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Go Memphis: Art
Go Memphis Stories: Arts
  • Stage Review: Wallace keeps dreams alive in stirring one-man show
    "I'm verbal," says Phil Darius Wallace, and there is no better description of the Memphis actor whose abilities — his elegant baritone, commanding delivery and knack for robust oratory — have helped bring history to life on local stages. Wallace's autobiographical solo show, "Hold Fast," is playing through Sunday at TheatreWorks.

  • Stage Review: 'Over the Tavern' is comic relief from the 1950s
    Tom Dudzik’s “Over the Tavern” at the Germantown Community Theatre has some good natured fun with the image of the American family in the 1950s. For the Polish-American Pazinski household in Buffalo, the culture of “Father Knows Best,” Ed Sullivan and beehive hairdos runs athwart of Catholic school, teen angst and family tensions. It’s given a comedic treatment, but not without bringing in the touchy topics of abusive parenting and misdirected intentions.

  • Concert Review: MSO's Opus One offers opulent evening of casual fun
    The premiere performance of Opus One was all about firsts. Thursday night offered the first public presentation of the new conductorless series by Memphis Symphony Orchestra musicians. It showcased Beethoven’s First Symphony and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1. And it was the first time I heard Ryan Fleur, the MSO’s president and CEO, say with a bit of wonder, “I don’t have to do anything tonight!"

  • Art Review: Reality rendered in vibrant colors
    While abstract art in its character would not seem to be about "Real Things in the World" -- the title of Joe Fyfe's exhibition at David Lusk Gallery -- the artist reminds us that color and pattern and relationship are as real as oranges and mountains and that there are many ways of imitating nature and the works of human hands. "Real Things in the World" is a small but impeccable exhibition that beautifully balances exuberant color with formal restraint.

  • On Stage: Theater and dance
    "Buffalo Gal": A.R. Gurney's contemporary comedy. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 14. Tickets $23, $15 for students with valid ID. Theatre Memphis (Next Stage), 630 Perkins Ext. Call 682-8323. theatrememphis.org.

  • Stage Review: Better staging might do wonders with 'Miracle Worker'
    Space is vital in William Gibson's action-packed drama about the turning point in the life of Helen Keller. So is atmosphere. And in directing this production like the straightforward period piece staged every summer down at Keller's home in Alabama, Heather Wilson misses the opportunity to establish Circuit Playhouse as a venue of unique perspectives.

  • Stage Review: Ballet Memphis' "AbunDANCE" bursts with expression
    One thing’s certain about Ballet Memphis taking up residence in Playhouse on the Square’s new theater: never before has the dance company come into such detailed view. If watching dance at the Orpheum is like seeing the heavens through a backyard telescope, at Playhouse you’re gazing through the Hubble.

  • Stage Review: 'Buffalo Gal' needs a 'good shaking'
    "Buffalo Gal," by the prolific A.R. Gurney (“Love Letters,” “Sylvia”) is playing on the Theatre Memphis Next Stage. Christina Wellford Scott, an old hand at playing divas such as Maria Callas in “Master Class” and Madame DuBois in “Streetcar,” offers more of the same as Amanda, an unhappy, aging Hollywood actress who returns to her hometown regional theater in Buffalo to star in a new production of “The Cherry Orchard.”

  • 'Alchemy' art exhibit explores the hidden qualities of metal
    Artist Stoughton Outlan became fascinated with dilapidated structures. “Architecture that was falling into ruin. Old barns. You know the drill. Everybody loves them. I always loved the textures of those things and the colors.” That gave him the idea for his body of artwork that plays natural oxides off of each other on metal canvases to create abstract minimalist wall sculptures. Fourteen of his pieces are included in his show, “Alchemy” at On the Street Gallery at 338 South Main.

  • Metal or fabric, it's all texture for blacksmith Mary Catherine Floyd
    Mary Catherine Floyd parlayed her interest in sewing and costume design into a new career as a blacksmith apprentice at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. For her artist residency project, she stitched metal like fabric, breaking a few drill bits along the way. Along with other artists, Floyd's work is on display at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens with the "Metal in Memphis" exhibit.

  • Music Review: IRIS sparkles in program of upsized string quartets
    The IRIS Orchestra routinely has a guest artist to show off, but Saturday night's performance departed from that formula. It featured, rather, a superlative string ensemble of the IRIS musicians performing pieces that all had origins as string quartets but were later upgraded to symphonic size. Leading off the program was Verdi's String Quartet in E minor, scored for orchestra by Arturo Toscanini, a lush and handsome piece that embodied the essence of poetry.

  • IRIS guest list includes superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma
    The upcoming season for the IRIS Orchestra brings back several popular guest artists, notably superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who will perform at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in October. "IRIS has collaborated with a stellar group of guest artists, and Yo-Yo certainly tops that list," says Michael Stern, artistic director and conductor. Ma was the first guest artist in the orchestra's debut concert in September 2000 and also performed the following year.

