2010 Downtown Festival of the Arts

The Champaign Park District’s 7^th Annual Downtown Festival of the Arts, is August 21^st just in time for students returning to campus. This festival is in the streets of Downtown Champaign and is continuously growing and capturing the cultural atmosphere of Champaign. Along Main, Neil, and Walnut Streets artists will have booths displaying their art for one day. Along with artists selling their wares there are three stages: the main entertainment tent, performing art stage, and a family entertainment stage. This is a great chance to enjoy some late summer outdoor seating and visit your favorite stores and restaurants as well. Or you can pick up lunch or dinner and some drinks and enjoy the stage seating.

Main Entertainment Tent

Date	Time	Performer	Style
Sat., Aug. 21	10:00am – 11:00am	Brainchild	Funk/Reggae
	11:30am – 1:00pm	Marry Harris	Jazz
	1:30pm – 3:00pm	South Fork	Bluegrass
	3:30pm – 4:30pm	Holly Holmes Quartet	Cultural Jazz
	5:00pm – 7:00pm	Doko Benjo	Funk/Jam

Performing Art Stage

Date	Time	Performer	Style
Sat., Aug. 21	10:30-11:30am	Early Music
	12-1pm	Steely Pan	Steel Drums
	1:30-2:30pm	Free Dance Lessons
	3-4pm	Class Act Theatre
	4:30-5:30pm	Trikhala	Belly Dance
	6-7pm	Djibril Camara and Ballet Allah Tantou	African Dance

Family Entertainment Stage

Date	Time	Performer	Style
Sat., Aug. 21	10:30-11:30am	Prairie Dogs
	12-1pm	Andrew Anderson	Magician
	1:30-2:00pm	Parkland Props	DSC’s Music Group
	2:30-3:00pm	Prompting Theatre	DSC’s Theatre Group
	3:15-4pm	Dance Arts	Dance
	4:30-5:30pm	Patricia Hruby-Powell	Storyteller
	6:00-7:00pm	Andrew Anderson	Magician

A quick, informal Facebook/Twitter poll has yielded some results of artists that will taking place this year. Below are links to their blogs, if you are an artist that will be taking part email info@downtownchampaign.com or tweet DTChampaign or Facebook the Champaign Downtown Association.

Participating Artists

Shoshanna Bauer

Jason Bentley

Sarah Coulter – Who will also be demonstrating her loom weaving.

Audra Ziegel

Steering Committee Working to Merge Two Downtown Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JULY 12, 2010

Contact: Jill Guth, JSM Development, CBG Chair 217-359-8058 or 217-778-8305

Trisha Sutton, Cakes on Walnut, CDA Chair, 217-352-2400

Craig Rost, City of Champaign 217-403-8710 or 217- 493-5773

A Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the Campustown Business Group (CBG), the Champaign Downtown Association (CDA), the City of Champaign, and the Champaign Park District have begun meeting to discuss the possibility of merging the CBG and the CDA in order to share administrative resources and work cooperatively in marketing initiatives.

“I think this is awesome. Our resources will go farther and the whole community will benefit.” said CDA President Trisha Bates, owner of Cakes on Walnut. Jill Guth, CBG Chair agreed “In today’s world of limited resources, it only makes sense for the CBG and the CDA to work together. Instead of having two duplicative organizations in the City of Champaign, this new organization can meet the needs of both districts without competing with each other for limited funding and other resources.”

Both organizations offer each other valuable resources. The CDA, a 501 c 3 organization with its lengthy history serving the Downtown, has an active board of directors, dedicated staff and a cadre of volunteers. The CBG also has an active core of volunteers working on cooperative marketing efforts, such as the popular Thirteen Thursdays, among the Campustown retailers. Both organizations work with property owners and retailers to attract customers to their respective areas, usually serving a different customer base. In addition, the groups become involved in issues that impact the success of the retailers located in their geographic areas.

“The timing of this initiative is crucial,” said Deputy City Manager for Development Craig Rost. The City is completing the massive Boneyard Creek Second Street Reach project this year which will open up development opportunities in the “Mid Town” area between Downtown and Campustown, including First Street and East University Avenue. Although no formal group yet exists to support this area, the CDA/CBG merger can accomplish that by including the territory between Campustown and Downtown.

