Archive for May, 2009

Enjoy the Performing Arts

Sunday, May 31st, 2009
Naveen Marasinghe asked:


The Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts is a huge performing arts center situated in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. In general, the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts hosts events some of which include plays, pop music concerts, ballet, musicals and stand-up comedy shows. The Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts was designed by world famous architect Cesar Pelli. The Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts was opened to the public in October 1995.

The Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts is at 650 Walnut Street, and has a capacity of 3306 seats which includes three theatres. The three theatres are namely the Procter and Gamble Hall, Jason-Kaplan Theater and Fifth Third Bank Theater.

There are also meeting and reception room available at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts. Places available for rehersals are also there, the Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Art Gallery is also present at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts.

The Procter and Gamble Hall is the biggest theatre, and has 2, 719 seats, high-tech sound and lighting systems, well equipped stage and a wondrous ceiling placed with 3, 000 fiber optic lenses that work in unison to create a starlight effect. The Jason-Kaplan Theater has 437 seats. The Fifth Third Bank Theater has 150 seats and is a studio theatre.

If one is going to the Cincinnati area for a trip an ideal Cincinnati hotel would be the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati for a relaxed stay in the area. Staying a day or two will give one more time seeing the wonderful sites in and around this area.



Muhammad

Las Vegas and Henderson Cultural Arts

Saturday, May 30th, 2009
D Nielsen asked:


Only minutes from the bright and glittering city of Las Vegas, Henderson is one of the nations top resort destinations for business and pleasure, often called a Diamond in the Desert. If you’re looking for Las Vegas cultural arts, you’re not that far away from the best Nevada has to offer.

The annual ArtFest of Henderson is the largest art festival in the Southern part of Nevada, and has been a tradition on Mother’s Day weekend for over 10 years. Over 200 artists from across the United States display, and sell some of the most stunning artwork you can imagine, from pottery, jewelry, photography, and more. The festival has many activities including live jazz and other entertainment, a new food and beverage court and an expanded Kids’ art gallery.

Culturally speaking some of the visual arts in Henderson are galleries, exhibitions, and public art. Throughout Henderson you can find evidence of Public Art, such as sculptural and mural works and the Gallery at Liberty Pointe has rotating exhibits featuring local Henderson artists.

Nevada Performing Arts are Thursday Night Live, and Fall Season 2008. Every Thursday evening the City of Henderson Cultural Arts and Tourism Department hosts free performances at 8:00pm. You can find these free performances at the Henderson Convention Center in downtown Henderson.

Thursday Night Live is a cultural arts series that showcases local and emerging talent in a setting that is great for people of all ages. Named by Prevention magazine Henderson is the sixth best walking city in America ahead of San Diego, and Seattle. All in all Henderson has more than 37 miles of trails.

Some of the biggest points of interest in Henderson that are cultural and art related are places such as the Art Emporium, Clark County Museum, several galleries like the Galleria at Sunset, and the Black Mountain Recreation Center.



Billy

Inb Performing Arts Center: Ixs

Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Heidi Grumm asked:


Inb Performing Arts Center: IXS

The INB Performing Arts Center is the premier entertainment venue in the Spokane Region. It is owned and operated by the Spokane Public Facilities District. The venue has capacity of 2,700-seats.

A legacy from Spokane’s World Fair in 1974, this wonderful facility has hosted everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to “Phantom of the Opera”. The elegant INB Performing Arts Center is adaptable for symphony concerts, ballet, grand opera, road shows, country and rock music spectaculars, musical stage productions, travelogues, conventions and lectures.

The INB Performing Arts Center has hosted a myriad of cultural events, Broadway shows, and rockin’ concerts. Everyone from Ani DiFranco to Phantom of the Opera to Jerry Seinfeld has graced the INB Performing Arts Center stage.

The INB Performing Arts Center was formerly the Spokane Opera House. This venue was created as a result of partnership of The Inland Northwest Bank with the Spokane Public Facilities District to present.. This wonderful partnership will maintain the splendid standard of the building. New restrooms and a new marquee are a few of the many changes that will be happening during this renovation thanks in part to the sponsorship of Inland Northwest Bank. INB Performing Arts Center will have a fresh face for all guests to enjoy with the renovation.

This outstanding venue is operating as a community facility. It is providing first class performing and meeting surroundings with excellent service at affordable use rates to local performing arts groups, event presenters, meeting planners and school districts. It has contributed a lot in enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. It has also served for the economic well-being of the community.

Another promising aspect of this marvelous Venue is that it complies with the Washington Indoor Clean Air Act which prohibits smoking in all public places as well as 25 feet from any entrance, exit, or ventilation intake at a public place.

The standard hours of operation for the Spokane Convention Center Administrative Offices are 8:00am

to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. All Exhibitors are ready when the doors are scheduled to open to the

public. It is done for the safety reasons. Also No vehicles of any kind can be moved in the Spokane Convention Center during the hours when the show is open to the public.

