#268: Into the Woods

We grow up with the comforting narratives of fairy tales. The frog becomes a prince. The glass slipper fits. Hansel and Gretel find their way out of the forest. It’s easy to be convinced that these are merely children’s stories, full of songs and happy endings without any bearing on an adult reality. Yet, upon closer examination, many of these stories are not very childlike at all. They are full of fear and shame and indecision, of violence, disappointment, and struggle. It was these components of fairy tales that Stephen Sondheim drew upon to construct what many consider his magnum opus, Into the Woods, a musical theater compendium of fractured fairy tales.

In his creation, elements of Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood are brought together. Characters from different stories run into each other; their own wishes and dreams quickly getting in each other’s way. The show’s multiple storylines are fascinating and the music, composed by Sondheim, is, by turns, light-hearted, heart-rending, and thrilling. The show plays with our traditional ideas of fairy tales and leaves many wondering if these beloved characters, and by proxy, ourselves, will actually make it out of the woods.

It must be theater week here at 365 South Bend because in addition to LangLab's fantastic theatrical offerings, the South Bend Civic Theater, which we have featured many times before, is currently producing their version of Sondheim’s Into the Woods.  The Civic is a community treasure, and this show is a highlight of their current season. Into the Woods will run through August 12^th at the Civic and features local talent in both its actors and its crew. Take a(nother) night to experience the joy of live theater and a dark twist on “happy endings”.

For more information, showtimes, and ticket information visit the South Bend Civic Theater website here.

#267: TheatreLanglab's 24 Hour Play

Today features a special guest post by Yael, a west coast-turned-midwesterner who understands all things theater and theatre...

If you think you have to go to Chicago to see eclectic theatre, think again. TheatreLanglab is once again at “play”, in their home near the South Bend Farmer’s Market. Langlab itself inspires invention. What was once an abandoned factory building has become a local hotspot for the arts, education, and community organizations. TheatreLanglab did its first 24-hour production, The Jacket (see video below), at the Lab last summer and will head back into their gigantic playground at the end of July for another round of raucous fun.

 This year’s farcical tragicomedy is called Burned! It’s a loose adaptation of Frisch’s The Firebugs and is about what happens when politeness usurps honesty in a city threatened by arsonists. The catch is that TheatreLanglab will create the entire play in 24 hours: they’ll stay up late to design lights, costumes, sets, and sound. They’ll play, workshop, rehearse and attempt to memorize lines overnight. And then they’ll share their artistic handiwork, in whatever form it takes, with an audience. For one night only. The event, more about process than product, will be suitable for all children (although not crafted for those under 10) with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. 

Burned! will serve as the first fundraiser for ULTREIA, a new independent non-profit established to support the arts and arts education in South Bend. ULTREIA, meaning ‘onward’ or ‘forward’, will sponsor more art with the money it raises at this performance - a win-win for patrons and for the city.

Langlab will also mark the closing of its first gallery exhibition, Cuba Inside/Out, on July 29. This thoughtful show, with stunning photographs of Havana and Santiago de Cuba by local artist Christopher Stackowicz, wrestles with theatre in Cuba and the drama of everyday Cuban street life.  The gallery will be open for its final night of viewing and a small reception will follow the performance of Burned! Where else in town can you enjoy a boisterous performance, intriguing photos, and a social gathering all in one evening out? 

THE ESSENTIALS:  

TheatreLanglab concocts play in 24 hours:

Burned! A morality play without a moral.

Sunday night, July 29 at 7:30 p.m.

$10 suggested donation

Langlab South Bend

1302 High Street

South Bend, IN 46601

www.langlabsb.com

#239: A Christmas Carol

Have you changed your music to the unique mix Burl Ives and Mariah Carey, put up the Christmas tree, and decked the halls, and still don't feel in the holiday spirit?  Is the lack of snow around here keeping from feeling like the holidays are here?   Perhaps a different approach to the hap-hap-happiest season of exactly what you need to get your (holiday) swag on.

