The 14 April, 2007 Art Walk - as reported by Horst

The 2nd Saturday Art Walk of Brookings seems to add something new every month. The new twist is the "Art Walk Tour." Local artist Pete Chasar led a group of about 20, most of them not familiar with the art scene in Brookings, through most of the participating venues, answering questions and pointing out noteworthy tidbits. Pete is the perfect guide: he knows every artists in town, every art venue, and all our musicians. According to eye witnesses he did a great job. We'll do it every month from now on, won't we, Pete?

The 2nd novelty was the entry of "Diamond Electronics" into the fold of our Art Walk venues. Ken Streaker, the owner, showed the art of Rick Green and Tom Tanzi on his giant video screens. Hi Tech has arrived on the Brookings art scene and is here to stay.

The 3rd novelty: Banana Belt Music has moved to larger quarters at the corner of Fern and Chetco. The store is full of musical instruments, as it should be. But Jonathan didn't leave much room for exhibiting art; probably because there aren't many local artists who paint anything to do with music. So I guess it's just as well.

Another surprise: the original Carl Rovainen Trio at Manley is now a band of eight. If my calculations are correct, by June 2010 they will be a 40 men orchestra. Where are we going to put 'em? Another reason why Brookings needs a Performing Arts Center.

The surprise in the "fine arts" department was the exhibit of Chinese artist Lihua Zhao at Signatures. Her large oils of Chinese women point to a new direction in oriental art, which should be of interest to all Brookings art lovers, whatever their favorite style or inclination.

At Terra Cotta Corners you could hardly get in the door for all the new Mexican art and crafts John Archiletta and brother brought to Brookings from Central Mexico last week. John's home made hors de oeuvres were as good as ever. What about the band: Horst and Friends? It was a herd of hand drummers gone mad: congas, bongos, djembes, maracas, you name it. After Horst realized he couldn't stop the stampede, he figured "if you can't fight 'em, join 'em," left his keyboard and grabbed a rattle stick himself. Trumpeter Dean Mickelson, the only other "melody player", sat helpless on the floor and cried. The crowd seemed to love it. Go and figure.

In the library five members of our Curry - Del Norte Symphony Orchestra gave us a preview of their upcoming concerts in Gold Beach, Brookings and Crescent City, and then the "Sea Breeze," our beloved high school singers under Greg Goode, were a delight not only to listen to, but also to watch.

Tune in again around the end of April to find here the program for the May 12 Art Walk.

Horst

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