THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2005-6
INSIDE: SHOP-O-RAMA, GEEK’S GIFT GUIDE, CHEKHOV AT BCP, AND MORE
IT WAS A BORING JOB AND THEIR BACKS WERE KILLING THEM. IF IT WASN’T FOR THE BENEFITS AND THE LIMITLESS SUPPLY OF STUDIO BLEND, JENNY AND PAULA WOULD HAVE QUIT AGES AGO.
Studio Blend Coffee “It’s A Matter Of Taste” ONLY $7 A POUND AVAILABLE AT THE ART STUDIO
• NOW AVAILABLE GROUND •
A View From The Top Greg Busceme, TASI Director
ISSUE Vol. 12, No. 2 Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Art Studio, Inc. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Coughlan Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Danna Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tara Deckert, . . . . . . . . . Michelle Cate, Donna Rae Wisor Contributing Photographers. . . . . Trish Coughlan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tara Deckert, Michelle Cate Cartoon . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Dixon & Andy Coughlan The Art Studio, Inc. Board of Directors President Ex-Officio . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Busceme Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Busceme Members At Large . . . . . . . . . . . . Andy Coughlan, . . . . . . . . . Beth Gallaspy, Brooks Goodhue, . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maribeth Jones, Sandy Pate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angie Phares, Les Warren
The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin Beaumont, TX 77701 409-838-5393 www.artstudio.org artstudio@artstudio.org Issue Submissions: issue.tasi@hotmail.com The ISSUE is a monthly publication of The Art Studio, Inc. Its mission is to publicize The Art Studio and its tenants, and to promote the growth of the arts in Southeast Texas. ISSUE is also charged with informing TASI members of projects, progress, achievements and setbacks in TASI’s well-being. Further, ISSUE strives to promote and distribute the writings of local authors in its “Thoughtcrime” feature. ISSUE is provided free of charge to members of TASI and is also available, free of charge, at more than 30 locations in Southeast Texas. Regular features include local artists of note and reputation who are not currently exhibiting at TASI; artists currently or soon to be exhibiting at TASI; Instructional articles for artists; news stories regarding the state of TASI’s organization; and arts news features dealing with general philosophical issues of interest to artists.
Contents Summer Spree in pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Around & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 Eagle Scout Michael Lyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Dimorphic Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Photographic Portraiture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 BAL Membership Show Winners . . . . . . . . Page 11 Thoughtcrime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 Community Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Cartoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 15 Cover Photo Illustration: Melissa Anne By Andy Coughlan
This month by Andy Coughlan, ISSUE editor
AS DEADLINE FOR THE ISSUE approached I was in my usual foul mood, waiting for this month’s column by our fearless leader, Greg. He called, claiming to be racked with guilt for being late. A wry smile came across my face — I’d heard it all before. But on this occasion, he had a legitimate excuse. The computers at The Studio decided to go on the fritz and, as we all know, technology is a wonderful thing — as long as it works. When it doesn’t, all hell breaks loose and the world comes to a crashing halt. There are two types of citizens of the “paperless society.” There are obsessive people, like me, who insist on printing five copies of everything stored on the computer, thereby single-handedly destroying huge swaths of Spotted Owl habitat. Then there are people like Greg, who assume things will always be accessible. So TASI’s computers are down, taking with them the mailing list, the membership list, and Greg’s ability to figure out how to open the document with this month’s column. So Greg’s themes for this month are patience, tolerance and forgiveness. Those of you who have recently become members, we do appreciate your
support and we will acknowledge you — as soon as we figure out exactly who you are. Please be patient with us. Those of you who found the last ISSUE coming just a little late, we ask for your patience, as well. Those of you who have tried to email us, well, you know the rest. Hopefully, normal service will soon be resumed (although I’m not sure that is quite a good thing). Perhaps it is better to say that improved service is on the way. Those of you who attended the Tenants Show opening reception noticed that we are doing things a little different, all for your convenience and ours. The premises were given a bit of the old elbow grease over the Labor Day weekend, and now visitors to TASI can see it in all its shining glory. Thanks to everyone who came out to help. We still need some volunteers to help in the office. Nothing difficult, just answering phones and taking messages. If you have some time on your hands and want to help out, pop by and give us a hand. Well, I think that is all Greg wanted to say for now. Next month he should be back to writing in his own words — and will be late.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT THE ART STUDIO OCTOBER NOVEMBER Images from the Mind of Melissa Anne (Photography) Full Circle: Recent Works by Phil Fitzpatrick Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 1
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 5
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ART STUDIO Membership in The Art Studio, Inc., provides invitations to all exhibitions and one year of ISSUE, the monthly arts magazine of The Art Studio. It also gives free eligibility for members to enter the annual membership art exhibition (TASIMJAE) and participate in various exhibitions throughout the year.
