Gallery Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thurs, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sun, 1-5 p.m.
Through November 22
NASA/ART: 50 Years of Exploration
Main Gallery
America’s most renowned artists are on display in this one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring 72 original works of art commissioned by the NASA Art Program. Celebrating NASA’s 50th anniversary the archives range from the illustrative to the abstract and feature paintings drawings, photographs, sculptures and more from artists including Annie Leibovitz, Nam June Paik, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, William Wegman and Jamie Wyeth, among others. The works re-create the accomplishments, excitement and setbacks of space exploration, as told through the artists’ point of view. On loan from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services.
Through January 24, 2010
The Global Artistry of Leo and Diane Dillon: A Retrospective
Dupree Theater Lobby
Exhibition features original works from children’s book illustrating team Leo and Diane Dillon. The exhibition focuses on a selection from the Dillon’s collection that captures the global nature of their work. The beautiful illustrations depict a variety of cultural tales from African and Native American folktales to Asian and Scandinavian epics. On loan from the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, TX.
Through June 30, 2010
Within the Emperor’s Garden: The Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion
Carpenter Lobby
Stunning exhibition celebrates the traditional art of Chinese red sandalwood carving and is highlighted by a nine foot tall model of the Ten Thousand Springs. One fifth the size of the original pavilion – found within the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City in Beijing – the model was constructed from 3,000 hand-carved pieces using a mortise-and-tenon joinery (no nails). The exhibition also features photographs and text panels, in English and Chinese, with information about the Imperial Garden and the Forbidden City. On loan from the Smithsonian Institution.
EVENTS
September 26-27
Family Funday and Smithsonian Weekend
2-5 p.m.
Irving Arts Center
The Irving Arts Center welcomes its newest Smithsonian exhibition NASA | ART: 50 Years of Exploration with a weekend full of activities for space enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy screenings of the Discovery Channel’s documentary, When We Left Earth. Participate in out-of-this-world art projects with a spacey theme. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, prize drawings, a welcome ceremony and a performance by Irving Chorale on Sept. 27. And view the exhibition with 72 original works of art from well-known American artists that celebrate NASA’s triumphs, tragedies and history.
Free and all supplies provided.
October 2
Ms. Mature Irving Pageant
7 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Irving Heritage Center presents their annual pageant showcasing the many talents – and beauty – of Irving's young-at-heart seniors.
$10-12, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 4
War and Peace
3:30 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving concert featuring H. Berlioz's March Hongroise, H. Biber's
Battalia, L. Van Beethoven's Wellington’s Victory, G. F. Handel's, Selection from Royal Fireworks and P. I. Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
$8-15, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 6
Charlotte's Web: The Musical!
9:30 a.m. & noon
Carpenter Performance Hall
A lively musical based on E.B. White's classic book, Charlotte's Web. When Wilbur the pig finds himself in a pickle – he's got a one way ticket to the slaughterhouse – his friend Charlotte, a friendly gray spider, helps him find a way out of his bind. With her spectacular weaving skills, Charlotte helps Wilbur become the star of the farm, and secures his place with the farmer's family forever. Toured by TheatreWorks USA.
$8, $2 lap child under 2 years, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 9-24
The Road to Qatar
2:30 & 8 p.m.
Dupree Theater
Presented by Lyric Stage, Book & Lyrics by Stephen Cole, Music by David Krane. A World Premier new musical based on the Middle East adventures of Stephen Cole and David Crane, who three years ago received an e-mail: "We want you write a musical. How much?” Thus began an unbelievable but true journey that introduced the two "short Jews" to an alien world of camels, deserts and crazy Egyptian theatrical producers. During the course of their trip, Stephen and David starred in their own personal Bob Hope-Bing Crosby "road picture" that took them to Dubai, Qatar, London, Bratislava and back to the United States after writing and presenting an original musical for the Emir of Qatar. Upon their return, they had no choice but to tell their tale. The names have all been changed, but the story is totally true.
$18-30, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 10
Sonic Flight: Irving Symphony Orchestra
8 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Irving Symphony Orchestra presents a US premiere production, featuring selections from the world’s most enduring masterworks and enhanced by four of the world’s leading aerial artists. Musical selections include: The Three-Cornered Hat by De Falla, The Firebird by Stravinsky, Dance of the Hours by Ponchielli, Air on the G String by Bach, Anitra’s Dance from Peer Gynt by Grieg, Slavonic Dances by Dvorak and Hungarian Rhapsody by Liszt.
