ties to television and movie roles. For example, the entire category of "Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play" was comprised of movie actors like Jude Law, Denzel Washington and Liev Schreiber.

Now, most of us can't hop a plane to Broadway and we're not likely to see movie stars on our local stages. Nevertheless, we have fine talent in the region performing at community theaters around the area. You'll be surprised at what you'll find if you go get a little taste of Broadway (or off-off-Broadway) at theaters right in your backyard. Give them a try; they'll never win a Tony but they'll entertain you with no problem at all.

• Upcoming Artisan Events:Saturday, June 19, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "Shirley Blackman Poster Artist" Reception and Opening Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, June 22, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through June 23 - "First Look" Debut Art Exhibit by Norma Gafford and Mary Rush-Griffin. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Thursday, June 24, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "Young Musings." Anita Bransom Debut Art Exhibit and Aransas Pass Chamber Mixer. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Thursday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. - Special Half-Price Preview of "Showtime on the Showboat (or Don't Throw Garbage in the River)" Summer Melodrama. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free to Marquee Members, Others $6.
• Fridays and Saturdays, June 25 through July 10, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. - "Showtime on the Showboat (or Don't Throw Garbage in the River)" Summer Melodrama. Live on Stage. Rialto Theater with special performance Saturday, July 3rd at Noon (no showing that evening at the Rialto) at Sail South Texas 2010. Admission: $12.
• Fridays-Saturdays through July 27, 7:30 p.m./2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees - "Rumors" by Neil Simon. Aurora Arts Theatre. Admission: $14.
• Daily through - June 30 "Guys and Dolls" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Opening Art Reception. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Fridays-Saturdays, July 15 - July 31, 7:30 p.m. - "Year with Frog and Toad" Youth Theatre Production. Admission: $5-15.

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 spoke to the Portland Rotary Club last week and in preparation for that talk, I thought a lot about what it is about art and local venues that are important to our day to day quality of life. I mean, why should people care whether we have an arts presence at all? Who needs all that artsy fartsy stuff, anyway? There are, after all, certainly more demanding issues to tackle like domestic violence, world hunger, peace, oil spills, etc. - not necessarily in that order, of course.

So, I tried to imagine a world that certainly functioned but had no art. Our cars and boats would all look the same. One house would look just like another. There would be no music on the radio; only talk, talk and more talk. TV? The same - talking only: no stories to portray and no theme music. No movie theaters to serve as a brief escape so you can rest your brain for awhile. Your walls at home and at your workplace would be bare. No painted pictures, no sculpture, and no colors to soothe or stimulate. Your trips to the grocery store would have shelf after shelf of white boxes and cans with black lettering describing the contents. No pictures to represent what's inside. Function all around but without the textures, colors, and inspiration that art provides.

I don't know about you but that's not really appealing to me at all. Our local arts centers afford a proving ground for artists be they musicians, actors or visual composer that touch your world in ways you may not have considered before. It's about giving us the inspiration, hope and beauty that in turn provides the space to consider solutions to the major issues we've got to solve. Support your arts centers throughout this region - with your time, money and patronage. They make a major contribution to our communities.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Friday, June 4, 5:30 - 7:30 - "First Friday" Opening Reception. "Guys and Dolls" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday, June 4, 7:30 p.m. - "Jack and the Beanstalk" Houston Children's Theatre production. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Tickets: $15/$5.
• Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through June 12 - "Deborah Males and J.P. Morton" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Daily through June 23 - "First Look" Debut Art Exhibit by Norma Gafford and Mary Rush-Griffin. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Fridays and Saturdays, June 25 through July 10, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. - "Showtime on the Showboat (or Don't Throw Garbage in the River)" Summer Melodrama. Live on Stage. Rialto Theater with special performance TBD at Sail South Texas 2010. Admission: $12.

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.

Art Meets Downtown

I returned not too long ago from a road trip to Orlando visiting two of my three kids. We didn't spend all of it on the interstate; taking the road less traveled from time to time. I saw some great inspiration for downtown areas where someone had obviously made it a priority to focus on and renovate their historic spaces. I took some footage of "The Rex" theater in Pensacola and pictures of some east Texas downtowns in the Longview area that had participated in Main Street programs. They were very interesting comparisons to the "la-la land" of Universal Studios in Florida which depicted landmarks of "downtowns" from around the country with faux storefronts interspersed with rides and exhibits.