According to the recent review by the South Bend Tribune, the Civic Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol" is not your typical feel-good holiday theater.  This year, it's a bit more sinister, focusing on Scrooge and Marley, his deceased business partner.  Director Jewl Abram-Copenhaver has emphasized this element with sophisticated stage effects.  For those of you who miss Halloween, check this play out.

When you leave the theater, you will be all more grateful for the glowing lights that decorate Downtown South Bend this time of year.

When: Tuesday - Sunday shows through Dec. 18.  All shows begin at 7:30 PM, except for the weekends.

Where: 403 N. Main Street

Cost: Tickets start at $16/adult.  You can order tickets online here.

#228: Northern Indiana Poetry Slam, First Fridays

First Fridays does College Night.  At least that's the theme for this week, very suitable seeing as the gorgeous weather and ND home game against Air Force is looking like it's bringing in the population from Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio (combined).   Even if you're not a college student, it's the month of Halloween, so dress up like one and you'll fit right into the milieu.

Last year, we highlighted the annual chili cook-off that occurs this month.  It's a wonderful event, so check out that post for more details.

Tonight features a range of events from a toga party at Marigold's to an "art hunt" around downtown South Bend.  What sounds particularly intriguing is the Northern Indiana Poetry Slam, hosted by J.W. Basilo.  Participating poets should arrive at 6:30, when doors open.  Basilo alone seems like he'd be a reason enough to attend.  He's a World Poetry Slam Finalist and a creator of work "equal parts poignant and perverse" -- you can check out his website at http://bustedmouth.com/.  

J.W. Basilo

Description reads: If you consider yourself a poet, or ever thought it would be fun to give it a try, college night is the perfect place for you! If you do not want to compete, you are welcome to come and cheer, or slam, the artists of your choice.  Agreed --  the casual atmosphere of First Fridays takes away the fear factor of trying out new things (whether it's wine tasting at South Bend Chocolate Company or palm reading at Junk Evolution).  And you have a month to regain your dignity until the next First Friday rolls around.

For a complete listing of First Friday events, click here.

When: 7:00 - 9:00
Where: 123 Michigan Ave.

#218: Off Beat

Last year, we profiled the prolific Art Beat, probably the biggest festival of the South Bend festival season.  Imagine an artists' tailgate on St. Joseph Street in downtown South Bend, and that's the best comparison for the number--and energy--of booths around.   It lasts from 11:00am-6:00pm this Saturday, and you can spend anywhere from minutes to hours wandering around looking at everything.

Last year, I came, left, returned, spent another hour, and then, wandered home when the artists started closing up their booths.  Six o'clock is a bit early for the day to end, it felt, and I'm glad some others felt similarly....This year, stores across the river from downtown--CircaArts, Inspire Me!, Piser Designs, Junk Evolution/Carpenter Gothic, and Just Goods--will be hosting "Off Beat", a spin-off from the larger event.  It will start at 4:00pm and last until 9:00pm.

I assume it will have a similar atmosphere to the First Fridays celebrations, but some stores, in addition to the extended hours and appetizers, will be hosting artists.  For example, at Marigold's, Tim and Conner MacDonald, two local artists, will be displaying their work.

Check our previous post on ArtBeat for information about where to park and what other events are going on.

#205: Leeper Park Art Fair

Well, in the past week, we've featured two fests, and a festival, and we're about to highlight a few festivals in upcoming post, so it's only fair we blog about a fair.  (No pun intended.)

The Leeper Park Art Fair is taking place this weekend, and it's only one of the longest running festivals in the area, now going on its 44th year.  It's sponsored by the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, but by no means is the art on display (and for sale!) limited to this medium -- you can find photography, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, ....the list goes on.

There will be more than 120 artists' booths in this shady spot by the river.  Each artist had to apply for a space to promote their work, and there is prize money for winning pieces, so this fair also functions as a curated art show of sorts.  The convenient location off Michigan (and park setting) make it a very accessible "day at the gallery" for children, dogs, or anyone whose attention to art is generally short.  If you enjoyed ArtBeat or Arts Cafe, this is not an event to miss.

Give yourself sufficient time to wind your way through all the offerings and be your own jury, picking out your favorite pieces.  If you plan on attending Saturday's EcoFest, it's a wonderful way to extend your day outdoors.

