Previews

Photographs by Tim Schoon and Larry Mendenhall
Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny
The Ankeny Art Center is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibit by Tim Schoon and Larry Mendenhall. This exhibit features photographs taken all over Iowa. Some of the content includes floral photos, landscapes, farm scenes, as well as many others.

Scene in Iowa opens January 15th and runs through March 7 in the Ankeny Art Center’s side gallery. An opening reception will be held Thursday, January 15, from 5-7 pm. Refreshments will be provided. All exhibits and receptions at the Ankeny Art Center are FREE and open to the public.

Tim Schoon is a photographer for the University Relations Department at the University of Iowa and Larry Mendenhall is a fine art photographer from Altoona, IA.

Tim states of his work:

“I've spent most of my photo career taking pictures for other people, so I consider photography in my free time to be a lesson in experimentation and imagination for myself. I have gravitated toward nature themes and other patterns, intently examining angles and curves, light and shadow, vivid color and stark contrast. Most recently, I have spent hours in my flower garden, studying flowers and all their intricacies. I could get lost in the layers of these buds and blooms; the rose, for example, may be "traditional," but each new blossom offers its own unique vision of nature in all its glory.”

The Ankeny Art Center is located in a city park at SW Third and State Front Road. Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 9 am to 1 pm, Thursday 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm and Saturday 9 am to noon. The Center is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information about the Ankeny Art Center, please visit www.ankenyartcenter.com.


Civic Music’s 85th Anniversary Season
Sheslow Auditorium, Des Moines
Civic Music Association is proud to announce the 2009/10 Season of world-class musical experiences. Their 85th Season promises to continue a legacy of eclectic programming that offers something for everyone. All performances will be held on the intimate and acoustically vibrant Jordan Stage, Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University.

In addition to their concert series, Civic Music Association is committed to enriching the community through FREE Partners in Music Education programs. Each artist will conduct free educational events in the community inviting students and the general public to learn from some of the greatest international touring musicians of all time.

Kicking off the season on Friday, September 18, 2009 (7:30 pm), will be famed violinist and composer Mark O'Connor with his Appalachia Waltz Trio.

• Friday, October 9, 2009 (7:30 pm) will feature JazzTimes Male Vocalist of the Year, Kurt Elling.
• The world-famous Vienna Boys Choir will join us on Friday, November 13, 2009 (7:30 pm).

• The Russell Malone Quartet will start the New Year with a concert on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

• Friday, February 26, 2010 (7:30 pm) will feature and evening of marvelous chamber music with The Poulenc Trio.

• Wrapping up their anniversary season on Saturday, April 17, 2010 will be jazz vocal great Jackie Ryan.

Civic Music Association Season Subscriptions and Memberships are available through the Civic Music Association Office, 1620 Pleasant Street, Suite 244 in Sherman Hills, by calling 515-280-4020 or at www.civicmusic.org. In honor of Civic Music Association's 85th Anniversary, special prices are available including an Opus 1 (first time) Subscriber Package. Single tickets will go on sale August 2009.

For more information about Civic Music Association, please call 515-280-4020 or visit at www.civicmusic.org.

Blind Critic

Hudson River Gallery and Frame Company

Gary Kelley
The Nine Muses: Oil paintings and monotypes
Opening Reception January 23, 2009 • Hudson River Gallery and Frame Company
538 S. Gilbert St. • Iowa City, IA 52240 • www.hudsonrivergallery.com

Gallery Statement: Hudson River Gallery continuously hosts art exhibits from September through July as well as maintaining a large ongoing selection of art. The exhibits represent the best of local and regional artistic talent. Custom framing is an integral part of Hudson River. At Hudson River, commitment extends beyond selecting a frame and putting a mat on your artwork.

The Show: The choice of subject matter was intriguing: as Kelley says in his artist’s statement, the nine muses have been a turn-on for artists since they were born centuries ago. Also serving as inspiration for this series of paintings — classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, Picasso, and Matisse. It makes for a potent mixture. The works, done in the typically muted tones Kelley favors, comment not only on the mythology, but interpret how a muse might appear in recent times. Most notable of these pieces: Polyhymnia (muse of sacred hymn and eloquonce) and Melpomene (songstress and muse of tragedy), which bring to mind passionate gospel and blues singers. The monotypes carried through on the theme of muses, depicting not only various artists of various disciplines (visual art, music, photography, poetry), but those who were “muses” themselves (Dora Maar, known as a muse to Picasso, and the Duchess of Alba, muse to Spanish artist Francisco Goya). Seeming out of place was a monotype titled The Green Fairy, a.k.a. absinthe — upon further reflection, however, many artists, such as VanGogh were “inspired” by this liquor.

The Welcome: Both the gallery staff and the artist himself greeted patrons warmly on this cold Iowa winter’s night.

The accessibility: This small but well-respected gallery can sure pack them in. At the height of the opening, there were 40-50 people there. Despite the crowded conditions, the patrons were polite, allowing those who wanted to get in close to the art the chance to do so.

The Ambience: It was a big and lively crowd, full of people who appreciate this popular artist’s work. Live music by members of the Salsa Band added a nice touch.

The Nosh: First class.

The Sale: The muse paintings were priced at $1200-$3400 — not at all out of line for work by this highly-sought after artist and illustrator. The monotypes were priced at $400 each, well within reach for the beginning collector. And yes, the John Lennon and Yoko Ono monotypes were sold to the same collector. It would have been a shame to split them up.

The Final Thought:
This is the type of exhibit we like to see at Hudson River — paintings by a working professional Iowa artist, rather than that of a fresh-from-art-school beginner.

Sia — Some People Have Real Problems
4 Stars
Austrailia’s Sia is best known for her work with Zero 7, and “Breathe Me,” a song featured in HBO’s Six Feet Under. Her voice ranges from a soft whisper caressing your ear to an emotional warble, then on to something dark and deep, as if she’s exposing a well-kept secret. She can go from light and sweet to a Janis Joplin-like growl within one song. She sings of recovering from emotional hurt (“Death by Chocolate”), escaping a bad relationship (“Little Black Sandals”), and finding ‘the one’ (“Day Too Soon”). This CD will pull you in with just one listen, and have you addicted the second time around.

Benjamin Taylor — The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1
4 Stars
This is Ben Taylor’s fourth full-length CD, and it might be hands-down the most delightful CD I’ve heard all year. You can hear his father, James Taylor, clearly in his wonderfully rich voice, but that’s where the comparison ends. This is so much more than a collection of folk songs — these tunes have an edge. As Ben himself puts it: “Folk with a kick.” There’s a touch of Ray LaMontagne, some Michael Franks, and just enough funk to put a smile on your face as your find yourself doing the head-bob thing. I hope this one does not slip through the cracks!

The Weepies — Hideaway
4 Stars
If Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks had never joined Fleetwood Mac… hmmm...; I imagine it could have been what The Weepies are today. The husband and wife team of Deb Talen and Steve Tannen have voices that intertwine beautifully, giving the simplest of tunes a brightness that’s hard to resist. Songs with Deb’s lead vocals are a bit like Ingrid Michaelson, while Steve reminds me of Glen Phillips. Together…. Mamas & Papas? Well, no — Cass Ellliot’s voice is one of a kind, but that Southern California dreamin’ feel is there. Totally enjoyable.

Reviews by Deeya
KPTL, Capital 106.3
www.capital1063.com