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4 • ISSUE December 2005
Volume 12, No. 4
Seriously Funny BCP TO TACKLE CHEKHOV CLASSIC IN JANUARY Sadness combined with happiness. Suffering sprinkled with humor. Death, yet also rebirth. More than just a list of oxymorons, these words define both tragedy and comedy and, when mixed together, become the ingredients for Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece, “The Cherry Orchard.” Set to open Jan. 13, “The Cherry Orchard” is the third production of the Beaumont Community Players 2005-6 season, and is directed by one of Chekhov’s biggest fans, Andy Coughlan. Coughlan, who graduated from Lamar with his master’s degree in English in May, wrote his senior thesis on Chekhov, titled “Living Life Badly and The Comedy of Anton Chekhov.” He said his obsession began years ago when his oldest daughter was in a performance of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters.” “I realized there were things about it I wanted to know more about,” Coughlan said. “When it came right down to it, I just found Chekhov very funny.” After taking a class on the writer, Coughlan says he found that most people find Chekhov dreary and miserable — a notion he disagrees with. “It’s just that, many times, the plays are just not done properly,” he said, “and I’m just arrogant enough to say ‘Nope, you’re not doing it right.’” Even before he began working on his thesis nearly a year ago, he decided to direct the play and prove his thesis. After the committee at BCP approved his application to direct it, Coughlan and local theater star, Roxanne Gray, began plotting their three-year dream of working together. “Roxy and I have talked about this for quite a long time and while I’m not a huge fan of pre-casting, it was just inevitable she would play Ranevskaya,” Coughlan said. Roxanne is incredibly well-respected locally, plus she’s a director herself, and I like to have people who’ve directed, because they’re so easy to direct themselves,” he said. Gray says while she’s always wanted to work with Coughlan, it was the opportunity to perform Chekhov she was most ecstatic about. “I’ve always been interested in performing one of Chekhov’s plays,” she said, “but his works have not been produced in recent years locally. Andy and I got together and discussed and his vision and the production artistically and technically.”
Text by Amanda Rowell
The poster for ‘The Cherry Orchard,’ was designed by Sallie Inman as part of a collaboration between The Art Studio and BCP. Copies of the poster are on display and may be purchased at BCP performances.
See CHERRY on page 10
Volume 12, No. 4
December 2005 ISSUE • 5
THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC.
APRIL 2005
Annual TASI sale offers unique gift opportunities; art by area artisans at affordable prices The holidays are approaching and whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else, the question remains the same: “Where can I get the perfect gift for my loved one?” Well, The Art Studio, Inc. has the perfect solution for the art lover in your life. TASI will host its annual Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza in December, featuring original art at reasonable prices by a variety of local artists. The event begins Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., and will have a free opening reception from 7-10 p.m. that evening. The Studio also is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 and 24. “We are really making a push to be available for people when they are ready to shop for gifts,” Andy Coughlan, TASI board member, said. “That is why we have organized the ShopO-Rama so that people can shop on Sundays as well as being open our usual hours.” The Shop-O-Rama traditionally offers smaller versions of the great art produced by tenants and members of The Art Studio year round. “We know that people at this time of the year are not buying for themselves, but for other people,” Coughlan said. “So the artists try to make work available that is not as expensive as some of the usual work they may produce.