When: Saturday, June 18, 10 am - 6pm
Sunday, June 19, 10 am - 5pm
Where: Seriously? Leeper Park.  900 N. Michigan Ave., next to the river, across from the Northshore Triangle.
Cost: Free to browse!  Refreshments and art vary in price.

#200: Palladio Conference and Exhibit at the Snite Museum

Between school being out and the high temperatures, the mere thought of mental exertion might seem like too much effort.  Fight the summer laze and rally to the (air-conditioned) Snite Museum for its new exhibit of Andrea Palladio's drawings.  His classical architecture style is reflected in the White House, Monticello, and yes, even the domed courthouse here in South Bend.   The traveling exhibit at South Bend features 31 of his original drawings as well as antique books and exquisitely detailed models.  It's a wonderful introduction to how the Greek and Roman architectural styles were revived in the 16th century and eventually became the hallmark style for democratic government buildings.

Palladio's villa at Vicenza, Italy

To complement this special exhibit, which runs through July 31, the Notre Dame School of Architecture is coordinating a three-day conference, "From Vernacular to Classical: The Perpetual Modernity of Palladio".  (Say what?!  They'll be discussing Palladio's influence and where it appears today.)  Come to this event to meet some of the top classical architects of today.  Also occurring, Stone Mason Travis Kline, ND ’03, will build a Palladian jack-arch using Bybee Limestone throughout the conference.

And just like the movies in the infamous Disney Vault, Palladio's drawings are only on a short global tour before they return to London, where they'll be stored for another 20+ years.  It's a coup for South Bend to attract such a noteworthy collection and world-renowned visitors, so shake off the dog day laze to take advantage.

Where: Snite Museum of Art
Call: (574) 631-5466
When: Open Tu-Sun, check here for hours and parking information
Cost: The Snite Museum and Palladio exhibit is free, but conference fees do apply if you wish to participate in the sessions and dinners.

#178: Original Art Rain Barrel Display

We've highlighted ways to go green in South Bend. We've also highlighted the many artistic galleries and exhibitions that South Bend has to offer. But never have the two come together quite like this. IUSB's Center for a Sustainable Future has sponsored a project where local art meets local environmentalism. Twelve rain barrels, used to harvest rainwater and store it for later use in the pursuit of sustainable conservation and eco-friendly self-sufficiency, have been painted and decorated by twelve local South Bend artists. The artists range from school-children to professional artisans, and each one is colorful, clever, and absolutely unique.

The barrels have been collecting rainwater (no short of it here!) around South Bend and were just recently moved to a display at the South Bend Museum of Art where they will remain until they are auctioned off on Friday, May 6th. I'd heard of the project before I saw the finished barrels, and, in the pursuit of honesty, my initial skepticism about the project (What exactly were rain barrels? Why are we painting on them?), was utterly unfounded. I was impressed with the creativity of the artists and even more so with the possibility, that the rain barrels demonstrate, for an art that showcases and encourages local activism.

Check out a slideshow of the rain barrels here.

Where: South Bend Museum of Art
Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Friendly Reminder: Go now to view the barrels, but remember to return for the auction on May 6th at 7:00pm!

#170: 24-Hour Poetry Marathon

To see the Summer Sky
Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie -
True Poems flee -
Emily Dickinson

Seeing a forecast of rain and colder temperatures, I am all the more grateful for how beautiful these past few days have been.  Furthermore, I know summer skies will return and during this rainy weekend, I can continue to experience poetry off the pages at Artpost Gallery.

Artpost Gallery is celebrating National Poetry Month by hosting a 24-hour marathon of poetry reading.  All poets are invited to [read/sing/perform] their work in 15-minute segments from Friday 5:00 pm to Saturday 5:00 pm.  There will be appetizers and lunch provided by Fiddler's Hearth as well as giveaway publications from The Foundation for Light Verse.  Artpost is encouraging guests to "Come early, leave late; or come late, leave early!" 

A few spots still remain open if you are interested in participating; check the schedule here before e-mailing info@artpostblog.com.  Come experience the poetry in the oral tradition, what I believe is its true form, and remember the words of Walt Whitman, "To have great poets there must be great audiences too."

