Creativity to Discover

While the recession has been tough on the arts and non-profits of Southwest Virginia, there’s still much to celebrate. The Taubman Museum, the highly anticipated $66 million addition to downtown Roanoke’s skyline celebrated its first year of operation in November; the galleries and performance venues that surround it and spill out into the valley continue to enjoy enthusiastic community support. In the fall, the cultural heart of downtown Roanoke, Center In the Square, announced a $27 million renovation that will likely be unveiled in 2012. And a number of newcomers gain traction: Studio Roanoke, a new playhouse that opened its doors even as Mill Mountain Theater struggled. The new Kirk Avenue Music Hall on Kirk Avenue serves up live rock ‘n roll and Americana to packed or near-packed houses several days of the week. And 40 Days + 40 Nights, an ambitious, region-wide festival launched by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge in 2008, draws ever more fans.

It hasn’t always been an easy road, but slowly, surely, Roanoke continues to emerge as a center for creativity and culture to be reckoned with. The rest of the world is starting to wake up and smell the H&C Coffee. The United Way of the Roanoke Valley and the Taubman Museum welcomed French Ambassador to the United States Pierre Vimont in the beginning of 2009. Roanoke was recognized with a front cover spread on U.S. Airways In Flight magazine in August as a top choice for travelers seeking high culture in a sublime, mountainous setting. And the praise of outsiders only reaffirms what Roanokers have long known: for a small city, there’s a lot to savor. Here’s a taste.

Art Museums, Galleries and Attractions

Arts Council of the Blue Ridge (540-342-5790, theartscouncil.org) is an umbrella organization non-profit with a mission of supporting and promoting artists and arts organizations throughout the region. It’s your one-stop-information-shop for all things art-related and is also the home base of the passionate group behind 40 Days + 40 Nights. Center in the Square, Second Floor, Roanoke.

Taubman Museum of Art (taubmanmuseum.org, 540-342-5760). It has now been over a year since this controversial, uber-modern museum opened, and the community rhetoric over what was described famously as “the wreck of the flying nun” has mellowed dramatically. Maybe the constant line-up of music, workshops, special events, lectures, along with its diverse and proud collection of regional and American art, have softened criticism. 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke.

2nd Helpings Gallery (540-777-4561, 2ndhelpings.org, rescuemission.net). From photography to pottery to stained glass to jewelry and more, the gallery features work on consignment from more than 70 local artists. Sales benefit the Rescue Mission. Visit the café and shop too. 1502 Williamson Road, Roanoke.

16 Hands (540-745-4624, 16Hands.com) is a band of internationally-acclaimed pottery and woodworking masters. They invite the public to visit their studios year round. 1643 Starbuck Road, Floyd.

Entering its third year in 2010, 40 Days + 40 Nights (An Arts and Culture Explosion) (theartscouncil.org/4040fest) takes off October 1 and runs feverishly through November 9. Experience 40 days of simultaneous events and exhibits celebrating creative expression throughout Roanoke, Floyd, Salem, Covington, Smith Mountain Lake, Blacksburg and Bedford.

Art by Night (roanokeartbynight.com) On the first Thursday of each month, participating downtown galleries and museums stay open late (from 5-9 pm) and entice the public with food, drink, performances and artist talks. Catch the Art by Night limo for free to cruise the gallery circuit in style.

Multiple galleries throughout downtown Roanoke and nearby neighborhoods:

Art-in-the-Alley (540-389-6357, hmsartists@aol.com) 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of this invitational outdoor art exhibition which takes place the last Sunday of every September. 242 Locust Avenue, Salem.

Betty Branch Sculpture Studio & Gallery (540-344-4994). The studio and gallery of world-acclaimed metal and stone figurative sculptor Betty Branch, located in downtown Roanoke’s historic Warehouse Row, is open by appointment and during its annual December Open House. 123 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke.

The Binaba Shop (540-345-7064, binabashop@verizon.net) This volunteer-run, non-profit African gift shop is a collaboration between two area churches and sells one-of-a-kind masks, carvings, jewelry, baskets and home furnishings. All products are “fair trade” and proceeds support the African artisan communities from which they came. 120 Campbell Avenue Roanoke.

