Take an “art break” and share in your community

I was recently asked if I would be interested to write about something if I wasn’t involved with it. I thought, “What a strange question. Why on earth would I spend my ‘free’ time, or personal time to work with people on a project that I didn’t find interesting?” Does that mean that if I don’t spend my time on it that it isn’t worthwhile? By all means, no, it just didn’t fit into the chaotic balance that I call a schedule these days, or perhaps I just didn’t hear about it in time.

Take for instance the Maxfield Parrish exhibit at the Upstairs Artspace right now. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. I drive by there around 7 p.m. most days and wonder when I’m going to get a chance to see it before April 19. I sent a friend to the reception who absolutely loved it. I know it’s something that will refresh me and energize me to see his work in print and “life size” rather than on a computer screen. Luckily, if I don’t make it this Saturday they will be open late on Tuesday, March 25, for Alan Peoples’ talk “The Passionate Collector” at 7 p.m.

I’ve made the commitment every other Thursday from 6:30 – 9 p.m. to host the Talent Night at Melrose Inn. I spend my time here because it’s a great way to meet, share with, and encourage other artists from the area.I know that whoever shows up will be more interesting and fun to unwind with than “reality television” at the end of the day. Fortunately, this week it is right around the corner from Corrie Woods’ book launch from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at The Book Shelf. I had the pleasure to interview Corrie about “The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living” and look forward to the chance to toast her success at Betsy’s wonderful little store. I’ll miss the drawing for the collection of her favorite books, but if you enjoy the light refreshment there, consider joining us over at the Melrose afterwards to continue your discussions in the spacious lobby and lounge. The informal set up allows you to join the circle of poets, musicians, storytellers, etc. and share your talent or relax on the fringes between conversation and entertainment.

I haven’t figured out how the rest of my weekend will fall into place. Friday in my drive from a job in Asheville to reconnect with some old poet and musician friends in Greenville I hope to stop off behind the Fresh Market in Hendersonville. In this little whimsical spot tucked off the beaten path is an opening for the colorful and fun Tryon tile and steel artists Kathleen Carson and Bill Crowell, III at MONA!’s gallery “The Cottages” from 5 – 8 p.m. I am excited to see what Kathleen and Bill have been working on since their show at Simply Irresistible this past fall. Also, the furniture gallery level at the Cottages which wasn’t complete when I interviewed Mona in January. If you prefer a quieter evening with less driving, perhaps you might stop to sit by the fire while Marilyn McMinn-McCridie shares her wealth of Mountain Folklore and Appalachian stories at the Polk Campus of Isothermal Community College at 7 p.m.

Saturday, if I get up and finish my chores in time, I could catch the book signing for upstate author Patt Fero’s new book www.queenmotorhome.com at The Book Shelf from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. If I’m already out and about, I just might take a drive over to FENCE to peek in at what they’re doing. I can’t say that I know Chip Anderson personally, but by the character of his friends who have put together an amazing benefit for him out at FENCE this Saturday, he obviously has inspired many people. Starting at Noon there will be live entertainment at the main house Pavilion from wonderful musicians who have donated their time and talent and many local businesses have donated to a superb silent auction for the foxhunting enthusiast.

Saturday I’ll have to check my energy and mood before deciding on music. I could listen to jazz in the afternoon with the Fred Whiskin Trio at Hare & the Hound and later that evening dance to Southern Pointe at Saluda Mountain Jamboree, or just tap my toes to the Carolina roots rock of Bill Noonan at Purple Onion. It may be that all the excitement I’ll need is a little meditative time with sacred music for the season by organist Brennan Szafron on Sunday afternoon at the FENCE family concert at 4 p.m.

If next week is anything like this one, my weekday hours are filled to the brim, but everyone needs to stop and eat sometime. If lunchtime is your only chance for an art break, mark your day planner for the third Tuesday of each month at Lanier Library.

This coming week enjoy their free Brown Bag Lunch program at noon with actress Marjorie Megivern performing the role of Florence Nightingale. If you have kids in tow at lunch this can be a wonderful way to sneak in a history lesson. Then treat yourself and bring the kids to either the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. performance Wednesday of Charlotte’s Web by the traveling group Theatreworks USA at Tryon Fine Arts Center.