“Especially this year, in the wake of Hurricane Rita, the artists are aware that people may not have a lot of spare cash. However, anyone visiting The Studio in December is certain to find something.” The roster of artists for this year’s Shop-ORama is still being compiled, but a variety of pieces are already guaranteed to be available. Ceramics, paintings, drawings and prints, decorative boxes, photographs, woodcarvings, dolls, jewelry and other knick-knacks will be on display. Many of the items will be available for as little at $10-$20, but there will be a selection of higher priced items as well. “Artists are known to be procrastinators,” Coughlan said, “and with that in mind, we will be open on Christmas Eve, to help the lastminute shopper. That is something different this year.” Participation in the sale is open to TASI members in good standing. Anyone wishing to take part in the event can become a member of The Art Studio when they bring their work in. Memberships begin at $35. TASI takes a commission of 25 percent on all items sold. The display will accept entries beginning Nov. 30. All artwork must be brought by in person. Artists are responsible for their own displays. Work may be added at any time during the run of the Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza.
“The commission is particularly low in relation to other arts organizations,” Coughlan said. “It is not unusual for galleries to charge as much as 50 or 60 percent commission. We have always tried to keep the percentage low to encourage the less experienced artist to become involved in exhibiting and selling their work.” Coughlan said The Studio has a strong commitment to encouraging local artists and craftspersons to become involved in the area arts community. “We do not make judgments about what is ‘good,’” he said. “If you have the passion to make art, we want to help you.” Many of the artists displaying their work at the Shop-O-Rama are tenants of The Art Studio, artists who rent space and work at TASI during the year. So why waste your money on some massproduced item made in a sweatshop in the Far East. Come by The Art Studio in December and give your loved ones an original piece of art made in your own backyard. The Art Studio, Inc. is located at 720 Franklin in downtown Beaumont. Shop-ORama hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 and 24. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, call 409-838-5393.
MAKING AN EXHIBITION OF THEMSELVES PAGE 7
INSIDE: LISA REINAUER: JUDGE AND JURY, HOT PIG, AND MORE
6 • ISSUE December 2005
Volume 12, No. 4
The second annual GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAVORITE NERD The holiday season is upon is once again and that means it’s time for the second annual Geeks Gift Guide, so without further ado, here are some ideas on what to get that overly-obsessive friend of yours.
FIREFLY
Commentary Jeff Dixon Writer, critic and self-proclaimed geek
In its infinite wisdom FOX canceled this series after 14 episodes. But the demands of the fanbase forced the company to release a box set of all the episodes which has gone on(with the help of the movie follow up “Serenity) to be one of the best selling DVD’s of a TV series. Do you like westerns? Do you like Sci-Fi? How about well developed multi-layered characters? Well then you should love and I mean love Joss Whedons “Firefly.” By the by the DVD for “Serenity hits stores December 20th. No pressure.
AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH This 2 disc DVD is a compilation of various Q and A’s that director Kevin Smith did at colleges around the country. It’s worth the money just to hear the story about Smith being approached to not only write a Superman script, but to include a scene where one of Superman’s foe’s fights a polar bear, because according to producer Jon Peters “Polar bears are the most fearsome killers in the animal kingdom.” What that has to with Superman is a mystery to both myself and Kevin.
BIG FISH (Special Edition) Tim Burtons masterpiece “Big Fish” was the most beautifully shot film of 2003. Ewan McGregor stars as Ed Bloom, a man whose life was so amazing it’s difficult to tell fact from fiction. The DVD includes directors commentary, four featurettes on the making of the film, three featurettes on the characters, a Tim Burton trivia game, and a 24 page booklet on the film. This thing is so loaded with extras it will make you want to kick your mom right in the face!
ing of the film. This is a must for any film geek just to see John Astin as a ghost cowboy pulling out a pair of sixshooters and riddle the reaper with holes.
MURDERBALL Now called Quad Rugby and originally called Wheelchair Rugby, Murderball is one of the most violent sports ever to emerge from Canada which is really saying something. This Documentary chronicles the America Team and their journey to the Championship. The DVD includes footage from the premiere at Cannes, updates on all the players, a Charlie Rose special, and deleted scenes. Definitely a must own for any sports fan or anyone with a soft spot for underdogs.
