It looks like it's going to be quite a busy weekend as gallery exhibitions open and a theater festival kicks off. If that doesn't grab your attention, maybe a sexy car wash at The Lodge will. Are you interested now? We'll get to that later, but first let's delve into the art world to see what's going on this weekend.
Artists Terry Hays and Kathy Robinson-Hays are husband and wife, and they share more than a love of painting. The duo also shares a computer, printer and more in their studio, which is why their new exhibition at Ro2 Art Uptown is titled Cut Copy Paste Paint. The exhibition starts tomorrow, and there's an opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m.
Terry Hays' impressive wood creations are the result of a complex process that starts with a printer. Hays collects iconic patterns from Indonesia, Japan and other countries, then he edits and rescales the images on computer and uses the new patterns, along with acrylic paint, to embellish carved wooden sculptures and smaller pieces. The results -- eclectic, opulently-patterned works -- are visually stunning.
Like her husband, Kathy Robinson-Hays creates works that are rich in color and texture, but also surreal. Robinson-Hays works as an objects conservator, which explains why she repurposes pieces from works she has scrapped to create new works. A modern Matisse, Robinson-Hayes uses these cutouts, along with paint, tea or ink, in her works. A series of paintings she created in 2008 and 2009 entitled "Reoccurring Dreams" is a collection of trippy watercolors, so expect vibrant art when the exhibition goes on display tomorrow.
Cut Copy Paste Paint runs through August 12, and admission to Ro2 Art Uptown is free. Visit ro2art.com for more information.
After the jump, see what else we've got planned for the weekend.
Influence Friday, July 15, through Friday, September 9, at Oak Cliff Cultural Center Works from University of Texas at Arlington art faculty members Carlos Donjuan (a member of the group Sour Grapes), Marilyn Jolly and Sedrick Huckaby are on display in Influence. A reception for the artists starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight, and the exhibition continues through September 9. Admission is free. Visit dallasculture.org/OakCliffCulturalCenter for more information.
Festival of Independent Theatres Friday, July 15, through Saturday, August 6, at Bath House Cultural Center Elaine Liner gave the scoop last week about this year's Festival of Independent Theatres, and the festival starts tonight at 8 p.m. with Second Thought Theatre's Bob Birdnow's Remarkable Tale of Human Survival and the Transcendence of Self (by Eric Steele) and Upstart Production's W.A.S.P. (by Steve Martin). FIT runs for four consecutive weekends, during which eight small theater companies will stage one-act plays in rotation. If you can't catch tonight's performances, you can see them at 5 p.m. Saturday or next weekend. Of course, catch the rest of the performances too. Individual tickets are $12 to $16, a two-week festival pass is $49 and a four-week pass is $69. Visit festivalofindependenttheatres.org.
Crispin Hellion Glover Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, at Texas Theatre George McFly himself is in town to showcase parts one and two of his It trilogy, and though we're not exactly sure what "it" is, we're intrigued. And, like Wilonsky, slightly creeped out. Tonight and tomorrow night, Glover narrates a one-hour slideshow of his illustrated books followed by a film screening, Q&A and book signing. The second film in the series, It Is fine! Everything Is Fine., screens tonight, and the first film, What Is It?, screens tomorrow night. Why? Ask Crispin Hellion Glover because we don't know. Enter the strange world of Crispin Glover tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and leave the kids at home. This is a strictly 18-and-up event. Visit thetexastheatre.com for tickets.
Headlights & Hounds Saturday, July 16, at The Lodge We promised you a bikini car wash, and now we'll deliver. The lovely ladies at The Lodge will sud up your vehicle or bike for $20 from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow, but that car wash includes a little something extra, though it's not a lap dance. Sorry, guys. You'll get a gourmet burger, plus you can buy a year or lifetime membership for 25 percent off the sticker price during the Headlights & Hounds car wash. Pet psychic Sandra Larson will also be there, and the ladies will play a game called "toss the tatas." Our imagination just took off. It's all for a good cause as 100 percent of the proceeds from the event benefit Best Friends Animal Shelter. Visit the-lodge.com for more information.
Canoe Fest Sunday, July 17, at Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Can you canoe? That was a lame joke, but Canoe Fest isn't lame. We promise. Spend the afternoon canoeing or kayaking on the water near Greer Island in Fort Worth from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Canoes and kayaks, plus life jackets, are provided. Admission to the center is $3 to $5, and admission to Canoe Fest is $5. Visit fwnaturecenter.org.