The City of Champaign has been in discussions with the group’s leadership about funding to seed the creation of the organization over a three year time period – with the expectation that the organization would then be self supporting. Rost is enthusiastic about this initiative and the new partnership that will lead it.. “Just as the Boneyard Project has physically connected Campus and Downtown, it’s time for Champaign to work together as one for the benefit of our community and visitors.”

Champaign 150th Music Festival!

Downtown Champaign is celebrating 150 years this summer with a fantastic Music Festival on July 9^th and 10^th. Come out for a jamming evening in downtown Friday the 9^th for a music crawl at some of your favorite spots! See a preview of Friday’s line up below!

And don’t forget to come out on Saturday for a full day of all your favorite music acts showcased on three stages throughout downtown Champaign! For these stages to be set-up, remember there will be street closings July 10^th:

Neil Street – From Hill to University
Church/Main Street – From Randolph to Chestnut
Park Street – From Randolph to Neil
Walnut Street – University to Washington
Chester Street – Next to the City Building

Check out www.champaign150.com for more information!  Find a map of road closures and event locations here.

MUSIC CRAWL – Friday July 9^th

4:00-10:00pm- DJ Mertz, DJ Belly, DJ Kirkwood, The Fresh Kills (punk), and Ryan Groff (acoustic) @ Exile On Main Street

5:00-7:00 pm- Special Showing of “Some Like it Hot” at The Art Theater

6:00-7:30 pm- Ashley Riley @Aroma Café

6:00-10:00pm- Jeremy Harper & Bryce Johnson (Modern Rock), Lisa Cerezo & Steve Meadows (Classic/Modern Rock), and Mayhew The Traitor (Indie/Folk Rock/Old Country) @ Memphis on Main

6:30-8:30pm- Cara Maurizi and Jason Bentley @ Boltini- Jason Bentley is a singer/songwriter whose guitar driven folk/rock suspends lyrically earnest songs that range from uncertainty to adoring appreciation. Singer/songwriter Cara Maurizi uses her clear voice and her simple keyboard to create hummable melodies and lyrics from the heart.

7:00-8:30 pm- Paige Luebchow @ Cakes on Walnut

7:00-9:00pm- Ryan Groff (from Elsinore) solo acoustic @ Indi-Go Artist Co-Op

8:00- 8:30 pm- Eva Hunter @Aroma Café

8:00-10:00pm- Los Guapos (afro-cuban jazz) @ Cowboy Monkey

8:00pm—10:00pm- Dudley Owen Jazz band @ Cafe Luna

9:00pm- 12:00 am- David Howie @ Bentleys Pub

9:00pm-12:00 am-   Delta Kings (rock/blues) @ Mike-N-Mollys

Music acts on Saturday, July 10th

NEIL and MAIN ST. STAGE
12:00-1:00pm – Bow-Dacious String Band
1:30-3:00pm – Feudin’ Hillbillys
3:30-5:00pm – Kilborn Alley
5:30-7:00pm – Candy Foster and Shades of Blue
7:30-8:30pm – Lonely Trailer
9:00-10:30pm – HUM

WALNUT and CHESTER ST. STAGE
12:00-1:00pm – CU Symphony and Conservatory of East Central Illinois Students
1:30-2:30pm - Desafinado

3:00-4:00pm – Recycled Rhythms
4:30-5:30pm – Rumba Na Biso
6:00-7:00pm – Beat Kitchen
8:00-9:00 – Finchley Boys
9:30-11:00pm – Tons O Fun Band

CHESTNUT and MAIN ST. STAGE
12:30-1:30pm – One Voice
2:00-3:00pm – New Orleans Jazz Machine
3:30-5:00pm – The Prairie Dogs
5:30-6:30pm – Shark Bandit
7:00-8:00pm – The Duke of Uke and His Novelty Orchestra
8:30-10:00pm – Delta Kings

As well the historical exhibit that was previously at the Illinois Terminal will be temporarily at 34 E. Main St. TJ Blakeman, Planner II with the City of Champaign, will also be leading historical tours beginning from here at 1 and 3 pm.

Article by Ayla Ault, CDA Communications Intern

Downtown Champaign Welcomes Illinois Marathon Runners!

With the races starting at 7 am, May 1st is sure to be a long day. But rather than just run through lovely Champaign-Urbana and run out, we are welcoming all to stay and to enjoy the amenities.

