The Arts Diva

PLAYING IN THE PARK Shakespeare in the Park is bringing the Bard back to Bidwell with three productions this year. Each play will have a two-week run, starting with Mummy’s Melody, a musical comedy written by Chico’s own Jerry Miller and Marcel Daguerre (through July 2). We’ll be tempted with The Tempest (July 12-22) and taken away by The Jungle Book (July 26-Aug. 5). Tickets are only $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. More information can be found online at www.ensembletheatreofchico.com or by calling 891-1382.

ART MOVEMENT There’s still time to take in the last few days of the current exhibit at the 24hr Drive By Gallery. It’s Kinetic! is a group show put together by the Drive By’s Titus Woods and features work by Jeb Sisk, Dave Lawton, Sten Hoiland, Woods and more. Overheard at the reception: “Jeb’s sculpture is the best piece in the show.” There were plenty of great pieces, in my opinion, but I’d have to agree. See it for yourself. Gallery hours: Friday 6-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or take a chance and drive by.

NEW DIRECTION The Chico Art Center recently hired Jon Cummins as the new gallery director. Cummins teaches art at Butte College and is an active artist. He was particularly interested in the job because of the CAC’s devotion to the community’s local and regional talent. He is also interested in expanding the offerings by showing national and international artists. His first show on the job is the current CAC membership exhibit, which runs through July 9. Gallery hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

CAPTURING SPRING Gary Baugh set out, with his latest body of work, to capture that moment of spring between the rainy season and the hot season. This year it was about five minutes, but Baugh (also a designer here at the CN&R) managed to work up 11 small oil paintings that, he feels, capture that moment in time. He intentionally altered his color palette in this work, toned down the pinks and purples a bit, but the pieces still have Baugh’s firm brushwork and those great craggy rocks of Upper Park. His work will be featured at the Chico Paper Co. beginning July 1.

Carla Resnick is a self-proclaimed arts diva, writer and musician whose day job is gallery director at 1078 Gallery. Send juicy art tidbits or questions to carlaresnick@sbcglobal.net.