The arts are bringing summer to life

Staff Report The Leeds News

LEEDS — This past weekend Leeds was teeming with fun for those interested in the arts. Friday night the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany hosted “The Dixie Swim Club.” For $10, I was treated to an excellent show full of laughter, drama and moving reality. Intermission was relaxing and enjoyable with complimentary refreshments served to attendees of the play. The seating was both comfortable and intimate.

I shall never forget the five ladies this marvelous play introduced to me. It was a poignant reminder of the art and dedication it takes to be and to have committed friendships.

It was a perfect night out for mothers, daughters, friends and women of all ages. Gentlemen enjoyed the humor of women seeing themselves honestly. The strength and frailities of the fairer sex were center stage. Take your mother, your sister, your wife or a group of friends and laugh til your side hurts! Thank you ladies! It was fabulous.

Music under the Stars is offering a relaxed and soothing way for families to spend an evening away from the television screen. This past weekend offered the smooth sound of jazz. Next weekend the series returns to the historical park on 119. Bring your family, your friends, a picnic and a blanket and get out for an evening. Nothing beats the blues like a free concert!

The weekend closed for me at the Leeds Arts Council Artist of the month reception. Kathryn Merrell-Hobson is the June artist of the month. She and her family reside here in Leeds. Kathy shared her moving and calming scenes shot from our white sand coastline in Gulf Shores.

My favorite scenes among her beautiful collection were hard to choose. After much consideration, “Last Night,” a sunset reflecting the cotton candy pink of the sky in beach tidal pools and “Tenacity,” a tough and determined little palm that lost its fight with many hurricanes to Ivan, were my picks.

The light refreshments and serene atmosphere the Arts Council provided was a perfect end to a busy weekend. No fuss or frump, just gorgeous pictures and kind friends to pass the afternoon with in quiet admiration of our state’s beaches and visitors. We are blessed to have such a rich culture in our hometown.

Remember to visit the Leeds Arts Council website for the summer calendar at www.leedsartscouncil.org more concerts, plays, artists and poetry events are ahead.

Hobson’s pictures will remain in the Arts council lobby all month. Drop by and be transported on vacation for a few moments!

The “Dixie Swim Club” will run this weekend June 11-13 call the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany on Highway 119 just beyond Memorial Park. For tickets call (205) 699-2404.



– Karmen Payne is a staff writer for The Leeds News. She may be reached at news@leedsnews.net.

 

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