Ahhh … This is nice. As Arts DEVO sits down to write this column, his mug is filled with coffee and his list—the source, the sauce, the juice that powers the Energy Dome—is filled with the stuff of this Chico life. There is always a notepad by my side for writing down the scene tidbits that drop across my path, and pre-pandemic I would easily fill this space with the cherry pickings thereof. It’s been awhile since I had too many things to write about, so instead of the COVID-depression, band-fetish and puppy-dog blatherings of late, I’ll simply pour a little juice in the cup. Cheers!
Art Camp!
Three local creatives have put their heads and skills together for three different beginner art classes in “an attempt to create an environment where adults can learn, share, and teach new creative skills, in a low-key and affordable setting.” This is what we all need. The camps range from four weeks ($60) to six weeks ($80), and the maiden classes are: Using LEDs with Zac Elstein (learn about basic electronics and current flows); Observational Painting with Michael Bone (learn to draw and paint what you see); Machine Sewing with Claire Fong (learn basic sewing techniques including how to operate a sewing machine).
For more info on signups and location, email artcampchico@gmail.com and check ’em on Instagram @TheArtCamp.
Theatre on the Pond
Theatre on the Ridge is gearing up for a return in 2021, and to announce the new season, the company is putting on two big parties, June 18 and June 19 at 6:30 p.m. The kick off celebration will take place waterside at Chapelle de L’Artiste in Paradise and will feature a choice of three different gourmet picnic dinners, champagne, beer, music by The Bidwells and a readers theater presentation of The O’Malley Diaries.
New Scout!
Um … What? Is? This? It is unpossible that I missed a new release by my favorite local artist. The internet says Scout’s third release in the past year dropped on Valentine’s Day. Though it’s somehow eluded me for more than three months, I am not mad at the Real Love EP, with five new fantastic electro-acoustic tunes—one instrumental and four with lyrics exploring the highs and lows of love—from the prolific home recorder. My current jams are the dark and jittery “H O U S E” and the lo-fi anthem title track that closes the EP: “Everything would be easier if everyone was open to be loved, like, really loved.” Damn straight.
Feel the love at scoutthewise.bandcamp.com/album/real-love-ep.
Silkshop art show
The badasses at Silkshop Screen Printing—Cameron Harry and Nick Johnson, the duo who showed up for their community a year ago with their Print Aid benefit for locally owned businesses—are hosting their first art show. Longtime local artist Micah Black will be displaying paintings at the shop (2290 Ivy St., #110) on Saturday (June 5), 7-10 p.m., and Silkshop will be selling shirts with one of Black’s designs and donating proceeds to the North State Shelter Team’s Mobile Shower Trailer Project. Show up for art and showers, and scope out Silkshop’s shirt shop online at silkshopprinting.com/shirtshop.
In-house tidbits
A few items of note from the Chico News & Review:
• Best of Chico is coming back! After a one-year break, the newspaper’s signature special issue will return this October. The theme, naturally, is “Comeback”—a comeback for local businesses, a comeback for the community and a comeback for the CN&R! Voting starts July 1.
• The CN&R Spring Supporter Drive has kicked off. If you got it to give, consider supporting the newspaper’s local news and arts coverage as our community begins to transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit chico.newsreview.com/give for more info.
• CN&R at Pride: Chico Pride is back! With in-person events throughout June, including a Pop Up Fair and Festival June 26, 10 a.m.-2 pm., in the parking lot next to the Stonewall Alliance Center. There will be food, coffee, music, drag performances, and a bunch of vendors and sponsors, including the CN&R. Come say, “Hi!” Check out the CN&R calendar for more info on Chico Pride events.
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