SCRUBS Season 2 What can I really say about “Scrubs.” It’s one of the best shows on television. This box set includes every episode from season 2, a featurette on the music, outtakes, deleted scenes, a featurette on the dream sequences, commentaries on select episodes with cast and crew, and a one on one with John C. McGinly. If that last feature doesn’t get you excited then it’s probably a safe bet that you’re dead inside.
THE FRIGHTENERS (Unrated Directors Cut) One of the most underappreciated films of the past decade “The Frighteners” is Peter Jackson’s first big budget movie. It stars Michael J. Fox as a shady paranormal investigator who suddenly finds himself battling the Grim Reaper. The DVD includes Commentary by Jackson and a documentary on the mak-
FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY (Special Edition) This was the most visually stunning movie of the year. For anyone with a love for film-noir “Sin City “ was pure gold on
Volume 12, No. 4
December 2005 ISSUE • 7
Geek’s gift guide — THERE’S ON IN EVERY FAMILY the silver screen. This DVD is just packed with extras including commentaries by Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. Also included, a recut theatrical release separated into four stories, featurettes on the cars, makeup, costumes, props, bloopers, a 15 minute film school hosted by Rodriguez and a 10 minute cooking school also hosted by Rodriguez. In the words of Marv “Walk down the right back alley in Sin City, and you can find anything.”
RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS Narrated by Dominic Monaghan this documentary focuses on how “Lord of the Rings” has influenced pop culture over the last 50 years. The DVD includes interviews with Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Peter Jackson, eight featurettes and deleted scenes. This is a must for any fan of the trilogy or the books or anyone curious to see just how out of control your average overweight, pimply faced, hobbit loving virgin can get.
ATMOSPHERE: YOU CAN’T IMAGINE HOW MUCH FUN WE’RE HAVING The newest release from indie Hip-Hop’s most notable acts, this album is phenomenal. Slug and Ant are working at the top of their game for all 13
tracks. A must own for any music fan. Also included is free a Rhymsayers Entertainment sampler disc.
FEVER PITCH This memoir by the author of “High Fidelity” is the perfect gift for any sports fan on your list. Nick Hornby relays the story of his life through the football games of his favorite team, Arsenal. At times touching and also side splittingly funny this is by far the best sports book I’ve ever read.
FOX IN A BOX: THE PAM GRIER COLLECTION Do I really need to tell you what's in this set? C'mon it's Pam Grier! The hottest woman on the face of the planet. Alright fine I'll tell you. The set includes the films "Coffy", "Foxy Brown", and " Sheba, Baby." Also included is a bonus disc which contains the featurettes "From Blacksploitation to Hip-Hop" and "Pam Grier: Super Foxy." Look I understand that I'm probably way too excited about this, and yes I understand that 10% of it is due to the fact that I'm single but the other 90% is due to the
fact that Pam Grier is so hot I'll probably melt the minute I touch this box set.
THE SENTRY (Trade Paperback) The Sentry is one of the most well written comic books Marvel has ever produced. I’m going to give you a minute to let that really sink in…. Alright the basic premise is that mild mannered Robert Reynolds has reoccurring nightmares that he is the most powerful superhero on earth. And yet with all this power he is unable to stop a villain called The Void from destroying the world. Written by Paul Jenkins and illustrated by Jae Lee “The Sentry” reads like a noir love letter to the Marvel universe featuring guest appearances from everyone including Spider-man and the X-men, Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!
8 • ISSUE December 2005
Volume 12, No. 4
Around & About If you come across any interesting exhibitions, museums or other places on your travels, share them with us. Call 409-838-5393, or contact us through our web site at www.artstudio.org. Be sure to include the location and dates of the subject, as well as any costs.