When: April 15, 5:00 pm - April 16, 5:00 pm
Where: 216 W. Madison St.

Tip: While you're there, also check out the current exhibit, "Gary", a collection of photographs of the [in]famous Indiana city as seen from the eye of Erin Jackson.

#131: Proof

Many of you might know this, but there are three of us who blog here. As of today, I'm claiming the title of "Resident Theater Blogger". South Bend's theater scene is broad, thanks to a great civic theater, the many universities in the area, and a state-of-the-art performing arts center, as well as incredibly varied. I've previously written about theater productions and related events from several of these venues here, here, here, here, and here. For some reason, I gravitate toward the stage and, well, I hope I'm convincing you to do so as well.

Today features another dramatic installment, this time thanks to the talented and thoughtful people in Notre Dame's Film, Television, and Theater Department. Their first show of this semester is David Auburn's Proof, and it opens tonight with a run that continues until Sunday, February 27. Proof only utilizes four actors to tell the story of the famed mathematician Robert, his daughter Catherine, and Hal, whose life intersects both of theirs in increasingly interesting ways. Proof offers commentary on the ideas of genius and madness, and as the advertising for this production highlights, it "suggests that developing trust and love can be difficult, and just as uncertain, as establishing the truth of a mathematical proof." It was first produced in 2001 and garnered an impressive array of awards that year including the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play.

Location: Philbin Studio Theater, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

Ticket Price: $10-15

For more information on this play and to order tickets, go here.

#119: Fire Arts

You know the feeling when you've driven past something often enough that you sometimes forget it's even there? Well, I'm ashamed to say that's happened to me.  I've passed by the Fire Arts Gallery countless times on my many (many) trips up and down Colfax, but somehow it's never really registered and I've never had the inclination to visit. Until today.

On this empty afternoon before the impending "blizzard of the 21st century" I stopped in on a whim and was pleasantly surprised in many ways.  Fire Arts features a small gallery in the front of the building which houses the work of the 13 (soon to be 15) in-house artists as well as special exhibits. The special exhibit currently features the work of Wayne Harshberger and his stone carvings. The gallery as a whole boasts significant display pieces as well as smaller items such as jewelry (I particularly loved the key necklaces), vases, and mugs (more on that later). The work featured is eclectic yet all collected under the banner of three-dimensional art.

This becomes more apparent if you're lucky enough to get a tour of the expansive artist studio space behind the gallery. I was apparently curious enough and inexperienced enough that the owner offered to give me one. I can't recount his entire tour, which is why you should go and visit yourself, but the studio features spaces for jewelry-making, silver-smithing, wheel-throwing, slab-carving, bronze-casting (the only space in Northern Indiana that offers this possibility), and much more.  For an artistic beginner it was merely fascinating to see the work in process.

They've only been in existence for six years, but it's clear that Fire Arts has established a close-knit community of artists in the area. Not content to simply sell and display the art, these artists also offer a variety of classes for the beginner to the expert in many of their areas. So visit; maybe you'll discover your inner artist or maybe you'll just buy yourself a locally-made mug to drink hazelnut coffee out of on a wintry afternoon. Like me.

Location: 305 East Colfax

Hours: 12:00pm-9:00pm, Tues. and Thurs.    11:00am-4:00pm, Sat.

For information on classes or more information about the gallery, visit their website here.

#114: Notre Dame Downtown Crossroads Gallery

During the last two decades, Notre Dame has made a significant effort to be a true partner of South Bend, and perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing result of this growing partnership is the Crossroads Gallery at the Notre Dame Downtown office on Michigan Street.  Since 2003, downtown-dwellers have had a reason to stop into the satellite office of Notre Dame Public Affairs and view an artistic space operated by Notre Dame's Institue for Latino Studies.

The gallery walls feature an ever-changing exhibit of painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography, while also offering a space for community meetings, press events, and more.  For example, ND Student Government uses the gallery for their "Community Summit," a meeting of student and local leaders each year, and DTSB and the City have used it for their the Festival of Banners press conferences.  This space is therefore continually transformed by the art work on the walls as well as the community within them.