  • Go Out! Fun events this week
    The contemporary comedy "Buffalo Gal," by A.R. Gurney, centers on a glamorous film and TV star who is starting to lose roles to younger women. Looking to reinvigorate her career, she returns to her hometown, Buffalo, N.Y., to star in a regional theater production. Directed by Jerry Chipman on the Theatre Memphis Next stage, the show stars Christina Wellford Scott.

  • Art Review: MCA exhibition 'Local Flavors' all about the South, sort of
    Is there a Southern vernacular in visual arts? Are regional artists connected by threads of geography, taste, style, concern or the schools they attended or where they teach? On the testimony of "Local Flavors," a group exhibition displayed through April 10 at Memphis College of Art, the answers to those questions are Yes, No and Maybe.

  • Memphis Symphony's Opus One puts new twist on classical music experience
    Change has been building at the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Last week the MSO introduced Mei-Ann Chen as its fourth music director in its 58-year history. But even as the new maestro embarks on her new journey of music, community and education, there are other developments happening at the orchestra. Opus One — a performance series led and sustained by MSO musicians without benefit of a conductor — debuts on Thursday.

  • On Stage: Theater and dance
    Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues": The 11th annual benefit production, 8 p.m. Saturday. ($20). Doors open at 7 p.m. with a silent auction. Performance spoken in Spanish at 8 tonight ($20), along with a silent auction. The Evergreen Theater, 1711 Poplar. Visit online: vday.org.

  • Theater Review: 'The Crucible' a success as Harrell Theatre gets serious
    Amy Hanford's production at the Harrell is generally well cast and handsomely mounted. John Proctor (an effective Brian Everson) occupies the center as a good but imperfect man. When he is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, played by Emily F. Chateau, the scenes pop with energy.

  • Ballet’s “Joyful Noise” celebrates marriage of music, dance
    Ballet Memphis’ artistic director Dorothy Gunther Pugh takes special pride in coming up with themes for concerts. The range of concepts she has explored — from feminist literature to race — is no small challenge in dance. After more than two decades, audiences still don’t quite know what to expect. But Pugh surprised even herself with the idea of “AbunDANCE,” now in its second season, which investigates the spiritual side of movement.

  • ArtsMemphis promotional videos focus on positive Memphis
    ArtsMemphis, a support and fundraising organization for the arts, on Tuesday launched “Art Is Memphis,” a series of promotional videos featuring appearances by about close to 30 painters, musicians, actors, ballet dancers, “fire dancers” and other local artists. Created by Live From Memphis (livefromemphis.org), the 30-second spots will begin airing on WKNO-TV Channel 10 and before movies at the Malco Paradiso.

  • Artist depicts life's violence and forgiveness in exhibit
    Artist Elisha Gold's exhibit “Forgive Your Enemies” includes tanks, planes, a helicopter and lots of explosions. “I want to get to the raw, simple aggression,' he said. "People love explosions. People watch NASCAR ’cause they want to see the cars blow up and fly everywhere. There’s violence in our world every day and it’s just a part of life." The show is on view through February at Gallery Fifty Six at 2256 Central.

