Clayton State History Professor Authoring History of Clayton County

Clayton State University Associate Professor of History Dr. Kathryn W. Kemp is hard at work on another book project.

The author of "God's Capitalist, Asa Candler of Coca-Cola," the highly-acclaimed biography of the Coca-Cola founder, Kemp is currently writing a history of Clayton County that will be published this summer as a coffee table book by Historic Jonesboro/Clayton County as “Historic Clayton County: The Sesquicentennial History.”

It’s a project that Kemp, herself a Clayton County resident, describes as “interesting,” in part because of the source materials she has been using, and in part because of the much different Clayton County they show.

“Just lately, I have been working in a scrapbook of Clayton County that was made about 1950 or ‘51; it has photos of two-thirds of Jonesboro's three-man police force, and their one and only patrol car, plus a view of Jodeco Road as a country lane paved in gravel,” she says. Also included in the scrapbook are such forgotten Clayton County enterprises as a Shetland pony farm. Of course, Clayton County also once had a flourishing dairy farm in the Morrow/Lake City area… it’s now the site of Clayton State University.

“Writing is part of the work of a university professor, but I am also a Clayton County resident, so this project for the Historic Jonesboro/Clayton County organization gives me the opportunity to make a contribution to the community where I live,” she adds.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Top Experts and 500,000 Youngsters Produce Unique Book to Help American Teens

“I’ve Got This Friend Who…” (Hazelden, $14.95) is a unique new interactive book by the experts at the 125-year-old national children’s crisis charity KidsPeace, designed to help teens handle difficult and high-risk situations, whether experienced personally, by their friends, or with family members. Packed with personal stories, facts, and self-tests, “I’ve Got This Friend Who…” helps teens learn how to recognize when trouble arises, how to take care of themselves when feeling overwhelmed, and where to find help.

The first of a series, “I’ve Got This Friend Who…” took 125 years to write and is the work of 500,000 people. The book is the result of more than a century of work by KidsPeace, its 3,000 doctors and childcare professionals, renowned authorities from Harvard Medical School and Brown University, popular TV actor Chris Beckman, who contributes a foreword reflecting his own experiences, and – most importantly –half a million of the best experts on the biggest problems kids face growing up today: America’s teens themselves.

Together, they have created a unique “how-to” manual to help teens and their friends avoid the dangers of alcohol, smoking, drugs, eating disorders, self-injury, and risky behaviors associated with the perilous adolescent years. Written in the voice of six young characters with whom today’s teens can easily identify, “I’ve Got This Friend Who…” was designed to help young people at exactly the point in their lives when they are least likely to turn to adults for help.
Based on 500,000 Teens’ Experiences on TeenCentral.Net

The topics, information, and coping strategies are based on both institutional expert knowledge and the first-hand accounts of half a million actual teens acquired not only throughout KidsPeace’s everyday hands-on experience with thousands of kids, but more importantly, via our innovative, problem-solving online resource, designed to help young people work out stresses and problems before they become overwhelming. This resource – TeenCentral.Net – was created in 1998 by KidsPeace, Harvard’s famed child expert Dr. Alvin Poussaint, and Brown University Child Study Center founder Dr. Lewis P. Lipsitt. Providing safe, anonymous, free 24/7 help and advice, TeenCentral.Net receives more than two million hits a month from teens in all 50 states, military bases around the world, and 100 foreign countries. Guiding kids through a process of problem identification, information sharing, and crisis resolution techniques, the site is an ever-expanding database of real stories, revealing what’s really happening with our kids, what they’re feeling, what the critical trends and hot-button issues are, and what they’re doing about them. The book’s chapter topics are based on an in-depth analysis of the most pressing topics from that database of 500,000 stories. Accompanied by sensible, easy-to-use information from childcare specialists, this is essentially a book for America’s teens by America’s teens, with help from top experts.

“ There has never been a better time for a new prevention tool that teens are actually likely to use,” says KidsPeace Bowdon Executive Director Scott Merritt. “Today’s youngsters face pressures and dangers that would have been unimaginable to most of us just a generation ago – from dangerous new drugs, to the ever-growing obsession with perfection, to dangers around every corner that undermine their peace of mind and sound judgment every day. Since youngsters’ friends generally only know as much as they do, this can often lead to situations that could have been avoided if only they – or a friend – had a little more information or a actual technique or two to help them handle things better.”