Eleanor D. Wilson Museum (hollins.edu/news-events/museum/index.htm, 540-362-6532) features permanent and rotating exhibits of traditional and contemporary fine art, including sculpture, painting, photography, installation and more. Artist talks and receptions are often free and open to the public and are bustling community affairs. Hollins University, U.S. Route 11 (7916 Williamson Road), Roanoke.

The brainchild of the library’s colorful Marketing Coordinator River Laker, the Emerging Artists Series (roanokeva.gov/library, 540-853-1057) are occasional free events pairing talented visual artists with live musicians and catering from some of the area’s best restaurants. Roanoke Main Library, 706 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke.

Gallery 108, LLC (540-982-4278, gallery108.biz) This cooperative gallery shows painting, sculpture, etching, jewelry, enamel, portraits, photography, fiber art, pottery, glass and wood from accomplished regional artists. 108 Market Street, Roanoke.

Marginal Arts Festival (roanokemarginalartsfestival.blogspot.com) From playful to powerful, wonderful to weird, this festival celebrates “fringe” or marginal art forms and their makers. Hallmark events include the Marginal Arts parade through downtown Roanoke and the Power Tool Drag Races at the Wilson Hughes Gallery. Festival dates were February 11-16. Various locations in downtown Roanoke and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Market Gallery (540-342-1177, marketgalleryroanoke.com). This cooperative effort among nearly 30 regional member artists shows their original painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and other work. 23 East Salem Avenue, Roanoke.

A restored Norfolk & Western Passenger Station is the perfect setting for the O. Winston Link Museum (linkmuseum.org, 540-982-5465), celebrating the photography of “one of America’s most important 20th Century photographers” according to Vanity Fair. 101 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke.

Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College (540-375-2332, roanoke.edu/finearts/galleries)
This spacious, professionally fitted gallery holds student and resident artist work with year round rotating exhibits and a permanent collection. It is open to the public from 1-4 pm every day except holidays.

Pamela Jean Gallery (540-904-7797, pamelajeangallery.com). This up-scale gallery features a rich and original range of media including painting, sculpture, photography, art glass, jewelry and print making. 115 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke.

Signature 9 Gallery (540-342-0703, signature9gallery.com). Find original art like sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and paintings by 27 local, regional and nationally recognized artists. 301 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke.

The Water Heater (thewaterheater.blogspot.com, myscoper.com). From music to installation exhibits to hula hoop dance classes, this community hub offers a bit of everything. Events and classes cost between $5 and $10 if not free and more than often are family-friendly blue jean affairs. The Water Heater folks also run myscoper.com, the area’s most comprehensive events listing online. 813 5th Street SW, Roanoke.

Wilson Hughes Gallery (540-529-8455, wilsonhughesgallery.com, studio9i.com and suzun.com). Peruse the outlandish metal sculpture and furniture of sculptor John Wilson and the sublime, intricate paintings of his partner Suzun Hughes, both San Francisco-transplants. 117 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke.

WVTF Public Radio (wvtf.org/art_gallery, 800-856-8900). This NPR affiliate station opens its doors to the public every month for an art exhibit and kick-off celebration featuring a select regional artist each time. Typically the free open houses take place the third Friday of the month with live music and a meet-the-artist reception catered by Edible Vibe Café of Rocky Mount. 3520 Kingsbury Lane, (off Franklin Road), Roanoke.

Museums (non-art)

Before serious construction gets underway, step inside Center In the Square (540-342-5700, centerinthesquare.org), the cultural heart of Roanoke’s downtown market area which in September 2009 unveiled plans for a $27 million renovation to be completed in 2012. Center is currently home to the Science Museum of Western Virginia (540-342-5710, smwv.org) with its myriad attractions for kids and adults including the 62-foot curved screen of its MegaDome Theatre; the Historical Society & History Museum of Western Virginia (540-342-5770, history-museum.org); the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge; and coming soon, the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (see below). The innovative umbrella non-profit also provides off-campus homes and support to the Roanoke Ballet Theatre and Opera Roanoke. One Market Square SE, Roanoke.

