The Modern

I didn't have a New Year's resolution until I took my mother to The Modern today. Now it's spend more time at the Modern. Their permanent collection, which is filling several galleries just now, comprises a "who's who" of contemporary art: Carl Andre, Jackson Pollock, Anselm Kiefer, Elsworth Kelly, Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter. The thing is though, that Tadeo Ando's building offers so many amazing vistas that familiar works become spectacular, especially when installed in these galleries by the water. There's a Felix Gonzales-Torres green candy piece they wouldn't let me photograph that sings harmony with the light coming in the window, the stones lining the pool and the glass and concrete of the building itself.

Ushering at Circle Theater

No one to go to the theater with? Then be an usher and see the show for free. That's what I did Saturday.
The Children's Scientology Pageant was an off-Broadway hit exposing the absurdities and abuses of Scientology in the form of a bunch of happy kids singing and acting out the life story of L.Ron Hubbard. The Circle Theater produced an enjoyable show with a cast of likable local kids. I hope they don't get harassed, spied on or intimidated!
(For fun, wiki Scientology.)

Texas Ballet Theater

I saw the most amazing performance of the Texas Ballet Theater. First, Cincinnati Jane's Fort Worth cousin, Ellen, invited me. Ellen Appel is the official photographer for the ballet (and Opera) and a true arts lover. It was a one night stand for the Ballet, a benefit performance in the intimate Scott Theater. The very contemporary choreography by TBT's awesome Ben Stevenson and top notch dancing by the company dancers, all experienced up close and personal, made it one of the most enjoyable dance performances I've seen. Ellen tells me that TBT is able to attract such talented dancers because they all want to work with Stevenson. I don't doubt it.

Just mention the Ballet to anyone around here and they'll tell you about its much publicized financial trouble. The dancers took it upon themselves to help raise the needed $2 million. They took to the streets, literally, with a grass-roots fundraising campaign called "Get Behind Your Ballet" consisting of a night club fundraiser, shopping mall performances and bake/garage sales. Watch their feel good video on my space. Well, the Ballet has been saved. I just hope they'll do more performances like the one I saw tonight.