So what’s going on?

At the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) booth at the Celebrate Victory Bash you can pick up your 27th-Mile wooden nickels and participating vendor list. Turn your nickels in at any of the participating businesses and receive exclusive deals. The following downtown Champaign businesses are taking part:

Artists Against AIDS

The Eighteenth Annual volunteer-operated exhibition and sale, featuring over 200 local artists’ works will be held in Downtown Champaign. Proceeds go directly to The Greater Community AIDS Project (GCAP) a local non-profit agency providing support services for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Pottery, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, etc.

Located in M2, 301 N. Neil St., 2nd floor

Jazzy First Look Opening

on Thursday, April 22nd from 7-9 pm

Music by Grooveyard

Limited number of tickets at $50 per person are available by calling GCAP at 217.351.2437.

Friday, April 23rd

6-10 pm

GRAND OPENING

with music by DJ Hellcat

ID will be required for alcohol.

Saturday, April 24th

1-10 pm

Exhibition continues

DJ Mertz 7-9 pm

Sunday, April 25

1-7 pm

Exhibition continues.

Artist’s Reception 4-6 pm

with Leila Ramagopal, harpist

Monday, April 26

1-7 pm

Exhibition continues and closes

For information call 217.351.2437

www.gcapnow.com

Boneyard Arts Festival in Downtown Champaign!

Thursday April 15th

Thursday Event Times

12-5pm: Indi Go Artist Co-Op at 9 E. University Ave. children’s activities – “Up” being projected and craft projects run by the U of I’s VIP Arts Outreach group.

12-2 pm Indi Go Artist Co-Op watercolor demonstrations with Shoshanna Bauer.

2 -7pm at Class Act Interactive Education and Events, free Open House featuring the photographs of Kelly Kirchhoefer and an exhibit by the students of Stratton Elementary School under the guidance of their art teacher, Jill Lagerstam. Guests of all ages are invited to have fun dressing up in items from our costume collection and make their own photo art!

2-6pm at Jim Gould Restaurant face painting for children and adults by artists from Harshbarger Homestead Retreat Center: Kathy Harshbarger, Judie and Rachel Spencer.

3:30pm: Class Act at 114 S Neil St presents “CU Theatresports,” live comedy improv suitable for all ages. Tickets $5.

4-7pm: Outside Ratio Architects- kids sidewalk chalk activities.

4-6 pm Indi Go Artist Co-Op Shoshanna Bauer watercolor demonstrations.

4-6 pm Homer Soda Co. truck sponsored by Barham Benefit Group in conjunction with Indi Go Artist Co-Op

4:30 pm: Elizabeth Simpson, performance artist, throughout downtown, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

5:00pm: Shakespeare on Love @ Taylor Street Courtyard, by Dandelion, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. A collection of sonnets centered around Love.

5-6 pm @Jane Addams Book Shop electronic ambient beats by Drifting in Silence.

5- 10 pm: CU Confidential teams with The Art Theater at 126 W. Church St. to present a new collection of locally-made cinema showing exclusively during the Boneyard Arts Festival! Thursday’s program is free admission and will feature a 1-hour loop of short features and trailers – audience members are welcome to come and go! Concessions will be for sale throughout. Visit C-U Blogfidential and www.TheCUArt.com for complete schedule.

5:30pm: Global Sounds, Creative Ryhthms @ Walnut and Chester, by Ten Thousand Villages, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring a wide variety of African and Brazilian instruments, found objects, and interactive improvisation.

6- 9 pm:  Senior thesis show of Fine and Applied Art students Hanako O’Leary, Alison Rigell, Allison Van Pelt and Kate Lamy at 312 Walnut St. Featuring performance, sculpture, painting, video and installation art – is a culmination of the students’ work completed during four years of study at the U of I. Pieces on sale will be clearly marked and prices will be negotiable.

6-9 pm: At Blind Pig, 120 N Walnut St, www.blindpigco.com, public readings of original works by writers from the Red Herring Fiction Workshop, featuring Aimee Dearmon, Casey Diana, Gary Doherty, Maureen Holtz, Elaine Fowler Palencia and Scott Solomon. Founded in 1980, the Red Herring Fiction Workshop is a forum for writers to critique one another’s work in fiction, creative nonfiction and play/screenwriting. The workshop is community-based and open to the public, welcoming writers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

6:30pm: Soul Premier @ One Main Plaza, by Jim Gould, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. A cappella singing group.