The MUSEUM OF THE GULF COAST hosts THE NATURE OF HOLOGRAPHY through Jan. 15. This exhibition combines images from nature with the science and illusion of holograms. The exhibit is on loan from Holophile, Inc. The museum is located at 700 Procter Street in Port Arthur. For more information, call 409-982-7000 or visit their Web site at www.beaumontartleague.org. _______________ THE PORT ARTHUR LITTLE THEATRE announces a revised season schedule in the wake of Hurricane Rita. “Rita may have torn off roofs and blown away fences in our area, but our spirits are intact and our desire to entertain has never been greater,” Carl Heubach, PALT spokesperson, said. “PALT sustained only minor damage. We had several pieces of exterior trim blown away and a couple of our large Pine Trees were destroyed. No damage to the interior of the complex. We were very fortunate. The bulk of our work has been clearing the hundreds of blown down branches, leaves and other debris from our parking lot. The following is the revised scheduled: “THE MIRACLE WORKER” (new dates), Dec. 2-4 and 9-11. “NUNSENSE A-MEN” (replacement show for “Jacob’s Marley”), Jan. 13-15 and 20-22. “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR” (same show and show dates), March 2-5, 10-12, 17-19. “LEND ME A TENOR” (same show and show dates), May 5-7, 11-13, 19-21.
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. If you had reservations for one of the original show dates you must now make a new reservation. Call the reservation line 727–PALT (7258). _______________ The MUSEUM OF FINE ART, HOUSTON presents “BASQUIAT,” on view through Feb. 12 in the Caroline Wiess Law Building. “During the tragically brief life of Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), he created a distinct style of painting that involved language, a set of repeated personal symbols, and a rhythmic harmony of surface based on a loosely gridded picture plane,” the MFAH Web site states. “Although a self-taught artist, Basquiat had a deep understanding of art history, acquired at least partially through frequent visits to New York’s major art museums, beginning when he was only 4 or 5 years old. Significant influences ranged from Picasso, Pollock, Dubuffet, and Twombly through Leonardo da Vinci. Fluent in French and Spanish (Basquiat’s father was born in Haiti; his mother was from Puerto Rico), he was a precocious reader in both languages, as well as in English. His special interests included Symbolist poetry, mythology, history, and medical texts, particularly Gray’s Anatomy. “Basquiat emerged at a crucial, still insufficiently understood period of American art. He became a full-time painter in 1980, just as the New York art world was about to explode from a circumscribed, uptown world to the galleries in Soho and, shortly thereafter, the East Village. It was the birth of the era of artist as celebrity, and the ambitious artist
could became a celebrity in the downtown club scene from which the hip-hop movement arose. Young artists were creating short-lived venues to show their own work and that of their peers. Basquiat first received critical attention in the now-legendary Times Square show of 1980, a weekend-long venue in an empty building that exhibited the work of several hundred artists. “Most of Basquiat’s work incorporates text with imagery; indeed, some of the drawings are purely writing. Certain words like ‘tar,’ an anagram for ‘art’ recur throughout his work, as does ‘salt,’ indicative of the artist’s interest in the concept of possession. (Salt was once used as currency.) Basquiat devised a group of symbols, such as the copyright mark (artistic possession), a notary-public’s stamp, and, most ubiquitously, a three-point crown, denoting approval or admiration. A natural and vigorous draftsman, he had become equally adept as a colorist by 1982. The Web site adds that the exhibition marks the first serious examination of Basquiat’s work by an American museum. Basquiat comprises 67 paintings, many drawn from European collections, and 36 drawings, all of which examine the artist’s work in the context of his role as the last Modernist. The museum is located at 1001 Bissonnet Street in Houston. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., TuesdayWednesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m-7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:15 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and youth. Admission to the museum is free to the public on Thursdays and is always free for MFAH members. For more information, call 713-639-7300, or visit MFAH.org.