Where do the lines get drawn when art and entertainment meet downtown design and development requirements? What role do the arts play in drawing folks into a region or a downtown area? Obviously, cultural potential is great as a tourist draw but also contributes to quality of life for the inhabitants in our area. Like most of you, artists struggle to maintain the balance between budget and needs (or, to be honest, "wants" since creating art is a bit below air, water and food on our survival scale).

I see the potential of where we could go and what we could show at our own little bend in the road. It's just a matter of fortitude and patience to continue to strive for it. In the meantime, artists will keep throwing their pots, painting their pictures, singing their songs, and acting their hearts out on the stage for you. Spend some time this week showing your appreciation for the difference they make for our communities here!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Thursday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. - "The Three Little Pigs" Houston Children's Theatre production. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Tickets: $15/$5.
• Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through June 2 - "Hot Shot Photography" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Friday, June 4, 7:30 p.m. - "Jack and the Beanstalk" Houston Children's Theatre production. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Tickets: $15/$5.
• Daily through June 12 - "Deborah Males and J.P. Morton" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Daily through June 23 - "First Look" Debut Art Exhibit by Norma Gafford and Mary Rush-Griffin. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Fridays and Saturdays, June 25 through July 10, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. - "Showtime on the Showboat (or Don't Throw Garbage in the River)" Summer Melodrama. Live on Stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.

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.

Art & Music in the Coastal Bend

The Art Center for the Islands in Port Aransas has been running their non-profit member organization since 1996. They have over 200 member-artists. One of their great annual fundraisers is coming up. "Fiesta de Mayo" kicks off this long, active weekend starting off with dinner and an auction on Thursday evening at the Port Aransas Community Center. Then, go and enjoy the artists participating in the Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the historic Tarpon Inn.

This showcases some wonderful, unique artists around the state but, more importantly, you'll meet some local artists who normally don't exhibit at art shows. So, you'll see a range of work not normally seen outside of galleries or their private studios. Last year's show was quite diverse in its offering even though the courtyard at Tarpon Inn is a rather small show space.

Monday night brings the events of the weekend to a close. My favorite event, the Songwriter's Showcase, has been going strong for the last twenty-seven years and is a great way to enjoy wonderful music while supporting the Art Center's cause of bringing art to the public. This year, for the first time ever, it's taking place at Cinnamon Shore, a relatively new seaside development on HIghway 361 outside of Port Aransas. Come join me for some great music with a backdrop of waves hitting the shore. Should be an awesome weekend of art and music!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Saturday, May 15, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - "Deborah Males and J.P. Morton" Opening Reception. Art on exhibit through June 12. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Thursday - Monday, May 13-17 - "Fiesta de Mayo" Art & Songwriter Annual Fundraiser for Art Center for the Islands. Multiple locations; call Art Center for info. Admission: Varies.
• Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through June 2 - "Hot Shot Photography" Art Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Daily through June 23 - "First Look" Debut Art Exhibit by Norma Gafford and Mary Rush-Griffin. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Fridays and Saturdays, June 25 through July 10, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. - "Showtime on the Showboat (or Don't Throw Garbage in the River)" Summer Melodrama. Live on Stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.

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.

For the last couple of weeks, Jake and I have been stealing whatever spare time we can to build a 16x20 workshop in the backyard. This will be a place where he can finally have room to work his magic with wood; building furniture and boats and I can get back to doing stained glass again. At least, that's what we're telling ourselves.

Like most folks who aren't independently wealthy, we struggle to make time to pursue the things that stoke our personal creative fires. We've been pretty successful at finding time to sing and perform; it's the rehearsals that are the challenge. Many artistic people figure out that they really can't pursue all the avenues they would like to try. I struggled for quite awhile trying to decide how to limit and focus on what to pursue. And, honestly, I still do fight the overwhelming urge to take more classes in untried arenas: "Oh! Fused Glass 101 - cool! Hey, here's a session on Creative Writing. Oh, wait...I haven't finished this-or-that - how can I start something new?"

The reality is there are only so many hours in the day and so many things to try and/or create! So. If you find yourself pulled in one hundred different directions, narrow it down to just three (at any one time, anyway!). This month, just focus on those three things to work on. Keep the self-discipline; it's difficult but you can do it. If you need some free inspiration, go visit a gallery or two for ideas!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Fridays and Saturdays, April 15 - May 2, 7:30 p.m. - "Rounding Third" Comedy Live on Stage. Thursday Preview on 4/15 free to Marquee Members, Sunday Matinee at 2:00 p.m. on May 2. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Thursdays - Saturdays through April 17, 7:30 p.m. - "Cheatin'" On Stage, Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $10-15. Adults Only.
• Daily through April 28 - "Island Women" Group Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through April 22 - "Love of God's Creations" Art Exhibit by Pamela Sijansky. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. - "Greezy Wheels in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Daily through May 8- "61st Annual Texas Watercolor Society Nationals" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Thursday - Monday, May 13-17 - "Fiesta de Mayo" Art & Songwriter Annual Fundraiser for Art Center for the Islands. Tarpon Inn Courtyard. Admission: Varies.

