ArtsAgenda
By Molly H. McKinneyThe Huddled Masses
Many people paint portraits, but true artists somehow manage to capture not just the image of the person, but also the reality of what the image represents. If the artist is truly gifted, they may even offer us a glimpse inside the head of the subject — something the casual observer may never see.
Atlanta-based artist Geoffrey Johnson certainly seems to have a knack not just for simple portraiture, but for capturing the emotion of the masses, of people as a whole — of cities not as asphalt and concrete but as a collection of souls all searching for that perfect path. People 2001 is a collection of almost impressionistic pieces that somehow seem to grasp onto the intangible connection between a city and its people. The image above shows a rainy street filled with people — the city almost blurred, but still there, hovering about the masses diligently trudging about on their way to wherever the city will take them. The grays and blacks grasp the image of the day, the wispy cloudlike buildings shrouded in rain contrasted against the endless line of people, dark and thick against the stark floating backdrop of the city. There is amazing emotion hidden within the simplicity of his brushstrokes.
People 2001 will be on display at Shain Fine Art Gallery, 601 Providence Rd., through mid-May. For more information on this or other featured artists, contact the gallery at 704-334-7744 or visit on the web at www.shainart.com.
ARTS/RELATED
AFRO-AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER 401 N. Myers St. Returning for an indefinite run: Juke Joint, Willie Little’s exhibition of childhood memories. Ongoing through June 25: Creativity and Resistance: Maroon Cultures in the Americas. Ongoing through Aug. 12: Transfer and Influence: African Cultures and Communities in Charlotte. For more information, call 704-374-1565.
BLUE PONY GALLERY & PRESS 3202-A N. Davidson St. May 4-26: Rete Mirabile paintings and linoleum cuts by Todd Drake. Hours are Tues-Sat 11-5pm. Gallery Crawls from 6 to 9pm on first and third Fridays of each month. Details: 704-334-9390.
CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY 3204 N. Davidson St. May 4-June 30 exhibit – New Realism exhibition featuring the works of Rebecca Fagg, Scott Fraser, and Carol Lee Thompson. Openings first and third Fridays from 6-9:30pm. Hrs: 11am-5pm Tues-Fri, 12noon-5pm Sat & by appt. Details: 704-375-5756 or www.centeroftheearth.com.
CPCC ART GALLERY on the campus of Central Piedmont Community College. The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition will run through May 4. Works on display include: paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. Regular gallery hours are: Mon-Thurs from 11am-3pm and Friday from 11am-1pm. For more information contact the gallery at 704-330-6480.
CHARLOTTE ART LEAGUE 1517 Camden Rd. Spring Into Art an original art competition will through May 15. May 15 7-9pm: James Scott Morrison presents Pulling Your Paintings Together. May 22 7pm: Meet the Arts and Science Council w/interactive conversation with visual artists from the Charlotte Art League. All events are free and open to the public. For more information call
704-376-2787.
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY CLASSICS presents their season finale Crowning Glory conducted by Enrique Diemecke and featuring Vladimir Viardo on piano along with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. The performance will feature the works of Vardi, Rachmanioff, Wagner and Ravel. Show starts at 8pm in the Belk Theater of the Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $12-$50. For more information call 704-972-2000.
CHEZ ARLAINE BED & BREAKFAST 425 Pecan Ave. On display through May 2: A Collection of Prints and Oils by Pat Williams. Upcoming: May 4-30 Figures in Oil by Donna Wheatley. Opening for artist May 4 from 6-9:30pm. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Thursday from noon-2pm and Wednesday from 5-7pm. Call 704-643-1211 or visit the website at www.arlaineinc.com for more information.
CHRISTA FAUT GALLERY 19818 North Cove Rd., Davidson. May 4-30: By Wind and Water a solo exhibition of paintings by Elizabeth Ross. Opening reception for artist is May 4 from 6:30-8:30pm. Also on exhibit: Clara Couch, Linda Huey, Lin Barnhardt, Joan Tweedy, and Bruno Lavendiere. Hrs: M-F 10am-6pm. Saturday, 10am-4pm. For more info, call 704-892-5312.
THE GALLERY AT CARILLON 227 W. Trade St. Ongoing through July 15: Industrial Evolution a clay invitational with participating artists including Beverly Crist, David Hooker, Mike Knox, Kirk Mangus, Ralph Paquin and Paula Smith. The exhibition is held in conjunction with the NCECA Conference. Gallery Hours: Tue.-Fri. from 11am-6pm. For more information call 704-334-3799.
GALLERY L at the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County. Works by Warhol from the Cochran Collection on exhibit through May 27. The exhibit showcases a variety of work by the artist Andy Warhol. For more information visit the Gallery L website at www.plcmc.org/galleryL or call 704-336-2020.
