For more about the art and photography of Heather Speer go to www.heatherspeerphotography.com.  Subscribe to receive news!

Loîs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color, through Feb. 27, at the Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission, which includes entry to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design on the same day, is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call 704-337-2000 or go online to www.mintmuseum.org.

Identity Theft: How a Cropsey Became a Gifford, through March 27, at the Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission, which includes entry to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design on the same day, is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call 704-337-2000 or go online to www.mintmuseum.org.

The Art of Affluence: Haute Couture and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007, through spring 2010, at the Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission, which includes entry to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design on the same day, is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call 704-337-2000 or go online to www.mintmuseum.org.

The Height of Fashion: Platform Shoes Then and Now, through spring 2011 at the Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission, which includes entry to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design on the same day, is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for members and children 4 and younger. For information, call 704-337-2000 or go online to www.mintmuseum.org.

“A Sense of Place,” faculty art exhibit, March 23 at 6 p.m. in the C. Douglas Helms Gallery of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Free admission.

Film

“Under the Sea,” at the Imax Dome Theatre at Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Admission to the theater is $11 for ages 14 to 59, $9 for those 60 or older or 2 to 13, free for those under 2. Combo passes including Discovery Place are $19 and $15. For information or show times, call 704-372-6261, ext. 300, or (800) 935-0553, or go online to www.discoveryplace.org.

“Adventures in Wild California,” at the Imax Dome Theatre at Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Admission to the theater is $11 for ages 14 to 59, $9 for those 60 or older or 2 to 13, free for those under 2. Combo passes including Discovery Place are $19 and $15. For information or show times, call 704-372-6261, ext. 300, or (800) 935-0553, or go online to www.discoveryplace.org.

Music

An Evening with A Deeper Shade of Blue, Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. at Mineral Springs Music Barn, guest are Salem Bound, New Salem, NC. Their new CD “Bluegrass to the Bone” for sale on this night. Adults $8, kids under 12 are free. For more information go to www.deepershadeofblue.com or call 704-283-0215.

Black Eyed Peas, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets are $49.50, $61.50 and $81.50 and are available at the Arena box office, at www.TimeWarnerCableArena.com and through Ticketmaster.

Get the Led Out, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $19.50 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

University Wind Ensemble, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Free admission.

University Men’s and Women’s Choirs, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Free admission.

Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m at the Knight Theater. Tickets start at $39 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Dervish, traditional Irish band presented by Charlotte Folk Society launch the American leg of their 21st Anniversary Tour, Wednesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte. Advance tickets are $19 for general admission. Admission at the Door is $23 general admission.Tickets available online at www.folksociety.org. For information call 704-563-7080.

African Children’s Choir, March 15-16 at 7 p.m. at the Knight Theater. Tickets start at $24 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

John Mayer, Michael Franti, Spearhead, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum. Tickets range from $37 to $66 and are available through Ticketmaster.

The Irish Tenors with the Charlotte Symphony, March 19 at 8 p.m. at Ovens Auditorium. Tickets range from $25 to $65 and are available at the Bojangles’ Coliseum box office and through Ticketmaster.

Celtic Crossroads, March 20 at 8 p.m. at Spirit Square’s McGlohon Theatre. Tickets start at $33.50 and go on sale Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

The Manhattans, at Bundy Auditorium in the Bradley Arts and Sciences Building on the campus of USCL in Lancaster, SC, Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $50 each. For ticket information, please call 803-286-1145 or e-mail p.arts@lancastercitysc.com.

The Moody Blues, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $49.50 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

The Union Symphony Orchestra, with Guest Conductor Dr. Dawn A. Perry, will perform with the new 77 member Union Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Mekel Roger, to bring you the exciting finale of USYO’s inaugural season on Saturday, March 27, 2010, 7:30 pm at Marvin Ridge High School Auditorium, 2825 Crane Road, Waxhaw NC 28173, Tickets are $l5. general admission, $l0. senior/student . Call 704 219-3936 or purchase online at www.theunionsymphony.com.