Harrison Museum of African-American Culture (540-345-4818, harrisonmuseum.com) is committed to showcasing and celebrating the art and history of African Americans for Roanoke Valley and beyond. Its purpose “is to cultivate awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of people of African descent.” 523 Harrison Avenue, Roanoke.

National D-Day Memorial (540-586-DDAY, dday.org) memorializes the town of Bedford’s tragic distinction as suffering the highest per-capita D-Day casualties in the U.S. The stunning memorial serves as a moving homage to the bravery and sacrifice of this close-knit town’s sons. Three Overlord Circle, Bedford.

Mill Mountain Zoo (540-343-3241, mmzoo.org) Over a half a century old, this area institution houses 88 animals including seven endangered species, a “zoo choo” for kids and the gorgeous tree-lined setting of the Blue Ridge Parkway. By the Mill Mountain Star (top of Mill Mountain, Roanoke).

Salem Museum and Historical Society (540-389-6760, salemmuseum.org). The Brown House, an ancient inn and later a post office/general store, today welcomes visitors intrigued by its extensive Native American and Civil War artifact collection. The museum also shows local artwork, hosts workshops and maintains an historic herb garden. Most are free and open to the public. 801 East Main Street, Salem.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation (540-342-5670, vmt.org) is home to the area’s rail heritage, the industry responsible for the Roanoke we know today, with locomotives and automotive exhibits sure to please. 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke.

Dance

Hollins Repertory Dance Company (hollinsdance.com, 540-362-6451) is a strong asset of this liberal arts women’s university renowned for a rich array of cultural offerings. Graduate and undergraduate students, alumni and guest artists come together twice a year for a Spring and Fall dance concert, open to the public, in April and October respectively. The Spring 2010 concert is scheduled April 22nd though the 24th at 8:15 pm at the Hollins Theatre. Hollins University, U.S. Route 11 (7916 Williamson Road), Roanoke.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre (540-345-6099, roanokeballet.org) is a non-profit school of dance and performing company of professionals and students who take the stage year- and region-round. You can catch (or participate) in one of its regular events such as Dance Hypothesis on the last Friday of every month, a free-form collaboration between dancers and musicians, at its Grandin Village studio. 1318 Grandin Road, Roanoke.

The Virginia Ballet Academy (540-387-4422, vaballetacademy.com), for students 3 years old and up is also home to a professional company, UNA Dance Theatre. Information about upcoming year round performances is listed on the web site. 1860 Apperson Drive, Salem.

Southwest Virginia Ballet (540-387-3978, ww.svballet.org). This regional ballet company provides training and performances in classical, contemporary and modern ballet. Visit the web site for a list of upcoming performances.

Theater & Film

From its impressive $1.8 million new home, the all-volunteer drama team of Attic Productions (540-473-1001, atticproductions.info) produces five plays a year. Upcoming shows include “Too Good To Say Goodbye” March 25th through the 27th and April 1st through the 3rd; and the Broadway hit “Angel Street,” described as a “full length Victorian thriller,” May 13th through the 15th and the 20th through the 22nd. Saturday matinees take place at 2:30 pm while all evening performances start at 7:30 pm. Tickets run from $6 to $12 with special rates for students and seniors. 7490 Roanoke Road, Fincastle.

Broadway in Roanoke (540-853-LIVE, broadwayinroanoke.com) at The Roanoke Civic Center brings the best of the Big Apple theater scene to the Valley. Sing along to “Mama Mia” March 22nd through the 24th or “Riverdance: The Farewell Tour” from April 13th through the 15th. For the convenience of dinner and a show in one pop, book a table at The Civic Center’s Encore Grille. Call when reserving your show tickets. 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke.

The Dumas Drama Guild (540-345-6781 x4438), is a multi-cultural, multi-ages theater group that puts on energetic, uplifting performances throughout the year. Look for upcoming events at the historic Dumas Center (dumascenter.org) and at various area festivals. 108 1st St NW, Roanoke.

