Wow! Time just feels like it’s accelerating at an ever-increasing rate. I mean, 60 seconds still make up a minute, but time seems to be moving more quickly, just the same. Another festive season is behind us, and another calendar year has turned. With a fresh calendar before us, downtown St. George 2016 is open to all sorts of possibilities. What resolutions will you be setting? What will you be scheduling time for participating in?
For me, I have concluded to continue pursuing a life of adventure. One filled with joy and experiences. To make time count. Resolutions that revolve around participating in activities that make life more joyful. I look forward to engaging in many of the opportunities, events, and happenings downtown.
George Streetfest has proven to be the area’s most entertaining monthly celebration. Each month, the best of southern Utah is showcased in festival style. It’s great fun for people of all ages and walks of life. The live music, both on the main stage and in the Jazz Garden, is always energetic, interactive, and entertaining. Walking down the street among the vendors and finding more music and buskers adds to the festive feel of the community’s largest monthly party. The art booths are beautifully creative as well as inspiring. A youth DJ dance party and George Jr. Village add a host of activities for kids to enjoy. An entire lineup of food offerings in the Food Truck Village always offers plenty of tasty food. Free photos to commemorate the night are filled with props and fun. Each month, the party gets bigger and adds more events and activities to the celebration. It truly is nightlife you can get excited about! Every first Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. More information can be found at georgestreetfest.com.
The grand opening of Arrowhead Gallery ETC, next to The Electric Theater, will add additional culture to the growing art center of downtown. Named after the prior tenant of the building, Arrowhead Department Store, the gallery is presented by The Southern Utah Art Guild. The doors opened on Dec. 15, and operating hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, an opening reception is scheduled for Jan. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. coinciding with Arts to Zion. Plans include having over thirty artists on hand showcasing their original artwork in all types of mediums.
Arts to Zion is the art community’s equivalent to the Parade of Homes and offers visitors the chance to see artists working in their home studios and galleries. This allows attendees the opportunity to visit the artists in their environment and see what inspires their imagination. The self-guided tour includes over 72 artists and runs Jan 14 through 18. A display and silent auction of original pieces will be held at the Arts to Zion Showcase. Find more information at www.artstozion.com.
Art Around The Corner’s Outdoor Sculpture Gallery continues to grace the streets of downtown. It is easy to miss while driving along. For those wanting a real treat, grabbing a map and taking a stroll will provide a memorable outing. With over 60 pieces between the permanent sculpture collection and the temporary exhibit, viewers will find a diverse range of subjects and styles. While they are open to viewing throughout the year, the pieces in the temporary exhibit will only be available until March, which is when the new exhibit pieces are placed.
St. George Musical Theater continues to play quality shows and raise the bar on theater in the community. Housed downtown in the Old Opera House, exceptional performances and an intimate environment makes every seat a great seat. “The Wedding Singer” is the next up to run and plays Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Jan. 21 to Feb. 20. Tickets can be purchased online at sgmusicaltheater.com, by phone at (435) 628-8755, or in person at the box office from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each performance night.
The DiFiore Center will be hosting numerous events in January. A few of them are included in the Arts to Zion Tour. The DiFiore Center will feature artists Mari Lopez, Joseph Carter, Susan Grove, Elyn Gonzales-Astudillo, and students from Vista school. The DiFiore Center will also host “Flamenco Dance For Children” with Pamella Asquith as the instructor. The classes are for ages 6 to 12 and will be held on Wednesdays from 5 to 5:45 p.m. from Jan 6 to Feb 10. There is a $15 fee. Another outstanding and fun art gallery show, “Hollywoodland,” featuring the art of Matthew Jacobson, will run through January, viewable Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jacobson’s “pop-centric” art stands in stark contrast to the usual desert art. He utilizes oil and acrylic in his portraits. His pop flair offers distinctive art that is fun, stylish, and classic. On Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., The DiFiore Center will be hosting Black and White Night with the showing of “Dead Ringer.” This is an opportunity to celebrate old Hollywood with a true classic movie. On Jan 23, The Southern Utah Puppetry Guild will hold its first show of the new year at 10 a.m. at The DiFiore Center. This entertaining event offers a fun way to promote human connections. February will showcase the Carlyle Potter Gallery Show. The Gallery Show opening and jazz concert will take place Jan. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. More information on these events and others can be found at www.difiorecenter.org.
Nearly all resolutions include a determination for better health. Downtown Yoga has ongoing classes and several events throughout the month. The most exciting of all is the hosting of founding staff member Elise Mitchell’s 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher training. This is an opportunity to deepen yoga studies and even become a certified instructor. Mitchell is a revered yogi and travels throughout the U.S. presenting on the benefits of yoga in mental and physical health.
Resolutions worth making are easily followed through on with all the happenings downtown. Being able to pursue the enjoyment of life in art, theater, music, relationships, community, and even physical fitness are available in abundance in 2016. Start your new year right and make resolutions worth making that add joy to your life.
See you downtown!
