Topic: Arts

Barry Kitterman’s “The Baker’s Boy” arrives on bookstore shelves in May

By Debbie Boen | February 3, 2008 |

With the publication of his novel The Baker’s Boy coming in May, APSU Professor Barry Kitterman (at left) has brought a ten-year effort to a satisfying conclusion. Kitterman has worked as an editor for many years, and has watched as a number of his friends enjoy publication of their work.

“This is my first book. This is better,” he says with understandable satisfaction. He says that words like “dream book” and “inspiration” don’t work for him. “I just work hard at my writing.”

Set in Central America and in Middle Tennessee, The Baker’s Boy gives us two intertwined stories: In the first, Tanner Johnson, nearing midlife, has left his pregnant wife and taken a job as a baker, working nights, trying to avoid a shadowy presence that haunts him from the past. In the second, Tanner relives his painful experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Belize, where he taught at a boys’ reform school nearly a quarter century ago. Haunted by the past, he struggles to find the courage to accept his role as a husband and prospective father.

Years ago, Kitterman worked as a Peace Corps volunteer and teacher in Belize in Central America. He has also taught in China and Taiwan. «Read the rest of this article»

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Live from the Met HD continues in January with two productions screening in Nashville

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 29, 2007 |

On the heels of a stunning production of Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, HD Live from the Met will launch the New Year with an international high definition broadcast of Englebert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel on January 1, 2008. The curtain rises promptly at noon in two Nashville Regal Theaters: Green Hills and Opry Mills.

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Holiday decorating on a budget

By Michael Covington | December 14, 2007 |

I hope this article finds you ready for the holidays. If you’re like myself, between the presents, the dinners, the family, the friends, and the endless to do lists you don’t have lots money for decorating for the holidays. If you’ve got a little free time and some creativity you can have a very memorable season.

First, let’s talk about the all-important meal table. You’re probably planning on having some friends and family at a table together for the holidays, so why not give them something good to look at besides your cooking. For this project, a little bit can go a long way. First, consider a tablecloth. Nothing dresses up a dull table like a tablecloth. Even a cheap one from Wal-Mart can help spruce the kitchen up. And, don’t even think about forgetting the centerpiece. What else will guests have to talk about when the awkward silences and family feuds set in? This is where some creativity comes in play.

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Trees of Christmas shown at Smith-Trahern

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 13, 2007 |

The Trees of Christmas 2007, now on display at the Smith-Trahern Mansion, takes a look at Christmas “through the eyes of a child” and the medium of nursery rhymes.

Topping the displays is the mansion’s fireplace, decorated on the theme of a Teddy Bear picnic. The elegant oversized fireplace with its high mantle and ceiling tall mirror is festooned with a mix of garland and teddy bears (and picnic baskets) in all shapes and sizes. It’s a bit of whimsy, a bit of magic and a world of imagination at play. The result simply delights everyone who enters that festive burgundy room. One look, and you can’t help but smile. The fireplace was designed by American Flowergift Florist. «Read the rest of this article»

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DAC artists showcased in annual exhibit

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 6, 2007 |

The annual DAC Membership Art Show opens tonight with a gallery reception from 5-7 p.m., featuring music by Red River Breeze. The exhibit showcases the work of sixteen artists.

In addition, downtown shops will remain open through 8 p.m.,  and will showcase the work of an additional six artists.

Participating businesses include Posh,  HodgePodge, Front Page Deli, Rogate’s Boutique, and Yesterday’s Antiques (both shops).

The Roxy Theater will host a wine tasting, with a virtual walk through of the proposed Center for the Arts, followed by a performance of The Chimes.

The DAC Membership Show will run through December.

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The Chimes: The Roxy’s gift to Clarksville

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 5, 2007 |

Chimes, often referred to as Charles Dicken’s “other Christmas Carol,” is an elaborate and intricately staged holiday production told through a mix of narrative and dialogue. The play runs through December 22 at the Roxy Regional Theatre in downtown Clarksville.

This adaptation, written and directed by the Roxy’s own John McDonald, also features McDonald in a supporting role as Browley, Lord and ostentacious husband to Lady Browley (Nikki Ferry who has a dual role in this show), both representing a piece of the aristocracy. They are only equaled in this theatrical rendition of the upper crust by the Alderman (Luke Eddy), whose disdainful arrogance for the poor and “unworthy” make one want to jump up from the audience.

Fern and Veck admire Baby Lillian

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Halloween and “Fight or Flight” response

By Debbie Boen | November 6, 2007 |

Trick-or-treating at my friend Heidi’s house featured tall husband Lonnie dressed as the grim reaper, standing by the grave display in their yard. He stood perfectly still until someone approached and then with a slowly sweeping hand he pointed the way to the candy bowl. People down the block were eyeing him, and worried about him, long before they got to the house.

“Is it real?” “I don’t think so.”

Some trick-or-treaters just plain avoided the house. One boy decided to hit the grim reaper, and hit and hit and hit him. The mother was ashamed, but as Heidi remarked to me, it is interesting to see what reactions kids have to being scared.

Fight or flight: that’s how we react. Some run, some hit. Freezing, playing possum is a form of flight.

This fight-or-flight response, also called hyperarousal or acute stress response, was first described by Walter Cannon in 1915. His theory states that animals react to threats “with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system, priming the animal for fighting or fleeing.” [Wikipedia, Fight or Flight]

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Frolic on Franklin draws crowds downtown for a day of arts

By Debbie Boen | September 22, 2007 |

White tents lined Franklin Street as artists gathered to exhibit their individual crafts in the annual “Frolic on Franklin,” held Saturday in downtown Clarksville, sponsored by Downtown Clarksville Association, F&M and Planter’s Banks.

It was an open air gallery, with work by jewelry designers, visual and graphic artists, wood carvings, pottery, and plenty of food and entertainment, a day of festivities and a celebration of local artists and craftspeople. Children’s activities included the perennial favorite, face painting.

Exhibitors included Mitzi Cross (art, above left), with a striking geometric study in black and white, and Brandi Taylor (photo, below), with this vibrant floral study.

Despite the steamy weather and high humidity, and a downtown temperature reading of 99 degrees, people turned out for this event, walking the length of Franklin Street and back, browsing the booths, buying and investing in these arts. «Read the rest of this article»

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