CALENDAR 2018 for Shawnee Hills Arts Council check dates
- Shawnee Hills Arts Council/Anna Arts Center 2018 Five-Show Subscription Theater Series
As a part of the ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL Celebration 1818-2018, the series recognizes Illinois Playwrights and their New Plays. The Shawnee Hills Arts Council is proud to present premieres for three plays ASSUMPTIONS by Steve Falcone and, SCENES FROM POOH and POETS ON PARADE by Dr. Lynn Steveson this season. In addition POETS ON PARADE features the works of eight Illinois born Poets as a double treat.
The next to last show is Tony® Award Winning Best Musical, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT.
To finish the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration 1818-2018 Illinois Playwrights Series, THE RHYTHM OF BATTLE, THE RHYME OF WAR adapted for Stage by Carla Anderson and R L Housman. It is an historical review of the Music, Stories, and Poetry of World War I. .
For the 2018 Five-Show Theater series, season tickets are $50 and for 12 years old and younger $16. Otherwise individual tickets are $15 and $5 for 12 and under for each show. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call Lee’s cell 904-625-1109 or email .
ASSUMPTIONS–February 22-25
SCENES FROM POOHwill be presented April 26 - 28, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at 7 pm and April 29, Sunday, at 2 pm. The April 29 performance includes “Meet the Playwright,” Lynn Steveson, after the play
POETS ON PARADE will be presented September 7 and 8, Friday and Saturday, at 7 pm and September 9, Sunday, at 2 pm. The September 9 performance includes “Meet the Playwright,” Lynn Steveson, after the play.
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT will be presented October 19 and 21, Thursday and Saturday, at 7 pm and October 22, Sunday, at 2 pm.
THE RHYTHM OF BATTLE, THE RHYME OF WAR: JUNE 28, 1914-NOVEMBER 11, 1919 AT 11:00AMwill be presented November 9 and 10 at 7:00 pm and November 11 at 3:00 pm.
- February:Flamingo Fling Exhibit and Auction. Chase away the winter blues and make plans to adopt a Naked Flamingo! Youth groups, individuals, businesses, families, friends, organizations and churches may adopt one of our poor naked birdies to dress and enter the exhibition. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Dressed, Most Original, and Funniest Flamingos.Adoption Fee is $5.00 for each Flamingo. Dress up your flamingo and return it to the Anna Arts Center for exhibiting, judging, and auctioning off the flamingo to a happy home.
How to enter: Stop by The Here & Shop, 319 S Main St, Anna, IL to fill out an adoption form and pick up your flamingo between January 29 through February 18, Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.The arts center has gathered the Naked Flamingos and shepherded them to The Here & Now Shop. Ilse will be happy to let you adopt a birdie.
You dress him or her up, anyway you choose. Paint, fabric, sequins, feathers – Whatever! Use your imagination!
Return/Delivery of Flamingosto the Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie Street, Anna, IL. Monday, Feb 19,2018, 4-6 pm orTuesday, Feb 20,2018, 4-6 pm or call Lee for a convenient time, Lee’s cell 904-625-1109.
Exhibit openson Thursday, Feb 22, 5 pm to 6:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, Feb 23 and 24, 6-7 pm, and Sunday, Feb 25, 1-2 pm.
Awards Reception and Auction on Saturday, March 3, 2018, 6pmwith Auction starting at 6:30 pm. Everyone is invited and it is free to attend the reception.
All proceeds go to the Anna Arts Center Capital Development Fund, specifically toward replacing the bathrooms in the Performing Arts building.
- February 8 and 10, 2017: Winter Art Classes. ART CLASSES for KIDS - For Artistic Beginnings, ages 3 – 7, and Artistic Journeys, ages 8 – 16,
These classes encourage the kids to let their imagination soar as they create their various art projects. The instructors are Lee Hackney (artist) and Bonni Littleton (artist and photographer). It is their goal to encourage the kids’ creativity and imagination.
The six weeks will focus on aArt Around the World.
Classes are six weeks starting Thursday, Feb 8, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. OR Saturday, Feb 10 from 10-11 am. Cost $40 for six weeks and $10 for supplies. 3 kids for $100 or come for the classes that you can attend for $9/class. Make it work for your schedule.
Call Lee’s cell 904-625-1109 or email for the various classes and times.