6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm: Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design at 124 N Neil St, www.christophers-finejewlery.com. Storyteller Camille Born, “Of Gems and Dragons,” folk tales for adults and families.

7:30pm: The Gypsy Hips, throughout downtown, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. A dance troupe of free-spirited ladies that share the joy of dance. Based in the Champaign-Urbana area, they exhibit a wide variety of dance styles and enjoy performing.

8-11pm: Indi Go Artist Co-Op Birthday Party, with music by The Freak Brothers. Ping Wu, from Project Runway, will be in attendance to meet with fans. Drinks and appetizers served.

8:30pm: Elizabeth Simpson, fire spinning @ One Main Plaza, by Jim Gould, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

9:00pm: Hedwig & Friends @ Taylor Street courtyard, by Dandelion, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Champaign-Urbana’s premier Trans-Rock Machine for Revolution performs songs from last season’s Riveting and Most Fantabulous Rock and Roll Extravaganza.

9:30pm: Metropolitan Video Project @ Neil and Main, presented by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Unique outdoor video project featuring a collection of images honoring Champaign’s 150th, with a special Microurban video presentation

Friday Event Times

2-6 pm at Dandelion, Gary Schirmer, will be doing portrait drawings in graphite in the courtyard (weather permitting, otherwise inside Dandelion), $15 each for approx. 15 minutes.

7-9 pm at Dandelion reception for Gary Schirmer with refreshments served

8-10pm at Indi Go Artist Co-Op musical performances by Rob Jacobs and Dr. Responsible.

9 pm- 1 am at Memphis on Main- Delta Kings

Saturday Event Times

All day- CU Confidential teams with The Art Theater to present a new collection of locally-made cinema showing exclusively during the Boneyard Arts Festival! Regular admission fees apply for features and shorts. Concessions will be for sale throughout. Visit C-U Blogfidential and www.TheCUArt.com for complete schedule.

All day- Record Store Day 2010 at Exile on Main Street and The Shadowboxer Collective present Record Store Day 2010, with live music and DJs in store from open to close. Come check out your favorite local acts, grab a bite to eat from grill masters Jeff and Ryan (that’s right…BBQ!), and pick up one of the incredible limited edition releases coming out exclusively to indie record stores that Saturday.

Saturday Schedule:

• 10-11am: DJ Mertz
• 11-11:30am: Kirkwood West
• 11:35am-12:05pm: Elsinore
• 12:20-50pm: Delta Kings
• 12:55-1:25pm: DJ LEGTWO
• 1:30-2:00pm: The Palace Flophouse
• 2:15-2:45pm: Take Care
• 3-3:30pm: Kayla Brown
• 3:35-4:05pm: Vapor Lanes
• 4:20-4:50pm: Beat Kitchen
• 5:05-5:35pm: My Werewolf Diary
• 5:40-6:10pm: DJ Belly
• 6:10-6:40pm: S.Words w/ DJ Belly
• 6:45-7:15pm: Santah
• 7:30-8pm: Tractor Kings
• 8:05-8:35pm: DJ Tim Hayden
• 8:40-9:10pm: Rice the Sound Transmitter
• 9:15-9:45pm: Epilep[c]

12-2 pm: Parkland Child Development Center, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Bldg G- display and sale of artwork by children who attend the Child Development Center.

1-3 pm Orpheum Do-it-Yourself art activities for families in the mezzanine.

6-7:30 pm Tango night at Indi Go Artist Co-Op with accompaniment by Armand Beaudoin and Dorothy Martirano

Sunday Event Times

All day- CU Confidential teams with The Art Theater to present a new collection of locally-made cinema showing exclusively during the Boneyard Arts Festival! Regular admission fees apply for features and shorts. Concessions will be for sale throughout. Visit C-U Blogfidential and www.TheCUArt.com for complete schedule.

