Calendar of Events: Couple fuses artistic styles

Through Feb. 28

Missouri State University presents “Jim Bremer & Ruth Buffington: A Wood & Fiber Collaboration” at the MSU Art & Design Gallery, 333 E. Walnut St. Artists Bremer, a Monett native, and Buffington fuse fine and exotic woods, hand-dyed and rare Japanese fabrics, shimmering color and free-form stitching in art that shows an appreciation for natural forms and design. The exhibit is free; for more information, call (417) 829-5092.

Through Feb. 29

MSU’s College of Arts and Letters presents “Focus on Domestic Abuse,” an exhibit that will be on display 1–5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Student Exhibition Center, 838 E. Walnut St. For information about the free exhibit, call (417) 836-6996.

Feb. 12

The Excelsis Trio performs a free recital at 7:30 p.m. in Evangel University’s Barnett Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. The trio comprises three members of Evangel’s music department: Larry Dissmore, violin; Jacque Trtan, cello; and Linda Ligate, piano. They will play “Minatures, Set III, Nos. 7–9” by Frank Bridge and “Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 100, D929” by Franz Schubert.

Feb. 13

MSU Libraries present a discussion, Modern Marvels: Jewish Adventures in the Graphic Novel “The Quitter,” at 7 p.m. in the Meyer Library curriculum resource center, Room 215, on the MSU campus. Let’s Talk About It is a five-part reading and discussion series. Five Jewish artists experiment with words and pictures to tell stories of childhood, war and desire; to conjure up lost worlds, both real and imaginary; and to contemplate history, myth and the individual psyche. Mara Cohen Ioannides, a Jewish scholar and MSU English instructor, will serve as discussion leader for the free series. Registration is required and is available by calling (417) 836-4546.

Feb. 22

Steuart Pincombe, a former MSU student and nationally known cellist, presents “The Complete Suites for Solo Cello” by Johann Sebastian Bach at 7 p.m. in the Credo Arts Center, 931 S. Kickapoo Ave. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged. Pincombe has received a grant from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to present concerts in Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis; Wheaton, Ill.; Bloomington, Ind.; Cleveland and Oberland, Ohio; and Brooklyn, N.Y. Tickets for the Springfield event should be obtained by Feb. 21 and are available by calling (417) 883-5274.

Feb. 26

This is the deadline for entries for the Republic Fine Arts Council’s “It’s Spring” banner exhibit along U.S. Highway 60 in Republic. Entries must be original artwork using the artist’s choice of visual media. The final banners are 30 feet by 60 feet, and artwork should be a 2:1 ratio. The entry fee is $20, and applications are available at www.republic.macaa.net. A $200 cash award will be given to the winning entry.

Business & Professional Development

Feb. 12

Up the Investment Creek Without a Paddle? is presented at 7 p.m. in the Harrison Room at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. Participants will learn how to use the Internet to find solid, unbiased and current investment information, with an emphasis on beginning or novice investors who are interested in lower-risk opportunities. To register for this free event, call (417) 882-0714.

Feb. 20

Leadership Springfield’s continuing education committee presents Franchising Basics, a panel discussion, with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the event at noon, in the Crystal Room at Kentwood Hall, 700 St. Louis St. The event is geared toward those who are interested in franchising. The panelists will be Stan Krempges, Wood-Brite; Rochette Harrington, Little Sunshine’s Playhouse; and Randy Erlich, Murphy Business and Financial Business Corp. Following panelist presentations, attendees will be able to ask questions. Dues-paying Leadership Springfield alumni may attend for free; for others, the cost is $10. For reservations, call (417) 862-5567.

Feb. 25

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s committee for education and work-force solutions is cosponsoring a career fair 9 a.m.–noon at the Missouri Career Center, 1514 S. Glenstone Ave. For more information, call (417) 887-4343.

Community

Feb. 23

Discovery Center of Springfield and Ozarks Parent & Family present a free family fun day 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 438 St. Louis St. Families can visit the center’s exhibits and learn about summer enrichment programs for children. For more information, visit www.discoverycenter.org.

Time slots start at noon at Aqua Sports, 5601 S. Campbell Ave., for the fourth annual Scuba Poker Tournament to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Certified divers and dive students are encouraged to participate in the event, which will be viewable to spectators via an underwater camera. Participants are asked to collect donations for CMN, with prizes awarded based on the totals collected. To register, call Aqua Sports at (417) 883-5151.

Feb. 28

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau presents the 2008 Salute to Travel & Tourism beginning with a 6 p.m. reception at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave. The CVB will present awards in five categories: Ambassador Award, Greater Ozarks Open Bowling Tournament; Hospitality Award, Oasis Hotel & Convention Center; Spotlight Award, Urban Districts Alliance; Diplomat Award, Springfield City Manager Bob Cumley; and the Pinnacle Award, the recipient of which will be revealed at the event. Tickets are $50 each for open seating or $475 for a reserved table of 10. The ticket deadline is Feb. 15; call (417) 881-5300, ext. 100, to order tickets.[[In-content Ad]]