The Month of March is “Arts Month” in Benson, AZ. The San Pedro River Arts Council and Cochise College are presenting programs, demonstrations and classes March 13 through March 21 at the Cochise College Benson Campus. Unless otherwise indicated these programs are free of charge and open to the public. We will re-post this from time to time to be certain we capture any changes to the program. If you have any questions or want to reserve a place you can call (520) 586-1981.
Celebrate the Arts: Schedule of Events
March 1-28, Teen Art Show
Benson City Hall Gallery, 120 W. 6th Street, Benson.
Saturdays, 10:00-5:00
Weekdays by calling Danna Judd at (520) 586-8834, ext 2031.
A display of high school student art from across Cochise County.
Saturdays, 10:00-5:00
Weekdays by calling Danna Judd at (520) 586-8834, ext 2031.
A display of high school student art from across Cochise County.
Saturday, March 13
2:00 – 9:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
4:00 – 9:00 Opening Reception
4:00 Cochise College Guitar Ensemble
5:00 Keynote Address, Dr. J. D. Rottweiler
Cochise College President
Cochise College President
6:00 Benson & St. David High Schools Culinary Arts Presentation
Enjoy the beautiful and delicious foods created by our local high schools’ culinary arts program under the direction of Jean Gregory (St. David) and Mia Cashman (Benson).
Enjoy the beautiful and delicious foods created by our local high schools’ culinary arts program under the direction of Jean Gregory (St. David) and Mia Cashman (Benson).
7:00 Duane Reilley Quartet – Live Dixieland and Swing
Duane Reilley has played the flute, clarinet and saxophone professionally for over 40 years. He received his formal education at Western Connecticut University. Recent highlights of his career include performances at Lincoln Center (NYC), and with the Nelson Riddle, Gene Krupa, and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras as well as with Marvin Hamlisch, Diahann Carrol and Ben Vareen. He currently spends his time teaching, recording and freelancing in the Southwest.
Duane Reilley has played the flute, clarinet and saxophone professionally for over 40 years. He received his formal education at Western Connecticut University. Recent highlights of his career include performances at Lincoln Center (NYC), and with the Nelson Riddle, Gene Krupa, and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras as well as with Marvin Hamlisch, Diahann Carrol and Ben Vareen. He currently spends his time teaching, recording and freelancing in the Southwest.
Tonight’s concert will be devoted to Dixieland and Swing music. Accompanying Duane will be Ray Templin (drums), Evan Dain (banjo) and Sly Slipetsky (Tuba)
Sunday, March 14
2:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
2:00 – 3:00 Portrait Painting Demo with Clement Scott
Born in Benson, Clement specializes in portraits and will demonstrate his creative technique.
3:00 – 4:00 A Dark Afternoon by Don Edmunds
Benson performer Don Edmunds recites Edgar Allan Poe classic tales “The Tell Tale Heart”, “The Raven” and “The Cask of Amontillado”.
Monday, March 15
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
12:00 – 1:00 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Ron Fritts, The Original Window: Stop Look and Loosen
Local Benson award-winning artist and instructor, Ron Fritts, published his book The Original Window in 2009. In it, Professor Fritts shares his method for engaging and nurturing creativity in every individual. Professor Fritts is a judge in the Celebrate the Arts Juried Show at the Benson Center, and teaches Painting I and II at Cochise College every semester. In 2008, The College President, presented the Star Award for Excellence in Teaching to Professor Fritts. The Original Window will be available for sale.
2:00 – 4:00 Film Screening “From the Horse’s Mouth”
One of Alec Guinness’ strangest British comedies, this Oscar-nominated film is well worth your time. An eccentric artist, just recently released from jail, somehow convinces rich “clients” to pay him for artwork they didn’t order. A curious mixture of the usual British brand of subtle comedy with a pinch of black comedy thrown in, The Horse’s Mouth will tickle your funny bone with its clever writing.
Tuesday, March 16
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
1:00 – 4:00 Kids Day Art Education: Vegetable Stamps and Printing – sign-up in advance requested
Kids ages 6 and up will enjoy this interactive class using vegetables to create any stamp pattern they choose. Older kids will learn the art of monoprint, and all ages will have a piece to take home.
Wednesday, March 17
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
10:00 – 12:00 Beading 1-2-3 with Stella Bennett – $5, RM 116
Learn the spiral stitch that is easy for any beginner and have a completed piece at the end of the class. $5 covers a kit fee to the instructor at the beginning of class.
3:30 – 5:30 Crochet Workshop with Dianne Mulkey – $15, RM 116
Discover the tricks and techniques of the art of crochet. Students will learn to make a hat, scarf or other pattern of your dreams. Students should bring own pattern, or follow one provided by the instructor, yarn of your choice, and crochet hook.
5:00 – 6:30 The Minstrels: Kiss Me I’m Irish
Put on the green and enjoy this barbershop style presentation of traditional Irish music and songs.
Thursday, March 18
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
10:00 – 12:00 Self Publishing with Howard Bandy - RM 116
Self publishing is more than just type and hit print. It involves formatting, research, and unique printer considerations. Learn the tips and traps before you start and save yourself time and money.
10:00 – 12:00 Making Art Paper with Lindsay Roberts – $45, 4 days, RM 117
Paper is growing in your own backyard…literally! In this 4-part class, learn to make art paper with plants, recycled paper, and other items. Class also meets March 23, 25, 30.
2:00 – 4:00 Creative Writing: Find Your Muse with Beth Colburn - $15, RM 116
We all have a story inside us, no matter how trivial it may seem at first. Develop your writing style and discover your own story in this fun and enlightening writing exercise.
7:00 – 9:00 Gareth MacKenzie: Celtic Bard & Harpist
A Southern Arizona resident, Gareth combines harp music and storytelling to present a colorful program of stories drawn from the traditions of the Celts, Norse and other Indo-European peoples.
Friday, March 19
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
10:00 – 12:00 Encaustic Demo with Karon Leigh – RM 117
Discover the ancient art of encaustic painting, a medium that uses hot wax and color pigments. Arizona artist Karon Leigh will demonstrate her technique as she creates beautiful works of art.
7:00 – 8:30 Nancy E. Turner: Book Discussion
The award-winning author of the Sarah Agnes Prine series: These is My Words, Sarah’s Quilt, and The Star Garden. Ms. Turner will also autograph copies of her books, available for purchase at the Benson Center.
Saturday, March 20
9:00 – 5:00 Juried Art Show open to the public
5:00 – 6:00 Juried Art Show Awards Presentation and Mixer
Learn the results and mingle with judges, speakers, volunteers and friends from the week’s events.
6:00 – 7:30 Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School
Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School was founded in the fall of 1992 by Mr. Richard Carranza, as a curricular component within the Pueblo High Magnet School Performing Arts department.
The group plays authentic mariachi music, arranged and conducted by director, John Contreras, himself a mariachi musician with over twenty-five years of experience. Dressed in their elaborate traje de charro outfits, the group boasts a repertoire of traditional mariachi music.
As Tucson’s most popular youth mariachi, they have gained a reputation for excellence, sharing the stage with many of the world’s finest Mariachi ensembles as well as Symphony Orchestras. Through their music, they are continuously promoting a manifest pride in their cultural background and are an excellent example of the best our youth has to offer.
Cochise College Benson from U.S. Army Fort Huachuca on Vimeo.
Celebrate the Arts is sponsored by;
- San Pedro River Arts Council
- Cochise College
- Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
- The City of Benson, AZ
- Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services, Inc.
- Arizona Commission on the Arts
- Walmart, Benson, AZ.
