Two ongoing events are worth catching …
Firstly, the artist Gwen Carillon is having an exhibition at the Sunfire Gallery. Many of her earlier works are on display here (including the award winning interactive sculpture Rebirth), but the focus of the show is her new work, Awen, based around the concept of the divine inspiration of bards in the Welsh poetic tradition.
Gwen says, ” Awen is the soul of creativity … the path of inspiration that we walk on the way to art….focusing love into form.
“A while ago, a close friend gave me a picture of Awen to set out in my work area. I always keep it close now…and build, trusting that Awen is always present, as long as I am open to it and allow it to flow through me.”
For me, the pattern of circles interlinked in the shapes and in the pattern of flowers that surround the sculptures make me think that all these concentric and growing circles very strongly suggest strength and union … as well as being so very beautiful. And the colours are just stunning.
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Another ongoing event that you should not miss is the Music Academy Festival on Utwig.
Music Academy Online is presenting the 2nd Annual “Festival in Two Worlds”. Beginning Friday, August 22 and running through Sunday, August 31, the festival will feature lecturers, performers, composers, and artists from around the world. The entire festival will take place in the virtual world of Second Life. The events are free and open to all residents.
This year’s theme is “Virtuality” and the featured guest is award-winning composer Amin Bhatia (Flashpoint, Queer as Folk, Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees), who has just released his latest CD, “Virtuality: A Journey Inside Your Computer.”
Guest artists include pianists Richard Grayson, Alessandro Marangoni, and Alpha H. Walker; oboist David Weiss; cellist Cary B. Hockett; percussionist Stacey Fox; composers Gregory Hall, Anthony Lanman, Alex Shapiro; lecturers include Mary Ann Clark, Ph.D. and Judith A. Eckelmeyer, Ph.D. For a complete schedule of events visit www.musicacademyonline.com
Music Academy Online has been developing a classical music presence in Second Life since 2007. Says founder, Dave Schwartz, Ph.D., “I firmly believe that the kind of immersive, interactive, 3D environment that this type of virtual world provides has dramatic implications for those of us dedicated to generating interest in classical music at all levels, including music education, music appreciation, and especially for the promotion of new music and living composers. Imagine being able to talk with a composer, or author, or music educator in real time from the comfort of your own computer. This environment has the potential to reach out to the four corners of the planet and to make the world a better place one friendship at a time.”
For more information, contact@musicacademyonline.com
In Second-Life contact Benton Wunderlich, Matelisse Criss, or Daiseze Dahlstrom.
As well as a wide programme of events over the coming days, there is also a fascinating musical experience to be had – an interactive journey through the movements of Amin Bhatia’s “Virtuality: A Journey Inside Your Computer.” As in the illustrations, you sit upon a laptop (more a lap bottom in this case) and travel through what can only be described as ten different experiences, each corresponding to a movement of Amin Bhatia’s suite. It’s one of those stunning, Not Possible in Real Life experiences that should not be missed!
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Sunday August 24
Melodee McDonnell – 1pm-Festival Stage
Sage Duncan – “Another Evening with Sage” – 7pm -F.I.R.I.
Monday August 25
Vilhelm Balhaus – “Tainted Glass” – 1pm- Festival Stage
Music Academy OnLive – 4pm – Festival Stage
Tuesday August 26
ZeroOne Paz – “The Music of ZeroOne Paz” – 11am – Festival Stage
Wednesday August 27
Tanku Kaligawa – “The Music of Tanku” – 11am – Festival Stage
Gjo Bing – “In Concert” – 4pm – Festival Stage
Thursday August 28
DnA Duo – “In Concert” – 5pm – Festival Stage
David Weiss, oboe
Alpha H. Walker, piano
Friday August 29
Tip Corbett – “The Music of Tip Corbett” 5pm – Festival Stage
Saturday August 30
Benito Flores – “In Concert” – 1pm- Festival Stage
Alessandro Marangoni, piano
Prowess Rayna – “In Concert” – 3pm – Festival Stage
Sunday August 31
The Insisters – 2pm – Festival Stage
Cary B. Hockett, cello,
Alpha H. Walker, piano
Wrap Party – 4pm – The Bonfire
Prim Perfect 