Something Good in Memphis

Something Good in Memphis | Ordinary People Doing Amazing Things Every Day. Updates
  • Claire Ryan responds to Forbes
    Claire Ryan has been recognized as Something Good in Memphis a couple of times already.  On Friday she sent me a copy of the letter that she sent to Steve Forbes about why she feels that Memphis is certainly not miserable.  She gave me the...
  • Agnes Pokrandt teaches leadership in Memphis
    In a search to find someone to help the inner-core of our organization to flourish, we found Agnes Pokrandt. Agnes is a unique and creative woman that finds an opportunity in every situation to produce positive results. For the past year, I have...
  • Mayor AC Wharton speaks up for Memphis!
    Some of you might have recently read Mayor Wharton's "An Open Letter to Steve Forbes" that is making the rounds online.  Within 3 minutes I got it in a couple of emails from members of our department at work.  These are a few of the things...
  • Officer Dodger is a canine making Memphis safer
    "I just read an article in The Commercial Appeal ( link ) about Dodger, the canine officer of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, and I knew that he should be recognized as Something Good in Memphis.  Along with Detective Troy Simmons, Dodger...
  • Amber Reed, Miss Memphis Princess, is Something Good!
    Amber Reed is truly Something Good in Memphis. "Amber Reed, who was crowned Miss Memphis Princess in November, is one of the young people who shows all of us that the future of our city is in good hands. Her pageant platform is Raising Awareness of...
  • The Le Bonheur medical mission to Haiti is Something Good in Memphis!
    2 weeks ago a group of doctors and staff from Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center went to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to care for children affected by the recent earthquake.  The members of this team are truly something special and they are...
  • Jenna Bostick helps protect Memphis' animals
    "Jenna has a passion for helping abused and neglected animals in the Memphis area. She is dedicated to making sure that animal cruelty in our shelters is eliminated and spotlighting shelters who are in dire need. She has an awesome website that gives...
  • Marlon Brown is constantly helping those in need
    "Marlon "Big Dog" Brown officially works for SOS(Service Over Self) but is constantly in the Binghamton and Orange Mound neighborhoods helping those in need. Marlon would, and has, given the clothes off of his back and the furniture from his home for...
  • Melissa Wolowicz cares for her friends and her community
    Melissa Wolowicz is Something Good in Memphis! Scotta Allen writes, "I have never met anyone who is as supportive of her friends and community as Melissa Wolowicz. She is helping make Memphis a better place, and I am a better person for knowing...
  • Monty Shane Johnson, incredible artist and local volunteer
    "Monty Shane is an incredible photographer. He creates works of art that are original, haunting, and one-of-a-kind. I personally can spot a Monty Shane photograph from across the room. Additionally, Monty is also committed to his community. He helps...
  • Gloria Watkins is making Memphis better for children
    Gloria Watkins is Something Good in Memphis for the work that she is doing to better the lives of the youth in our community. "Mrs. Watkins is the new director at McFarland Community Center. Since Mrs. Watkins has been at McFarland she has been...
  • Dave Lindstrom helps all over town
    Dave Lindstrom is Something Good in Memphis. "I met Dave Lindstrom while volunteering at WYPL. In addition to reading there several times a week for the on-air programs, Dave is involved in volunteer activities at the YMCA and serves on their board...
  • Amber Reed is a student making a difference
    Amber Reed is Something Good in Memphis. "As only an 8th grader at FACS, Amber is out trying to work hard for the community and especially the elderly by working on creating an Adopt a Senior program. In just weeks she has put together Project:...
  • Joey McDaniel is a great friend
    Joey McDaniel is Something Good in Memphis. "Joey McDaniel never hesitates to go out of his way for a friend. When my family was sick, not only did he call to check on us - he offered to do a drugstore run and brought soup and cupcakes to our...
  • Nathan Harmeier goes Above and Beyond for Memphis
    Nathan Harmeier is definitely Something Good in Memphis. "Nathan always thinks of other first. He is the owner of Above and Beyond Electric. The name speaks for itself. He is always going Above and Beyond for his customer. His main reason for going...
  • Zac Carpenter moves as Memphis moves
    Zac Carpenter is Something Good in Memphis. "He has his hands in everything. He volunteered for Mayor Wharton's campaign, he spends time at the P&J Center, and is just a tireless cheerleader for the city. He moves as Memphis moves." Nominated by...
  • Wendy Garrison is Something Good in Memphis
    "Wendy is a MIFA Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Court Manor Nursing Center in Memphis. In December, Wendy arranged with her co-workers at Mid-South Transplant Foundation to sponsor a Christmas party for Court Manor residents. They provided...
  • Regenia Dowell works for our school children
    Regenia Dowell is Something Good in Memphis. She is doing a great job as the Memphis Council Parent Teacher Association Treasurer, and she is really helping the children all over the city. Her job is so important to the future of our city. She is...
  • Deanie Parker great for Memphis music
    "A great lady and a long time friend who maintained the Stax light." Nominated by Patrick Montier.   Deanie Parker was nominated earlier as Something Good in Memphis and was featured in the Commercial Appeal ( link ).   ...
  • Valerie June adds to our sonic texture
    "Valerie June is Something Good in Memphis. Not only does Val add to the great mix of Memphis's sonic texture, she is a shining example of how to treat people kindly and fairly." Nominated by Jes Crownover.
  • Susan Ratner looks out for Memphis' children
    "Susan Ratner is Something Good In Memphis! Susan serves as Guardian Ad Litem in Juvenile Court, representing the best interest of the child in dependency and neglect cases. Susan works tirelessly to make sure the children are protected and...
  • Sarla Nichols improves Memphis with yoga
    Sarla Nichols is Something Good in Memphis. "Sarla brings inner-peace and physical health to many residents of the Midsouth through her Yoga Studio and the yoga/meditation classes that she teaches. Helping so many people to relax, be healthy and to...
  • Brad Watkins does great work for our city
    Brad Watkins has created such positive change in Memphis in the past year. As Project Organizer for the Midsouth Peace & Justice Center, he has brought important issues to light in the Memphis community. His input helped the Shelby County...
  • Dr. Geoffrey Ward leads the Memphis Boychoir
    Dr. Geoffrey Ward is Something Good in Memphis. "I would like to nominate Dr. Geoffrey Ward, Artistic Director of the Memphis Boychoir.This Organization is in it's 22nd season of serving boys grades 2-6 in the greater Memphis area. The Memphis...
  • Zach Randolph is Something Good in Memphis
     "Zach Randolph is Something Good in Memphis. I don't know him personally, but this is just a shining example of someone who has a lot, and is giving a lot. Memphis Grizzlies Forward Zach Randolph is paying several MLGW light bills for...

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