Were we without the warm blasts of energy coming out of every open gallery front door- the galleries themselves filled with art enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life, beaming gallery coordinators, and the obliging, ebullient artists themselves- who would have been bumbling around downtown Bloomington on that night? Keeping pace with others making similar pilgrimages to each gallery, we entered each in turn, at first struck by an overwhelming sensation of claustrophobia, but, as we began to take in the exquisite local art and atmosphere, rubbing elbows with fellow art lovers was a bonding experience.

If you missed the first gallery walk, you’re in for a long wait until the next one scheduled for July 11. However, take it from us, it’s worth the wait for your inner art critic (and stomach; free food is offered at each gallery).

Whether born and bred Bloomington, or IU’s newest student, this free cultural offering made possible by the Bloomington Area Arts Council (BAAC) and local galleries is accessible and enjoyable for town, gown and tourists alike.

“Organization of the gallery walk is done by a committee of one representative from Bloomington Area Arts Council, and one person from each gallery,” explains Craig Barton, BAAC Office Manager. “The planning for this year’s Walk went really well, and each of the participating galleries has its own point of view on art.” The lineup for the 2008 Gallery Walk is, in no particular order, tutto bène, Bellevue, By Hand, Prima, Gallery North, Wandering Turtle and The Waldron Galleries & Gallery Shop. Once you’re downtown, each gallery is just a walk away from the other…a walk that will probably be much warmer and pleasant on the July 11 Gallery Walk!

While the snacks are definitely one incentive for Gallery Walk participants working up an appetite walking downtown, when John Waldron Arts Center Galleries Director Anna Walker says “Many of the Gallery Walk openings include the artist, and for visitors, this is a unique experience and an opportunity to ask questions from the person who knows best,” we’re inclined to agree. Weaving through the packed house at the Wandering Turtle that night, we got a chance to meet photographer Carol Koetke, whose work is on display at the gallery until May 12. Koetke explained her passion for up close, detailed photos of sunflowers, and showed us one in her display, bursting with bright, rich golden color. Being able to talk to the artist, for us, made the gallery visit much more dynamic.

“I would encourage anyone who’s hesitant about visiting a gallery because maybe they feel like the environment isn’t ‘for them’ to try a Gallery Walk because it is a gallery experience that is lively, festive and relaxed.” says Walker. We can only echo her sentiments, and bide our time until the next night for Gallery Walk comes around (and gird our loins for the crowds in the meantime).

Special thanks to Dawn K. Shanks and Sarah Fargo for collaborating on this piece.

When Nick is offered a promotion that would take him across the country to Seattle, the grandparents scheme to keep their dear grandson nearby, inviting the lovely – and single—Caitlin to dinner in the hopes she and Nick will fall in love at first sight and live happily ever after—in Jersey, of course. Nick is very upset with his grandparents, and the stress of dealing with their meddling sends him into a panic attack. He stays at Frank and Aida’s house several days to recover, and while there gains some real insight into the lives and backgrounds of the people he thought he knew. Ultimately they all achieve a deeper understanding of each other, learning to respect each others’ viewpoints, even if they don’t agree or understand.

Frequently hilarious, and juxtaposed with the occasional poignant moment, this play captures the essence of families: their dependence on one another, their independence from each other, and the way that generations learn from and about one another. Audiences will easily relate to and laugh at characters, relationships, and incidents that they will recognize from their own families. Although the characters in the play are mostly of Italian descent, the particular ancestry doesn’t matter; the humor ought speak to everyone.

Over the River and through the Woods is directed by Rance Fawbush and will appear at the John Waldron Arts Center Auditorium on November 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th at 8pm. General admission is $12, $9 for students. For more information, please visit http://www.mcct.org/.

Carmen Meyers stars as Glenn Close, the seductive business executive who turns desperate murderess after a one-night stand with Michael Douglas (played by Mike Carey, who was also seen in the BPP season opener Cowboyily). Bethany Barber plays Anne Archer, his loving housewife who struggles to protect her family throughout the ordeal. Tensions reach a boiling point that claims the innocent life of the family rabbit.

Throughout the play, a Greek chorus appears providing the audience with “so unnecessary, it’s hilarious” commentary on the not-so-covert themes in the story.
“Though the title indicates that this is a tragedy, the show is definitely a comedy,” explains Wilkinson and McNair. “The scenes are straightforward and snappy, the pace is fast, and the fight scenes are heightened. Audiences do not need to have seen the film to get all the jokes, but a basic working knowledge of permed hair and power suits always helps.”

Performances of Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy are scheduled for November 1-17, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $15 General Admission, $12 Student/Senior with $5 Student Rush tickets available 5 minutes before showtime. Call 355-9001 for reservations or visit http://bloomingtonarts.info/ to purchase tickets online. For more info, visit http://www.newplays.org/.

Director Fontaine Syer says “Measure for Measure is about balance. What the play says ultimately is that extremes are destructive. . . .The show opens with a short dance sequence, exhibiting the excessive, sexual behavior the duke sees in his city, and that’s pretty fabulous to watch. And the show ends with what amounts to a very public trial, jumping from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again in a heartbeat. It’s a great ride.”

Measure for Measure is the M.F.A. thesis project for costume designer Angie Burkhardt. “This show is so exciting. It’s the show I’ve always wanted to design.” Music from our day, influence from Shakespeare’s day are “mixed together in this really cool, modern, hip fashion.” She is amazed how open Fontaine was to experimentation. “When I think I’ve gone too far, she asks me to go farther.”

This production features IU alumnus and Actors’ Equity Association member David Alan Anderson (Duke Vincentio), who approaches Shakespeare with awe and as “fresh and new, a challenge different from the everyday challenge of theatre.” Dawn L. Thomas (Isabella) found that “having a professional in the cast sets the bar high for the rest of us; he has honed his craft and we strive for that.” Still David sees the students as peers; “we are exploring it together,” and Dawn agreed that he fit right in with the group. “When he came into rehearsals with his script, he had questions for Fontaine, and we could see that the process includes asking questions.”

To put audience members who may be intimidated by Shakespeare’s language, Fontaine assures us that “he writes about human beings, in all their complexity and their flaws and all their greatness. He shows us things about ourselves – and the language is the richest in the world.” Joshua Hambrock (Lucio) is confident this production will overcome any difficulties a contemporary audience might have with Shakespeare. “The energy in the show doesn’t let up, and the more engaged we are on stage, the easier it is for the audience to be drawn in.”

As for Shakespeare’s relevance today, Dawn finds that “his plays speak to the human experience. Sex is always relevant, even if you are not having it. Now, as it was then, outside forces are trying to control private matters.” Joshua continues “Measure for Measure puts the weighty battle for power and moral idealism under a microscope, and the similarities in corruption are both alarming and important in today’s world.” Fontaine thinks it connects with the decisions young people are making, particularly about sex and relationships. But she reminds us that for all its seriousness, “It’s also funny – with some fabulous, extreme characters and some terrific theatricality. Measure for Measure is a funny play about sex – and the cast is really good-looking!”

Measure for Measure plays November 9th, 10th, and 13th-16th at 7:30 p.m. There will be a 2:00 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. show on Saturday, November 17th. All shows are in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre. Ticket prices range from $10 - $16. Tickets are available at the IU Auditorium box office. Visit http://theatre.indiana.edu or call (812) 855-1103 for details.