$19-44, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 13
To Kill a Mockingbird
7:30 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Presented by Irving Arts Center and Irving Black Arts Council – Live performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-prize-winning novel. The story of Scout, Tom Robinson, Boo Radley and Atticus Finch plays out in a sleepy Southern town in the 1930s, where issues of prejudice, racism and human values are at the forefront. Adapted for the stage more than 35 years ago by Christopher Sergel, To Kill a Mockingbird has inspired and delighted audiences worldwide with its warmth, wit and wisdom. Through compelling performances and colorful characters, the classic story comes to life. Toured by Montana Repertory Theatre.
$20-30, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 17
Starry, Starry Night
8 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Irving Chorale's first concert of its 23rd season will complement the Irving Arts Center's NASA |
ART: 50 Years of Exploration exhibition. Presentation features music about the universe – the stars, moon and earth.
$10-20, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
October 20
The Big Read: Matthew Pearl
7 p.m.
Dupree Theater
Presented by Irving Public Library – Discussion and book signing featuring Matthew Pearl, author of The Poe Shadow. Pearl's presentation is part of Irving Public Library’s Big Read program – a month-long, community-wide event that encourages people to read, discuss and celebrate a selection from American literature. Irving Library selected Edgar Allan Poe as this year's author.
Free
October 24
Skull and Crossbones: Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
8 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Join the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra and guest pianist Valeria Vetruccio for an ode to a pirate's life! Featuring Arthur Sullivan's Overture to the Pirates of Penzance, Vencenzo Bellini's Overture to II Pirata and Hans Zimmer's Pirates of the Caribbean.
$25-55, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
November 6-21
Don't Dress for Dinner
2:30 & 8 p.m., three weekends
Dupree Theater
Presented by ICT MainStage, By Marc Camoletti. Adapted by Robin Hawdon – Don't Dress for Dinner is a frenetic case of mistaken identity with more twists than a corkscrew! When Jacqueline decides to visit her mother for a few days, her husband Bernard sees an opportunity for a cozy weekend with his new mistress. His bachelor pal Robert calls to announce his return from Hong Kong, so Bernard invites him along as his alibi, also hiring a Cordon Bleu-level cook to cater a delicious dinner. But when Jacqueline realizes Robert is coming for a visit, everything changes. One impossible situation leads to another as the hapless friend Robert finds himself the target of both amorous attention and wrathful vengeance, while Bernard tries desperately to salvage a scrap of illicit bliss from the wreckage of a weekend. PG
$18-20, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
November 14
Sonic Visions: Irving Symphony Orchestra
8 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Irving Symphony Orchestra presents a US premier presentation. This original production, in collaboration with the Amon Carter Museum, will combine American West-inspired and impressionist orchestral masterworks with visions of the American West on a wide screen projection. Musical selections include: Overture to The Cowboys by Williams, Scenes from Billy the Kid by Copland, The Big Country theme music by E. Bernstein, Violin Concerto by Barber, La Valse by Ravel and excerpts from Serenade for Violin and Orchestra by L. Bernstein. Narration provided by Rick Stewart, Senior Curator of Western Painting and Sculpture. The program will also feature Curt Thompson, Associate Professor of Violin and Director of Chamber Music Studies at TCU.
$36-50, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
November 20
Rudolf Budginas
7:30 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Entertainment Series of Irving presents an evening with pianist, Rudolf Budginas. Budginas was born into a family of musicians in Lithuania and debuted at the age of nine with the Lithuanian National Symphony. He trained at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, earned first prize in the International Liszt Piano Competition, second prize in the Vitols International Piano Competition and the prestigious Yamaha of Europe award.
$31, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
November 21
Bon Voyage!
8 p.m.
Carpenter Performance Hall
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra welcomes guest violinist Andrew Wang and cellist Oliver Schlaffer performing selections from Brahms and Bizet.
$25-55, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) or www.irvingartscenter.com for tickets
Contact: Jennifer Wilson
(972) 252-7558, ext. 1226
Cell: (214) 405-9270
Address: Irving Arts Center
3333 N. MacArthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75062
(972) 252-ARTS (2787) – Box Office
(972) 252-7558 – Administration