The cleaning of public areas, restrooms and meeting rooms is included in your basic room rental fee

when the areas are utilized for standard purposes.

All lobbies and circulation areas are considered common areas and generally not under Licensee control. All activities using common areas are subject to prior written approval and must take into consideration the requirement of all licensees simultaneously utilizing the building. Submit detailed floor plans with specifications to your Event Supervisor. Approval will be granted within 30 days prior to the Event.

Pay telephones are conveniently located throughout the facility and meet ADA requirements.

The venue is equipped with simultaneous translation equipment that may be used in any room on campus.

INB Performing Arts Center is so reputed that all 2006-2007 Best of Broadway Productions are held at this marvelous venue.

For more information about INB Performing Arts Center visit:: http://venues.ixs.net/venues/INB-Performing-Arts-Center/index.aspx



George

Characteristics of Nigerian Art

Monday, May 25th, 2009
Maigida Africanarts asked:


Art is an amazing way to get to know a previously unknown culture. It often reflects cultural diversity as well as religious and ethnic origin. There are many unique societies throughout the globe and art is a way to bring them all a little closer to home. Nigerian art is certainly an excellent method to learn more about that ancient and fascinating region. Like many forms of traditional African art, Nigerian art reflects that society’s need for beautiful as well functional pieces. Many of the art forms created today in Nigeria have their roots firmly planted in the traditions and methods of their forbearers. The Nigerian people are proud of their art and artists and it shows in their dedication to the visual, audio, and performed art forms.

Traditional Nigerian art has been dated as far back as 2000 years. There are examples of this work in sculpture, paintings, and the most well known masks. Some classic examples of materials used in these ancient artifacts are wood, bronze, and coppers. Fortunately for the modern world pieces can be seen in countless museums around the world. Traditional music and dance can be heard and seen in religious and cultural events throughout the year.

As previously noted, African art is often functional as well as beautiful. The Kano dye pits are an example of the ancient world meeting the modern one. The same techniques that have been used for thousands of years are still used to create these fabric works of art. Indigo and vegetable dyes are used to make intricate patterns on the cloth. When the material is beaten for a shiny appearance, the artists are implementing the same methods their ancestors did. This fabric is still very much in demand by locals and foreigners alike. The Kano style of textile is one of the most popular form of modern Nigerian art.

Much of contemporary Nigerian art could be described as some of the finest craftsmanship in the world. For generations artisans have created majestic pieces that reflect the African heritage and are a direct link of the many natural resources found in the region. Some of these sculptures and other forms of art have been made for use in ceremonial rituals and celebrations. It seems that everything that comes from this region is art in one form or another. The elaborate costumes and stunning jewelry are all crafted with excellent workmanship, talent, and patience. Nigerian artists were some of the first in the world to perfect the craft of metal casting. Other forms of Nigerian art are leatherwork and intricate wood carvings.

Like most of the other regions in Africa, Nigeria has made its mark and created a name for itself in the art world with its rich tradition of finely made art. The usefulness and beauty of this region’s offerings is awe inspiring. Nigerian art is a wonderful blend of tradition and modern elements that result in a stunning visual display in so many different mediums. The beautiful culture shines through in each and every piece.

Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.

One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.

In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.

Find and buy affordable black art from Moyo Ogundipe at www.Maigida.com.



Finlay

Kalamandalam Kerala- Center for Performing Arts

Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Dev Sri asked:


Thrissur, the cultural center of Kerala cradles this named center. The center is at the banks of Bharathapuzha (Nila) Cheruthuruthy.

This primary center for performing arts in Kerala follows Keralite traditions of classical dance forms, where ancient gurukula system is disciplined. It offers training for Kathakali, Koddiyattom, Mohiniyattom and Thullal. Regular, Long Term, Short Term and Intensive courses are available that makes an amateur into a professional.

The uneding passion of Vallathol Narayana Menon, (a poet and scholar) towards Kathakali and other performing arts, paved way to the establishment of Kerala Kalamandalam in 1930. Pattikkamthody Ravunni Menon, Guru Kunchukurup, Kalmandalm Krishnan Nair, Kalamandalam Neelakantan Nambeesan, Kalamandalam Krishnan Kutty Pothuwal, Painkulam Rama Chakyar, Thottasseri Chinnammu Ammu are the celebrated personalities who did their contributions to Kalamndalam.

The troupes of kalamandalam travel to different countries creating cultural wave throughout the world. They have participated in different International Dance Festivals. Kalamandalam also hosts a number of students and researchers from abroad.

At the primary stage, the staffs found it difficult to meet the expenditure for its maintenance; later it was converted to a grant-in-aid institution fully financed by the government. Presently a hierarchy of executive council and general council administers Kalamandalam (nominated by the State Government). The secretary supervises the day to day matters.

