ArtWorks 2008

Many students and their families gathered on April 7 for the 12th Annual Student Art Exhibit. The galleries are filled with works from area students from pre-K thru high school. Artwork will remain on display until May 2. Artworks 2008 celebrated students art, art teachers and the 50th Birthday of the CAC. Before the gallery ribbon cutting, with VIP students representing their schools, the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center was recognized for its 50th Birthday. Special guests included families of Azalee Marshall, Raye Virginia Allen, and Nora Lee Wendland. The great-great grandson of Azalee Marshall blew out the 50th birthday candles on a cake decorated by the THS Big Blue D.R.E.A.M.S. Catering. Erroll Wendland and Raye Virginia Allen lit the candles and joined in the singing of Happy Birthday. Board member Sam Farrow announced the events for the evening.

For more photos browse the Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/azaleemarshallcac/

Awards Announced March 1 at the Gallery Opening

The judges have chosen and awarded prizes to various artists for their works at the Barclay Visual Arts Competition and Teacher Protege Exhibits. Come by the CAC and browse the galleries and purchase art from many talented artists in Bell County. The galleries are free to the public and this exhibit will remain open until March 28.

Best Little Tournament in Texas

The Heart of Texas Sectional Bridge Tournament took place February 29-March 2 in Strasburger Hall at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center. Many people from all over Texas participated in the event. Some players remained all day at the competition from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. surviving eliminations up to the championship round. Bridge is played at the CAC every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, and new players are welcomed.

Strike, Scrape, & Shake with Mark Shelton

Mark Shelton entertained students from Troy ISD with a great percussion show Wednesday morning. Shelton set the stage with a dozen of instruments that all are played by striking, scraping, or shaking. Shelton, from the Dallas area, is part of the Arts In Education Series at the CAC and is on the Texas Commission on the Arts tour roster. Shelton explains how music is all around us and that percussion can be heard in classical, folk, pop, jazz, gospel, and ethnic arrangements of music. Mark educates with a hip, fast-paced style, onstage as he teaches about percussion paraphernalia including marimba, doumbec, bones, bodhran, cajon, hammered dulcimer, Hang, and even some "body music."

Annual Barclay Visual Arts Competition and Teacher Protege Exhibit March 1-28

This week artists are preparing for the Annual Barclay Visual Arts Competition and Teacher Protege Exhibit. Several artists are registering their art and bringing in paintings, drawings and creative works for the gallery opening on Saturday, March 1, from 11-1 p.m. The opening is free and all are invited to enjoy the artists' reception. Art will remain on display through March 28, come browse the galleries and view outstanding work from artists all over Bell County.

Arts In Education Kicks off in 2008!

Local schools gathered at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center to see "Little Red Riding Hood" by UMHB Opera Cru. This performance is part of the 2007-2008 Arts In Education Series. Each year, Arts In Education provides over 14,000 students an opportunity to experience art and learn valuable educational messages. To help with this performance a couple of students were chosen to help the cast with the onstage presentation.
To learn more about Arts In Education and upcoming shows please contact: education@cacARTS.org or visit cacARTS.org

Rank Amateurs Night

The Rank Amateurs Night at the CAC is a success! This event pokes fun at unusual stories and events of the past year. Members of the local community came to support the long-time fundraiser for Child Help Inc. Child Help is a non-profit organization which provides funds for needed equipment, repairs, and improvements at area United Way day care centers.

Place Your Orders for Valentine's Baskets and Singing Valentines!

The Ebony Cultural Society is creating Valentine's Gift Baskets for the community to purchase. This is a fundraiser to help their organization with annual events. Baskets are onsale until Febuary 8. To reserve your basket for a special friend or loved one, or if you are interested in creating your own basket call 832-715-1210 or 254-563-0709.

Also the Chisholm Trail Chorus, and Texas Country Gentlemen Club are selling Singing Valentines to people in the community. This is also a fundraiser for these organizations.

For more information contact 254-773-9926.

The Contemporaries' Gala is Almost here!

Many Contemporaries are setting up for the Gala, which is taking place January 26 at the CAC. The Contemporaries' Gala, "Cabaret" is open to the public and proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activites Center. The elegant evening will consist of a catered dinner, live auction, silent auction, entertainment, and a cash bar. Many local business owners and companies have donated various items for the live and silent auctions. For more information on the Contemporaries Gala, tickets, or how to become part of the Contempories, call the CAC at 254-773-9926 or visit cacARTS.org.

Ailey Dancers Return to Central Texas

Ailey II returned to Temple to perform to a sold-out audience at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center. Ailey, a native of Rogers and founder of the company, created the Ailey II group to give young people the opportunity to perform while traveling across the country. Ms. Sylvia Waters, Artistic Director, and Troy Powell, Associate Artistic Director both were appointed to the company by Alvin Ailey before 1989 and were present at the performance on January 20 at the CAC. Many program sponsors enjoyed meeting Sylvia Waters in a pre-performance reception and hearing her speak of her passion for dance and what it means to be part of Ailey II. A few of the Ailey dancers also instructed a master class at the Killeen Community Center on Monday with Ballet Renee participating and Greater Vision Community Church offering a performance for the Ailey Dancers. During their time in Central Texas the Ailey Dancers traveled to Rogers Texas, Alvin Ailey's birth place to see the church Ailey grew up in and also travel down the street named after Alvin Ailey.

Classes are off to a great start in 2008!

Artist Joy Schumacher is teaching Wonders of Watercolor on Monday Nights. She currently has 6 students and can always welcome more participants. Some of Joy's paintings are on
display in the McCreary Gallery until February 22. Come by to view Joy's Paintings along with other artists displayed throughout the CAC.

Marilyn Ritchie's clay classes are attracting more participants each six weeks. New members enjoy playing in the mud and learning the crafts of clay. Classes are offered on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pre-registration is required and new classes begin each six weeks.

Other classes going on at the CAC have seen increased numbers too. Ballroom Dance is featuring a sampler to introduce participants to a variety of dances that will be taught throughout 2008. Dance is a great way to increase physical activity and build social friendships. Classes are offered mostly on Thursday nights with a few Tuesday night classes.

Yoga continues with Paul Coates each Monday Night from 5:45-7 p.m. Yoga can be used as a relaxation technique that can improve overall body function and flexibility. Twenty-five students are enjoying Coates' class at this time, the CAC is excited to see many new faces in this class.