3-5pm at Indi Go Artist Co-Op City councilman Michael LaDue poetry reading

Exhibits

SIGHT SPECIFIC- storefront exhibitions presented by 40 North | 88 West

57 East Main (old Trader’s World, next to Memphis on Main): Illuminated mixed media pieces by Kirsten Pauli

Art Theater Ticket Booth: Kinetic sculpture by Matt Rispoli

209 W UNIVERSITY AVE, SUITE 101

Thurs 12pm-12am: exhibit and sale of a wide variety of works including “All Things That Move” – acrylic and multi-media paintings by David Kopacz; “Chakras in Glass” – stained glass suncatchers and tea lights that suggest the chakras of traditional Indian medicine as depicted in the film “Slumdog Millionaire,” by Julie Hoetker; multi-media sensory event by Sara Holmes featuring photography and collage with companion botanicals and essential oils to stimulate memories associated with experiences in the garden;  photography (international scenes, landscapes and more) by Jerry Sims; interactive computer media and prints by Scott Wennerdahl.

AROMA CAFE- 118 N Neil St- www.aroma-cafe.com

Thurs 7am-10pm: display of pieces by Centennial High School’s Advanced Drawing Class, instructor Shannon Batman Percoco. Advanced art students were asked to interpret and create a multi-media assignment based on their personality and identity: “A Map of YOU.” Each student placed a piece or pieces of recycled maps on their board and created a rich environment for description of self. Students also used charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, acrylic paint and collage to create a cohesive message. Each student included text as part of their overall imagery. The students were able to create a diverse and unique group of mixed media art which represents the special qualities of teenagers that are engaging, creating  and emerging into our society.

Also featuring works by local artist Melody Bilbo. Melody has a background in working with a wide variety of media; including photography, reduction sculpture, and painting.  However, her favorite thing to do is simply sketch with a pencil. Melody’s inspiration mostly comes from a mix of environment, music culture, and raw emotion; exploring contour of geometrics and organics combined with the boundaries set in logic versus abstract.  She prefers working with a cooler pallet and enjoys exploring the power of text.  Melody uses the pseudonym Mella D. as her signature on finished pieces.




B. LIME, A GREEN STORE

12 E Washington St

www.blimegreen.com

Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-4pm. Paintings in encaustic on wood panel by Christina Nordholm. Christina’s work (on sale from $50-$500) is imagery based upon abstracted landscapes – clouds, water and fire – with the most recent pieces dedicated to Spring. B. Lime also features recycled handbags and totes by local artisan Leslie Kimble, pottery by Tracy Thomas, vintage napkins by Anna B. and the greeting cards of Umeeta.




BEEMI GALLERY- 53 E Logan- beemigallery.wordpress.com

Thurs-Fri 4-11pm; Sat 12-11pm. BeeMi Gallery is an eclectic mixture of artists and musicians crafting a love letter to counter-culture through various art forms. With paintings, photographs, hand-made leather goods and much more by artists Amanda “Mimi” Bickel, Rebecca Reid, Adam Marshall, Randall Plankenhorn, Matt Freden, Elise McAuley, Aaron Grote, Josh Wolf, Jason Dunovan, Brandon Roberts, Cody Pruitt, Ralph Roether and Tristan Bolen.

DJs will be there to spin beats ranging from popular music to dupstep and industrial, featuring Brian Mertz (DJ Mertz), Douglas Layne (DJ DeLayne) and Derrick Stembridge (Drifting In Silence). CDs available for purchase.

BOLTINI LOUNGE

211 N Neil St

www.boltinilounge.com

Thurs 4pm-2:30am: paintings by Ben Maffit and Lisa Hettinger. Maffit’s 3′ x 5′ female nudes – acrylic latex on canvas with pastels and chalk – express ambiguity and social distortion in a polarized, playful way. Pieces are available for $1200 each. With Lisa Hettinger’s red high heeled cocktail collection of acrylic paintings.

CAFÉ KOPI

109 N Walnut St

www.cafekopi.com

Open 7am-12 midnight, seven days a week: mixed media pieces by artists Amy Lin, Chelsea Fields and Tyler Bergfield. Works can be purchased by contacting the artists directly. Exhibit up throughout the month of April, during regular cafe hours.








CAKES ON WALNUT-114 N Walnut St

www.cakesonwalnut.com

Mon-Thurs 12-9pm; Fri-Sat 12-10pm. “abCU,” a collaborative show featuring silkscreen prints by local designers and artists – with each print in the show based on a different letter of the alphabet. Prints are reasonably priced and standard frame size.

