By: Play off the Page on November 16, 2012 - 10:51am - Add new comment

Finding your voice in your art builds self-confidence. An artist who has a well defined voice stands out in the crowd. Have you ever started reading an article, or exerpt from a book, and thought, "I know this author." You might have even identified her before looking at the by-line. The same thing happens when you look at art. The masters can be identified by most people. You can tell a VanGough, for instance, from a Rembrant or Monet. Can you pick up a family photograph and determine who took that shot? Do you know the voice, style, of your best friend's paintings?

By: Play off the Page on November 10, 2011 - 10:08am - Add new comment

Entertainment offerings are heating up as the temperatures are cooling down. Don't let the first glimpse of snow keep you home and covered up under a blanket. This is the time of year when talents light up the dark evenings.

By: Play off the Page on November 23, 2011 - 12:21pm - Add new comment

"A Christmas Carol" has been produced at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for more than 35 years. This is their big show with all the bells and whistles, dancing, drama, and theatrics, of course. The story, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, describes London on the eve of Christmas. Carolers walk the streets. Women come to the door with requests to help the poor. The rich, like Scrooge, hoard their wealth. The poor are sent out into the streets with no one to help them and nowhere to go. Dickens brought to light the darkness of society.

By: Play off the Page on December 14, 2011 - 12:26pm - Add new comment

If you want to stop the madness of the shopping season and fight back against commercialism, I recommend attending a holiday concert, supporting the arts, and when you do shop, make it a locally owned store. You can keep the sense of community alive as you spread your holiday cheer and buy meaningful gifts for friends and family. You can share in the reason for the season by attending concerts together, supporting your friends and neighbors as they share their gifts and talents. I've bought CDs by resident musicians. I picked up some handmade items at shops around town.