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 atjen@jenscoastalbend.com.

For the last couple of weeks, Jake and I have been stealing whatever spare time we can to build a 16x20 workshop in the backyard. This will be a place where he can finally have room to work his magic with wood; building furniture and boats and I can get back to doing stained glass again. At least, that's what we're telling ourselves.

Like most folks who aren't independently wealthy, we struggle to make time to pursue the things that stoke our personal creative fires. We've been pretty successful at finding time to sing and perform; it's the rehearsals that are the challenge. Many artistic people figure out that they really can't pursue all the avenues they would like to try. I struggled for quite awhile trying to decide how to limit and focus on what to pursue. And, honestly, I still do fight the overwhelming urge to take more classes in untried arenas: "Oh! Fused Glass 101 - cool! Hey, here's a session on Creative Writing. Oh, wait...I haven't finished this-or-that - how can I start something new?"

The reality is there are only so many hours in the day and so many things to try and/or create! So. If you find yourself pulled in one hundred different directions, narrow it down to just three (at any one time, anyway!). This month, just focus on those three things to work on. Keep the self-discipline; it's difficult but you can do it. If you need some free inspiration, go visit a gallery or two for ideas!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Fridays and Saturdays, April 15 - May 2, 7:30 p.m. - "Rounding Third" Comedy Live on Stage. Thursday Preview on 4/15 free to Marquee Members, Sunday Matinee at 2:00 p.m. on May 2. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Thursdays - Saturdays through April 17, 7:30 p.m. - "Cheatin'" On Stage, Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $10-15. Adults Only.
• Daily through April 28 - "Island Women" Group Show. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through April 22 - "Love of God's Creations" Art Exhibit by Pamela Sijansky. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. - "Greezy Wheels in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Daily through May 8- "61st Annual Texas Watercolor Society Nationals" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Thursday - Monday, May 13-17 - "Fiesta de Mayo" Art & Songwriter Annual Fundraiser for Art Center for the Islands. Tarpon Inn Courtyard. Admission: Varies.

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 atjen@jenscoastalbend.com.

Blurring the Lines

Sixty-one years is a long time for any artist event. This year, the Texas Watercolor Society is holding their national annual exhibition at the Rockport Art Center. Texas watercolorists, along with those from thirty-three other states, will be competing for honor and prizes. The opening reception and awards are going to be presented on April 10 and works will continue on display through May 8. And, of course, it's a wonderful way to enjoy art with no expense (unless you see something you just cannot live without). Please plan on attending; you'll marvel at the bolder colors - these aren't the washed out watercolors we all played with in elementary school.

And I hope they still do play with watercolors in elementary school. With funding cuts, school art and music programs are often the first to go. Though I have no talent for it, I remember sitting at the table, with a little cup of water, a brush in hand and splashing water on the paper. Once I gave up trying to stay within the lines and just went with the flow, I had fun and enjoyed the experience.

All of us could do with a bit of that attitude these days. Why do we try to stay within the lines so much, anyway? A sense of security? Doing what's expected? Who sets those guidelines, anyway? I think too often we try to force ourselves into a narrower focus than is necessary. Worse, we try to impose a rigid set of "rules" on others when, at the heart of it, our differences are what make the world so interesting. This week, try blurring your lines a bit and see where the journey takes you.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Thursdays - Saturdays through April 17, 7:30 p.m. - "Cheatin'" On Stage, Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $10-15. Adults Only.
• Friday, April 2, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Art Reception. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, April 6, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Saturday, April 10, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Opening Reception, "Texas Watercolor Society" Art Exhibit. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Daily through April 22 - "Love of God's Creations" Art Exhibit by Pamela Sijansky. Main Gallery, Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Fridays and Saturdays, April 15 - May 2, 7:30 p.m. - "Rounding Third" Comedy Live on Stage. Thursday Preview on 4/15 free to Marquee Members, Sunday Matinee at 2:00 p.m. on May 2. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Saturday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. - "Greezy Wheels in Concert." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.

