Don't overlook a real gem

If you've decided to cut down on travel and entertainment this summer, let the entertainment travel to you.

It won't exactly show up at your door, but there are things going on right here in Jackson County that can be not only entertaining, but educational and horizon-widening as well.

A real gem that is too often overlooked is Southern Indiana Center for the Arts in Seymour.

Again this summer, SICA is presenting a concert series, "Friday Night Live," that features live music of just about every genre on Friday nights throughout most of the summer. The series has a corporate sponsor this year, the Schneck Medical Planned Gifts Committee.

The concerts not only are open to the public, but they also are free.

SICA also has exhibits going on all the time, from paintings to sculptures to jewelry, as well as a variety of lessons.

Today and Saturday (June 5 and 6) are a good time to get acquainted with your local art center, which is at 2001 N. Ewing St. An open house is being held today and Saturday, and this evening the works of local artists will be on display in the main museum building. This is a judged show with cash prizes for best of show and other ribbon awards, as well as prizes for youth entries. An opening reception will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. Judging will take place later, and winners will be announced at the Friday Night Live concert June 26.

There also will be barn quilt classes tonight. These classes required advance registration, but if you get a chance to peek at the "quilts," they're quite something. My friend Bonnie Moutoux showed me a couple she has made, and it's exciting to see this new art form (new to me, at least).

The Friday Night Live concert will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tonight's event will showcase the talents of Joe Persinger, Aaron Persinger, Angela Persinger, Suzanne Jones and Curt Kovener. This individual concert of the series is sponsored by the Jackson County Community Theatre.

From noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the open house at SICA will continue with art demonstrations and other activities. The rock band Seven Car Pile Up will be performing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Don Hill Amphitheatre.

This two-day event by SICA is called, appropriately enough, First Brush of Spring. For more information, call SICA at 522-2278.

I've been neglecting SICA somewhat myself lately, and that's a situation I intend to remedy. Through the years, I've visited the art center many times. I have never been disappointed and I've always learned something. It also appears that more and more events are being added to SICA's schedule, making it even better.

As I said before, this is entertainment that practically rolls right up to your door. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, check out Southern Indiana Center for the Arts.

After all, it isn't every day that something called Seven Car Pile Up is practically delivered to your doorstep.

That alone ought to be worth a look.

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Persinger is community editor for The Tribune. She may be reached at (812) 523-7063 or jpersinger@tribtown.com.