ART PAPERS will host its annual art auction tomorrow (February 6) at Mason Murer Fine Art's Main Gallery. (Click here for more info.)

The auction will include works by Atlanta artists and international artists as well, so it's definitely a must-attend if you're a collector looking for new works. But even if you don't collect, the auction's a great opportunity to check out some cool contemporary art and help support ART PAPERS too.

For those who aren't familiar with ART PAPERS, it's a non-profit organization with a mission to provide an independent and accessible forum for the exchange of perspectives on the role of contemporary art as a socially relevant and engaged discourse. To further this mission, the organization publishes ART PAPERS magazine, now in its 33rd year. It's distributed throughout the U.S. and is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million and other bookstores and museum shops.

Tickets to the auction on Saturday are only $25 per person, which is extremely reasonably priced for an art auction. And if you've never been to one, it would be a great way to impress a date if you want to get a heads start on Valentine's Day...

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The family musical "Free to Be...You and Me" opens at Synchronicity Theatre at 7 Stages in Little Five Points this weekend, and Synchronicity is offering two free tickets to anyone who books a group of 10 or more to see the show!

Sort of like a hostess gift at a Tupperware party, this special offer is in additional to the 20 percent off you get for buying group tickets. Regular ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The musical, based on the 1972 album and illustrated book created by Marlo Thomas (of TV's "That Girl" fame), features songs and stories by celebrities including famous author Judy Blume (Blubber, anyone?), and the great poet Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends).

To get the free tickets, include "I'm an Ambassador" in the comments section of the ticket form when you purchase tickets online. Your two free tickets will be available for pick up at the box office on the day of the show.

Hope you'll be able to take all the kids to the show, and stay safe and warm this weekend!

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This Saturday at Georgia State University's Rialto Center for the Arts, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company will present a new show titled "Color-ography, n. the Dances of Jacob Lawrence," a modern dance show inspired by the paintings of the famed Harlem Renaissance artist, whose "Migration Series" made him famous in 1941.

The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) just completed its 40th year of presenting original dances that comprise the world's largest collection of African-American choreographed works.

I highly recommend going to see the show this weekend, and if you're a member of Public Broadcasting Atlanta, you can get 15% off tickets with your Advantage Card! Click here for more details.

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It's the last weekend of the month - and your last chance to see a lot of shows that will be closing at local theatres. A comedy, a musical and a Shakespearian classic will all end their runs this weekend, so be sure to check them out!

Below is the the list of closing shows.  Just click on the show title for more info.

Griefers at Dad's Garage
101 Humiliating Stories and Zoo Story at PushPush Theater
Baby by Centerstage North Theatre at The Art Place
Frankenstein by Theater at Emory at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
Pathways at Academy Theatre
Brownie Points at Theatrical Outfit
Romeo and Juliet by Atlanta Shakespeare Company at the New American Shakespeare Tavern

Enjoy!

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To quote Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman":

"People's reaction to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul."

If you're one of those people who love opera, or if you'd like to check to see if it just might be your soul mate, there are a few options this weekend that I'd like to recommend.

The Georgia State University Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra will present Bizet's "Carmen," arguably the world's most popular opera, this weekend at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The opera follows a strong-willed gypsy caught in a passionate love triangle. A juicy story to say the least.

Also this weekend, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will present Verdi's "Requiem Mass" with the acclaimed ASO Chorus and four featured soloists.

The Atlanta Opera will also open its production of "The Magic Flute" this weekend at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Composed by Mozart in 1791, the opera is about a prince and princess who go through a series of trials and tribulations to find each other, hindered by the efforts of an evil queen.

I hope you get the chance to check out one of these shows this weekend, and if you do, please let me know of you thought it was "better than ‘Pirates of Penzance'" (my apologies for the second "Pretty Woman" reference).

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For those who may not know, I'm the Operations Manager of AtlantaPlanIt.com, a service of Public Broadcasting Atlanta.

Atlanta PlanIt joined PBA this past July, and since then we have been working on a total re-design of the site. And it's finally here! Check it out!!

It has a totally new look and enhanced features including a re-vamped homepage (with scrolling spotlight events), a new advanced search, a list of organizations with PBA Advantage Card offers, and an exhaustive list of arts organizations and venues in town.

Next week on Wednesday, May 12, we'll be hosting an official re-launch party at Ormsby's from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. where we'll unveil even more new features. And Lens members are welcome! Just let me know if you'd like to attend (mtate@pba.org), and I'll send you the details.