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 atjen@jenscoastalbend.com.

It's Never Too Late!

You know, it is never to late to learn or to try something new. There are two area art exhibits that focus completely on their members' works and/or the work of adult students who enrolled in classes within the last year. The Rockport Art Center has their annual "Currents" member show on display. We had friends visiting from Longview so we dropped in to visit the show. She is an artist at heart but, like many of us, has schedule issues - because, after all, how do you fit everything in, really? The support and encouragement the staff there showed us as we toured the exhibit was phenomenal. I think we all walked out feeling like anything is possible and we all have potential to express ourselves artistically if we just make the time.

The Art Center for the Islands in Port Aransas recently had their "First Friday" opening with their adult student art show. Another non-profit art organization accessible to all, they offer classes year-round in a variety of media. No experience is necessary although many artists will take a break from their primary media and take a class in something completely different to re-ignite their creative fires and feed the passion.

If you need further inspiration to start something new but feel it's "too late to try," consider "Grandma" Moses who didn't begin painting until she was in her 70's. Julia Child was just shy of fifty when she collaborated on her infamous French cookbook. Raymond Chandler introduced the world to Philip Marlowe when he published "The Big Sleep," his first novel, at fifty-one. So, if you're young and wondering what you're going to do "when you grow up," relax a bit. If you're older, just do it - what have you got to lose? Pick up the paintbrush, prepare your canvas and take the first stroke.

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Tuesday, January 19, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Fridays & Saturdays through January 23, 7:30 p.m. - "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Sunday, January 24, 2:00 p.m. - Final Matinee performance of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Sunday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. - "Shane" classic western with the Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: $5 Membership; free to members.
• Fridays & Saturdays through January 27, 8:00 p.m. - "Greater Tuna." Port Aransas Community Theater. Admission: $16.
• Daily through February 3 - "Adult Student Art Show." Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Fridays & Saturdays, March 5-20, 7:00 p.m. - "Sunshine Boys" Play by Neil Simon. Rockport Little Theatre. Admission: $10.

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.

Support the Arts in the Coastal Bend in 2010!

Happy New Year, everyone! There's so much to do and a whole 'nother year to do it in! I want to take this week's column to remind you of some of the great non-profit art centers we have right here in our region who need your regular attendance and support this year to keep their doors open in very challenging economic times!

Starting in downtown Aransas Pass, the Rialto Theater is home to art, music and live theater events. We are extremely lucky to have not only its art offerings but also recognize the value in keeping an old 1937 movie theater alive when so many have fallen by the wayside. The acoustics in there are amazing! Just down the road in Ingleside, check out the Golden Triangle Art Association; they have some great exhibits and classes you may find enjoyable this year for both adults and children.

Back up the road in Rockport, the Rockport Art Center hosts regular classes and art exhibits with world class distinction. Their annual July 4th Art Festival is an amazing undertaking. And every spring and fall, don't forget to attend The Rockport Little Theatre's events. RLT's productions specialize in farce and are always great fun in the old Rockport Elementary School building. They just finished renovation there, so I can't wait to see the next play and check out the improved space!

Now cross the ferry to Port Aransas. You'll find The Art Center for the Islands, a long-time member-driven center with monthly "First Friday" art receptions and art classes. They have been raising money to build and finally own their own facility and have a three year plan to make it reality. Their annual fundraiser, The Songwriter's Showcase and Art Festival on the Tarpon Inn's grounds is always enjoyable. Just outside of town on Hwy 361, you'll find the Port Aransas Community Theater. Not too long ago, they built a new facility and offer regular live stage productions throughout the year.

Space doesn't permit me to cover Victoria or Corpus Christi; but there are plenty of other non-profit art centers in our neck of the woods that need your help this year. Attend a concert, go to a jam, buy a ticket to a play, put a dollar in their donation jars. VOLUNTEER. These folks all need your help to keep going, keep focused, and keep the arts alive!

Upcoming Artisan Events:

• 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.
• Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Sunday, January 24, 2:00 p.m. - Final Matinee performance of "Clarence Darrow for the Defense." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Sunday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. - "Shane" classic western with the Cinema Flashbacks Club. Rialto Theater. Admission: $5 Membership; free to members.
• Daily through January 23 - "Currents" Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Fridays & Saturdays, March 5-20, 7:00 p.m. - "Sunshine Boys" Play by Neil Simon. Rockport Little Theatre. Admission: $10.

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.