LITTLE ROCK — In entertainment and the arts this week: Animal artists
“Great Escapes - Art by Animals of the Little Rock Zoo,” the Little Rock chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers’ annual art event, featuring art painted by animals of the Little Rock Zoo, will be on display at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Boswell Mourot Fine Art, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and, through a silent auction, ornaments painted by zoo animals, will be for sale. Admission is free. Call (501) 661-7271.
Pagans sled again
Red Octopus Theater presents its annual Pagans on Bobsleds Christmas sketch comedy show, this year titled Pagans on Bobsleds XXI: Christmas Is Coming, at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at The Public Theatre, 616 Center St., Little Rock. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $10, $8 for senior citizens, military members and students; since the troupe recommends the show only for mature audiences, child tickets are $486. Call (501) 291-3896, e-mail RedOctopusTheater@gmail.com or visit the website, redoctopustheater.com.
Comic ‘horses’
Ozarks counter-country comedy band 10 Horse Johnson - one-name performers Newton, frontman and songwriter, and Dover, lead guitarist and music director - will perform at 8 p.m. today and Thursday at The Joint, 301 Main St., in North Little Rock’s Argenta District. The band recommends, because of suggestive lyrics, innuendo “and an occasional soiled word,” parental guidance. “The use of personal recording devices and flash photography are strictly - encouraged,” according to a news release, “so bring your phones, hit record and throw the mess up on the YouTube.” Tickets are $10. Call (501) 372-0205.
Challenge grants
Five Arkansas arts organizations will receive $10,000 “Challenge America Fast-Track” grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to promote performances or programs:
The Little Rock-based Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, “to support performances and workshops featuring guest conductor Guillermo Figueroa.”
The Chamber Music Society of Little Rock, to supportOne Voice, a series of outreach programs in which the Imani Winds will perform and conduct programs for secondary school and college students in and around Little Rock.
The Crittenden Arts Council in West Memphis, to support a performance of Aesop Bops! featuring actor/storyteller David Gonzales.
The Fort Smith Symphony, to support its annual Earquake! and Symphony in the Schools educational programs for area fifth- and sixth-graders.
The Ozark Foothills Filmfest, based in Locust Grove, to support the annual film festival showcasing animated, independent, narrative and documentary films.
A complete list and description of the grants to the 153 nonprofit organizations totaling $1.53 million in 41 states is available at arts.gov.
Style, Pages 34 on 12/11/2012