Tao, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight Theater. Tickets start at $23 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

University Wind Ensemble, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Free admission.

“Songs of the People,” university choral concert, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Free admission.

Bon Jovi, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets range from $39.50 to $125 and are available at the Arena box office and through Ticketmaster.

Norah Jones, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Ovens Auditorium. Tickets range from $44 to $59 and are available at the Bojangles’ Coliseum box office and through Ticketmaster.

Joyfest featuring Fred Hammond and an award winning Gospel lineup at Carowinds, Sat., May 29, at Carowinds Paladium Amphitheatre. Advance ticket purchases are available through Ticketmaster by calling 704-522-6500, by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.

Opera

Love Notes, A musical embrace for the Latin Lover in all of us, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at Knight Theater. A post-performance, star-studded reception will be held at 10 p.m. in the Atrium Uptown at Two Wachovia. Concert tickets start at only $25 for single tickets and reception tickets are $50 per person. For tickets or info call 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Porgy & Bess, May 14 at 8 p.m., May 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., May 16 at 2 p.m. in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $15 to $95 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Carmen, March 13 at 8 p.m., March 14 at 2 p.m., March 18 at 7:30 p.m., March 20 at 8 p.m. at the Belk Theater. Concert tickets start at only $20 for single tickets. For tickets or info call 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Theater

“The Frog Prince,” Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Each child’s ticket (12 and younger) free with a $5 adult ticket. For tickets, call 704-233-8316 or go online to www.wingate.edu/culture.

“tick, tick … BOOM!,” March 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGee Theater of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Tickets are $20 and are available by calling 704-233-8316 or online at www.wingate.edu/culture.

“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy,” March 16-18 at 7:30 p.m., March 19-20 at 8 p.m., March 21 at 3 p.m. in the Booth Playhouse of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $24.50 and go on sale Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Charlotte Squawks: Six Degrees of Desecration, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19-20 at 8 p.m. in Spirit Square’s McGlohon Theatre. Tickets start at $29.50 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

“A Streetcar Names Desire,” presented by Theatre Charlotte, March 18 at 7:30 p.m., March 19-20 at 8 p.m., March 21 at 2:30 p.m., March 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., March 26-27 at 8 p.m., March 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the theater, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte. Tickets range from $7 to $24 and are available at www.CarolinaTix.org.

“Snow White,” March 26 at 7 p.m., March 27 at 3 p.m. in the McGee Theatre of Wingate University’s Batte Center. Each child’s ticket (12 and younger) free with a $5 adult ticket. For tickets, call 704-233-8316 or go online to www.wingate.edu/culture.

“Jersey Boys,” March 31 at 7:30 p.m., April 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 2 at 8 p.m., April 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 6-8 at 7:30 p.m., April 9 at 8 p.m., April 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 13-15 at 7:30 p.m., April 16 at 8 p.m., April 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $32.50 to $120 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

“Smoke on the Mountain,” presented by Theatre Charlotte, May 6 at 7:30 p.m., May 7-8 at 8 p.m., May 9 at 2:30 p.m., May 12-13 at 7:30 p.m., May 14-15 at 8 p.m., May 16 at 2:30 p.m., May 19-20 at 7:30 p.m., May 21-22 at 8 p.m., May 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the theater, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte. Tickets range from $7 to $24 and are available at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Miscellaneous

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Jan. 27-28 at 7 p.m., Jan. 29 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Jan. 30-31 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets range from $15 to $100 and are available at the arena box office and www.timewarnercablearena.com.

Southern Spring Home and Garden Show, March 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., March 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart). Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance, $7.50 with a VIC card at participating Harris Teeter stores, free for youths 15 and younger (excluding groups). Group rate, $7.50 per person. For information or tickets call 800-849-0248 or go online to www.SouthernSpringHomeandGardenShow.com.

Harlem Globetrotters, March 20 at 7 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets range from $22 to $125 and are available at the Arena box office, at www.TimeWarnerCableArena.com and through Ticketmaster.