- February 10, 7 pm: Music of the 1860s: Songs of the Civil War at Anna Arts Center, 125 W Davie St, Anna, IL. For information call Lee at 904-625-1109 or email .
The Back Porch Company, Warren & Carla Anderson, Stuart Anderson, and Richard Johnson, will bring the music of the Civil War to life and provide brief historical backgrounds of the songs and the role the music played in the soldiers’ lives.
The song Dixie was popular on both sides. Today, many of the songs of the 1860s are sung when a patriotic piece is required.
Traditional and folk instruments are used
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music. Following the performance there will be refreshments and a chance to visit with the musicians! A love offering for the Summer Arts and Drama camps will be collected; otherwise there is NO charge.
- February 17, 2018, 6 PM: Learn the Rumba and the West Coast Swing
Learn to dance because it is FUN!
6-8 pm Learn the two dances, then relax and practice what you learned in a party atmosphere.
Jeremiah and Crystal from have taught dancing for the past eight years. They enjoy starting newcomers out in social or performance types of ballroom and other styles of partner dancing.
Light refreshments will be served
$10 per person. Need a minimum of five couples
RSVP by Feb 10, 2018 to Nancy Kucera 618-893-4508 or email .
***February 22, 6:30 pm the Play Assumptions: ASSUMPTIONS written by Steve Falcone and directed by R L Pete Housman is a play about the Holy Ghost Church which is any church in today's America. Events which begin with a funeral rapidly expand to confront the whole community of the faithful and challenge both individuals and the Church to examine how we see the Holy Spirit working in a "Modern World" to bring all of us into a closer relationship with the Divine. The humorous play is about belief and the lack of it, a spiritual comedy that examines life and the afterlife for love and laughs.
You are invited to bring a group to a special preview of ASSUMPTIONS at 6:30 pm. There will be a guided discussion following the performance. Rev. Mark Hasty, Mount Moriah/Salem Lutheran Church; Rev. Carl Johnson, United Methodist Church-Anna; Father Bob Flannery, St Francis Xavier-Carbondale; Fr. Federico, St Mary's-Anna; and Rev. Sam Foskey will facilitate the discussion.
On Thursday, February 22, Tickets are $5 for groups of 10 (must be bought in advance) for February 22 performance only. Otherwise tickets are the normal price of $15 and $5 for 12 and underOR you can buy the 2018 Five-show Theater Series for $50 and for 12 and under $16.
- February 23 and 24, 7 pm and February 25, 2 pm: the Play Assumption: The February 25 performance includes “Meet the Playwright,” Steve Falcone, after the play.
Tickets are the normal price of $15 and $5 for 12 and under OR you can buy the 2018 Five-show Theater Series for $50 and for 12 and under $16. To buy group tickets in advance or questions, please contact Lee, her cell 904-625-1109.
- February 24, 6-9 pm Rock Hounds Family Fun Night:Come paint your art on a rock and have fun with your family at The Anna Arts Center, 125 West Davie Street, Anna, IL 62906. It is a chance to paint to your heart’s desire and enjoy playing some games – free throw duel, putting green, futsball, and air hockey to name a few. Cost: Bring your favorite 2-litter soda or juice and munchies or cookies to share.
- Mar 3, 6 pm: Flamingo Fling Awards Reception and Auction at 6:30 pm: Everyone is invited and it is free to attend the reception.
All proceeds go to the Anna Arts Center Capital Development Fund, specifically toward replacing the bathrooms in the Performing Arts building.
April 2-29,2018 Judged Art Competition & Exhibition:with reception on Apr 29 – Judged Art Exhibit Reception and awards, 2-4pm.
The three categories are:
•Painting & Drawing: Acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pen & ink, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Collage
•Photography: Photos and digitally altered artwork
•Fine Crafts: Fibers, Sculpture, Pottery, Furniture, Stained Glass, Blown glass, Jewelry, Metalsmithing, wood carvings
Registration form and information is attached. All work due to arts center by March 24..
Any Questions/For entry rules: Call Lee’s cell 904-625-1109 or email
- Apr 21, 2018, 11 am to 3 pm: Paint the Town at Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St. Anna.Come transform the asphalt parking lot into an outdoor canvas. Everyone, kids of all ages, is invited to gather to Paint the Town.
Come paint a square, enjoy the bounce house, listen to the music and visit with fellow painters. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy!
If it rains, the squares will be inside the Center Stage Gallery building across the street.