GALLERY W.D.O. 2000 South Blvd. In Atherton Mill. Ongoing through May 5: Six Japanese Craftspeople Working in America. Featuring the works of Junichiro Baba, Reikio Ishiyama, Shinchi Miyazaki, Akiko Sugiyama, Ikuzi Teraki, and Tatsuya Yamada. Regular gallery hours are Tues.-Sat. from 11am-6pm. For more information call 704-333-9123 or visit on the web at www.gallerywdo.com.
GASTON COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART131 W. Main St. Dallas, N.C. Ongoing exhibit through May 26: Turned in Clay, Fired in Tradition – Piedmont Potters and Their Groundhog Kilns. Museum hours are Tue-Fri from 10am-5pm. Saturday from 1-5pm. And the fourth Sunday of every month from 2-5pm. For more information on this exhibition or other museum events call the 24-hour info-line at 704-852-6025.
GASTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 1555 E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia. Mill Towns of the Southern Piedmont photography exhibit by Laurel Falls. Exhibit runs May 1-31. The exhibits are free and open to the public during regular library hours. For more information call 704-922-3621.
GREEN DOOR GALLERY 608 N. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis. A contemporary art format featuring local, regional, and global artists. On display: paintings by Ken Hillberry, Joan Carver, Norman Belge, Marcel Bourbonniere, sculpture and pottery by Chase Winfield, Kirk Argo, Norma Valaszques, and studio glass design by Kym Cress. Hours are 10am-6pm Mon.-Fri. and 10am-4pm on Saturday. For more information call 704-932-0099.
HART-WITZEN GALLERY 611 W. 5th St. May 4 – Fundraiser for The Moving Poets. For tickets call 704-527-6683. Tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple. May 5 – Function V merging 3 forms of art; visual, musical and theatrical – scattered throughout 3-story warehouse. Now accepting submissions for June 1-2 Figurative Nude Arts Event. For information call 704-334-1177. Gallery hours are Mon-Sat 10am-4pm and otherwise by appointment.
HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY 1910 South Blvd. On exhibit: New Paintings by Patrick Farrell along with group exhibition by Gallery Artists. Both exhibits run through May 26. Hrs: Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. For more info, call 740-334-7302.
HODGES TAYLOR GALLERY 401 N. Tryon St. Work In Progress – sculptor Mark Ranis’ reconstruction of the Grand Teton Range. This massive project will be on display in all its stages through Spring 2001. Also on display: Southeast Regional Work – ceramics exhibition. Upcoming: Paintings by John Gibson and Fine Prints by Michael Gregory, on exhibit May 4-June 30. Hrs: 11am-6pm Tues-Fri, 11am-3pm Sat. Details: 704-334-3799.
THE LIGHT FACTORY 809 W. Hill St. May 5 – 19th Annual Benefit Art Auction from 7-11pm. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 for members in advance. Exhibition hours are Tues. Wed. and Fri. from 10am-6pm and Sat. through Sun. from 1-6pm. Closed on Mondays. For more information call 704-333-9755 or visit on the web at www.lightfactory.org.
JERALD MELBERG GALLERY 3900 Colony Rd. Ongoing through June 9: North and South the works of Kesler Woodward. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am-6pm. For more information contact the gallery at 704-365-3000 or visit on the web at www.jeraldmelberg.com.
MINT MUSEUM OF ART 2730 Randolph Rd. Ongoing through June 24: Art by Commission: Paris Review Posters a collection of 24 posters commissioned as covers for the Paris Review. Ongoing: The Delhom Collection of European Ceramics and The Robicsek Collection of Pre-Columbian Art. Museum Hrs: Tues, 10am-10pm; Wed-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Admission: $6/adults; $4/seniors & students; free/children under 12 & Mint members. Free for everyone on Tues from 5-10pm. Call 704-337-2000 or the Info Line 704-333-MINT.
MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN 220 N. Tryon St. Through May 27, 2001: Selections from the Allan Chasanoff Ceramic Collection. Ongoing exhibits: Currents In Crafts and Tradition and Change 19th & 20th Century American Craft. Hrs: Tue. – Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-5pm. Admission: $6 adults, $4 seniors & students, free kids 12 & under & Mint Museum members. Details: 704-337-2000.
NOEL GALLERY 401 N. Tryon St. May 4 – June 29: works by Danny Simmons on paper and canvas. For more information and gallery hours call 704-343-0050.
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. Ongoing through July 1: Color, Myth & Music: Stanton Macdonald-Wright & Synchromism. Ongoing through August 5: Reading Landscape by Xu Bing. Exhibit will feature site-specific installation. Admission is $4-$2. For more info, show hrs, or to purchase advance tickets: (919) 715-5923, or visit them on the web at www.ncartmuseum.org.
