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Artsy-fartsy weekend

While I plan to get some bike rides in the next few days, the big focus for me will be the arts.

Tonight is the opening of a show at Southwestern Illinois College's Schmidt Art Center. Featured are Carol Carter and her "Savannah" series of acrylic painting and Richard Sprengeler and his "Age of Industry" photographs. Also, there is series of pre-Columbian Era ceramics from the collection at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

From time to time, I like to stop at Schmidt Art Center while doing a short ride on the Richland Creek Greenway and MetroLink trails in Belleville. It's a small gallery, but it's well worth a look.

The big event in Belleville this weekend is Art on the Square. Since its inception in 2002, the show has grown into one of the best in the Midwest, if not the United States. Art on the Square features a wide range of media, from jewelry and photography to sculpture and glass.

When I first heard about Art on the Square back in 2002, I was dubious. Downtown Belleville's big annual events, Deutschfest and Oktoberfest, have gone downhill over the years and now are basically an excuse to stand around, get drunk and listen to bands covering the same music they covered 20 years ago.

I was pleasantly surprised when the organizers put together a first-class event with talented artists, good food and good music. If you get a chance, you should check it out. The show runs from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, I'm going to Belleville West High School's Spring Instrumental Concert to see one of my nieces, Ani, perform. Ani is a member of West's orchestra, and I'm looking forward to a fine performance. Ani also will perform Monday night in West's jazz ensemble concert. I wish I could see that as well, but I have to work that evening. Ani is talented musician. She plays clarinet in the orchestra, alto saxophone in the jazz ensemble, and she also plays the piano. I was a decent alto sax player in my school days, but Ani is better than I ever was.

Roger 1 comments 5:22 PM

Comments:

Sounds like an enjoyable artsy w/e...enjoy!

# posted by  Bike : 12:17 PM

 

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