Organized by CUDO (Champaign Urbana Design Organization) and produced with the support of Weiskamp Screen Printing. Show runs April 12-May 8.




CARMON’S

415 N Neil St

www.carmonsrstaurant.com

Thurs-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-9pm. DriveByArt (Eric Burton) - hangings composed of acrylic, hardwood, lacquer and oil. This collection of recent pieces explores ideas of space, security, family and the home. Its mixed forms and materials, from scrap hardwood to derelict machinery, make up compositions that represent Eric’s changing outlook towards life, growing older and the creation of art.

CARRIE’S FABULOUS TO FUNKY
204 N Neil St

Thurs 10am-8pm; Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm. Showing and sale of outsider art paintings by K. Wilson Fisher and Treasured Trinket Necklaces crafted from small objects by Carrie Jo Homann.

CIRCLES BOUTIQUE
114 N Neil St

Thurs-Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 11am-5pm. Deborah Fell Art Quilts, with new works available for purchase amidst the beautiful setting of Circles Boutique.

DANDELION VINTAGE BOUTIQUE
9 E Taylor St

Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 12-5pm. Landscapes in pastel, all for sale, by Gary Schirmer.

ENTERPRISE BUILDING
34 Main St

Thurs-Sun. Window display of recent paintings and drawings by Robin Riggs, Judy Dethmers, Robert Horvath and Suzanne Leochl.




EXILE ON MAIN STREET
1 Main St, Suite 108
www.exilemain.com

Thurs-Sun 10am-9pm: works by silk screen artist Jillian Nickell, a freelance illustrator whose band poster designs will be familiar to fans of Elsinore and the Pygmalion Music Festival.




FORMER ILLINOIS CENTRAL STATION
116 Chestnut St, back entrance

Thurs: “Not for Prophet,” an exhibition that questions American trust and devotion to the ‘healing institutions’ of Medicine and Religion. Using subversive humor and the semiotics, materials and conventions of these fields the artists claim authority and personal control while encouraging viewers to do the same. Features selected works – paintings, drawings, stencils, sculpture, mixed media, video, interactive, installation and photographs – by BFA candidates Sean Brice and Andrea Jennings.




GLASS FX GALLERY
202 S First St
www.glassfx.com

Thurs 10am-7:30pm; Fri 10am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-4pm. “Religion and Glass,” an exhibition of traditional and contemporary designs of ecclesiastical glasswork. With works for sale by Marilyn Pollard, Justin Behnke and Richard Taylor.




HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE
119 E University Ave
www.cuhabitat.org

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. ReArt 2010, a display of original works created from ReStore materials. Pieces are being sold via a silent auction offered at the store starting Tuesday, April 13 and ending Saturday, April 17. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County.

INDI GO ARTIST CO-OP
9 E University Ave
www.indi-go-art.com

Thurs 12-11pm; Fri-Sat 12-9pm; Sun 12-5pm: Featured work by watercolorist Shoshanna Bauer as well as Jason Patterson, jewelry and drawings by Julia Maher; and Ping Wu of Ping Wu Design Studio and Project Runway fame – with her hand-made postcards, necklaces and hand-knitted fashion accessories of wool, cotton, mohair and more.

Wed 6-9pm: opening show for Shoshanna Bauer, whose abstract and expressionist paintings, fine art giclee prints, gift and note cards will be for sale.

IPPATSU SALON
122 N Neil St
www.ippatsusalon.com

Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm. Featuring “Portraits of Second Life Avatars,” enlarged, signed and numbered prints originally painted on glass (most are on sale for $195), by Phil Strang, and digital art prints inspired by European gothic artwork, by Baub Alred.




JANE ADDAMS BOOK SHOP
208 N Neil St
www.janeaddamsbooks.com

Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. Acrylic paintings, photographs, CDs and hand-made leather goods on display and for sale by Rebecca Reid, Amanda “Mimi” Bickel, Derrick Stembridge and Adam Marshall. 












JIM GOULD RESTAURANT
1 E Main St
www.jimgoulddining.com

Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 10am-2pm. New oils on canvas and giclee prints by Patrick Harness will be available for purchase.








JOSEPH KUHN & CO.
33 E Main St

Thurs-Sun: storefront exhibit of paintings by RJ Karlstrom.















