Arts & Culture

The Arts

Cultural talent abounds in Alexander City

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & JAKE ARTHUR

From quality live performances to award-winning art, the Lake Martin area is blessed with a wide variety of artists and arts organizations that inspire, entertain and improve the quality of life in Tallapoosa County.

Alexander City Theatre II, a nonprofit community theatre company focused on showcasing the talents of local townspeople in live stage productions, presents an annual season that includes classic and original plays. The troupe reopened this spring, after COVID-19 restrictions canceled the 2020 season, with a free showing of Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize winning script, “Driving Miss Daisy.” Presented outdoors and socially distanced at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, this event was open to the public free of charge, thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses and individuals.

ACT II’s September production of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite also will be open to the community at no charge. Presented on the Betty Carol Graham Center stage on the Alexander City campus of Central Alabama Community College, this highly acclaimed 1968 comedy in three acts has a long-standing reputation as one of most hilarious scripts from one of Broadway’s most popular playwrights.

The remaining ACT II 2021 season will include a cemetery tour in late October and a live presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. Visit actheatre2.com for performance dates, locations and details.

Traveling productions and concerts are presented throughout the year by Alex City Arts, a nonprofit presenter organization that brings popular, award-winning music and theater productions to the area, including the Vienna Boys Choir, Virginia Samford Theater and more.

This year’s ACA offerings will include October’s Cashback, a tribute to Johnny and Jane Carter Cash; the return of 7 Bridges Band, the ultimate Eagles experience in November; Longineu Parsons’ What a Wonderful World tribute to Louis Armstrong in February; and a March appearance by Martin musical heritage group, Rockland Road.

The area also is a hotspot for artists and art lovers who meet through a number of juried arts events all around the lake.

Artists explore their craft at Sarah Towery Carlisle Art Colony

Arti Gras is a juried art show that takes place at Russell Crossroads the first weekend of July

Betsy Iler and Raheem Ruffin star in Driving Miss Daisy

Alabama Art Colony hosts a five-day instructional retreat for painters every October. The event is held at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, an idyllic setting for artistic endeavors and fellowship. Visit alabamaartcolony. org for registration details.

In addition, the Tallapoosa School of Art in Dadeville offers a variety of workshops and classes covering all aspects of painting with a special emphasis on plein aire under the administration of Auburn’s Dorothy Littleton. Find the workshop schedule at tallapoosaworkshops.com.

Art on the Lake, a benefit for Children’s Harbor, features the works of some 70 artists and vendors from across the Southeast and attracts more than 5,000 patrons each year. Paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and textile art are displayed in canopies set up on the lakefront at this 66-acre camp facility that caters to seriously ill children and their families. Previously held Memorial Day weekend, Art on the Lake has moved to Labor Day weekend this year.

Additional arts events around the area include Arti Gras and Russell Land’s Fall Family Festival and Holiday Market events at Russell Crossroads, Lil Calypso at Chuck’s Marina and the annual Fall Festival in Dadeville. At these shows, patrons can browse the works of such Lake Martin artists, discuss art, techniques and media and purchase pieces from their favorite artists. Don’t miss an opportunity to get to know the area’s artists and purchase their works.

On the first weekend of October, plan to be downtown for the Lake Martin Living Art & Photography Contest Exhibit. This outdoor event exhibits the entries in the magazine’s annual contest in a fun atmosphere that includes live music, a cash bar, door prizes and giveaways. You can even cast a vote for the People’s Choice winner. One of the first place winners will be featured on the cover of the October issue of the magazine, and all entering artists will be recognized in the issue’s photo essay pages.

Arts education curriculum also is offered in local schools, including performing arts, visual arts and music programs. Visit the websites for Alexander City Schools and Tallapoosa County schools for specific programs.

And check out the calendar pages in The Outlook, The Dadeville Record and Lake Martin Living and Lake magazines for upcoming arts events in the Lake Martin area.