“I’ve Got This Friend Who…” took 125 years to write. The hope is it will now make its way into the hands of young people, proving to be a bulwark against danger, ignorance, and uncertainty – and perhaps a new roadmap that, in a turbulent world, will help give kids peace.

Delta and Gen Art Toast Second Annual Delta’s Fly-In Movies Short Film Contest Winner

Actress Cheryl Hines Hosts Celebratory Party at SKY360 by Delta – Park City for Vancouver Filmmaker, Robert Kirbyson, during 2008 Sundance Film Festival; Kirbyson receives cash prize and round-trip tickets from Delta

PARK CITY, Utah, Jan. 24, 2007 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) toasted the winner of its second annual national short film competition, Delta’s Fly-In Movies, at a celebratory party hosted Wednesday night by Cheryl Hines at SKY360° by Delta - Park City during the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Vancouver filmmaker Robert Kirbyson was awarded the top prize for his film “Ctrl Z.” In addition to the trip to Sundance, Kirbyson receives a $10,000 cash award and a pair of round-trip tickets valid anywhere Delta flies worldwide.

“Ctrl Z” stars Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) as Stuart Barnes, an office loner with a lifetime full of regrets who has a change of luck when a computer malfunction offers him the chance to magically undo his life’s mistakes. He takes full advantage, but how far is too far?

Delta, the Official Airline of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, partnered with Gen Art – one of the leading arts and entertainment organizations dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashion, visual arts and music – to host the contest which offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to showcase their short films both on the airline’s web site at delta.com and on Delta on Demand, the airline’s industry-leading in-flight entertainment system. All five finalists received a trip to Park City, Utah, the site of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, to attend the celebratory party - courtesy of Delta. The winning film was chosen from five films through audience balloting at delta.com and on Delta on Demand from Dec. 3, 2007 - Jan. 15, 2008.

“Delta is proud to recognize new filmmaking talent and celebrate independent film as a returning sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival," said Tim Mapes, vice president of Marketing for Delta. "We congratulate Robert Kirbyson, as well as the other talented finalists who have all produced truly inventive and entertaining short films.”

"I am honored and very excited to win this award, and am grateful to Delta and GenArt for this opportunity and recognition,” said Kirbyson. “I guess this means I'm now emerging."

This year, nearly 150,000 passengers viewed the five finalist films in-flight on Delta on Demand, with an additional 200,000 viewings taking place at delta.com.
The four other finalist films included:

Slow” by Kurt Kuenne: a depiction of a traffic safety worker who is accidentally caught in the background of a newspaper photo drastically changing his life forever.
“Tales of a Mere Existence: Conversation” by Levni Yilmaz: how a simple trip to the video store can bring up everything that’s wrong with your relationship.

“T’is the Season” by Bob Giovanelli: when a little girl goes to see Santa Claus, she is disappointed to find he is on a break. Fortunately for her, she stumbles on a somewhat unorthodox replacement.

“Morning Fall” by Edward McGinty: a mysterious man wakes up on the side of the road, injured and confused; Who is he? Where does he come from? And where will he end up when he can’t find his way home?

Delta’s first Fly-In Movies winner, Phillip Van, who was awarded the win by delta.com and Delta on Demand viewers in 2007, for his film “High Maintenance”, was honored on June 9, 2007 with a silver medal in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 34th Annual Student Academy Awards® competition.

Throughout the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, SKY360 by Delta - Park City, an experiential lodge showcasing Delta’s products and service offerings, played host to exclusive premiere parties and events, and opened its doors to the public. The lodge also served as the site for the WireImage Portrait Studio, where filmmakers, casts and industry executives posed for their official Festival portraits.

“SKY360 - Park City provided us with an ideal opportunity to host high profile Sundance Film Festival events, as well as welcome Festival guests to experience firsthand Delta’s new and distinctive products,” added Mapes.

SKY360 by Delta - Park City guests relaxed in Delta’s comfy, all-leather airline seats while sampling Delta on Demand which features a wide selection of movies, HBO, music and video games – all available on demand. Delta’s new full-flat bed seating in personal sleeper suite configuration was also available for guests to enjoy. The suites recline to multiple comfortable positions, including a completely flat surface that offers travelers a six-foot three-inch bed. In addition, SKY360 - Park City guests enjoyed selections from Midnight Sky – a signature cocktail program created exclusively for Delta by nightlife proprietor Rande Gerber – and food selections designed by Delta’s culinary partners, chefs Michelle Bernstein and Todd English.

