The Arts – November
Prepare for a very “UnSilent Night” to occur in Newnan Greenville Street Park on Dec 1 at 7 p.m. Organized by Dale Lyles, the event, first created in New York in the 90s, is officially called “Phil Kline’s UnSilent Night”, and centers around four different new age musical pieces played simultaneously on boomboxes and mp3 players as those gathered “promenade” from the park to the courthouse and back. On his blog, Dale describes the music as “an evanescent cloud of chimes and angelic choirs.” Says Lyles, “Kline released a CD in the 90s. When I bought it and read what the piece was about, I immediately wanted to do it here. So I’ve wanted to do this for 25 years.”
Artistically designed lanterns are sure to add a magical illumination. To take part go to unsilentnight.com/participate.
A colorful new picture book with accompanying calendar featuring Mr. Personality is out. “Personality Matters” presents unique quotes by Mr. P. with professionally shot photography of him in and around downtown Newnan. Enjoy seeing many of his creative outfits as he pops in and out of some of Newnan’s well-known shops and landmarks. Learn some of the wisdom he has to share with quotes such as “Every day I do what I can with what I have” and “Death is a friend who will escort me off the stage when my act is over.” The book, sure to be a hit with fans, is available at many downtown locations and the Newnan Coweta Historical Society gift shop, retails for $25 with proceeds benefiting Angels House, NCHS and money toward a new mural by ArtRez. Information about book signing talks/parties released soon on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Mr-
Cows, mules and pigs – OH MY!! Purveyor of art in these parts, “Miss Bette” Hickman, reports that the Fiberglass Sculpture 2018 Project kicks off in late November. “Newnan A Storybook Town” is the theme. Colorful, creatively painted fiberglass farm animals will begin to pop up around town this Spring. The project benefits Newnan’s Children’s Museum. Stay tuned for details about how to become a sponsor.
Newnan Theatre Company will have two heartwarming productions this holiday season —
“It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls, whose dreams quashed, gets a visit from his guardian angel, Clarence, on Christmas Eve to save him from despair. Clarence shows George that the world is a better place with him in it and that he has had a wonderful life indeed. The dramatization not only celebrates the faith of the season, it also celebrates the American philosophy of life: hard work, fair play, and love and support of family and community. It’s a Wonderful Life has eight performances from Nov 30 to Dec 3 and Dec 7-10. The Thursday to Saturday shows are all at 8 p.m., and both Sunday shows are at 3 p.m.
In “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees in everyone during the Christmas season, and Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to discover the real meaning of Christmas. A Charlie Brown Christmas also has eight performances: from Dec 14-17, the Thurs-Sat shows will be at 8 p.m. and the Sunday show is at 3 p.m. For the second and final week, Dec. 21-23, the Thursday and Friday shows are both at 8 p.m., and there will be two Saturday shows – 3 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. – with no Sunday show. Tickets to both shows — http://www.newnantheatre.org/
In late November the Newnan Coweta Historical Society is hosting an opening reception for an exhibit of local artist Sherry Cook. The exhibit will show through December. Cook is a prolific artist who always knew she would make her living with a paint brush. During her 30-year career she has journeyed through ceramics, handmade paper, mixed media, sheet metal and encaustics. Her pieces are full of personality, often reminding the observer of a memory that brings a smile.The recurring themes in her work reflect the enduring themes in her life: love, family, friendship, nature and animals. Don’t miss this colorful, moving art exhibit and a chance to talk to Sherry! www.sherrycook.net
Society of Seven, a group of Newnan’s finest artists, is having their 2nd Annual Christmas Show, Friday, Dec. 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse hundreds of works of art many depicting scenes from Newnan and the South. Also features David Boyd, Sr. and Rosalyn Moore McKoon. The Boyd Gallery, 14 East Washington Street. Open to the public and FREE.
(After several years in advertising and then working for Woodward Academy, Larisa now lives AND works in Newnan. She handles marketing, promoting and organizing arts-related events, writing and other creative and business endeavors. A lover of rock music, folk art and reading, she always on the lookout for what’s next in the arts. She’s an empty nester who enjoys downtown Newnan and appreciates the unique and talented people who make up our community.)