Location: 217 South Michigan Street South Bend  (also shares an entrance with DTSB's main offices)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Recent exhibitions:

• Fabricating the Real: Artists from L.A., featuring sculptures by artists Michael Amescua and Maria Elena Castro.
• Paradise: Selected Pieces, showcasing the artwork of Scherezade Garcia.
• EVOKE 2 PROVOKE, featuring Rodriguez Calero’s unique style in painting known as ACROLLAGE.
• Graffiti Art Project (GAP), a summer-long endeavor that sought to provide South Bend kids ages 10-17 with a creative outlet and the opportunity to express their unique talents and perspectives.
• Visiones paralelas: Images of the Mexican Revolution in Chicano and Mexican Art,  artwork drawn from the Gilberto Cárdenas Latino Art Collection 
• Materia Prima: Recent Paintings and Prints by Ramiro Rodriguez

#109: LangLab

It's been called everything from a concert venue to a cultural club to an idea incubator.  LangLab is your friendly neighborhood abandoned-factory hub-o-culture.   Yes, this "space" is a former factory, and yes, they have periodic events featuring music, dance, art, environmental living, and oh so much more.  So no, it's not easily understood in our rigid square terms, man.  I'll let these pictures do the talking.... 

 The view from the parking lot.

 Shoots of the "artist-in-residence" apartment on the second level

 Use of this room: TBD

the LangLab "stage" from the Caught dance performance featured previously on our blog

Location: 1302 High Street, South Bend

Hours: Varying...very varying...depends completely upon their events schedule.

Tip: Like them on Facebook - otherwise there's not a very good way to stay in the know with their events - unless you infiltrate the LangLab "inner circle".....and if you do, report back and leak us stories about their "going-on's"!

#108: "Life in Michiana" Photography Exhibit at the St. Joe Public Library

If you enjoy our literary snapshots of local life here on the blog, then I'm fairly positive that you'll love this exhibit of actual snapshots of Michiana life.  On the second floor of the St. Joe Public Library, you can find the "Life in Michiana" Photography Exhibit, featuring approximately 260 photos taken by high school students, life long residents, and everyone in between.  Notably, students from Clay High School, St. Joseph High School, and Mishawaka High School contributed photographs to the exhibit, offering a youthful lens through which to view our community.

While we missed the opening reception earlier this month, you still have until January 29th to stop by the library and view these local works of art.

Location: St. Joe Public Library, Main Branch, 304 S. Main Street, Second Floor

Hours: Exhibit open during normal library hours

Mon through Thu 10 am to 8 pm, Fri & Sat 10 am to 6 pm, Sun 10 am to 5 pm

Tip: Keep an eye out for stars and ribbons on a handful of photographs.  Those are the award-wining works of art.

Personal analysis: I love it when libraries, book shops, or other establishments focused on the written word supplement history, literature, and all of their books with the images that help us understand those ideas through a new medium and from a new perspective.  It's like the public library has turned itself into a picture-book of local life.

#98: Discover Midwest Artists at the Midwest Museum of American Art

Once upon a time, in 1907, a man named T. C. Steele moved to Brown County, Indiana.  He built a home, and a studio, on the old abandoned Bracken Hill Farm, a place a little ways outside the town of Nashville.  While he kept teaching classes at IU Bloomington, he retreated to his abode and refuge, a place he named "The House of Singing Winds".  His paintings captured the landscape...and the attention of other artists and collectors.  Today, his works is some of the most esteemed and highly valued, but more lasting is the community of artists that sprung up in the surrounding area.  Even now, artists from all media continue to keep residence here, forming a enclave of creativity in the heart of Indiana.

Pergola in Early Spring, 1918

Photograph of the Pergola, 2005

Find that interesting?  Well, that's my synopsis-without-seeing the 27-minute film, "The Artists of Brown County", that's showing tomorrow at the Midwest Museum of American Art for their weekly Noon Time Talk on Thursdays.  Not that interested?  The film is sure to be easy on the eyes, especially because the trees are bare and the permacloud has settled in South Bend.  And hey, if you learn something from it, what's the harm!