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Volume Volume11, 12,No. No.1 4 Judgement Eve
September December 2005 2004 ISSUE ISSUE • 59
Distinctly Diverse
Tho ughtcrime
It was a day when nothing could intrude upon the quietude of silence, Submission Guidelines and Disclaimer donors to TASI. Send typed works to: grown loudly ISSUE ISSUE solicits and publishes the work of 720 Franklin, Beaumont, TX 77701 local authors. Poetry, short fiction, scholarly all alone or e-mail: works and opinion pieces may be submitted for its own. issue.tasi@hotmail.com review. All works must be typed or submitted on a The earth, disk (using approved word processing software), Authors must submit a daytime telephone or may be sent to TASI by e-mail. All works are sullen and dumb, number along with all submissions. Pen names subject for review by our editor, and may be rejectdammed up the air are acceptable, but authors must supply real ed or edited on the basis of grammar, spelling or turning the sky a blue, names for verification. All submitted works content. The piece consists of an automatic tennis serve balls hit the wall and bounce randomly away as aor exans have their “Twang,” the disblue, become property of TASI, The opinions expressed inthe “Thoughtcrime” and whether rejected do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TASI, its ISSUE accepted, are not returned to the author. machine that fires a series of balls (each labeled museum guard chased after them. This viewing tinctive vocal style that distinblue, Board of Directors, ISSUE’s editorial staff, ora sense does of not“play,” notify of with rejection bymachine, mail or telephone. “Joey”) against a wall on which is a large Argyle patemphasized the like guishes them from people from blue, a rambunctious child, teasing its reluctant “playother states. “Twang” also refers to tern that may or may not be a net. The machine is and bluer still; labeled “Playmate” and the balls are fired with mate.” the guitar sounds of Texas R&B till purple shade The same piece, but two games and, therefore, and country. Braids monotonous regularity, with the gallery walls echoWonder was made ing a repetitive thud thud thud, like the Dada sound- two different pieces. At the Art Museum of of suffocated sunlight. tracks of Kurt Schwitters. Even though the “Playmate” inanimate, Southeast Texas, “Twang” is a You see me alone, is tonight. Then, The “Joey” of the title refers to Joey Powers has created a performance piece reminiscent group show of contemporaryHer braids dance, The emergency trip to Dallas the earth, like a Texas sculpture featuring work almost her. Mussacchio,of a childhood friend of the artist who is of the 1960s Fluxus group, whose creations by independent Because of Hurricane Rita. existed in temper-tantrumed-tot, the reactions ofNow, the viewer. a dozen artists. They are now longdead. and brown, I have returned home Powers plays our emotions and delicately Does the lifeless “Playmate” long for someone Texas is both Western and tucked his To with Beaumont, my hometown. and the fire makes them shine as she moves, balances the the joys of childhood with the loss of thumb knuckle Southern, cotton and cowboys, and with whom to play? It seems to connect with the It has been my task to make moves with the drum, or American does the drum move with her? innocence. quintessentially past-time — a simple a multitude of clashing cultures. If A person out of a traumatized (bent and buckled) Her feet are bare and covered in dirt, game of catch. Another piece demands viewer participaManthat I started out with. between his teeth, there is one thing that defines tion is Justin Kidd’s “In and Out Box.” Visitors to the opening witnessed the balls Texas, it is its indefinability. like the feet of her mother before her. There was so much to control; and biting down Consisting The of a terror, crudelythe constructed mailbox “Twang,” like the state that bouncing off two back into the machine, struggle with nature. The fire lights up her facewalls and and she smiles, the stillness sound, hanging on theAngry, wall, visitors to the exhibit are invitcompleting a never-ending solitary game of catch. links these artists, incorporates a I slept with high began toof tumble and the fire warm andquality child like ed to “mail” a postcard from the Czech Republic plethora styles and forms. Thesmiles piece back, had a amelancholy thatsmile. reflected Winds, flooding rains crumble — She leaves thethe dance, theand forest, Among the strongest pieces on display is “Loveboth loss