Gen Art is one of the leading arts and entertainment organizations dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashion, visual arts and music. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco, Gen Art has succeeded in launching the careers of many young filmmakers, fashion designers, visual artists and musicians, providing them with high-profile events that welcome industry and new audiences alike. Gen Art was founded in 1993 by Ian and Stefan Gerard. The organization has quickly become a leader in championing the talent of a new generation.

Gen Art's film program includes over 60 events each year including the Gen Art Film Festival which will be celebrating its 13th year in 2008, its national film screening program which includes over 40 film screenings across the country each year, its "Cinema Circle" program as well as various customized film programs like "Shorts by the Beach" and 2nd Annual Gen Art Chicago Film Festival (June 2008) that occur throughout the year.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 321 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 36 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers more than 500 weekly flights to 63 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on nearly 15,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 485 worldwide destinations in 106 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Book Review: Interred With Their Bones

Interred With Their Bones by Jenifer Lee Carrell

If you are looking for a light read, this is not the book you will want to grab! Reading Interred With Their Bones takes dedication, and a strong love of all things Shakespeare would definitely help.

Set in modern days, Interred is a mystery chocked full of murder and intrigue. You'll walk back in time on occasion but in my estimation not quite enough to help in understanding current day references made by the characters. It was almost jarring to touch back for a brief bit.

It comes complete with the expected love story, but it might keep you guessing as to who the true love interests are. True to Shakespeare, it is a study in human nature and our chameleon qualities.

I'll confess up front that while I've read my share of Shakespeare and enjoy watching a play on occasion, I only have a surface knowledge of his works and the time he lived.

About half way through the book I almost put it down. It is well written, extremely well written, but if you are not versed in Shakespearean theater it's easy to get lost. If I had to put the book down for a day I found myself having to go back and pick up threads and do a who's who refresher, something I typically don't have to do when reading.

I like twists and turns and books that make me think, but this book made me work.

I found it difficult to connect with the characters, quite possibly a symptom of the world they lived in. I liked the surprises that popped up and it is a well-thought out plot.

Around the time I decided I was going to give up about half-way through I took a look at the back jacket to read a bit about the author. Jennifer Lee Carrell holds a PhD in English and American literature from Harvard, she taught history and literature, and directed Shakespeare for Harvard's Hyperion Theatre Company.

Reading her pedigree helped me to understand why I was getting a bit lost, but it also challenged me to continue reading!

I firmly believe that any Shakespeare lover would also love this book. Anyone well grounded in four-hundred year old history would enjoy the book much more than yours truly!

I'll close with another confession: As I wrote this short review I couldn't help but think that Ms. Carrell would tear my grammar to pieces!

FCFT's Junior Broadway Musical Theatre Workshop "The Music of Disney"

Tuesday Evenings~ January 8, 15, 29 and Friday Evenings February 8, 15, 22 and 295:30 to 7:30 p.m. each evening; Broadway Review Performances on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Performances FREE TO PUBLIC)

Ages: 7 to 12 years Fee: $180.00 or $90.00 deposit and $90 worth of ads for our program.~ Deposit of $90.00 due by January 2, 2008) An exciting Musical Theatre Workshop for the young performer. Workshop will work towards the production of a Broadway Review of musical numbers from past FCFT Disney productions. Fully staged numbers will be presented from Disney's 101 Dalmatians, Disney's Aladdin, Disney's Jungle Book, Disney's Sleeping Beauty and Disney's Aristocats. Each participant will have the opportunity to audition for solos and speaking parts with all who register being assured of participation in the final Broadway Review. This class will explore the many areas of Musical Theatre through singing, dancing and acting. Class is limited to 20 participants, so register early to secure your space in this fun and musical theatrical workshop. Broadway Review will be FREE to the public.

*To register for the last few spaces in this shop either call 770-599-0051 or e-mail fcftdirector1@aol.com

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR RETURNS TO ATLANTA WITH DEBUT ENGAGEMENT AT COBB ENERGY CENTRE

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece by legendary writing team Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, debuts at the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on March 4 – 9, 2008 for eight performances only, as a season special for Fidelity Investments Broadway Across America – Atlanta. The first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed on the professional stage, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre. Featuring such notable songs as Superstar, Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How to Love Him, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR earned five TONY nominations.

