Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Events
HOME & AWAY
Arts from Asia
THROUGH MAY 25
“Arts of Japan: The John C. Weber Collection”
Minneapolis Museum of Art
www.artsmia.org
EXPLORE JAPAN’S MANY ARTISTIC AVENUES.
Minneapolis
For the first time in history, the public has the chance to experience “Arts of Japan: The John C. Weber Collection,” and the Minneapolis Museum of Art is one of only two venues in the U.S. that will be fortunate enough to exhibit these 95 masterpieces.
Dating from the 12th century to the 20th century, the works include hanging scrolls, beautifully painted folding screens, intricately crafted ceramics, high-design textiles and more, all of which reflect the efforts of Dr. John C. Weber, who began his collection of Japanese art only 10 years ago.
“Dr. Weber has put together a world-class collection in record time,” says Matthew Welch, the museum’s curator of Japanese and Korean art.
Perhaps more than any other form of Japanese artistry, the robes in the textile collection reveal the culture’s genius. From luxurious kimonos to firemen’s coats, the embroidery is nothing short of amazing.
April 8-May 1
“The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito”
Chicago Illuminating Company www.shinjoito.com
Chicago
Shinjo Ito got his start as a photographer before moving on to found Shinnyo Buddhism. His art—mostly sculpture and photography, as well as calligraphy, engravings and installations—is a part of his spiritual practice and brings modern elements to the traditional Buddhist esthetic. One of the standouts of the exhibit—a 16-foot gold colored sculpture of the Buddha reclining—reflects the philosophy behind Ito’s work: “What I seek to create is not just the physical form of a Buddha figure,” he says. “My purpose for sculpting them is to inspire and motivate everyone to find the enlightened (Buddha) nature within their own selves and grow spiritually.” Busts and sculptures of friends and senior priests—as well as his sons who both died at a young age—will also be on display. This is the only showing of his work in the Midwest and the CIC is sure to make an especially enlightening venue.
EVENTS
THROUGH MARCH 29
NAPA, CALIF.
Blooming wild mustards will be the breathtaking backdrop to the more than 500 restaurants, wineries, mustard companies and artists who will be presenting their finest products during this festival. Special events include the black-tie “The Awards~A Spicy Soirée” on March 14, when the World Champion Mustard Makers will be honored.
APRIL 1-5
TIN PAN SOUTH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
NASHVILLE
There’s no better city for this event—the largest in the country dedicated to music and songwriters—than the songwriting capital of the world. Produced by the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, the festival brings more than 250 musicians and more than 70 shows to venues throughout the city.
APRIL 4-6
DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
ATLANTA
A tradition for 72 years, this weekend of arts, music, kids’ activities and nonstop fun is the perfect way to celebrate springtime. New this year is an adult-only Finlandia Art Bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of libations.
APRIL 5-19
SUBARU CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
PHILADELPHIA
Celebrating its 11th year, this festival—hosted by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia— celebrates nature’s beauty by bringing together the best in Japanese art, cuisine, dance, music and more. Each year, the JASGP plants cherry trees throughout the city.
THROUGH MAY 4
“FOTO: MODERNITY IN CENTRAL EUROPE, 1918-1945”
MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Divided into eight themed sections, this exhibit is the first devoted entirely to photography in Central Europe between World Wars. The show includes works by artists from all sides of the region’s political divides.
THROUGH MAY 4
“MASTERPIECE REPLAYED: MONET, MATISSE AND MORE”
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
The Phoenix Art Museum is one of only two museums worldwide to host this exhibition, which explores the significance of artistic repetition in the art of 11 renowned French impressionists.
Gather ’Round the Grill
GREAT AMERICAN BARBECUE IS GREAT AMERICAN FUN
May 23-25
Great American Barbecue
Woodlands Kansas City www..em>thinkbbq.com
Whether you’re a seasoned grill-master or just someone who enjoys good food, the Great American Barbecue festival has something for you. With competitive cooks camping out on the fairgrounds, reigning barbecue champs passing on their skills at informative expos, live music and, for the first time this year, a beer festival, this Kansas City event is the ultimate way to spend Memorial Day weekend. Kids can get in on the action with crafts and activities, or in their own barbecue competition (don’t worry, there’s adult supervision).
Executive Director Tracy Satterfield says one of the goals is just to teach people about the cuisine and make them feel comfortable with it, so even if you’ve never been near a grill, you can learn how to make KC-issue barbecue in your own kitchen.
Although Satterfield says “the festival is all about food”—eating it and cooking it—the carnival and live music are good reasons to stick around, too. And all proceeds go to charity, so it’s fun you can feel good about.