and of a descends childhoodinto friend of childhood Pouring the earth’s fluids. crush.a study of friendship, loneliness and lossher Joey,” by braidsitself. following close behind. I recall a tin roof blown While splintered visitors at a later date may have seen Michael Powers. SeeOff TWANG on page 11 an old smokehouse The rocks andHowever, trees seem to move for her, grindstone ground, During the night of my as she walks the path. metacarpal mountains fell, Brain harassed, my soul The wind splashes over her face and she smiles, unsettling the dust somewhere, Tried until I allowed Among the works and the wind smiles back. Sins to be boiled down featured in but I could not tell. To invisible residues. “TWANG: It was a day She comes to the cliffs that her ancestors made their homes on Almost nothing. Until Contemporary when nothing could intrude and looks out into the valley, her valley. My cousin arrived from Dallas Sculpture from upon the quietude She kneels and smiles, To take me to safety and sanity Texas,” of silence her braids covering her bare breasts. One minute I was tossed on display grown loudly Like a wild gypsy salad through Sept. 26 She smiles and the valley smiles back, all alone Up to a ceiling of hard, at the Art as it welcomes it's child home. its own. Cold storm. Next minute Museum of I sat at a vintage dining Southeast Texas, Jesse Jeff Dixon Table eating shoulder roast are, Doiron clockwise With a silver spoon. from left, No one is going to take me “E.B.” by Seriously until I talk about Erick Swenson, The black sky, the furious “Museum Bench” Night I spent. Me, fresh out by Chris Sauter, For G. Neglectfulness Of some tropical boot camp. “Two Paintings on Give me thoughts of misty autumn days She annointed But still, my homeward a Rock” my pain Seagulls screaming above crashing waves Way came. Little by little, by Bill Davenport With oil Children laughing and climbing trees The mind returned. Even the soul and “Sell Me She asked me Old men praying on bended knees Opened its lotus petals to praise Something What I would confess Heaven above that I survived. Brown” Young girls stepping down life’s long path I replied I give this poem to my Mom by Franco Impetuous youths laughing at danger Neglectfulness And Dad who stayed with me Mondini-Ruiz. And think of death’s shadow following All night the storm She cupped her hands While wings of angels send soft breezes Was bronzed for posterity. Over the crown of my head To cool the fevered brow Its wild winds and dark She pronounced blessings And breath life into the infant Drops are recalled for as long May the Peace of the Eternal As I live. Drop, drop, drop. Who is born once more into the dawn. Those cold sounds speak my Review and Be with you Language. Another storm photos She endedby in benediction (You left too soon, my friend) In a new state of wonder! Andy
DIFFERENT APPROACHES U NITE ‘TEXAS TWO DOZEN’ THE ARTS MAGAZINE OF THE ART STUDIO, INC.
T
APRIL 2005
MAKING AN EXHIBITION OF THEMSELVES PAGE 7
INSIDE: LISA REINAUER: JUDGE AND JURY, HOT PIG, AND MORE
Coughlan
Cathy Atkinson
Andy Coughlan
George Wentz
10 • ISSUE December 2005
CHERRY from page 4 Though Coughlan refuses to call “The Cherry Orchard” a “gamble,” he does admit it’s not your normal community theater fair. And having Gray’s name on the ticket is a shameless plug he’s willing to make to promote and pull in ticket sales. “I think there’s room for a classic play and so I have a vested interested for ‘The Cherry Orchard’ to sell tickets,” he said. “If people come see it and it is successful, then there will be other plays like it that I can go see.” As non-conventional as it sounds, “The Cherry Orchard” is a play based entirely on satire, which is why Coughlan, and many others, find Chekhov so appealing. It’s based around people and the way they react to things, and though considered by many to be a “brooding drama,” it’s actually a comedy in four acts. “It’s not that these characters aren’t suffering, they are,” Coughlan said, “it’s the way they suffer and the trivialities of the things they suffer from that brings out the humor. You’re supposed to laugh at these people, instead of feeling sorry for them — it’s like self inflicted misery, so it’s social commentary.” Gray says that the audience will find many things in the play with which to connect. “It’s certain that audience members will recognize people very much like these characters in their lives — possibly even themselves — as well as similar conflicts in which the characters find themselves, she said.”