Cost prior to April 8 for paint supplies and square $10 and Day of event $15. Flyer/registration form attached.
April 27 and 28, 2018, 7 pm, April 29, 2018, 2 pm Scenes from Pooh: 5th Annual Children’s production.
It is a compilation of five adventures pulled from the two books, Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner.
It has been adapted for the younger actors at the Anna Arts Center. All the favorite characters will be included, Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Eeyore, and Tigger.
Tickets: $15 and $5 for 12 and under
- May 4, 2017, 7 pm: Adult Prom, "MOONLIGHT MAGIC".Come listen/dance to the 70s and 80s music and enjoy the refreshments. Prom attire is NOT required! RSVP for your $10 ticket by May 1st.
June 5, 7:30 pm, Southern Illinois Music Festival Chamber Music.
Glinka Trio Pathétique; Sonata for Unfriendly Instruments; Mendelssohn Octet
Tickets/Door open at 6:30 pm
Tickets will be sold at the door only! (Cash or Check) $10 General Admission,
$5 Students
June 6, 10 am, Klassics for Kids at Shawnee Hills Arts Council/Anna Arts Center, 125 W Davie Street, Anna, IL.
The event is part of the Southern Illinois Music Festival. It is FREE.
Interactive concert will expose children to the joys of live jazz and classical music.
Opportunity to create a musical environment that inspires the love of music in our children, nurtures musical excellence in our schools, and creates a lifelong passion for music.
The event is free and everyone, children of all ages, is invited to attend. All Art/Drama Campers Will Attend!
June 11-22 Drama Camp – 20-30 minutes Entertainment at Exhibit/Auction.
June 11-15 Art Camp
- June 18-22 Art Camp
July 3-Aug 6 Strictly Digital Photography Theme Farms and Barns with Closing reception Aug 6, 2-4 pm
- Sep 6 or 8 Fall Classes: Call Lee’s cell 904-625-1109 or email for the various classes and times.
- Sep 7 and 8, 7pm and Sep 9, 2 pm POETS ON PARADE:As we celebrate the Bicentennial year of our statehood, 2018, we bring you poetry written by eight Illinois poets, whose graves are marked on a map, if you care to travel the state and find them!
Tickets: $15 and $5 for 12 and under
Oct 13 Zombie Walk:
October19, 20, 26, 27 and 31, Fri/Sat,7-10PM: Haunted HouseHaunted House of Horrors - Come if you dare to meet your worst nightmare! The demons and ghouls that rule the abandon fire station will give you a run through the maze. Admission is $5 per person or groups of 5 for $20. All proceeds will be split between Anna Jonesboro Community High School Theater Boosters and the Anna Arts Center for their programs. For more information, call Lee at 1-904-625-1109 or email
- Oct 19 and 21, 2018, 7 pm and Oct 22, 2 pm Monty Python’s SPAMALOT:The Tony® Award Winning Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot!, lovingly retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people.Directed by Cody Acklin
Tickets: $15 and $5 for 12 and under
- Nov 5, 6pm:Celebration of Freedom: Salute to Veterans. Dinner and show. It is Free for Veterans and Active Duty and all others are requested to donate $10. Call618-697-0009 for reservations.
- Nov 9 and 10, 7 pm and Nov 11, 3 pm The Rhythm of Battle, The Rhyme of War: A REVIEW of the Music, Stories, and Poetry of WORLD WAR I. Adapted for Stageby Carla Anderson & R L Housman.
Tickets $15.00 and $5 for 12 and under
- Nov 18, 2pm:Las Posadas. A Celebration of Joseph and Mary’s Journey to Bethlehem with a skit, procession, and party. Everyone is invited and it is FREE!
- Nov 24, 5thAnnual Reindeer Run 5K, 8 a.m.Sponsored by the Anna Arts Center. Contact Lee at for Registration Form.
- Nov 24,9am to 3 pm:Anna Arts Center Holiday Bazaar, Come find that unique gift. Art work, stain glass, candy, quilts, festive cards, jewelry, bows/things, colorful scarfs, wooden gifts, and more. So get your Christmas list and come find a gift for your family and friends and support the artists and crafters. Make a FREE Christmas ornament at the Anna Arts Center booth. Everyone is invited – kids of all ages! Check out the 4th – 12thGrade Art exhibit at the Holiday Bazaar!
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