DIANE OVERCASH STUDIO 113 W. 1st St. Kannapolis. When the Sun Shines…it Shines on us All – portraits of interesting people and a chronicle of the rich cultural diversity of the area as done by Diane Overcash. Opening reception for the artist, May 5 – 5-8pm. For more information call 704-933-7917.
POMEGRANATE GALLERY 908 E.35th St. May exhibit opens May 4 and will feature Wood Turning and sculptural forms by Anatoly Tsiris originally from Ukrane. Gallery is open 1st-3rd Fridays from 6-9pm. For more information call 704-442-9013.
SOUTHEASTERN CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 750 Marguerite Dr. Winston Salem. May 12-July 1: Artist and the Community: Lesley Dill: Tongues on Fire: Visions and Ecstasy the works of Lesley Dill. Opening for artist held on May 11 from 7-9pm. Also on display through Sept. 30: Paintings by Susan Shatter. Opening reception held in conjunction on May 11 from 7-9pm. For more information call 336-725-1904 or visit on the web at www.secca.org.
SHAIN FINE ART 601 Providence Rd. People 2001 works by Atlanta based Geoffrey Johnson, show will run through May. For more information call 704-334-7744 or visit the website at www.shainart.com.
TRYON CENTER FOR VISUAL ART 721 N Tryon St. Ongoing through June 1: Like a Prayer: A Jewish and Christian Presence in Contemporary Art works of 28 artists throughout the United States including Howard Finister, Lynn Aldrich, Ruth Weisberg, Tobi Kahn, Radcliffe Bailey, and Fredrick Brown. This exhibit will actually be shown at Spirit Square Gallery. For more information call 704-332-5535 or visit the website at www.tryoncenter.org.
WATERWORKS VISUAL ARTS CENTER One Water St. Salisbury. Ongoing through May 20: Neon Masters – The Art of Neon Glass – featuring works by Morgan Crook, Jacob Fishman in collaboration w/Petrie Fishman, David Smith and David Wilson. Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, and Sun. 1-4pm. For more information call 704-636-1882 or visit on the web at www.waterworks.org.
WRIGHTNOW GALLERY 3211 N. Davidson. May 4-July 28: This, That & The Other Variety Show with 11pm shows on Gallery Crawl Fridays. Show admission is $10 per show, $15 with beverages. For more information call 704-376-9822.
YORK COUNTY MUSEUM 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC. celebrates the opening of 5 exhibitions that will celebrate the Carolina’s rich heritage of pottery making. The Difference in Dirt Traditional Pottery exhibit closes Aug. 19. Contemporary Pottery exhibit closes Aug. 5. Also, A Farmer at Heart: A Different Look at Vernon Grant runs ongoing through July 28. For more details and directions call 803-329-2121.
MUSIC
CAROLINA VOICES presents Broadway at the Booth – Act II, May 10, 11 and 12 at 8pm and May 12 and 13 at 3pm. The performance will feature hits from such Broadway shows as The Music Man, Guys & Dolls, Grease, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tickets are $19 for gallery seats and $24 for orchestra seats. For more information or to purchase tickets call 704-372-1000 or 704-374-1564.
CHARLOTTE CHILDREN’S CHOIR will perform On The Sunny Side on May 12 at First United Methodist Church; 501 N. Tryon St. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets to the event cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets call 704-371892
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY POPS present Bravo Broadway! May 4-5 at the Belk Theater of the Performing Arts Center. The performance will feature three Broadway stars, Michael Maguire, Christiane Noll and William Paul Michals. Showtime is 8pm for both performances. Tickets range from $15-$50. For more information call 704-972-2000 or visit on the web at www.charlottesymphony.org.
FROM BROADWAY: A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE OF FAVORITE BROADWAY AND SHOWTUNES performed by Little Theatre of Gastonia Vocalists on May 10 at 7pm in the Auditorium of Gaston Public Library. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information call 704-922-3621.
MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH CHANCEL CHOIR to present a performance of Maurice Durufle’s Requiem on May 20 at 5pm in the church sanctuary. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information contact the church at 704-334-7232.
PROVIDENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RECITAL SERIES featuring the Chancel Choir of Providence Church along with members of the Charlotte Symphony who will present Parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s Messiah on May 6 at 7pm. The performance will be held at Providence United Methodist Church. For more information call
704-366-7442.
THE QUINTESSENTIAL NOTE at the Vault, every Tuesday evening from 8pm-midnight, featuring open-mic Poetics of the NCog poets, live music, and special guest artists. Every first and third Tuesday includes a headlining band and feature performance artist — every second and fourth Tuesday is the all-open-mic poetry review. Cover $10 first and third Tuesdays, $7 second and fourth Tuesdays. For more info, call 704-347-4924.