Volume 12, No. 4 The key to Chekhov’s humor is that nothing really works the way people would like it to work. Coughlan says we often look at the world a certain way and when it doesn’t work out perfectly for us, we’re disappointed and miserable, completely overlooking any positives and opportunities that present themselves. “I love taking things and holding up a mirror and saying, ‘Look how silly this is,’” Coughlan said. “I mean, how many times do you walk around and think,‘Oh my life is terrible.’ And then you look at it and go, ‘Well, not really.’” Aside from the humor and satire, “The Cherry Orchard” is going to be slightly different visually, as well. Coughlan is an artist and is not the board of The Art Studio, Inc. and says he’s planning it to be more visually artistic and less realistic, with a minimal set. The lighting will work to set the mood. He also plans on having the costumes incorporate some of the elements from the publicity poster, designed by Sally Inman. Gray says the unpredictability of each performance as well as theatrical elements of design and performance execution will create an exciting experience audience members may have not seen before. Along with Gray as Ravnevskaya, Coughlan says the rest of the cast will bring “The Cherry Orchard” to new heights of brilliance. “Ninety-nine percent of directing is picking a good cast and then getting the hell out of their way,” he said. “I just kind of poke them along, a little bit like a sheepdog, I suppose. I tend to let the actors build the play and use the whole concept of the ‘happy accident’ in
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the theater.” Gray says the sensitive and sentimental Ravnevskaya is very much like her. “Although I understand her, there is a lack of rational compromise in her personality that I’ve fortunately grown wiser about my responses to life over the years,” she said. “I am so grateful to Andy for the opportunity to bring her to life in this production.” Finding an opportunity and capitalizing on it is all Coughlan is asking for.Well, at least the opportunity to come see him breathe life into Chekhov and both of their self-described “jaded views of humanity.” “Andy has an extensive knowledge of Chekhov’s works which will be a plan for this production,” said Gray. “He understands the importance of staying true to the playwright and his work.” “I think that’s why I like Chekhov,” said Coughlan. “It’s like he says, ‘This opportunity may not be perfect, but it’s there. Now are you smart enough to take that opportunity or are you going to all sit around all day and complain about it? “I think that’s the brilliance of Chekhov,” he said. “He just stands up and says, ‘I’m just trying to show you that you all suck. But, you don’t have to — there are options here.’” BCP will present “The Cherry Orchard” Jan. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a matinee Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m. For reservations, visit the Web site at www.beaumontcommunityplayers.com. Posters of the show, and of all the shows this season, are available for sale during BCP performances. The posters have been designed by area artists affiliated with The Art Studio, Inc.
VIEW from page 3 ciously agreed to have her exhibition in January. Thanks also go to all the donors of food and goodies for the opening, and the regulars who showed up right on time. We weren’t in great shape before the storm, and we are in worse shape after, but we have the dedicated people to put this Humpty together again. The hurricane blew the roof off the barn, but didn’t blow out the flame of hope for the artists who work here. Thanks go to these folk, who sent in rent checks months in advance and are now pulling together the annual Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza, which will open Dec. 2 at its usual time. Our new board members have been out through trial by fire — or rather, hurricane. But their dedication to our cause gives me nothing but hope for a strong and successful future. Like Rocky Marciano, we may be hurt, but you can’t knock us down!
December 2005 ISSUE • 11
Volume 12, No. 4
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INSIDE • SECOND ANNUAL GEEK’S GIFT GUIDE • THOUGHTCRIME: MUSINGS FROM AREA POETS • AROUND & ABOUT: INFORMATION ABOUT ART HAPPENINGS • BCP PRESENTS ‘THE CHERRY ORCHARD’ • ISSUE SUBMISSIONS: issue.tasi@hotmail.com
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Volunteers We couldn’t do it without you! Twylia Altom, Roy Bares, Brooke Boyett, Ren Brumfield, Greg Busceme, B.J. Bourg, Bryan Castino, Melissa Chaisson, Charmaine Costner, Andy Coughlan, Renee Coughlan, Yolanda Cuniff, Jesse Doiron, Heather Eager, Elizabeth French, John Fulbright, Beth Gallaspy, Marcus Hammons, Monica Hay, Trishell Joffrion, Maribeth Jones, D.J. Kava, Stephan Malick, Marianna Measells, Sheila Molandes, Elizabeth Pearson, Tim Postlewait, Clint Ray, Katheryn Rogers, Jackie Stubblefield, Gena Wilkinson, Tom Wright.
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