KESSLER OPTICAL
44 E Main
www.kessleroptical.com

Thurs 9am-7pm; Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-2pm. Display/sale of paintings by Lisa Strassheim, with selected hand-crafted works by students of the Metal and Jewelry program at the University of Illinois.

LAW OFFICE OF BETSY PENDLETON WONG
115 N Neil St, #101

Thurs 11am-4pm: featuring the oil paintings by Kam W. Wong.




LINCOLN BUILDING
44 E Main St, Suites 418 and 518

Thurs 4-9pm: working studio exhibitions where you can tour the artists’ work spaces and see new pieces in progress.

Original works for sale include:

Suite 418: oil paintings, watercolor and contemporary drawings on mylar by Judy Dethmers, Jamie Kruidenier, Suzanne Leochl and Robin Riggs.

Suite 518: landscape and still life oil paintings, contemporary acrylic paintings, linoleum block prints, 3D mixed media art and mixed media assemblages by Beth Darling, Lisa Kesler, Robert Chapman and Ellen Thomas.




CAFE LUNA
116 N Chestnut St.
www.luna-cu.com

Thurs-Fri in Luna’s north room: Gathering of the Arts, a CommonMind Production, featuring DJ and dubstep performance, poetry, dance, visual art, live interpretive painting and video performance, live bands, graffiti artists and more with Ryan Michael Fraser, Matt Harsh, Adrienne Downing, Harshil Patel, Julian Henry, Jillian Martin, Angie Heaton and Take Care.







ORPHEUM CHILDREN’S SCIENCE MUSEUM
346 N Neil St
www.orpheumkids.com

Thurs-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 1-5pm. Display of artwork created by Orpheum staff members – painting, collage and mixed media .

PARKLAND COLLEGE ART GALLERY
2400 W Bradley Ave

Mon-Fri 10am-3pm; Mon-Thurs 6-8pm; Sat 12-2pm. Annual Art & Design Student Juried Exhibition, featuring pieces produced in Parkland’s Art and Design classes in the past year. Works were selected from over 400 submissions by Parkland art faculty. Exhibit includes photography, painting, drawing, digital imaging, metals, sculpture, 3-D and 2-D design, color theory and ceramics.

PEKARA BAKERY
116 N Neil St
www.pekara-bakery.com

Thurs-Sun 7am-9pm. Display of visual graphics and art by Judy Lee.

PILATES CENTER LLC
44 E Main St, Suite 102
www.pilatesctr.com

Thurs 5-10pm: exhibit and sale of acrylic paintings in three distinct series – dancers, florals and sunsets – by Cassandra Clark, with 30-minute sets of operatic singing by Hannah Kramer at the top of every hour.

RATIO ARCHITECTS
10 E Chester St
www.ratioarchitects.com

Thurs-Fri 9am-5pm. Unit 4 Schools Art Program, with select student artwork from three schools represented – Booker T. Washington, Barkstall and Centennial. Featuring clay sculptural pieces, paintings, graphic design works and photographs.

Please inform us of any updates to this schedule or misguided links- info@downtownchampaign.com.

Historical Exhibition Open Through April 7th

The Orpheum goes to the Dogs!

Attention animal lovers—the Orpheum has a new exhibit just for you! Their new veterinary clinic and animal care center will focus on teaching proper pet care and encourage compassion and respect toward all living creatures. Children will enjoy learning about keeping animals healthy and happy. This exhibit is sure to inspire an interest in veterinary medicine and create a better understanding of the scientific principles of the field. Members only opening on February 19, 6-8 p.m. Grand opening on February 20, 1:30 p.m. (ribbon cutting)-5 p.m.

Children, please bring your favorite stuffed animal for a check up at the opening events!

This exhibit celebrates a community of partners to further Veterinary Science including: The Neitzel Family, U of I College of Veterinary Medicine, Orange Krush, and The CARE Center! Educational support from: Champaign County Humane Society , Teachers for Creatures, and Canine Connections.

Valentines Day Specials!

Looking for a dinner spot for Valentines Day? Downtown is the place to go.

Choose from fine dining restaurants such as Jim Gould Restaurant, Bacaro, Radio Maria, Kofusion, Café Luna, Carmon’s Creperie, Escobar’s, Manzellas Italian Patio, Minneci Ristorante, Nitaya Thai, or Peking Garden.

