-
Albert Nolen
Raise the paddle
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas brought back their Treasure Auction, “Double Take,” last Thursday evening to an enthusiastic crowd who were geared to bid on their favorite auction items. Catherine Holtzclaw and Lou Huber did an outstanding job organizing and coordinating this fantastic evening. Twenty-four local artists donated their time and talent with double pairings of paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and more, which delighted the excited guests. Executive Director Lynn Castle and yours truly alternated auctioneer duties as several tables participated in high energy competition bidding on the creative items. In the mix were John Huber, Tommy Holtzclaw, Kit Ohmnstede, Jo Vance, Kerri and Shaeen Farah, Betty Clarke, Pat Klein, Trisha and Roy West, Ramona Young, Marilyn and Tom Bell, Seth Crone, Gayle Pugh, Tina Novelli, Mike Cacioppo, Sam Daleo, Tomas Ashworth, Bobbie Applegate and Joe Pizzo, Kathy Gober, Clyde Drake, Candye Anderson, Judy Honeycutt, Charlotte Fontenot, Susie McDermand, Amy and Albert Faggard, Sandi and Richard Laurette, Edwina Landrum, Barbara Warren, Melody Montero-Ortiz and Jose Ortiz, just to name a few. Kudos to high bidders Jenifer Gordy, John Pat Parsons, Sandra Clark, Lane Wilson, Gerald Farah, Rob Clark, Ken Reed, Rachael Roane, Pam Danna, Mitch Smith, Christina Crawford, Kris Castle, Rachel Grove, Jan Fulbright, Marcia Crone, Brandon Williams and Celia Crittenden.
Challenging competition… with nearly 100 entries representing 48 artists, Mark Nesmith had his judging abilities challenged for the Beaumont Art League Member’s show last Saturday evening. After much debate and viewing of the exhibit his final selections were as follow: Best of Show to Jane C. Silvernail, “Vintage Caravan;” First Place to Chris Troutman, “Paper Platform People;” Second Place to Tina Novelli, “Birds of a Feather;” and third place to Robert Lawson, “Standing Naked and Afraid.” Honorable mentions went to Rob Clark, “The Postman,” Joyce E. Philen, “Osmosis,” Brooke Hood, “Beaumont Birding,” and Crystal Torres, “Mental Inferno.” Viewing the wonderful pieces of art were Jeff McManus, John Roberts, Tony Alves, Lynn Castle, Grace Mathis, Lorena and Carlo Busceme, Lynne Lokensgard, Mary Cantu, Olivia B. King, Greg Busceme, Michelle Kinnard, Marilyn Bell, Sam Daleo, Jr., Mary Ellen VonNetzer, Tom Veillon, Nathan and Cole Holland-Kimmel, Gayle and David Taylor, April Nations and too many more.
Standing ovation… to Maestro Chelsea Tipton II on signing on as the leader of the Symphony of Southeast Texas for another five years! The 71st season will begin in September!
Join the… Downtown Beaumont Cultural arts District for this year’s “Make Music Beaumont” Broadway Edition on Friday, June 23. Doors to the Jefferson Theatre will open at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. showtime. The event will feature performances of “The Lion King Jr.,” “SpongeBob the Musical,” “Sister Act” and “The Masked Singer – Beaumont.” Summer entertainment at its best.
Have you seen… “Mending the Line” is a must-watch movie. The film won the Valor Award at the recent San Diego Film Festival and includes Beaumonter Tristan Thompson, who plays a young marine. It is a story of the sacrifices that those in service to our country make and the road back to hope and redemption. Kudos!
Dance, dance… Aimed Dance will host three weekends of concerts and a dance festival to be held throughout July on the Lamar University campus. Director Amy Elizabeth will launch the concert series July 14, at 6:30 p.m. followed by ArTalks on the Lawn. The festival will end with a final closing reception immediately following the performance Saturday, July 29. All performances will be held in the Lamar University Studio Theatre.
Save the date… The Seafarers’ Center of Beaumont will host their annual Maritime Gala on Thursday, Aug. 10, at the MCM Eleganté at 6 p.m. Organizers will also honor the Hearn family. There will be a gourmet dinner, cash bar and music. Cocktail attire is requested. For tickets, call (409) 832-3292. See you there!
Happy anniversary… to Amy and Ryan Pyburn (11 years), Tiffany and Matt McKenzie (16), Andrea and Taylor Neild (18), Cheryl and Andy Barenberg (41), Denise and Michael Truncale (42) and Dolores and Ronnie Moye (65). Congrats!
Candles and cakes… belated best to Brandtley Wilson, Sarah Steinberg, Shawn Figari and Mitch Toups. B-day wishes to Bailey Swanson, Kristin-Meche Becky Morris-Rector, Janna Fulbright, Taylor Haymour, Karen Babineaux, Laura Rice, Shelley Duke, Courtney Horton, James McNutt, Ronna Phelps, Michael Sparks, Joanie Foux, Carrie Queen, Kimberly Hart, Bitsy Rice, Shane Chapman, Jessie Mudd, Sara White Leger, Ryon Oates, Susanne Birdwell, Danna Johnson Williams, Ric Arena, JoBeth Jenkins, Scootie Clark, Shelley Duke and George Bean.
Until the next RSVP!