And of course let me know if you have any feedback about the new site!

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When I saw the forecast calling for temps in the 90s this weekend, I started to think about things to do indoors. Then I thought theatre. Limited movement required, AC guaranteed.

There are a couple of shows opening this weekend (some of which are limited engagement and closing this weekend too), so I thought I'd put together a quick list to help you beat the heat.

A World of Silents (June 11-13) at 7 Stages - This multimedia show by Fly-By Theatre is inspired by the films of the early 20th century.

Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! (June 11-13) at the Fox Theatre - This live theatrical tour for families features characters from four of the top-rated preschool shows on TV.

The Wonders of the World: Recite (June 11 -13) at Eyedrum - A darkly funny play presented by Twinhead Theatre, it's a Southeastern premiere about a boy and his grandmother who live in a lighthouse at the end of the world.

Don't Stop Believing (June 13) at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - This one-night only concert features performances by Broadway stars and students from Broadway Dreams Foundation Atlanta.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (opens June 11) at The Strand Theatre - Stephen Sondheim's musical presented by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre combines situations from the ancient comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with classic vaudeville.

Chaim's Love Song (opens June 11) at Kudzu Playhouse - This dramatic comedy tells the story of a homesick teacher from Iowa who meets a retired Jewish mailman from New York on a Brooklyn park bench, and they develop a friendship as he shares his stories of life and love.

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When you're not watching World Cup this weekend (GO USA!), you should take an arts break to check out one of these shows running this weekend only. Don't miss out!

Zoetic Dance Exchange Choreographer's Showcase at 7 Stages - The culmination of Zoetic Dance Exchange's workshop series, this show features some of Georgia's best dance artists.

LawrenceVegas at Aurora Theatre - This Vegas-sized show combines comedy and Big Band music to pay homage to the Rat Pack.

Charlotte's Web at the Henry County Performing Arts Center - The Henry Players present this family show that brings the classic children's book to life on stage.

Lisa and Libby Unplugged at Actor's Express - Lisa Paige joins famous Atlanta singer Libby Whittemore for this cabaret show that includes standards and 60s classics.

Harrower Summer Opera Workshop Scenes Performances at Kopleff Recital Hall - The Georgia State University School of Music's three-week workshop concludes this weekend with performances of famous opera scenes.

Raisin' Cane at the Southwest Fulton Arts Center - This show starring Jasmine Guy is part of the National Black Arts Festival and is inspired by the 1923 novel Cane about the Harlem Renaissance.

Enjoy!

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Of course since it's a holiday, I feel it's only my duty to make a list of the patriotic-themed, fireworks-tastic events going on this weekend. So, just take your pick. And stay safe!

Cobb Symphony Orchestra Concert at Mount Paran North Church of God (includes fireworks display)
Red Wine & Brew at The Strand Theatre
Fourth of July Celebration in Marietta Square
Georgia Independence Day Festival at Nash Farm Park
4th of July at Lenox Square Mall
4th of July Celebration in Centennial Olympic Park
All American Fourth of July Celebration for Children at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Celebrate America - with the Callanwolde Concert Band in Decatur Square
July 4th Fireworks and Festivities in Wills Park
Pied Piper Parade, Concert & Fireworks in Decatur Square (see Celebrate America concert above)
Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
America at MINT Gallery
Summer Concert Series at Kennesaw's The Depot (includes fireworks display)

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This weekend I'd like to encourage you to put your dancing shoes on (or watch as someone else does) and check out some of the dance performances and events happening around town.

While two are strictly performances, the other two events encourage participation, so don't be shy!

Cirque D'Or at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre - The Golden Dragon Acrobats, a premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company, takes the stage with a show that combines acrobatics with traditional dance, spectacular costumes and music.

Friday Night Contra Dance at the Clarkston Community Center - Contra dancing is a high-energy community dance with roots in Europe, accompanied by live music. At this event, each dance is taught and led by a dance caller before the floor opens to couples. But keep in mind - no partner or experience is necessary.

POP! at 7 Stages Theatre - This show by SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Company uses contemporary dance, video, rap and pop music to examine society's obsession with power, fame and greed.

Christmas in July at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center - LandingStar Dance performance ensemble presents contemporary dance accompanied by vocalist John Martin performing love songs from the 1930s and 40s. After the show, the audience is invited to dance the night away in Callanwolde's courtyard.

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