Take a little roadtrip to Elkhart and have a lunch break a little out of the ordinary.  If you can afford to linger, spend time in the gorgeous Museum, which has a collection of American Expressionism, Impressionism, Regionalism, and lots of other -isms.  From Warhol to Native American art, you'll find something there that makes you proud to be an American.

When: The film shows at noon (no surprise there!) and the museum is open from 10:00am - 4:00pm, Tuesday - Friday; 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday
Where: 249 South Main Street, Elkhart
Website: http://midwestmuseum.us/
Cost: $4.00 Adults, $3.00 Senior Citizens, $2.00 College Students
Tip:  AAA and Mobile Guide members get discounts.  AND there's free admission on Sundays.  Even if you're an adamant European art snob, at least you can say the price is right round here.

Can't make it this Thursday?  Here's a list of the other January events!

#82: Analecta and Caught at LangLab

LangLab, a relatively new and generally multi-purpose venue full of artistic expression from all corners of the South Bend community and beyond, is hosting a couple of local musical acts tonight.  Analecta and Caught, both South Bend bands, will be playing at LangLab beginning at 8 pm (doors open at 7:30).  Other shows I've attended here have integrated various art forms with the music; and I hear some choreography will be a part of tonight's show in addition to lights and video projections.  Should be interesting, to say the least.

This intriguing space deserves a detailed and gushing post of its own, so here are simply the details for the show tonight.  Check back soon for a full review of LangLab and all of the artsy fartsy fun and incubating innovation it has to offer.

Where: 1302 High Street

it's an old factory-esque type o' building -- some plywood signs with "LangLab" spray painted on it point you in the right direction.  Sounds bizarre, but be not afraid.
When: TONIGHT, December 10th - Doors at 7:30, Show @ 8:00
How much: "donation @ door: $6
Everyone is invited to stick around after the show "to meet, talk, exchange contact info and plot future projects" (...according to the all-knowing Facebook)

Take a listen before tonight...heeeere.

See ya there, friends.

#76: Holiday Art Walk

There has been quite the flurry of activity downtown this weekend.  It's nice to see people out and about.  Here's yet another event on happening: today is the annual Holiday Art Walk, during which art galleries open their doors to sell works by local artists.  It's a great opportunity to pick up a unique and quality gift for whoever's on your shopping list.

The following galleries are part of this walk: 

• Artpost
• Blue Gallery
• CircaArts Gallery
• Colfax Campus Gallery
• Fire Arts, Inc.
• Junk Evolution / Carpenter Gothic
• Max Black Fine Art
• Monroe St. Studios
• Piser Designs
• South Bend Museum of Art

In addition to the works on sale in the galleries, there is also a wreath raffle being held today.  Each place has a wreath made by Paul Kuharic (from the farmer's market!) that the store's featured artist decorated.  For a donation of any amount, you are entered into the raffle to win the wreath.  The best part?  Proceeds go to La Casa De Amistad.

If you didn't get out and around for First Fridays, come out today for the last bit of the Art Walk.  It's a nice chance for people whose workweek schedules don't always match the limited gallery hours.

When: 11 am - 5 pm
Where: Downtown South Bend.
Click here for a map of the galleries and more information.

#57: Art Classes at the South Bend Museum of Art

The itch to create something took hold of me the other day.  I never took an art class in school, but I was always envious of students who had "studio" and something other than Word documents to show for their time spent in class.  I would tell myself, Take an art class in your spare time, some other time. Don't waste your time now.

Little did I realize how much an art class is not a waste of time.  It's a fully enriching experience, which I discovered when I stopped the procrastination and finally signed up for a pastels class at the South Bend Museum of Art.  The class is composed of beginners like myself and accomplished artists looking for another opinion on their work.  The most unexpected and most wonderful element of the class is the community -- most people know each other but they are most kind to me, the newcomer.

