Page 16 - the NOISE December 2013

16 • DECEMBER 2013 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us
The Copper Art Museum opens to the public December 3 in Clarkdale.
volunteers who are willing to give their nights, weekends, skills, their time and energy to a project like this. It leaves me in awe of the Flagstaff community.”
Tickets to It’s a Wonderful Life can be purchased at the theater’s box office, which is open from noon to 6PM Mon- days, Wednesdays, Fridays and two hours prior to each per- formance. The artwork for the event posters was created by Caroline Pilkington. Theatrikos.com
A POLISHED COPPER GEM by Sarah Irani
Yet another gem is being added to the blossoming town of Clarkdale, and that would be the Copper Art Museum, open- ing December 3 in the old Clarkdale High School building, which has been refurbished to house a variety of examples of the fine art of Arizona’s most beautiful mineral, copper.
Inspired by his antique-loving parents, museum co-found- er Drake Meinke has had a passion for collecting copper for much of his life. About 10 years ago, he and a small group of other copper collectors decided it was time to house and display their treasures. When Mr. Meinke decided that Arizo- na — known for its copper mines — would be the museum’s location, he drove to every copper-mining town in the state, and as he passed through Clarkdale and saw the old High School was for sale, he knew he’d found the museum’s per- manent home.
The High School itself is an awe-inspiring historical build- ing, and came with some of its own copper detailing. As a display space, it is unparalleled, with large windows, high ceilings, and wood floors, all of which contribute to an ex- pansive feeling, well suited to copper, one of the world’s most attractive metals.
The Copper Art Museum focuses on the art and craft of cop- per (as opposed to mining or industrial uses), and features 6 major displays, including: Classical Affinities, Military Art, Art & Architecture, Kitchen & Cookware, Water & Drinkware, and Distillery & Wine/Beermaking. The sheer elegance of this colorful metal will have you wandering in wonderment, the craftsmanship accentuating its full ornamental qualities.
With his eye for detail, Mr. Meinke has ensured even the display shelving is suited for the inspired elements housed within; almost all are custom-made from repurposed antique iron, antique windows, and old growth wood. Adding to the re-emergence of Clarkdale’s historic downtown neighbor- hood is the museum signage, featuring a mosaic of Botticel- li’s Venus, who herself is associated with copper, both in the color of her hair, and in the fact that she is being blown, on her scallop shell, to the island of Cyprus, known for its copper reserves. While the act of mining created quite some human
trauma and pollution to the local environment, the Copper Art Museum does a great deal to redeem that past and re- mind us of what can be accomplished by the blending of the Earth’s natural resources with human creativity and invention.
The Copper Art Museum opens December 3 and will be open daily from 10AM to 5PM, excluding major holidays.
CopperArtMuseum.com
WHEN CLARKDALE MAKES ITS OWN by Ellen Jo Roberts
Since 1986, the local holiday season kicks off big in Clark- dale with a fantastic fine art showing in the town’s historic Memorial Clubhouse. Made in Clarkdale features a wide ar- ray of arts and crafts in a startling variety of media and ma- terials, all of it made by folks who live or work in Clarkdale. The show opens with a gala fiesta Friday night, December 6, 6-9PM. This free event, open to the public, is generally the most happening night of the local holiday season, a great place to see and be seen. You will catch up with folks from the Verde Valley that you’ve not seen in person all year. This lovely evening showcases a great variety of art, amazing entertain- ment and a fair selection of refreshments.
The December 6 opening party welcomes the Janice Paul Combo and Blue Dragon Belly Dance. Also, while at the Clubhouse, be sure to visit the Men’s Lounge for the Clarkdale Library’s annual book sale. Many treasures to be found at this book sale and, on a personal note, it also marks the exact spot where I met one of my best friends.
In addition to artist demonstrations and workshops dur- ing the day, this year Made in Clarkdale will include evening events each night to further extend the exposure and enjoy- ment of the artwork.
Saturday, 12/7, 6-9PM — Mike “King Daddy” Morris & the Bottom Line Blues Band
Sunday, 12/8, 1-4PM — Arcosanti Presentations: “The Bells” & “The Architecture,” complimented a wine tasting event by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium
Monday, 12/9, 6-9PM — “Synergy Syrup” Dave Martinez & Kevin McQuaid.
Tuesday, 12/10, 6-9PM —Connie Fisher: Celtic Songs
Wednesday, 12/11, 6-8PM — The Black Forest Society, Dave Rentz, William Schwab
Thursday, 12/12, 6-8PM — Fashion Show: Art as Fashion
Friday, 12/13, 6-9PM — Theater Performance: Red Earth Theater
Saturday, 12/14, 6-9PM — 1970s & ‘80s rock with The Retros
For more information on artists and events of the week, visit MadeInClarkdale.org
>> CONTINUED ON PAGE 19