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Applause
Athenaeum rising
The Athenaeum steps up A renowned theater group production [opens May 9], another new art exhibition [opens May 2], and a call for entries [Deadline: August 18] for a film festival are the current works in progress by The Fredericksburg Athenaeum, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in March. The Rude Mechanicals It’s been awhile since they played the Burg, but the Rude Mechanicals are back with Arthur Miller's All My Sons on May 9, 10, 11 and 16, 17, 18. The company for this production of Miller's landmark American drama includes Kate Bernhardt, Andy Braden, Magan Carrigan, Devon Clark, John Hollinger, Brian Kitta, Heather McIntosh, Todd Pristas, Mike Taylor and Charlotte Tanner. All performances will be held at the Third Floor Arts Space, 810 Caroline Street. Seating for this, the first production on the new stage, is limited to 75 patrons per performance. Admission is $5. Performance times will be 8P on Friday and Saturday. Sunday performances will begin at 7P. For further information please call 540/373-4324. Biblical Inspiration For local artists Pam Allen and Kristi Zerull, the biblical theme In His Hands [“…is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind”] perfectly captures the spirit of the paintings for their highly-anticipated show at the Third Floor Gallery. The opening reception is First Friday, May 2 from 6-9P. Both women have drawn inspiration from art colleague Ana Rendich’s courageous battle with end-stage kidney failure and her need for a transplant. They will devote ten percent of the proceeds from their show to the National Kidney Foundation. Information on organ donation will be available at the show. Allen said her artwork will focus on “things in this world that God’s hands have touched…from children playing, to florals, to quiet paths in the woods — simple things we tend to overlook and not enjoy.” “The beauty of God’s palette” is Zerull’s description of the paintings she will hang in the show. “My paintings will be of flowers, birds, animals, fish and landscapes rich in nature’s vivid colors.” An art teacher at Ni River Middle School, Allen had her last solo show at Frederick’s in March; was the featured artist at Brush Strokes in December; and had a two-person show in September with Pat Thalman at Art First. She was featured in a solo show at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts in February 2007, and won “Best in Show” at the Fredericksburg Fine Arts Exhibit in 2002. Zerull has found working from home invigorating to her art career. Her first solo exhibit was at The Loft in Fall 2005. She shared a two-person show with Ruth Ann Loving in May 2006, and had a solo show at Bistro Bethem in Spring 2007. The In His Hands exhibit will be up until June 21. A second reception will be held on June 6th from 6 to 9P. Hours at the Third Floor Gallery are Thurs-Sat 1-6P. Indy Film Fest The biggest news is the first annual Rappahannock Independent Film Festival (RIFF 2008) to be held at venues (TBA) throughout downtown, Sept. 18 - 21. The festival hopes to attract 2500 attendees, engage 100 participants and encourage new work in the cinematic arts for artists, writers and filmmakers. The Theme for this year’s festival is Portraits in 24 Frames, featuring original short films highlighting portraits of people, places or things. Awards and cash prizes will be given in three categories: Best in Show, Best Student Film, Best Use of Theme. The student category will be limited to Virginia students. The other categories are open to all independent filmmakers. “RIFF 2008 will be an exciting opportunity to experience the talents of local film-makers, and for the film-makers to find public appreciation for their artistic expression,” says RIFF Creative Director, Ryan Poe. “The student opportunities will be an important aspect to this festival.” Sponsors of this festival are still being considered and event details will continue to evolve over the coming months. Up-to-date news and information are available by visiting the festival’s website at www.rifilmfestival.com
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