Or a more casual atmosphere at Fiesta Cafe, Bombay Grill, Farren’s Pub and Eatery, Jupiter’s Pizza, Merry Ann’s Diner, Sam’s Café, or Seven Saints.

Remember to book early before it’s too late.

Attached or single, many bars to choose from for a night out and many with dinner selections also: Cowboy Monkey, Boltini Lounge, Esquire Lounge, Guido’s, Blind Pig Brewery, Bentley’s Pub, Blind Pig Company, Brass Rail, Highdive, Mike and Molly’s, and SOMA Ultralounge

Or grab a cup of coffee with your sweetie or potential sweetie at Aroma Cafe, Cafe Kopi, or Pekara.

Looking for a unique gift? Downtown Champaign is also the place to go.  For one-of-a kind jewelry a number of places are available: Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design, Robert’s Fine Jewelry, Spritz Jewelers, or Miagallo.

From Ten Thousand Villages Celebrate with Fair Trade Chocolate from Divine; Love Buzz coffee from Equal Exchange; and beautiful jewelry from around the world!

At B. Lime hurry in and take a look at our clearance items at half price. Also, 20% off Vers iPod cases and solar lanterns, and many great Valentine gifts ideas!

Other great places to visit for gifts are: Austin Sportswear for dance apparel; Carrie’s for cool vintage clothing and items; Champaign Surplus for the date who enjoys outdoor and active wear; Circles Boutique is rated by the217.com’s poll as the best women’s clothing store in Champaign; Dandelion, rated the best vintage store by the216.com’s poll, is ideal shopping for the eclectic date; Jos. Kuhn and Company has a large supply of men’s apparel for the perfect outfit on the big night; and for the musically oriented CV Lloyd Guitar Shop or Skins and Tins Drum Shop or music to set the mood at Exile on Main Street. Find love poems or perhaps romance novels at Jane Addams Bookshop.

And of course the flowers for the night? Rick Orr Florist

But What Else To Do?

Cakes on Walnut is celebrating Valentine’s Day in style! They will be open Friday, Feb 12 through Sunday, Feb 14 from noon-10PM. They are offering all kinds of specials from great dates to gifts to kid’s Valentine’s for school. Check them out and call to place your order early! Click here to see the great specials they are offering.

They’re also hosting Couple Cupcake Classes- two hours of a  private class in the kitchen of Cakes on Walnut. Mixing, baking, frosting, and tasting! They will have one class per day, Feb 12, 13, 14. $150/couple. Call them at 217.355.5400 to sign up.

Other great sweet tooth options can be found at Pekara, where they are rolling out a great menu with such items as heart-shaped cookies and cakes, pink and red parisian macaroons, Cherry Cannolies, etc. To see their full menu click here.

Preparing for the night? Ippatsu or Kane & Company is the place for getting your hair done; Hada can prepare you with the right make-up; and a number of gyms to assist with those leftover Christmas pounds: Evolve Fitness, Studio Helix, or The Pilates Center.

More entertainment?

Check out The Art Theater’s website for your date night movie. Virginia Theatre will also be showing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind at 1 and 7 pm.

Downtown Throwdown to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer!

Happy New Year Everyone,

Saturday, February 6th 2010 Downtown Champaign, Campustown, and Downtown Urbana businesses are uniting together to benefit Coaches vs. Cancer.

Not only is it the Illini home game vs. Michigan State at 8:00pm in Assembly Hall. It is also the ESPN College Gameday of the week and ESPN will be broadcasting from Urbana-Champaign starting Friday, February 5th and all day Saturday, February 6th.

That’s not all, an extensive local media campaign will accompany this event. The News-Gazette, WDWS, and WHMS are providing media support and there will be an on-going advertising campaign listing the businesses that are participating in the event. Coach Bruce Weber will be involved by conducting radio promos to advertise the event in our community.

The following participating businesses are donating part of their sales to benefit the cause on this day only!

Circles Boutique

Cakes on Walnut

Jane Addams Book Shop

Carmon’s Creperie

Carrie’s Fabulous to Funky

Indi Go Artist Co Op

Conservatory of East Central Illinois

See flyer for more information and to sign up!

2010DowntownThrowdownFlyerInside

2010DowntownThrowdownFlyerOutside

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