Le Chat Noir will lift the curtain on First Friday, but it won’t be on its next production—that’s set for May 21.
Rather, it will be an unveiling of a new series of sculptures that will adorn the archway transitioning guests from the lobby/bar area into the black box theater.
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Created by Colorado transplant Tim McSherry, a 2D artist and sculptor, the bas relief designs featuring six different figures in folklore related to storytelling and drama. They come from a variety of cultures including Norse and Greek mythology as well as one West African figure.
“This was part of the original plan 17 years ago,” said Krys Bailey, Le Chat Noir’s executive director.
But he doesn’t mind that he had to wait until the right artist for the job came along.
McSherry’s professional background is as a first responder. He served as a deputy sheriff, firefighter and emergency manager, but his artistic background is in candle making. The 8-inch by 20-inch castings were originally created in clay before a resin casting was made. It has a brass-copper patina finish.
His rendering of the god Bacchus (one of the pieces that will be installed at Le Chat Noir) won first place at the Springfest Art Exhibition sponsored by the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council in March.
A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 with the unveiling around 7 p.m. Bailey said.
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Porter Fleming Literary Competition winners
The winners of the annual Porter Fleming Literary Contest were announced April 28.
The competition features several categories including fiction, nonfiction, plays and poetry.
Local playwrights and poets showed strong in the contest.
In the play category, Jonathan Cook of North Augusta placed first with “Marigold;” Matthew Buzzell of Augusta was second with “Rest Area” and Devin Lovett of Augusta came in third with “Other Ways.”
In the poetry category, Edward Wilson of Augusta won first and second place with “Getting Smaller” and “Veterans Day” respectively.
Press Play
If you are a local songwriter, don’t forget about our Press Play songwriter contest.
Entries for the contest opened Sunday May 1 and will be accepted through June 30.
The contest is open to Augusta area residents. Songwriters may submit one song. It should be profanity-free and free of content containing slurs or other offensive lyrics.
The winner will receive $500 with cash prizes to second and third place.
Voting for the finalists will begin July 1.
One entry per songwriter.
The winner will play the song live at Arts in the Heart of Augusta.
Send your audio clip to songwriter@theaugustapress.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
