Artists Contributing to Community

I talked to the Rotarians last week about why art is important to the community. Beyond improving the quality of life, drawing business to the area, and developing depressed downtowns by enticing artists in, we are often are the catalyst for fundraising and attention to aid good causes. Yesterday, after the final matinee performance and cast party for "Always...Patsy Cline" at the Rialto Theater, we joined a benefit for an ailing musician in Port Aransas (artists often don't have health insurance) at the Tarpon Ice House. Many of the silent auction items were donated by fellow musicians and visual artists in our area. Musicians came from all over to play the day-long event to help raise money for Dave's medical bills. And they didn't let a little pouring rain put a damper on the parade.

A great fundraiser is coming up next month! Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Bountiful Bowl Clay Expo at the Rockport-Fulton High School Commons the first weekend in February. This great exhibition features fine artisans from around the country and benefits the Aransas County Council on Aging Meals On Wheels Program. There are, of course, artists booths with wares to sell but also regular demonstrations of hand-building and wheel work from talented potters.

Also next month, the Rialto's production of "The Vagina Monologues" joins playwright Eve Ensler's worldwide movement with a play that continues to bring focus to the fight against domestic violence. Through humor & drama, this play is a perfect example of a grassroots effort that has sparked ongoing debate and attention to a problem everyone has been touched by in one way or another. Keep in mind art not only beautifies but can also electrify a community. Play a part in their efforts to make the world a better place one painting, one song, one play at a time!
Upcoming Artisan Events:

• Thursdays-Saturdays through January 29, 7:30 p.m. - "Opal's Baby" on stage. Port Aransas Community Theatre. Admission: $15.
• Tuesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. - "Rialto Rhythms" Weekly Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free ($5 contribution suggested).
• Saturday, January 29, 7:30 p.m. - Encore Performance of "Always...Patsy Cline" musical on stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Daily through February 2, 7:30 p.m. - "Adult Student Show" Exhibit. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, February 5, 5:00-7:00 p.m. - Opening Reception for Steve Maness & Hooshang Khorasani. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Saturday-Sunday, February 5-6, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.- "Gallery Art Walk" Rockport Cultural District. Admission: Free.
• Saturday-Sunday, February 5-6, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.- "9th Annual Bountiful Bowl Clay Expo" Rockport-Fulton High School Commons. Admission: $4.
• Monday, February 7, 6:30 p.m. - First Monday Membership meeting, Golden Triangle Arts Center.
• Fridays-Saturdays, February 18 - March 5, 7:30 p.m. - "The Vagina Monologues." Rialto Theater. Admission: $12.
• Fridays-Saturdays through February 27, 7:00 p.m. - "Footloose" Live on Stage in January. Aurora Arts Center. Sunday matinees at 2:3 p.m. Admission: $14.

Jen 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 Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.