The Arts Council of Kanawha Valley will holding a series of public meetings to identify arts organizations, artists and people who want to contribute, be involved and learn more about the council.

A Kanawha Valley Cultural Plan, based on research done last summer, found a need and desire from arts agencies, artists, businesses and community for an arts council to be developed. A copy of the plan can be viewed online at www.artskv.org and www.theclaycenter.org.

For more information visit: artskv.org

Photography by Todd Griffith.
Campaign design by Megan Bullock of Mesh Design

The Capitol Street Art Fair, Children’s Art Fair, Kanawha County Library Street Fair and Street Performances is the central gathering of FestivALL on June 26 and 27 along Capitol Street. The best art from West Virginia artisans on display, fun performances throughout each day and an expanded children’s art fair.

Blues Brews & BBQ, headlined by renowned R&B vocalist Bettye LaVette on the campus of UC, sponsored by The Fund for the Arts.

Wine & All That Jazz, headlined by Grammy winner Joe Lovano Us Five among an afternoon and evening of performances on Saturday, June 26th on the US campus. Sponsored by The Fund for the Arts.

Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, June 19th on Kanawha Boulevard as chili cooks from throughout the region compete.

For more information visit: www.smokeonthewater.org

Hanna will bring his furry friends to Charleston’s Municipal Auditorium for a 90-minute program that will entertain guests of all ages. As Hanna shares his passion for conservation and his love of animals, he will also encourage guests to explore the wild through books.

The event begins with a half-hour book signing at 5:30 p.m., followed by Hanna’s program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, but you must have a ticket. Tickets will be given out on a first come, first served basis at all Kanawha County Public Library locations beginning May 1. There are no other requirements for getting tickets. Attendees do not need a library card.

Hanna’s unique program coincides with Kanawha County Public Library’s Summer Library Club for children ages 12 and under, Book a Rainforest Adventure, which runs June 5 through July 24. The summer reading club for teens runs the same time period, and the Britton Summer Reading Club for adults begins June 1 and ends Sept. 3. Nearly 3,000 children participate in the Summer Library Club each year, while hundreds of teens and adults participate in clubs for their age groups.

Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series in 2008. The show takes viewers on excursions around the world through the eyes of America’s most beloved animal adventurer and his family. More than just a collection of animal escapades, Into the Wild provides insight into the protection and conservation of some of our planet’s most precious and endangered species.

Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack is the author of 11 books and counting. Jack and his wife, Suzi, have been married for 41 years and enjoy traveling the world together.

For more information visit charliewestbluesfest.com.

The remaining meetings are:
March 19, 6 p.m., Alban Theater, St. Albans
March 24, 6 p.m., LaBelle Theater, South Charleston
March 31, 6 p.m., Hurricane City Hall
April 1, 6 p.m., West Virginia State University Student Union
April 2, noon, Taylor Books
April 7, 8:30 a.m., Charleston Area Alliance
April 9, 11:30 a.m., WVSU Capitol Theater

A Kanawha Valley Cultural Plan, based on research done last summer, found a need and desire from arts agencies, artists, businesses and community for an arts council to be developed. A copy of the plan can be viewed online at www.artskv.org and www.theclaycenter.org.

A Week-long, county-wide Celebration of the Arts in Mercer County, WV!

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

9 a.m. – The Unique Show Choir Classic @ Bluefield Area Arts Center

10 a.m. – Knitting Club @ Craft Memorial Library – downtown Bluefield

noon – 6 p.m. – A.T.A.W. KICKOFF EVENT @ Brushfork Armory- Bluefield

7 p.m. – Bobby Maynard & Breakdown @ The Little Opry – Glenwood

SUNDAY, MARCH 28

2:00 p.m.- Blues & Gospel Brunch -w- Melissa McKinney- Sisters Coffee House – Princeton

MONDAY, MARCH 29

5 P.M. – Jusiel-Smith Duo, flute & piano recital @ Concord University- Athens

7 p.m. – Spoken Word Open Mic and Writers’ Coffee Klatch, featuring the Inkslingers Writers @ Windhorse Healing Arts Center – downtown Bluefield

TUESDAY, MARCH 30

6 p.m.- Art Night @ Princeton Public Library – Princeton

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31

7 p.m. – A Special Night at Gary Bowling’s House of Art- Open Mic & Studio Tour- downtown Bluefield

THURSDAY, APRIL 1

3:30- 4:30 p.m. – Reader’s Theatre at Craft Memorial Library- downtown Bluefield

6 p.m. – Special Stages Music School Showcase – downtown Princeton

7 p.m. – Peace Meditation @ Sacred Ground Healing & Meditation Center- downtown Princeton

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

7 p.m. – 2nd Annual Poetry Slam hosted by Ervin Publishing Company @ The Ramsey School- downtown Bluefield

9 p.m. – “McDowell County Inspiration” – Featuring the Art of Jamie Powers @ Bluefield Area Arts Center, downtown Bluefield – drum circle and jam session to follow

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Discover Downtown Princeton!

◆ 10 a.m. – Fenton Family Signing Event @ The Bronze Look

◆ 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Art Alive in The Streets, PARADE and Drum Circle (Mercer Street/ Princeton Town Square)

◆ 6 p.m. – An Evening With The RiffRaff concert @ The Room Upstairs

Visit WWW.ALLTOGETHERARTS.COM for Details About These Events!