Arts Council lists coming events and classes

Arts Council Events ARTIST RECEPTIONS Free and open to the public. Members--watch your mailbox for invitations. T O M O R R O W Thursday, February 16, 5:30pm - 7pm Tamar Assaf, Animals of the Bible, Main Gallery MUHSD Students on the 2nd Floor Artist, Tamar Assaf, is recording our reception to showcase this exhibit on her video. This is our chance to show the world how fabulous the Merced arts scene is! Friday, March 2, 5:30pm - 7pm UCM Year of the Maya reception CASINO NIGHT--TAKE A CHANCE ON THE ARTS Saturday, March 10, 7pm - 10pm at the Arts Center, 645 W Main St. Tickets on sale now...only $30 for members! visit us on Facebook to get the upper hand on black jack, roulette, and other great games to be played that night. SAVEMART CARDS If you are using your SaveMart SHARES card when you grocery shop, then THANK YOU for so far raising almost $2,000 this fiscal year! Using your card every time you shop makes a huge difference. It doesn't cost you extra, and it means the world to the Arts Council. RALEY'S QUALITY OF LIFE CARDS Just restocked! If you shop at Raley's and don't have a Quality of Life card, contact Bo at 388-1090 x11 or mcarts@artsmerced.org to have one mailed to you today. Remember: an arts center can only exist in a community that supports it. If you can, donate online at www.artsMerced.org, either in installments (say $10/month) or in one lump sum. Every penny counts! What do Dr. Seuss and The Muppets have to do with Shakespeare?! The Merchant of Venice for KIDS! Saturday, February 25th 9:30 - 12:00 Level: K - 12th grade $5.00 per child, Parent is free! Pre-register by February 22, or contact Wendy at 722-7897 or wendy@buildingouryoungleaders.com.

It's time for "Shakespeare Made Fun and Simple!" We're going to bring it to the level that kids can understand, and in the process we grown-ups will understand it better, too. We'll use games, video, humor, readers theatre, and even crafts to help us simplify Shakespeare. Do your kids a favor, and let them experience Shakespeare in a really easy way! Merced Shakespeare Festival Do you know that Merced has an amazing Shakespeare Festival? It's true! Come see The Merchant of Venice, starting Friday, February 24th. Every grown-up in town should see it, and lots of kids, too! Visit www.mercedshakespearefest.org for details. Playhouse Merced presents... "The King and I," the musical based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, who left England in 1861 to act as governess for the children of the King of Siam opens at Playhouse Merced February 3rd for a three weekend run.

Music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The King and I" features a tuneful score that includes popular songs like "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Shall We Dance?"

This show is rated A = All Ages

Up next... "The Odd Couple (Female Version)," a comedy about two mismatched roommates, begins a two-weekend run on the Playhouse Merced mainstage Friday, February 24 at 7:30 pm. This show is rated T = Teens 13 and above. For tickets, contact (209) 725-8587, www.playhousemerced.com, or visit 452 W Main St in downtown Merced, Tues-Sat, 1-5pm. Merced Symphony Savor Our Symphony The fundraiser to support our annual Children's Concerts, has been rescheduled for Friday, March 9th at the Italian-American Lodge on 18th & U Streets from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are $25 per person.

Light jazz by the Michael Soria Trio will be featured as well as a no host bar. Scrumptious, filling hors d'oeurvres will delight you along with the many unique silent & live auction items presented for your consideration. Please join the Symphony Board in this wonderful event of fun, friends, and fellowship!