The 9th annual Holmes Art Show at the Historic Holmes Theatre, set to open with a special kickoff reception this Thursday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m., is sure to bring in a large contingent of area art lovers of all ages.
But this coming weekend at the Holmes will include much, much more than that, said the theater's executive director, Amy Stearns.
Music concerts, artist workshops, theater auditions and even a stage combat class are also on the schedule.
"There's just so much happening," Stearns said.
Art show
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Hundreds of people file through the Holmes Ballroom each year to view the variety of art exhibits, which include everything from paintings and glass art to sculpture and woodcarvings, handmade clothing, ornaments and jewelry.
"We have about 20 artists signed up right now, with more to come," said Holmes Marketing Director Viva Klundt.
"There's still time for artists who want to sign up for this year's show," said Stearns.
"We're always looking for more artists to get involved -- and it's an opportunity for them to get their name out there, showcase their art and sell it as well," Klundt added.
Impromptu artist demonstrations have also been part of past art shows as well, Stearns said.
The Holmes Art Show is entirely free and open to the public, and offers everything from large paintings, wall hangings and sculpture to smaller boutique items like greeting cards, jewelry and ornaments, Stearns added.
"There's something for everyone," she said.
"It's kind of the event that kicks off our holiday season -- and it's a great way to get started on your Christmas shopping," Klundt added.
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The opening reception on Thursday runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and is a fun way to get an early preview of this year's exhibits.
The show officially opens at noon on Friday, Nov. 16, and continues until 7 p.m.; the show is also open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17.
The art show is part of the BTD Community Connections series hosted by the Holmes Theatre and BTD Manufacturing.
Song and dance
Three live concert events are also being presented on the Holmes Theatre stage this coming weekend in conjunction with the art show.
The first is on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., and features celebrated Navajo artist and educator Dennis Rogers, who will be coming from Kansas to work with local students prior to the concert -- which will also feature members of the Detroit Lakes Drum & Dance group. The concert is free and open to the public.
On Friday, Nov. 16, not just one, but three groups of up-and-coming Minnesota musicians will perform as part of the second annual Caravan du Nord music showcase, which also starts at 7 p.m.
Local favorites Hardwood Groove will open the evening, followed by Detroit Lakes graduate Caroline Smith and her band the Good Night Sleeps. They will be followed by headliner Mason Jennings. Both Smith and Jennings will also be at the theater earlier in the day to host a pair of free music workshops for the public (see below).
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Tickets for the Caravan du Nord are just $5 each, courtesy of an event sponsorship from Lakeshirts, 89.3 The Current and Minnesota State Arts Board, through funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund established by the Legacy Amendment in 2008. Call the Holmes Theatre Box Office at 218-844-7469 for ticket information, or purchase them online at www.dlccc.org .
Last but not least, on Saturday at 4 p.m., the Lakes Area Community Concert Band will host its 7th Annual Fall Concert.
The band's director, Gene Gaffney, promises a variety of music, including everything from light-hearted Broadway show tune medleys to a couple "more challenging" pieces -- "Finlandia" by John Sebelius and "The Red Pony" by Aaron Copeland.
"And of course, there will be a couple of marches," Gaffney said.
The selections will also be performed by the largest group of musicians to date, Gaffney noted.
"We started (with membership) in the 20s, and we'll have 46 musicians for this concert," he said. "They're coming from all over now -- Fargo, Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Lake Park, Hawley, Rochert, Frazee, Osage, Wolf Lake, Park Rapids, Perham, New York Mills and Ottertail, and of course lots from Detroit Lakes."
Admission is by free-will donation.
Classes and workshops
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There will be several free classes and workshops hosted by the theater this coming weekend, with funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Caravan du Nord headliner Mason Jennings will be featured at a songwriter's workshop on Friday, Nov. 16, at 4:30 p.m., while fellow Caravan performer Caroline Smith -- a DLHS graduate -- returns to her hometown to offer a workshop on "Building a Sustainable Career as an Independent Artist."
Both workshops are free and open to the public.
On Saturday, former Detroit Lakes resident and professional fight choreographer Aaron Preusse will also be offering a free workshop on stage combat techniques from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for anyone age 16 and up. Though there is no charge, class size is limited to 12 people, so advance registration is encouraged.
"He (Preusse) promises an afternoon of punches, kicks and swashbuckling fun," Klundt said. "You can get a good workout and have a lot of laughs."
The class will be held in the fitness room at the adjacent Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center. E-mail Stearns at amy@dlccc.org to sign up for the class, or for more information.
Theater auditions
Also this coming weekend, on both Thursday and Saturday, Summit Productions will be hosting auditions for its spring production, Woody Allen's "Play It Again Sam," with director Caitlin Pawlowski.
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There are roles for three men and eight women to be cast. The auditions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 17, in the theater's main conference room.
The play will be presented on the theater's main stage on Thursday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. Call 218-844-7469 to sign up, or for more information.
Follow Detroit Lakes Newspapers reporter Vicki Gerdes on Twitter at @VickiLGerdes.
