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.