“Come Sit a Spell: Views of the Southern Garden” at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on March 19 and runs through Aug. 22. Members are free, adults, $10; seniors 60+, $9; and children 4-12, $5. For more information log on to www.DSBG.org. or call 704-825-4490.

Taste of the Nation Charlotte, Wednesday, April 14, 7:00pm – 10:00 pm at The Atrium, Uptown 401 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, VIP Preview beginning at 6pm. Tickets are $60, VIP tickets are $85. To purchase tickets go to http://charlottetasteofthenation.com.

Bill Cosby, April 25 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $24 and go on sale Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Dance

The Parsons Dance Company, March 25 at 7:30 p.m., March 26-27 at 8 p.m., March 28 at 3 p.m. at the Knight Theater. Tickets start at $24 and are available at the PAC box office in Founders Hall, by calling 704-372-1000 or online at www.CarolinaTix.org.

Tchaikovsky Theater’s Sleeping Beauty, Ovens Auditorium on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., For more information call 704.335.3177

Fort Mill/Tega Cay Artist and Art Educator Heather Speer surveying the growth of a young artist.

Heather Speer, Tega Cay/Fort Mill artist, photographer, and art educator has been teaming up with Fort Mill High School’s Art Educator Judi Vokes.  The two have coordinated two sessions during which Heather Speer has come into the AP Art class to provide critique, consultation, and individual discussion with the AP students.  AP Art stands for Advanced Placement Art, a high level course that is offered to students who qualify.  It is rigorous and challenging.  In the spring, AP culminates when the students send in their portfolios to the AP Board for judging.  Depending on the score, students will receive college class credit.  This definitely provides a leg up to entry level college students–not to mention that it’s less expensive than taking the class in college.  AP is not for the faint of heart.  It is a year long process that requires diligence and hard work.

Heather Speer, who taught at Fort Mill High School, is at home in Ms. Vokes’ art room.  She shared it while she worked there.  After teaching at FMHS, she went to the middle school level where she taught several of the AP Students that she is now consulting.  “It is refreshing to be in an environment where the students are all focused on their art.  They want to learn and they are truly interested in what I have to say.  They realize the importance of their art.”

“I am so happy to see these young people again and to discover how they have grown and developed as people and as artists.  It makes me proud. I hope that they will go into the world and promote the value of the arts.”  Keeping the importance of the arts alive is something that really needs vocal support during this time of budget and position cuts.

Fort Mill/Tega Cay Artist and Art Educator Heather Speer consults with an AP Art student in Judi Vokes' AP Art class at Fort Mill High School.

Many positions and classes are coming down the the chopping block–classes like AP Art where young people serious about art receive intensive training that can shape their, and our, future.  Heather Speer agrees, “It has taken many years to develop the district [York 4] art curriculum into what it is now.  I hate to see it wither…If cut now, it could be at least 5 to 10 years before it comes back and that’s depending on the district priorities at hand.”

It is real and it is now.  Positions to be cut are expected to be announced this week.  Please be a diligent and concerned citizen.  Write or e-mail your school officials and board members.  Let’s preserve and grow the arts and culture industry in York County.  They payoff is exponential.

The Rock Hill City Hall is located at 155 Johnston Street in Rock Hill SC. Heather’s artwork and photographs are on display on the 3rd floor of the Rotunda Gallery and available for viewing during normal business hours.

See CN2’s article featuring Heather’s Rotunda showing  CITY HALL GALLERY FEATURES FORT MILL ARTIST

For more information about the Rotunda showing, or commissioning Heather, contact her at:

Heather Speer is an experienced certified art educator and is also dedicating her time to featuring her art and photography work in exhibits and shows thought South Carolina and the greater Charlotte area. Along with exhibiting her work, Heather is available to teach art lessons, art commissions, murals, and photography including portraits, landscape, boudoir, and figure photography.

For more information about Heather read her artist statement.

To contact Heather Speer, visit the contact page and fill out the contact form.

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