This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 22

By GRACE STOPHER, Missoula Cultural Council

Girls Rock Camp Performance

This week at ZACC’s summer camp, the Girls Rock Camp (young rockers ages 8-15) formed three bands, learned to play instruments, wrote their own songs, and now will perform publicly for the first time at Family Friendly Fridays at the Top Hat Lounge. Come cheer them on as they hit the stage! Friday, August 26th, starting at 6:00 pm. Free.

Poetry Reading at Shakespeare & Co.
On Friday, August 26th at 7:00pm, hear poets Z.G. Tomaszewski and Todd Davis read from their new books, Z.G.’s All Things Dusk, and Todd’s Winterkill.

2016-08-22_1855Singer Songwriters at the Roxy
What has 28 albums, a Grammy Nomination, multiple “Best Musician” awards from the Missoula Independent, a USA Songwriter Grand Prize and a Northwest Emmy Award winning Television performance? The combination of Missoula singer songwriters Susan Gibson, Tom Catmull, Jenn Adams and John Floridis! Join these independent singer songwriters at the Roxy Theater on Tuesday, August 23, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are for sale at Roxy Theater and at Rockin’ Rudy’s in Missoula. $15.00 in advance, $18.00 at the door.

Poetry Reading at Fact & Fiction
Come to Fact & Fiction on Thursday, August 25th, to hear author Christianne Balk read from her book of poetry, Holding Hours. The reading and signing will take place at the downtown location starting at 6:30 pm. Emotion, raw and unadorned, is woven through the poems of Christianne Balk’s The Holding Hours. Part I explores the subtle and surprising transformations that come from caring for her young, neurologically injured daughter. Insights unfold in metaphor and persona below the surface of an exquisitely observed life.

Auditions for Tarzan the Musical
Bring out your best Tarzan call of the jungle, because the Missoula Community Theatre is holding open auditions on August 28 for Tarzan the Stage Musical! The audition will take place at MCT Center for the Performing Arts on the third floor. Children ages 10-15 audition from 12:30-2 PM, and those ages 16 and above audition from 2-4:30 PM. This is a highly physical show. Actors with tumbling skills are encouraged to audition. Call 728-7529 for more info.

2016-08-22_1855_001Clay Studio: Summertime High Tea
This late summer celebration offers an appetizing selection of high tea themed snacks and desserts prepared by local baker Margaret Ambrose-Barton. Clay Studio of Missoula’s talented ceramic artists will provide guests with one handmade cup and plate to take home. Local teas by Lake Missoula Tea Co., coffee, and wine will also be served, along with live music by local musicians Wailing Jennings and The Work Release Program. Purchase your tickets in advance for Summertime High Tea on Sunday, August 28, at 4 PM. Tickets must be reserved and purchased prior to the event. Limited tickets are available for this special event. We will be unable to sell tickets at the event. Call 543-0509 to learn more and purchase tickets.

Performing Arts Class: Seussical Jr.

Calling Grades 7-12 for the Missoula Children’s Theatre fall class of Seussical Jr!  This fabulous after school performing arts class begins the week of August 30th and culminates into wonderful performances on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2.  Registration is still available at www.MCTinc.org, by calling 728-7529 if stopping by the MCT box office!

Bob Ross Night at ZACC
Bring your Bob Ross wigs, impressions, and appreciation for ZACC’s monthly Bob Ross Night on August 24 from 6-8 pm! Participants will be inspired to paint happy little trees as we watch a Bob Ross video and follow along while drinking wine and having fun in our gallery. Cost covers all your materials, supplies, and canvas. Visit Zootown Artswebsite for more information.

Adult Beginning Fiddle
Fiddle class for big kids! Grow Music Missoula offers beginning fiddle to folks 16+ in the classroom at Imagine Nation Brewery, Wednesdays at 6:15 pm, September 14-October 26. We find that the beer serves as an effective lubricant for all the squeaky sounds. This is a family-friendly environment with a great patio and even better beer.  Find all the details about pricing and fiddle rental online here. Space is limited!