GAMUT (540-380-3168, gamuttheatre.com) arose in early 2009 as the antithesis of the for-now defunct Mill Mountain Theatre, known for its run of colorful and uplifting pop culture classics. With occasional performances throughout the year, GAMUT, which stands for Gypsies and Misfits Unknown Theatre, leans toward darker, more intellectually weighty fare with plays by the likes of Christopher Durang and Harold Pinter. Most performances take place at the Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave, Roanoke.

At the heart of the quaint and quirky Grandin Village neighborhood is The Grandin Theatre (540-345-6377, grandintheatre.com), a beloved community gathering place since its founding in 1932. The only locally-owned and operated film house in town (and one of the few left in the nation), in the warmth of the Grandin’s historic ambiance you’ll enjoy home-made popcorn and chocolate-cream cheese brownies paired with artisan sodas or mineral water while viewing art house, international and big-screen hits. 1310 Grandin Road, Roanoke.

Hollins Theatre (540-362-6517, hollins.edu). On the stunningly manicured grounds of this historic women’s university, treat yourself to theater and dance productions from the school’s talented and award-winning creative departments and guests. Seats are $5 to $10. Productions have garnered rave reviews from local media. Hollins University, U.S. Route 11 (7916 Williamson Road), Roanoke.

Movies in the Park (540-342-2028, downtownroanoke.org). During the warmer months, Downtown Roanoke, Inc. brings the big screen outdoors with free, family-friendly blockbuster flicks on the second Friday of every month. Shows start at sundown. For Hollywood thrills under the stars, bring lawn chairs, blankets and snack money for popcorn and drinks. Elmwood Park, 99 Franklin Road SE, Roanoke.

Not-for-profit Showtimers Community Theatre (540-774-2660, showtimers.org) is a local gem boasting over 50 years in the biz. For upcoming performances, visit the web site. 2067 McVitty Road, Roanoke.

The Star City Playhouse (540-366-0060, starcityplayhouse.org), a relative newcomer to the Roanoke theater scene, is the brainchild of an actor/director husband and his costumer/playwright/producer wife. The couple, Marlow and Karen Sue Semones Ferguson, hails from where else but New York City. There the two worked in theater for more than three decades before retiring and moving to Roanoke to launch the playhouse. 2914 Williamson Road, Roanoke.

Behind the modern red and steel façade of Studio Roanoke (540-343-3054, studioroanoke.com) on Campbell Avenue is the dream of serial playwright/entrepreneur Kenley Smith, who is currently studying toward his Master’s degree in Playwriting at Hollins University. Smith shows freshly penned, “edgy” dramas from talented regional writers and also features poetry readings, musical performances and other creative events in this freshly renovated structure.

Virginia Western Community College Theatre (540-857-6230, virginiawestern.edu/theatre). While donations are appreciated, all shows here are free and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis (so organizers recommend you show up at least 30 minutes in advance of show time). Upcoming plays will be listed on the above web site. 3095 Colonial Avenue SW, Roanoke.

Music

Greene Memorial United Methodist Church (540-344-6225, gmumc.org) Every year, the grand worship center on the corner of Second and Church Street features its Fine Arts Series. With its 34th season, shows resume in October 2010, as the historic building undergoes a significant revitalization. Except for the annual Christmas event, all performances are free and welcoming of the public. 402 2nd Street Southwest, Roanoke.

A non-profit performing arts center that thrives within the classic Jefferson High School building, The Jefferson Center (540-345-2550, jeffcenter.org) has earned a reputation since 2001 for booking revered performers from all over the musical spectrum and global map. The 2009-2010 line-up includes standouts such as Bela Fleck on March 4th, Los Lobos on March 24th as well as multiple performances by Opera Roanoke and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. 541 Luck Avenue, Roanoke.

Kirk Avenue Music Hall (kirkavenuemusic.com or via email at kirkavenue@gmail.com) is a cozy, low-key, frills-free, for-the-love-of-the-music venue that attracts up-and-coming talent representing alternative rock, pop, folk and Americana primarily. Catch an act for as little as $5 or $10 while picking at your picnic dinner (yes, you can bring your own food). Best of all, every cent of the proceeds from Kirk Avenue shows go to the scholarship fund for The Downtown Music Lab, an innovative after-school program for aspiring young musicians. 22 Kirk Avenue, Roanoke.

