All during the month of February, the Arts Council of the Twin Counties is encouraging people of all ages to pick up a book and read!  Specifically, we want everyone to read “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and join your friends, family and neighbors in talking about this great American classic.

 Dig out your old copy of “To Kill A Mockingbird” or stop in at your local library or bookstore and start reading TODAY!  All February long, the Arts Council is sponsoring events based around the book including Brown Bag Lunches at churches throughout the Twin Counties to discuss topics from this classic novel, local libraries will host “To Kill A Mockingbird” book clubs by request, and screenings of the movie and a documentary about the Mockingbird phenomenon.   All of the scheduled events are free and open to the public.

 You’ll also want to dust-off your creative skills as we combine Literature and the Arts at a month-long exhibit of artwork inspired by the book.  You draw it, paint it or sculpt it and we’ll display it at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts during the month of February.  Visitors to the school will vote for their favorite work in two categories: Artists 18 & Under and Artists 19 & Above.  Winners will be announced at a reception at the school on Sunday, February 26 at 4pm.  Works for the exhibit can be brought to Chestnut Creek School of the Arts between January 27 – February 11 to be displayed.  All pieces must remain on display through February 26. 

Visit the EVENTS section of our website to see a complete list of READ ALL ABOUT IT activities!

The Cherry Orchard Theatre & Frank Levering are having auditions for a new play “Thunder in the Hills” based on the 1912 Hillsville Courthouse Shooting on Tuesday, January 17^th at 7pm.  There are roles for about 10 men and 6 women and the play will be performed at the Old Hillsville Courthouse March 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25.

 Auditions are at Old Courthouse on Main Street in Hillsville.  The play will be directed by Terri Ingalls.  For more info:  336-351-3806

You are cordially invited to join us at the dedication ceremony for the Galax Theatre Guild Stage on Thursday, January 12th at 1pm. We’ll have the dedication outside on the stage located behind the Arts Council offices (the Old Vaughan Library) at 608 West Stuart Drive) and then Cider and Desserts/Cheese and Crackers inside in the conference room. Later in the Spring, we’ll have a grand opening concert when the weather is more cooperative. Please share the information with your friends and family.

Santa Claus is coming to town!  Because there are so many good boys and girls (of all ages) here in the Twin Counties, Mrs. Claus is letting Santa make a very special “early” visit on Thursday, December 15^th at 7:00 pm at The Rex Theatre!  During a surprise phone call to the Arts Council last month, Santa let slip that he was very impressed with all the kind and generous folks living in the Twin Counties and he would be honored to be a part of the Arts Council’s Twin Counties Holiday Extravaganza.  Admission is only $5 person and everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable/canned goods and new toys to be donated to the Rooftop of Virginia’s Food Pantry and the Angel Tree Project.

The evening is sure to delight your whole family!  Performances include excerpts from “The Nutcracker” by the Conservatory of Dance & Theatre, the First United Methodist Church of Hillsville Choir, The Chestnut Creek Singers (Kathy Cole, Dwight Dunbar, Jeanne Franks, Steven Franks & Jane Dunbar – accompanist), “Back to Broadway” – A Highland Camerata Trio (Becky Helton, Heather McCall Hanks & Mary Elizabeth Whartenby – accompanist) and Dramatic Readings of Holiday Songs as interpreted by the famous comedy duo Scrooge & Marley.  Santa will cap-off the evening with a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and will have time to take photos with audiences members afterwards.

 Tickets for the Twin Counties Holiday Extravaganza are available on-line at www.artsculturalcouncil.org and at the Galax Visitor’s Center on East Grayson Street across from The Rex Theatre.  The Galax Visitor’s Center is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm and on Saturdays from 9-4pm.  Tickets may also be purchased at the Arts Council office, located at 608 W. Stuart Drive (in the Old Vaughan Library).  Please remember, cash & checks only when purchasing your tickets in person or at the box office that evening.

ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION TO FEATURE

JUST JAZZ WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAVE MORGAN

 Take a night to help the Arts Council of the Twin Counties celebrate 25 years of artistic service!  The Saturday, November 5^th festivities include entertainment by JUST JAZZ featuring the legendary Dave Morgan, catering by Chestnut Creek Coffee House & Bistro and auction items from local, regional and national donors.  Bid on vacations in Russellville, Arkansas, Myrtle Beach and Edisto Island, SC, goodies from Cabot Creamery of Vermont, Walt Disney World, The Clubs of Olde Mill, Draper Valley Golf Club, Lemons’ Jewelry, Roy’s Diamond Center, Willard Gayheart, Morris Schlesinger, Hoffman Pottery and Chapter’s Book Shop to name just a few.  This annual fundraiser has quickly become the party in the Twin Counties and is expected to sell out this year.  Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple and can be purchased on-line at www.artsculturalcouncil.org or by mailing a check to The Arts Council, PO Box 492, Galax, VA 24333.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration will be at the Galax Golf o& Country Club, 107 Country Club Lane in Galax from 7pm – 10pm on Saturday, November 5th.

Title: PERIL ON THE RED PLANET
Location: Fairview & Baywood Elementary Schools
Description: The Open Dream Ensemble comes to the Twin Counties with Peril on the Red Planet. Performances are at Fairview Elementary at 9:30am and Baywood Elementary at 1:30pm.
Date: 2011-10-14

Title: PERIL ON THE RED PLANET
Location: St. Paul School & Gladeville Elementary
Description: The Open Dream Ensemble visits the Twin Counties Oct. 13 & 14 with Peril on the Red Planet! Performances are 10/13 at 9:30 at St. Paul & 1:30 at Gladeville
Date: 2011-10-07