"What If You Were the Designer?" Never Built Virginia Youth Design Competition

Never Built Virginia, an exhibition on display at the Library of Virginia through July 26th, 2008, focuses on the history of ambitious, very creative, and sometimes otherworldly works of architecture proposed but never constructed. In the spirit of architectural creativity, the Library of Virginia is sponsoring the "What If You Were the Designer?" Youth Design Competition.

The entry form is based on the drawing Richmond architect Haigh Jamgochian used in the design for his "never built" structure called "Tree House" prepared for a narrow lot in downtown Richmond. Entrants are asked to sketch their own concept of a building within the space shown, and to provide a brief written description of their design. Entries will be posted in an online gallery, where visitors to the site can cast their votes for their favorite design ideas.

The contest is open to Virginia residents ages 8 to 17. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, April 12, 2008, at 5:00 pm. Winners in both the junior and senior divisions will each receive a $250 savings bond and will have their entries displayed in the lobby of the Library. For more information contact Tameka Hobbs, Program and Education Coordinator, at 804.371.2126, or Susan Gilliam, Educational Assistant, at 804.692.3999.

Ukrops Parade Poster Contest

24th Annual Ukrop’s Christmas Parade Poster Contest

THEME: “MAKING RICHMOND HOLIDAY MEMORIES”

WHO: Designers (adults, youth and children) to create a poster that captures the spirit of our city’s Christmas Parade. Submissions will be judged in three categories:

Adult (age 18 and over)
Youth (age 12 to 17)
Child (age 8 to 11)

WHAT: Draw from your favorite parade memory or fashion a piece that shows a bit of everything that makes the parade such a favorite—floats, balloons, marching bands, specialty groups and, of course, Santa!

WHEN: The time to get creative is NOW!
Poster submissions are due by: Friday, September 7th
(for use for the Ukrop’s Christmas Parade in 2007)

HOW: Artwork should be at least 11” x 17” in size (suitable to be converted to a poster). The more colorful and festive the better!

Original artwork cannot be returned. Richmond Parade, Inc. reserves the right to use submitted artwork for promotional purposes related to the Ukrop’s Christmas Parade.

WHERE: Submissions may be turned in the Richmond Parade Office, 2500 Grenoble Rd. or at Art Works, 320 Hull St., www.artworksrichmond.com.

QUESTIONS?: For more information, please contact Richmond Parade, Inc. at: 804-559-6113 or visit www.info@capitalcityholidayfest.org

Winners will receive four VIP passes to all Parade events and will be recognized in printed materials.

Theatre IV: Auditions for Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter

From the emailer: Auditions for Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter are by appointment only and will be held at Theatre IV's Empire Theatre on Sunday, June 24th from 7:00-9:00pm and Monday, June 25th from 7:00-9:00pm.

Casting 10 actors: 5 Men and 5 Women, age 18 and up, of varied ages and types. All Roles are open.

Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of a song and to be prepared to dance. Please bring music in the correct key.

Rehearsals will begin on or around September 10, 2007
Performance dates: October 5-21, 2007

All performers will be paid.

Please call 344-8052 x4 to schedule and appointment or for additional information.

National Arts Program Call for Art

Artists of all ages and levels of experience invited to display their art and compete for prize money!

The National Arts Program(r) at Richmond, coordinated by Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, invites artists of all ages and levels of experience to participate in exhibitions and compete for a total of $2,440 in prize money. There are no fees and all art submitted according to the rules of exhibit will be displayed.

Youth ages 5-17 are invited to compete in the Youth and Teen Showcase, to be held at Science Museum of Virginia.

Adult artists compete in Creative Reflections, to be held at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center.

Now in its ninth year in Richmond, The National Arts Program(r) is one of the most innovative grass roots arts projects in the country and has achieved widespread recognition for successfully nurturing creativity and fostering self-confidence among artists.

Registration brochures providing details on how to enter are available on line here. They are also available at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, or by calling 646-3674.

The deadline for registration is June 13, and the art shows will be held July 2-20.The National Arts Program is sponsored by the National Arts Program Foundation of Malvern PA; Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facility's art program, and Science Museum of Virginia. For more information, call 804-646-3674.

MusicLink Press

Thanks to Richmond Parents Monthly Magazine for the great article about the Richmond-based MusicLink program.

Xylophone Keys That Open Doors: MusicLink Program Involves Kids Around the World
by Angela Lehman-Rios

Six xylophones, two dozen mallets, eight children and a small room. No, it's not the set for an asprin commercial. It's a MusicLink class. The adults in the class are just as happy as the kids.

Since June a group of parents and children have been meeting weekly with Melissa Owens, a music therapist. The class includes children with disabilities, siblings, parents and friends. They sing, try out instruments and move to the music.

Read the full article -- here.