Campus

Presently functioning at Vallathol Nagar offers many facilities for the disciples.

• Kalaris – the training rooms

• Koothambalam- The Temple Theatre

• High School

• College Library

• Recording Studio

• Staff Quarters

• Hostels

• Employees Co-operative Society

• Administrative Block

• Art Gallery

Koothambalam (Temple Theatre)- The temple meant for the performance of Koothu and Koodiyattom is considered sacred. The center designed in the ancient architectural style,

is the place where the communication between the audience and the artists take place.

The institution offers various certificate and diploma courses. High School education with any selected performing arts, plus two and degree courses (B Art) approved the State Government are the added advantages. Institution provides crash courses in Koodiyattom, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali, vocal Music and other percussional instruments. The course continues upto three months to two years depending on the subjects.

Under International Cultural Exchange Programs, Indian Council for Cultural Relations Government of India selects the students.

Vallathol Museum

The Museum at the residence of Vallathol displays the life of Vallathol through writings and images.

The Art Discipline

• Kathakali- famous dance drama play based on themes in Ramayana, Mahabharatha and Bhagavatha.

• Koodiyattom- this two thousand year old classical Sankrit theatre performance is a privilege to Chakyars and Nambyars. The main character acts the flash back events is the custom of the play.

• Nangiar Koothu- is a play in which the woman character enacts the Sree Krishna charitam (the story of Krishna) in 41 days.

• Mohiniyattom- the traditional dance form of Kerala flourished in the 17th century A.D. The dancer wears a golden jerry bordered cream color saree, waist garment, gold colored ornaments, jasmine flowers on the head and simple make up on the face.

• Thullal- is a single actor performance that attracts even an illiterate through its simple rhythmic music.

• Panchavadyam- combination of five orchestras- Thimila, Maddalam, Edakka, Kompu and Cymbal. Mostly performed during temple festivals.

Well experienced and talented faculties are available for the same.

Kalamandalam RamanKutty Nair, Padmanabhan Nair, Gopi are the pride of the

institution who maintain the international standard of the institution.

Admission:

A test in Malayalam or Sanskrit is to be performed prior to the admission and on completing the course on the basis of competence of the student.

The individual can join in any one of the subjects. Classes will be taken for Functional Malayalam and Sanskrit, if requested.

Courses commence from June 1st to March 31stand vacation classes are available from April 1st to May 31st. No deadline is fixed for the receipt of applications. The institutions also offer crash courses.

Medium of Communication- English, Malayalam and verbal communications are encouraged. Communication of the teacher with the foreign students is mainly through ‘mudras’(hand gestures). English is mainly used when long discussions are needed.

Course structure: Basics and special coaching (2hrs) will be given at the beginning of all courses. Only after the completion of the basics of the course, one can go through the intermediate and advanced lessons. The training of the foreign students will be with the native students after they have gained enough experience that particular course.

Financial asssistance

Sponsorships are available for the foreign students intending to study in Kerala kalamandalam. Indian council of cultural relations, Government of India, New Delhi Indo Sasthri Canadian Institute, the NCERT, and the American Institute if Indian Studies are some of the Indian institutes there is possibility of sponsorship.

Universities and departments of culture and education all over the world assist the same.

Application

The duly filled up application is to be send to the following address along with a crossed DD of US$- 10 or Rs.500 or a certified check. On the receipt of the application form along with this processing fee, the details of the courses will be informed. Students intended to join in the crash course should submit their application in a plain paper along with their bio-data.

Address:

KERALAKALAMANDALAM

Cheruthuruthy – 679 531

via Trissur, India

Phone number: 91 – 4884 – 262418, 262562

Fees: fees are payable in advance and in different installments.

Accommodation:

Paying Guest- per head per month: 150$ - 200$

Foreign Students hostels:

• With cooking facilities – 70$

• Without cooking facilities- 50$

Documents to be submitted

1. Photocopy of the passport and the student visa

2. One passport size photo

3. Original No-AIDS certificate attested by the recognized authority of the particular country

4. A short description on the performing art training or exposure you have made (optional)

5. Recommendation letter from the teacher (optional)

To reach there:

Air: Cochin International Airport

Rail: Thrissur Railway Station

Road: Thrissur K.S.R.T.C bus station



Matilda

Art Colleges

Monday, May 18th, 2009
Saatchi Gallery asked:


Colleges and universities will find the Saatchi Gallery a very valuable resource to boost the appreciation and renown of their art, fashion and performing arts departments. Saatchi caters to these institutions on an international scale, and provides them the impetus and exposure they need in order to present their departments to the public as a progressive arm of the institution. The Saatchi Gallery caters specifically to the effort to market these institutions by welcoming posts and sample work from the students and faculty, allowing these parties to showcase their work on the internationally recognised website. Representatives of each university are empowered to upload material in the form of photos, videos or scanned art work to the site as a method of drawing attention to the abilities of their students and the expertise of the faculty that grooms them.