2016-08-22_1856Mark Your Calendar: Germanfest!
Germanfest is a free Montana German festival held each fall in Missoula. This year, Germanfest will be held Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, in Caras Park, from 2-6 pm. Germanfest is a celebration of German culture and Missoula’s Sister City relationship with Neckargemünd, Germany. It is the premiere Montana German festival in the state. Highlights include traditional food, music and beer. This is an annual event put on by Missoula Cultural Council

TAPESTRY Improvisation Class
Turning the Wheel Missoula introduces TAPESTRY, a guided movement improvisation class with equal parts play, depth and organic creative collaboration. You will come away every week feeling inspired, alive and capable of continuing to generate and create, things that are vitally important to well being. This class is guided by Lulu Delphine and Lizzi Juda on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 PM, September 14-November 16, at Headwaters Dance Co. Register by calling 544-7561 or email Lulu.

Radius Gallery: The Changing Moment
Radius Gallery’s 2nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition features 100 exquisite artwork by 61 artists surrounding the theme, “The Changing Moment.” Artworks were selected by three distinguished jurors: Kristi Scott, Hadley Ferguson, and Liz Dye. This exhibition is on view through September 16. Visit Radius Gallery at 114 E. Main and online.

2016-08-15_2214MAM: Current Exhibitions
The Missoula Art Museum presents local and regional contemporary artists with exhibitions changing every 3-6 months. Visit MAM’s website for information about current and upcoming exhibitions. Newest exhibition: “Not Vanishing: Contemporary Expressions in Indigenous Art, 1977-2015” through December 10, 2016.

MMAC: Current Exhibitions
The Montana Museum of Art & Culture at University of Montana hosts two incredible exhibitions this summer:

Wood Engravers Network Triennial Exhibition – June 9 – September 17, Paxson Gallery

Dramatic Moments: Frederic Remington’s Early Engravings, 1882-1895 – June 9 – September 17, Meloy Gallery

Enjoy a free public lecture: “Remington’s Formative Years,” by art collector and educator Lee Silliman, on September 8th from 7 – 8:30 PM at the Montana Museum of Art & Culture. Please visit MMAC’s website for more info.

VonCommon Autumn Group Show
VonCommon Artist Collective calls for artists to respond to the theme, “This is What Democracy Feels Like.” With this art call, artists are encouraged to create an expression of how they perceive and exercise democracy as a living breathing concept. Information about the art call and how to submit is available online here. Deadline: September 11, 2016

Festival of the Dead
ZACC seeks submissions for the 5th Annual Festival of the Dead group art show inspired by the theme ” Heroes, Dreamers, and Fighters.” Details online.  Deadline: September 18, 2016

3rd Annual Radius Holiday Show
Radius Gallery invites artists to submit their original artworks to its third annual Holiday Show. Last year’s show was very well received by gift buyers and collectors alike-with over 100 artworks sold! This year’s show promises to be even bigger and better. Find out all details online here. Deadline: September 25, 2016

MAM 45th Benefit Art Auction
Missoula Art Museum welcomes all artists to support free expression and free admission with an art submission to the 45th Benefit Art Auction. For full prospectus and submission details, click here. You may contact Associate Curator John Calsbeek with questions at 728-0447.Deadline: October 20, 2016

Volunteer Night at Missoula Children’s Theatre
Join MCT as we celebrate past, present, and future volunteers with a night of jeopardy and fun! Thursday, August 25, at 6:00pm. Open to the general public so all are welcome! MCTinc.org

Missoula Art Museum Seeks Art Guides

Do you love contemporary art? Do you love teaching kids? Join Missoula Art Museum staff for an Art Guide Open House this Friday, August 26th, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Come learn about this exciting opportunity to teach art education this fall at MAM. Light refreshments will be served. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming an Art Guide at the museum, contact Renee Taaffe or call the museum at 728-0447.

Help Welcome International Students
The Missoula International Friendship Program is seeking volunteer families, couples and single people to become Community Friends to international students and scholars who will begin studies at UM this fall. This is NOT a home stay. Community Friends have no financial obligations for the students or scholars. This program is free to both students and Community Friends. For more information or to apply see mifp.org Completed applications must be submitted by August 27, 2016.