Tickets for the Atlanta engagement go on sale to the public Sunday, January 6. They cost $20.00 – $53.00 and can be purchased through authorized ticket sellers at the Cobb Energy Centre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by phone at 404-817-8700. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

The performance schedule for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is:

Tuesday, March 4 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 6 8 p.m.
Friday, March 7 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 8 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 9 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Set in two acts, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tells the story of the final seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. SUPERSTAR dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Perpetually changing the face of musical theatre, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will leave audiences captivated by its power.

As relevant and timeless as ever, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera vision of “the greatest story ever told,” is perhaps more potent in today’s troubled world than when it was first produced. Now, for the new millennium, this magnificent story comes once again vividly to the stage with Ted Neeley recreating his unforgettable performance.

Internationally beloved star Ted Neeley, best known for his Golden Globe nominated role as Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of SUPERSTAR, will be headlining this tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. While Ted has enjoyed a distinguished career in resident theatres throughout America, appearing in a wide variety of productions from Hair to the works of Samuel Beckett he is world renowned for the title role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Creating a fan base that borders on a cult-like phenomenon, this production heralds the long awaited triumphant return of Ted Neeley in the title role of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

Featured in the role of Judas will be Corey Glover, best known as the lead singer of the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling rock band, Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”). Glover has also issued albums as a solo artist and acted in television and movies including Oliver Stone’s Platoon. Glover reunited with his Living Colour band mates for a 2001 tour. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR marks Corey’s theatrical debut.

Director Dallett Norris (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Can-Can, South Pacific) says, "What could be better than having Ted Neeley, so grand in the film, on board as we delve into Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s brilliant musical telling of this timeless story. Their idea of setting this tale in terms that immediately resonate with today's audiences is revolutionary. Here we are, twenty-one centuries later, and it is oh, so clear: we need the message of this story now more than ever."

Already seen and loved by thousands, don’t miss the opportunity to introduce a new generation to this exhilarating and significant piece of musical theatre, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the original rock opera.

The Atlanta engagement of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented by arrangement with Broadway Across America-Atlanta. Broadway Across America-Atlanta proudly presents Broadway productions in Atlanta as a member of Broadway Across America. Broadway Across America-Atlanta thanks its sponsors for their continued support of the Series: The Georgian Terrace, as the Official Hotel, Sprint PCS as the Official Wireless Provider, Fidelity Investments and Publix.

Broadway Across America presents first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events throughout a network of over 40 North American cities. A leader in subscription series programs and group ticketing, Broadway Across America is dedicated to creating memorable and accessible experiences for all guests, selling over 5 million tickets to over 3,000 performances each year. As a producer, current and recent Broadway productions include: Hairspray, Chicago, Monty Python’s Spamalot and The Producers. It also manages, operates or consults in the operation of 13 theatres across North America. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

FCHS Select Chorus presents, “An Evening of Bluegrass”

Please join the Fayette County High School’s Select Chorus for the 9th annual Bluegrass Blast and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the F.A. Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville, GA. The concert will be featuring three of the top bluegrass bands: Southern Heart, The Suggins Brothers, and Drivetrain, with special guests Curtis and Holly Jones.

The Bluegrass Blast is scheduled to start at 7PM and the cost of admission is $8.00, children 6 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds will benefit the FCHS Select Chorus on their concert tour to Europe in April 2008.

Southern Heart has a deep dedication to bluegrass that can be heard in every note they play honoring the traditional sound, while taking a giant step in a style and direction all their own. Southern Heart has toured extensively through-out the Southeast, performing at local and regional festivals and events for the past four years. Their albums are receiving air play on local and regional radio stations.

The Suggins Brothers Bluegrass Band was founded and formed as an intentional accident. The initial intent was two individuals who loved to play and sing wide open, hard driving bluegrass music and relished in the opportunity to do so just for the fun of it. In 1985 the band took to the stage for the first time at Hamby Mountain Music Park in Baldwin, Georgia. The show was high energy to the max and the band received a double encore for their first show effort. They have had the pleasure of sharing the bill with many of Bluegrass Music's top national acts including The Country Gentleman, Doyle Lawson, Jim & Jesse, and Ralph Stanley. One of the greatest compliments ever paid The Suggins Brothers came from the late Chubby Wise at a South Georgia Bluegrass Festival. The band was warming up for a show when the legend stopped by to listen and replied, "Now boys, that's how Bluegrass Music is supposed to sound.”