It's eye-opening to take an art class.  You begin to see things you didn't before.  After I had drawn tree after tree, struggling to figure out how to make branches look realistic, I started to notice the branching patterns of the trees around me.  Then I began to realize where there were trees (St. Joseph Street, of all places) and where there were not (Grape Road, for one).  In class, it was fascinating to observe the more advanced students work on their pieces.  Each person took a different approach to the same medium; some used pastels to depict ephemeral landscapes, others used its blendable color to recreate vivid flowers and faces with startling accuracy.

While this post may seem tangential and personal, I want to convey to you that art class fosters an appreciation of the world around you, both in regard to other people and the environment.  And this mindset of loving where you are, dear readers, is kinda what this blog is all about.

Where: South Bend Museum of Art, 120 S. St. Joseph Street
When: A 4-week Winter session is now open for enrollment; classes are offered year-round
Website: http://southbendart.org/index.php?lt=03

#56: Arts Cafe

Again with the misnomers!  "Arts Cafe", an annual community open house hosted by the Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN), is more of a lively all-ages festival than a laidback artists gathering.  Now in its eigth year, this event is a great way to catch a glimpse into a neighborhood that has a lot of character.

The motivation behind this event is to showcase some restored homes that are for sale (at great prices -- even I could afford the mortgage. I thought seriously about buying a house...for about two minutes), so there were about a half-dozen homes that you could enter and look around.  Each one was different, but beautiful wood floors and window frames and unexpected nooks seemed to be common features.

Looking at these different homes was fun enough itself, but in addition, there were booths set up in different homes with local vendors selling everything from cookies to knit caps.  You never knew what you would find when you entered a house.

Also, on the street, there was a two stages with live music, and pop-up tents for non-profits and businesses were scattered throughout.  Many organizations in South Bend, and NNN in particular, support community groups and historic preservation.  Paradoxically, this appreciation for the past keeps the city vibrant and full of things to discover, especially when there's pressure to have in town the big-name chains that can be found anywhere.  There may not be a Cheesecake Factory in the area, but trust me, it ain't got nothing on Miss Brittney Jennings's $1.50 pumpkin-and-cream-cheese cupcake.

When: Sunday, 10 am - 5pm
Where : Stop by Cushing Street and Lindsey St. first, where the NNN tent with a map to the house tour
Website: http://www.nearnorthwest.org/Pages/Events/ArtsCafe2010.htm

#54: ArtPost

It’s the first Friday of the month. 

As such it’s "First Friday" here in South Bend with the monthly bevy of events that follows.  Just Goods is having a re-opening celebration! There’s an Open Mic at Chicory Café! Opera LaSalle’s holding an open dress rehearsal in the Blue Gallery! A book-signing by author Colleen Affeld at Idle Hours Bookstore! Origami at Spark, ceramics at the Chocolate Café, and copper jewelry-making at Fire Arts.  There’s almost too much to do and too many places to go, but if you have time for only one activity tonight, my personal recommendation would be to stop by the new-guy-around-town art gallery, ArtPost, and its opening reception for “Dr. Funlaw: Collective Consciousness.”

About a year old now, ArtPost, is a gallery founded by local artists and dedicated to bringing great local and regional art to South Bend. As they say, “we believe in promoting art at home.” The exhibition featured tonight is no exception. It presents young, local artists who go by the name “Dr. Funlaw” and whose work is described as “highly saturated” and “brightly colored.” The event description even notes that “they are known to suggest the use of 3D Chromadepth glasses to best view their work.” The exhibition will run through December 19, so if you can’t make it tonight make sure to stop in before then.

ArtPost has already set itself apart through its great collection of art books (McSweeney’s Quarterly included), local photography, permanent exhibits, and featured exhibitions. In addition to the featured art tonight, upcoming art includes Cuban posters and an artist who “experiments with stenciled skateboard decks.”  Honestly, that doesn't get out of the door and through theirs, who knows what will persuade you because this is about as local and as cool as you will find, at least in South Bend.

Where: ArtPost Gallery, 216 W. Madison St. (574-287-6293 if you want to call)

When: Exhibition Reception: tonight 5:00-9:00 pm; Regular Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday noon-8:00 pm, Sunday noon-4:00 pm

Website: http://www.artpostblog.com/