On the Saatchi Gallery website, colleges and universities have the freedom to highlight the achievements of their faculty members as well as the unique talents of their students. Yet they may also offer descriptions of their artistic programs, give information about their institutions’ location, and even provide links to their websites. The gallery is a supreme marketing tool because it provides a hub to which thousands of prospective students (and other persons interested in art) come to do research and locate educational institutions in which they may be groomed in the arts. It also provides critics with a method of gauging the artistic talents of a wide range of students without the need to travel, and therefore may afford your institution the recognition it would not otherwise have had. It also gives colleges and universities the chance of being recognised in an international gallery without incurring any expenses—as registration on the Saatchi Gallery’s site is always free of charge.



Samantha

Valencia City of Arts and Sciences

Sunday, May 17th, 2009
Gaizka Pujana asked:


It is interesting to note that the city of Valencia was originally named Valentia in Roman times, which is said to mean strength or vigor. Today, the main attraction for tourists visiting Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences.

City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava for his home city. This constitutes a striking and remarkable architectural form that was begun in July 1996. It should be noted that when visiting this city you are not looking at the history of the area, but rather taking a glance into the future.

The City of Arts and Sciences contains five separate elements, seemingly based upon the inspiration of animal skeletons. The El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, opened in 2005 by Queen Sofia, contains an opera house and center for performing arts. There is L’Hemisferic that was the first building to be completed in 1998. This is an astonishing construction that houses an IMAX cinema and planetarium hosting shows and visits. A science museum is featured at El Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe that was opened in the year 2000. An underwater city, considered Europe’s largest marine park appears in L’Oceanografic and in itself could be a full day’s entertainment for visitors. Finally, there is L’Umbracle that is a walkway upon which visitors may walk around for kilometers on beautiful landscaped areas.

An attractive and perhaps rather unusual point that is worth making about the City of Arts and Sciences is that visitors may walk around the city and enjoy the incredible sights for no charge. Entry tickets to particular buildings are sold either individually or entrance to more than one may be purchased at a discounted price. There is also a charge for the purchase of tickets for various performances within the City of Arts and Sciences.

This city within a city provides an unforgettable and impressive sight and is a good example of a site that is difficult for a photograph to do it justice. Although the complex does look extraordinary in a picture, seeing it in real life is a completely different breathtaking experience. The saying ’seeing is believing’ is completely appropriate for this location.

Several different types of accommodation are available in the Valencia area. These include hotels, hostels, guest houses, private apartments and even camping sites. There is a wide selection of accommodation options to meet the different budgets of various travelers.

A visit to Valencia certainly produces an enjoyable vacation. Since the creation of the City of Arts and Sciences, many people or even all would say that a trip to Valencia would be incomplete without viewing this area and at the very least, taking a walk around this incredible site.



Emily

Art, History and Culture in Pattaya, Thailand

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Soophott Lert asked:


Besides all of the night time fun and sandy beaches that comes included with your Pattaya vacation, there is also a lot of art that needs to be seen and history and culture that needs to be learned. Whenever you go to a new place, somewhere you have never been you do not want to be doing everyday things that you do at home, you want to be out and about, exploring and seeing new things. So maybe you should to look into the art scene in Pattaya. If you are looking for something along the lines of performing arts, then definitely stop by the Thai Alangkarn Theater in Pattaya. This theater is huge, and comfortably seats 2,000 people. The theater also offers a restaurant and shows are shown daily. There are also many galleries and art caf้s located in Pattaya, many performing art studios that should definitely be looked into.

Pattaya, before it was known for its vivid nightlife and exquisite beaches and attractions, it was nothing more than a small fishing village. It was then turned into a resort for incoming tourists in the late 1960’s. Once it was established many service members from the United States military began to flock to Pattaya when they were in port. This became somewhat of a problem because prostitution became more prominent in the city. Since then Pattaya has cleaned up and has become more of a family vacation destination due to the fact that it offers activities for every member of the family.

As for culture in Pattaya, it is mainly geared toward the performing arts. There are many performing arts shows that you and your family can attend and really feel like you are part of Pattaya. If you are in Pattaya in April then check out the festival that is held every year at Pattaya Pier. You can see beauty pageants as well as musical performances and cultural shows! This will definitely give you a feel for what Thai culture is all about.

If you are looking for activities that you and your family can learn from, then stick to the culture events that Pattaya has to offer. Try to stop by some galleries and see the art displayed by artists from that city! Try to brush up on the history and the culture before you arrive in Pattaya, this way you might not feel like such an outsider and you will be able to understand the people that live there.



Madison