Drive Train’s lead musician is Randy Smith. Randy has been a string musician for over twenty years. He plays guitar, mandolin and bass but is most known for his fiddle playing. He has performed in twelve countries around the world with bands or ensembles of various musical styles. He has toured or recorded with many national artists and some of the top musicians in the industry. He joined the band Trotline, a very popular band in the southeast college circuit. Out of his connection with Trotline and their agent Music Garden he has formed his newest project Haywire. Haywire is an up and coming act on the college circuit as well. Randy has two companies, Sound Shack Studio and Corporate and Leisure Entertainment Productions. He is working as a Producer and Studio Musician in Atlanta and Nashville. He is currently recording a new original project with Haywire to be released soon.

Under the direction of Richard Prouty, and Becky Mayo, assistant director, Select Chorus will be embarking on a 10 day concert tour to Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic April 2-12, 2008. Founded in 1978, this audition group of juniors and seniors has a stellar reputation. A versatile group, the chorus regularly performs both formal choral literature and show tunes. They have performed around the world receiving accolades both nationally and internationally. Select Chorus consistently receives superior ratings at the Georgia Music Educators Association district performance evaluations for performance and sight-reading.

Select Chorus has been recognized as an outstanding ensemble with many invitations to perform at special events. In addition to their regular performance schedule, the chorus has also performed for the 1998 Feast of Carol; 1985,1993,1999, 2002 GMEA conference; the 1988 Democratic Convention ; the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Coca-Cola in 1996; the American Choral Directors Conference; the “Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree” on several occasions and the 2006 Fayette Festival of Carols. Performances outside the state have included a variety of domestic and international appearances. The Chorus has performed biennial concerts at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New Your for twenty five years as well as touring Washington DC, Nashville, Walt Disney World, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Nassau, Bahamas. Select Chorus toured England and France in 2000, Germany Austria and Hungry in 2002, Ireland in 2004 and Italy in 2006.

For further information, please contact Jack Masters, jackmasters@mindspring.com

More from the High Museum of Art, Atlanta

ART IN THE CITY: Thursday Nights at the High
Thursday, January 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
On January 31 enjoy Swing Dancing! A guided tour of Permanent Collection highlights is offered at 6:30 p.m. The Museum offers extended hours every Thursday until 8 p.m. including events such as guided tours, lectures, gallery talks, music, wine-tastings, book-signings, and more. This is a great way to see special exhibitions and avoid the weekend crowds. Free with Museum admission and free to members

LOUVRE LECTURE: Color in Greek and Roman Ancient Bronzes
Saturday, February 2, 2 p.m. Hill Auditorium
When looking at antique bronzes today, it's easy to forget that natural or modern patinas have changed the original colors intended by the artists who created them. Join Louvre Curator Sophie Descamps-Lequime as she explores how what we see today differs from ancient taste.
Tickets available for purchase through the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at 404-733-5000 (service fees apply). $5 members; $7 non-members. Museum admission sold separately.

FILM SERIES: Films from the Arab World Opens February 2
Saturday, February 2
In February the High presents five films representing the Middle East as part of “Films from the Arab World” from February 2 through 23. The films explore difficult relationships and changing social mores in the 21st century, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and post-9/11 attitudes in America. The festival opens on February 2 with “Zozo,” a film which vividly captures the sense of displacement, fear, and discovery experienced by its young hero, whose childhood is tragically interrupted by unforseeable events.

“Zozo,” Saturday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m.
In Arabic and Swedish with subtitles

All films are screened at 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in the Richard H. Rich Theatre, located in the Memorial Arts Building, adjacent to the High at Peachtree and 15th Streets in midtown Atlanta. For in-depth film series descriptions, click here or call the films hotline at 404-733-4570.
Films from the Arab World is made possible with support from the Alif Institute and the Swedish Film Institute. 35mm projection facilities in the Rich Auditorium were provided by a gift from George Lefont. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Tickets: $5 for the public and $4 for Museum members, students and seniors. Patron-level members enter free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by going online at www.High.org, visiting the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, or by calling 404-733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the night of the screening. Phone and internet orders will incur a service fee of $1.00 per ticket.

Fulton County Free Saturday
Saturday, February 2
On the first Saturday of every month, the High Museum of Art welcomes Fulton County residents to the Museum for free. Fulton County residents who show proof of residency may view our current exhibitions as well as the Permanent Collection. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council.