Opera Roanoke (operaroanoke.org, 540-982-2742) is a widely renowned opera company whose ranks include several household names within the high operatic echelons. April 30th at 8 pm and May 2nd at 2:30 pm enjoy the bel canto opera, a “towering masterpiece of madness and murder,” “Lucia.” Special Sunday concerts this season get under way at 2:30 p.m.: tenor William Burden March 28th at the Shaftman Performance Hall of The Jefferson Center. 541 Luck Avenue, Roanoke.

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (rso.com, 540-343-9127). As Virginia’s largest professional orchestra west of Richmond, RSO holds frequent performances at The Jefferson Center and The Roanoke Civic Center. A sure-fire thumbs-up is on May 10th with “A Night at Woodstock – The Magic, The Moment, The Music” from the Jeans ‘n Classics series, in which the RSO interprets the works of an earth-shattering era from Crosby, Stills & Nash to Janice Joplin to The Who to Jefferson Airplane. Performances take place at various locations around the valley.

Catch chart-toppers including the cultural phenomena “Mama Mia” Abba musical on March 23th and 24th at The Roanoke Civic Center (roanokeciviccenter.com, 540-853-LIVE). 710 Williamson Rd., Roanoke.

The Salem Civic Center (salemciviccenter.com, 540-375-3004) catches its fair share of big acts, too. 1001 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem.

Unsung Hero – John Anderson: Standing By Her

They’re a couple who seem to have it all. New York City husband-and-wife transplants John Anderson and Sharon Rapoport run a successful marketing and production firm, The Farm, with household-name clients such as Clinique, Lifetime Television and U.S. Airways. Their two precocious sons, Seth and Isaac, are star students at The Community School. They are active in their community and have a slew of friends and fans. Sharon is on the board of the Greater Roanoke Valley Susan G. Komen Foundation. Both John and Sharon are involved with the Roanoke City Creative Connectors project.

Yet the couple has endured their share of heartache, and then some. Sharon is a breast cancer survivor. John stood by her through diagnosis, treatment, remission in 2000 to today. And he did the same for his sister, his mother, and his mother’s best friend – all afflicted by the disease. He lost his mother to breast cancer in 1988 after a 10-year battle.

John and the women he loves are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, one in every eight American women is diagnosed with breast cancer every year – that’s once every three minutes. And while there are numerous resources for sufferers to lean on for support and information, John was struck by the lack of resources for male caregivers: men whose wives, sisters, daughters or friends are dealing with the cataclysmic life changes associated with breast cancer.

“It was the elephant in the room,” John says. And it’s why he wrote “Stand by Her: A Breast Cancer Guide for Men,” published in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, by AMACOM. Since then the author has appeared on “House Call with Sanjay Gupta,” “The Today Show” and in the pages of numerous local and national media outlets. His pages speak to men – not just caregivers, but also friends, colleagues and doctors, any man whose life is touched by breast cancer – about the emotional, physical and logistical support the women in their lives need, from diagnosis to remission.
Some of the advice may be surprising. The author advises his readers to take a back seat role to their loved ones – by “following your leader,” your “commander in chief,” into the treacherous territory of Cancer Land. Although men may be accustomed to “taking action” in time of crisis, it’s her war, he says.

Listen. Stop talking at her, or even with her, and just listen to her. Mirror her mood. If she wants to cry, comfort her. If she’s angry, agree that this cancer thing stinks. Tune into her emotions. Hear what she’s worried about, what she’s scared of, and what she needs from you. Offer your opinion only if, and when, she asks for it.

Through personal, often painful anecdotes and interviews with men and women across the country, the pages of “Stand by Her” seep with joy and remorse, humor, comfort and wisdom from one who has seen the battle from the front lines.

As for John and Sharon, whose cancer will have been in remission for 10 years in January, “I think our marriage is much stronger having gone through this,” the author told “Today Show” host Meredith Vieira during a recent interview.