One day only
Don’t miss the One-Day-Only Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hole-in-One Restaurant in Chula Vista. Local artists will be selling creations of many kinds. Make sure to take a look at the special Christmas jewelry starting at 50 pesos. The variety is terrific and the quality is grand. You won’t be disappointed.
The Fantasticks
Everyone’s raving about My, My, How Nice’s production of “The Fantasticks” – now playing at the theater at Plaza de la Ribera. There’s still time to get your tickets for the Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, 3 p.m. shows. Buy them at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutique or at the door for 250 pesos.
Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna) is located at Rio Bravo 10 on the west end of Ajijic.
Calendar
An exhibition of works by Lakeside’s most creative artists who have contributed to the new LAGOAZUL 2013 calendar will open Saturday, December 1, 4 p.m. at Centro de Arte y Cultural de Dionicio Morales (Constitucion 16, Ajijic). This big celebration promises fun and cocktails for all and a special price on the 2013 calendars.
ASA
Members of the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) meet Monday, December 3, 10 a.m. at La Bodega Restaurant (Calle 16 de Septiembre 124, Ajijic).
Fiber artist Deb Fry will give a demonstration of her technique known as “Wrap Your Style.”
Those attending are encouraged to bring a scarf, poncho or shawl.
Opera
VIVA la Musica heralds the Christmas season with an opera gala concert featuring soprano Patricia Perez and tenor Cesar Delgado on Thursday, December 6, 7 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar. Accompaniment will be provided by virtuoso pianist Andres Sarre.
The program includes selected arias and duets from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” and “La Boheme” and De Falla’s “La Vida Breve,” among others.
Tickets are 200 pesos for VIVA members and 300 pesos for non-members. They are available at the Lake Chapala Society from 10 a.m. to noon each day in the coming week, at Diane Pearl Colecciones and at the door.
Tandem art
“Spirals in Life,” Diane Pearl’s new exhibition of paintings, opens Friday, December 7, 2-4 p.m. at La Bella Vida (Constitucion 6, Ajijic). In addition, photographer AdaBella will present her new show, “Instantes.” Refreshments will be served.
These exhibits are part of the Fiesta de Navidad set for the “Heart of Ajijic” weekend (see page 14.) Call 766-5131 for more information.
Painting Guild
Members of the Lake Chapala Painting Guild open an exhibition of their work on Friday, December 7, with a reception from 3-6 p.m. at the Efren Gonzalez Art Gallery (Marcos Castellanos 7, Ajijic).
If you miss the opening, be sure to stop by during the following week. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Christmas fair
Don’t miss the Annual Riberas Christmas Fair at Arden Furniture on Saturday, December 8, beginning at 2 p.m. You’ll find local artists and artisans placed through the store with their beautiful creations. It’s just the place to find unique gifts and Christmas decorations. Arden furniture is located at Hidalgo (Carretera) 81 in Riberas del Pilar and has easy parking.
Open circle reading
Janice Kimball will read an excerpt from her book “Three in a Cage,” along with the parrot Max Bird (the main character of the book) on Sunday, December 9 at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society. A book signing will be held afterwards in a nearby restaurant to be announced at the presentation. The book has an uplifting ending, so it makes a great Christmas present.
Social realism
Chapala’s Department of Culture will open an exhibition of paintings by U.S. artist Milo Needles on Saturday, December 9, 6:30 p.m. at the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center (old train station) in Chapala.
Needles’ style evokes the social realism trend that emerged during the Great Depression (1930s).
Auditions
The Naked Stage minimalist readers’ theater is holding auditions on Tuesday, December 11, 10 a.m. to noon at the theater (Rio Bravo 10, west Ajijic). The play is “The Exonerated” by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. It will be directed by Lynn Phelan.
“The Exonerated” centers on six individuals convicted of capital crimes who spent years in prisons on death row before being exonerated of their crimes.
The director is looking for seven men and three women.
Ed’s newest novel
Prolific Ajijic author Ed Vlahov has just released his seventh novel since settling in Ajijic 24 years ago.
“Nobody’s Child” draws from his own experience as an adoptive parent. Through the trials and tribulations of growing up with new parents, little Nicole LaFleur must cope with the scars of a broken home, deviant foster care, a burdening genetic defect and a growing sexual awareness. The road before her lies open to a fruitful life or failure.
Outlets where the book is on sale include Diane Pearl Colecciones, the Newsstand in Plaza Bugambilias and the paper store in Plaza Montana.
Art fair
Efren Gonzalez is planning to stage a reprise of the very successful Marcos Castellanos Art Festival that was held this fall. The date for the next one is set for February 16 and 17. Those interested in participating should contact Gonzalez at 766-5381.
Play submissions
The Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) play reading committee has extended the deadline for submissions for its 49th (2013-2014) season. The new Directors’ Presentation Meeting is set for Monday, January 7, 1 p.m. at the theater. Even those who did not attend the original September informational meeting are eligible to submit plays. If creating online copies of your submissions is a challenge, then hard copies will be acceptable.
Please check the website at www.lakesidelittletheatre.com for submission forms and guidelines. If you have any questions contact Sally Jo Bartlett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (376) 765-7240.