SAVE THE DATE: Openings February 9
“Georgia O'Keeffe and the Women of the Stieglitz Circle” and
“TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art”
For more information, click here

SAVE THE DATE: College Night ARTBreak 2008: A Passport Around the World
Saturday, February 9, 7 p.m. to 12 midnight; For more information, click here

REGULAR FAMILY PROGRAMMING:

TODDLER THURSDAYS
Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Greene Family Education Center
Experience this popular pre-school art education program! Parents and their children ages 2 to 4 are encouraged to look at works of art within the Museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collections as well as to create a masterpiece to take home. Drop by any time and stay as long as you like. A treat for parents and toddlers! Sponsored by Carters/ OshKosh.

January 31, Ancient Gold Amulets
Create a gold amulet inspired by jewelry from the ancient kingdom of Ugarit featured in “The Louvre and the Ancient World” exhibition. Use buttons and other shapes to stamp various designs on your pendant to wear and take home.

No registration required. Free with Museum admission.

WEEKEND STUDIO
Saturdays and Sundays; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Greene Family Education Center
With activities ranging from three-dimensional sculptures to figural collages, your family is sure to have an enriching hands-on art making experience! Weekend Studio is offered each Saturday and Sunday.

January 26 – 27, Yoruba Raffia and Beaded Masks
After exploring “Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art,” create raffia and beaded paper masks inspired by Yoruba masks.

February 2 – 3, Greek Vases
After looking at the beautiful Greek vases from the “Louvre Atlanta” special exhibition, cut out your own vase from heavy paper, and like the ancient Greeks, use orange and black colors. Etch into the colored crayon surface to create the artwork on your vase.

No registration required. Free with museum admission.

Twilight Presents "Broadway's Leading Ladies" This Weekend

The Twilight Theatre will be presenting its workshop production of "Broadway's Leading Ladies" this weekend. This workshop, Twilight's second this year, features eight talented young ladies, who will be performing as some of Broadway's most famous leading ladies.

April Coyne is Lucy from "Jekyll and Hyde", Kimberly Leoffler is Maria from "The Sound of Music", Nicole Nipper is Marian from "The Music Man", Anna Kate Spears is Sarah from "Guys and Dolls", Maggie Spears is Adelaide from "Guys and Dolls", Nora Wilfong is Laurey from "Oklahoma!", Kirstie Wilkinson is Christine from "Phantom of the Opera", and Tarna Zander-Velloso is Eliza from "My Fair Lady".

Twilight's Artistic Director Alison Chambers states, "Rehearsals for Leading Ladies started over the holidays. Each of the performers had four voice lessons included with the workshop. Some of the ladies have had vocal training before, some not. Some are veterans to the stage, and for some this will be their stage debut, but one thing they all share is a love of music and theatre. Their strong work ethic, talent, and dedication have really impressed me, and what they have been able to accomplish in so short a period of time is incredible. I'm so proud of them! They are truly some of Twilight's rising stars."

Performances will be Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 19 at 7:30 at the Fayette YMCA Blackbox Theatre. All tickets are $5. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by e-mailing Tickets@TheTwilightTheatre.com.

Come hear some of your favorite Broadway songs from some of Broadway's most beloved shows. "This promises to be a very entertaining stroll down memory lane for Broadway-lovers," Chambers adds.

Fayette-Based Theatre Company Shifts Focus to Touring and Special Events

Offshoot Productions, the Southside’s longest-running professional theatre, is now concentrating solely on touring and special events. The company has two shows available this winter for fundraising, corporate functions, parties and other occasions: Rehearsal for Murder, an interactive murder mystery, and Fairy Tales for Grownups, performed by its improvisation arm, the Gallery Players. In addition, the Players can tailor a performance to the needs of any group. Tales from Near and Far, a children’s participation play, will hit the road in the spring and summer, visiting schools, libraries, day care centers, camps and other venues.

“This means that we will no longer be running a show for three weeks in one location,” explained producing artistic director Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D. “It’s been a challenging fourteen years without our own theatre facility. However, our touring has been very successful, so we decided to focus our efforts in that direction.”

Because the company’s needs for set and costumes is greatly reduced, it will be selling much of the contents of its Peachtree City warehouse. Interested parties should call the Offshoot office for details.

In the meantime, Offshoot’s Gallery Players will appear at the Fayette Art Center and Gallery on Friday, February 1, for an improv-and-dessert theatre beginning at 7 p.m. The performance is a fundraiser for both nonprofit organizations.

Those interested in booking the troupe should contact Offshoot at (770) 631-2362 or offshootpr@aol.com.