Around Town: November 2009
November 1st, 2009 by Jane Schneider
Calling All Artists
Children’s art and poetry to decorate new hospital
When Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center opens its new hospital next June, it will have a state-of-the-art facility in which to treat children. From the family-centric hospital rooms, to the art work that adorns each floor, the place will be kid-friendly. In fact, much of the art work is being created by kids. For the past several months, Le Bonheur’s marketing department has been conducting a children’s art and poetry contest, accepting paintings, collage, photography, and drawings from children from around the region.
The deadline for submissions is November 16th through 20th. Work can be dropped off from 3 to 5 p.m. each afternoon in the Le Bonheur lobby.
Artwork will be selected on its ability to delight, amuse, or entertain patients and guests. Pictures of landscapes, pets, flowers, and families are popular subjects. Other abstract ideas include hope, courage, compassion, and love. However, there is no specific theme, says Le Bonheur volunteer Anna Wunderlich, they simply want pictures that are uplifting and bright. The work will be examined by a panel of judges who will then select the winning entries to be displayed. Le Bonheur spokesperson Jennifer Parris says they hope to have three floors completed by June. Adds Wunderlich, “We need a lot of work. This isn’t a contest with just five winners. When you see kids work, it’s bright, it’s cheerful, and that’s what we want.”
Some artwork will be framed as is, other pictures will be digitally reproduced and affixed to hard plastic to hang as murals. If you would like to submit your child’s artwork for consideration:
• Have your child (age 5 to 18) create a picture, size 8 ½ by 11 or larger.
• Include with the artwork a postcard, listing your child’s name, address, phone number, school, and grade. Be sure this is securely attached to your submission.
• Drop it off at the hospital lobby between Monday, November 16th, and Friday, November 20th, from 3 to 5 p.m.
• For full details, go lebonheur.org.
Theatre Memphis turns 90
One of the country’s oldest performing community theaters celebrates an impressive milestone this month. Theatre Memphis is turning 90. To acknowledge its birthday in style, the theater is hosting several parties during the weekend of November 6th and 7th. A cocktail party, 90 Years Young, takes place Friday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $90 per person and features a cocktail buffet and pianist Rober Glazier. Later, from 9:30 to midnight, revelers can dance the night away at Club 90 with DJ Glenn Miller, who spins contemporary tunes. Admission is $25 at the door, $20 in advance. Cash bar.
Capping off the weekend on Saturday, November 7th, from 2 to 5 p.m., is the kid’s celebration, Party on 90. ShoWagon, Theatre Memphis’ department of education/outreach, will be performing Rikki Tikki Tavi, providing crafts as well as a scavenger hunt around theater grounds. Come as your favorite character and participate in the costume contest. Snacks and drinks will be provided along with birthday cake at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, a family six-pack is $20.
For more information about weekend festivities or to purchase tickets, go to theatrememphis.org. Or call 682-8323.
WKNO-TV Studios Open in Cordova
WKNO-TV is celebrating the grand opening of its new Digital Media Center with a public party. The gathering takes place Sunday, November 15th, from 2 to 6 p.m. The new PBS affiliate television and radio stations are located at 7151 Cherry Farms Road in Cordova.
You can take a tour of the new facility and kids can meet special guests Mr. Steve from PBS Kids, Mr. Chuck, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and WordGirl. Come by for music, refreshments, and lots of fun. To find out more, go to wkno.org or call 458-2521.