Art reception, play festival coming to Cutting Hall
Visual artists, aspiring playwrights and theater performers will join together to present an art reception and play festival from 7 to 9 p.m. April 5 at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St.
The Palatine/Inverness Arts Council's final "First Saturday" art reception of the season will be held in conjunction with Wood Street Theater Company's "Sixth Annual Play Reading Festival."
Oils by Palatine resident, artist and teacher Thia Malenchik, and works by local artist Jan Deswick will be displayed in the lobby of the theater and both artists will be available to discuss their works beginning at 7 p.m.
Throughout the reception, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Palatine/Inverness Arts Council.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Wood Street Theater Company will feature eight staged readings from local playwrights. (And I hear one of the skits is by a not-so-young upstart named Melissa Hollander, which, yes, is me).
Both events are free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided.
"Partnering with the theater is a perfect end to the 'First Saturday' season," said Betty Flamm, arts council president. "We (the arts council) are more than the visual arts; as we strive to support all art forms, including the theater."
The next season of "First Saturday" art receptions will begin in November and run through April 2009. Artists interested in displaying their work, or businesses interested in hosting a reception, are encouraged to call (847) 943-6451 or visit www.PalatineInvernessArts.org for more information.
Get healthy: Whole Foods and the Wellness Place will present The Healthy Taste of Palatine/Eat Right Challenge from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods, 1331 Rand Road, Palatine.
The event will feature cooking demonstrations from everyday to the gourmet; expert meal planning for families on the go; lots of samples; and handouts on nutrition and wellness.
It is part of "The Palatine Great American Health Challenge," in which the village of Palatine is partnering with the American Cancer Society and 13 community organizations to educate Palatine residents on reducing cancer risk.
More theater: Vex Theatre Company, which is based in Palatine, will perform "Lady Windermere's Fan" by Oscar Wilde at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays, April 18-27 at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., in Elgin. Tickets cost $15; $12 for students and seniors. Reservations may be made online at www.vextheatre.org.
The cast includes Palatine residents Elodie Senetra, Cathleen Ann, Madeline Franklin, and Brad Davidow. It is directed by Rich Geiger of Palatine.