THEATER & DANCE
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at Theatre Charlotte May 3-5, 10-13, and 17-20. Showtimes are Thursday – Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets range from $15-$18. For more information call 704-376-3777.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM to be performed by Chickspeare May 4-6 at Off Tryon Theatre Company, 3143 Cullman Ave. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm. Admission is free. For more information call 704-370-0201 or visit on the web at www.chickspeare.org.
CHICKSPEARE IN THE PARK May 19 at Freedom Park from noon until 5pm. Event held at Picnic Pavilion number 5. Lunch and a reading of the hilarious Fortinbras beginning at 3pm. Event is free. For more information call 704-370-0201 or visit on the web at www.chickspeare.org.
COPPELIA a romantic comedy ballet will be performed by the Gaston Dance Theatre May 4-6 at the Warlick Performing Arts Center on the campus of Gaston Day School. Showtimes are May 4-5 at 8pm and May 6 at 2:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For more information call
704-853-2905.
SPALDING GRAY brings his newest comic monologue Morning, Noon and Night to Spirit Square’s McGlohon Theatre on May 3 at 8pm. The show may be inappropriate for younger audiences due to mature content. Tickets are $25 and $30. For more information call 704-372-1000 or visit the website at www.performingartsctr.org.
HANSEL & GRETEL an opera by Engelbert Humperdinck to be performed by CPCC’s Opera Theater on May 11 and 12 at 8pm and May 13 at 2:30pm in the Pease Auditorium on the campus of CPCC. Tickets to the show are $10. For more information or to make reservations contact the box office at 704-330-6534.
THE IRONY OF SEX presented by Moving Poets Theatre of Dance May 17-20 at the Booth Playhouse in the Performing Arts Center. All performances will start at 8pm except Sunday, which is at 7pm. Tickets range from $17.50-$21.50. For more information call 704-372-1000 or visit on the web at www.movingpoets.com.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS to be presented by the Lake Norman School of the Arts May 17 and 18 at 7:30pm. Performances will be held at the Mooresville Citizens Center, 215 N. Main St. Tickets are $5. General Admission. For more information call 704-662-9107.
NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE’S SPRING PROGRAM to be performed at the Performing Arts Center May 11 and 12 at 8pm. The program will feature Western Symphony by George Balanchine, Jardi Tancat by Nacho Duato and Three Overtures by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Tickets to the performance range from $17-$50. For more information call the box office at 704-372-1000 or visit the website at www.ncdance.org.
THE PAJAMA GAME runs through May 6 at the Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord. Showtimes are May 3-5 at 8pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. For more information contact the theatre at 704-788-2405.
PERCH THEATER Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Located at, 1500 Central Ave, 2nd floor. Audience Favorites: May 4-5. Audience Favorites/Show 234 May 11-19. Showtimes are 9 and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a Late Show on Saturdays at 1am. Performances are rated R for verbal content. Admission is $8 at door; reservations encouraged. Details: 704-372-7724, or www.theperch.com.
THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER performed by the Tarradiddle Players at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte May 11-20. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturday May 12 at 1 and 3pm, Sunday May 13 at 2pm, Saturday May 19 at 3pm and Sunday May 20 at 2 and 4pm. Tickets to the show are $9 for center seats and $6 for side seats. For more information call the box office at 704-333-8983 or visit the website at www.ctcharlotte.org.
PSYCHOTIC POOCH 3143 Cullman Ave. Live sketch comedy and improv every Friday and Saturday at 11pm. Comedy is rated NC-17 for situations and content. Admission is $8. Call 704-375-2826 for reservations, directions or more information – or email at psychoticpooch@yahoo.com.
SNOW WHITE presented May 12 by the North Carolina Dance Theatre in the Belk Theater of the Performing Arts Center. Show begins at 11:30am. Tickets range from $15-$24. For more information call 704-372-1000 or visit on the web at www.ncdance.org.
WIT presented by Charlotte Repertory Theatre ongoing through May 6 at the Booth Playhouse. Showtimes are Wed. and Thurs. evenings at 7:30pm, Fri. and Sat. evenings at 8pm, Sunday matinees at 2pm and Sunday May 6 only at 7:30pm. Prices range from $17 on preview nights to $24.50 for weekend performances. For more information call 704-372-1000 or visit online at www.charlotterep.org.
WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION performed by Rock Hill Community Theatre in the courtroom on the second floor of the Tom S. Getty’s Building on May 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8pm and May 13 and 20 at 3pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. For reservations call the Rock Hill Community Theatre at 803-324-2578.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2001.
