'Art on the Vine' offers variety

A flurry of illness has forced changes for two fine arts productions scheduled this weekend at Eastern New Mexico University, but a third event bringing culture to the High Plains is all-systems-go and opened Tuesday at Enchantment Vineyards.

"Opera 101: A Night of Opera Scenes," has been postponed by the ENMU Department of Music. Those who have already purchased tickets will be able to use them when the new dates are announced.

Across campus at the University Theatre Center, the New Mexico New Works Festival, a gathering of 10 short plays written by New Mexico playwrights, was forced to cancel because no rescheduling dates were available, according to festival coordinator Leonard Madrid.

Fortunately, the members of the High Plains Art Collective, a group of Portales and Roosevelt artists and performers, have so far dodged illness, and opened a five-day event at Enchantment Vineyards, 2102 E. Third St., Portales, on Tuesday called, fittingly, "Art on the Vine."

Art on the Vine is scheduled to continue from noon to 6 p.m. today and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Saturday will also feature an informal meet and greet with the artists and performers.

The free event showcases "all arts, all levels," according to Portales artist and HPAC member WillowBree Luker. "We are all volunteers, but we all have a passion to create.

"Our purpose does have an agenda," Luker said. "We are coming together to show our work, so the public can see who does what around the area, a sampling of artists' work, if you will."

If you find a piece that especially catches your eye, art will be for sale, Luker said, with buyers dealing directly with individual artists.

"Expect to see a variety of arts, from recycled art sculpture to paintings, the macabre, metal art, glass art and much more," Luker said.

Besides art, a slew of live performances are on tap for Friday beginning at 5 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Stephanie Streseman-Wilkinson, who describes herself as "a composer, songwriter, audio gal, and music teacher," is coordinating the live entertainment portion of the event.

"Audiences can expect a variety of family friendly acts on both Friday evening and Saturday afternoon," she said. "We'll be kicking off with some folk music, followed by Allen Valdez's signature 'Cowboy Jazz' on Friday. On Saturday, I'll start with a 'Kid Music Moment' especially designed for kiddos from birth to 5-years-old."

The remainder of Saturday includes "several music artists, the Hipslingers, who are a World Dance Troupe, a poet, a clown, and an actress," Streseman-Wilkinson said.

"While we're a small community, we have some incredibly talented people," Streseman-Wilkinson said. "I'd love for the public to come out and support these local performers. It shows great pride in our community to support local artists. You may even discover a new favorite musician."

For more information or potential schedule changes, visit the Art on the Vine event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1158449094855385/?ref=newsfeed, or call Enchantment Vineyards at 575-226-9463.

Betty Williamson loves any excuse to stay inside out of the wind. Reach her at:

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