Our Great City

Art in the Square kicked off a weekend full of events with a VIP Party for Sponsors Friday evening at the Hilton Town Square. The Southlake Women's Club committee outdid themselves this year with the theme - "Welcome to South Beach".

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Photos Provided by:  Rex Teter Photography

The Southlake Women’s Club is gearing up for the 11th annual Art in the Square. And this year, the three-day event will be green! The Southlake Women’s Club and Republic Services are partnering to expand their recycling efforts during this spring’s event.

“Last year, with the help of GreenFellows, we were able to capture all the wine bottles used during the event”, said Barb Cohen, event co-chair. “This year with the additional help of Republic, we will have single stream recycling.” At this year’s event, scheduled April 23 – 25, Southlake Town Square will have in place 40 recycling bins in which attendees can easily dispose of their used plastic cups and aluminum cans from beverages purchased at the event. With the attendees’ participation in recycling, along with the vendors’ help in capturing empty wine bottles and corrugated cardboard, the trash generated from the event is expected to be cut in half.

A New Emerging Artist exhibition will premier at Southlakes’ 2010 Art in the Square. Like other Nationally ranked art shows, Art in the Square in connection with the Apex Arts League, have added an emerging artists exhibition. From a pool of 60 local applicants and through an intensive selection process the selection committee found 4 talented artists to assist and showcase at this year’s art fair.

Being selected for this honor includes a mentoring program through the Apex Arts League. The artists are given the opportunity to learn about making their craft a sustainable business. Through training they learn about outdoor setup, support, effective display, marketing and even how to successfully apply to other art shows. These talented artists are:

The 11th Annual ART IN THE SQUARE 2010 is proud to announce Lin Martinique-Whittaker as the 2010 Artist of the Year. For 3 days from Friday April 23rd to the 25th come and experience her beautiful, layered and ornate pieces depicting celebration, processions, and the “Carnevale in Venice.”

Lin Martinique-Whittaker has always been fascinated with the human figure and the use of shapes and symbols to convey an ornamental mood. The textured and multi layers pieces create the fabric and details of the various costumes. Ultimately her work expresses how we all shift in and out of the different areas or stages of life.

Art off the Vine returns to Art in the Square for its third year. Once again the public will enjoy the best of the wine industry as presenters explore new, favorite and revisit forgotten wines harvested from all over the world.

On April 24 Central Market, El Wine Chateau, Fairpointe Cellar and La Buena Vida share their expertise on the art of making and tasting unique wines. Sessions are scheduled at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm. Tickets are $20 per person. Order tickets early - limited seating available!

2010 Art off the Vine Presenters’ Schedule

1:00pm-2:00pm - La Buena Vida Vineyards "The Art of Blind Wine Tasting" A gentle introduction to the art/skill/lottery that is blind tasting. Join La Buena Vida Vineyards for a casual and fun afternoon of swirling, smelling, sipping, and guessing as we unlock the mysteries behind the art of blind tasting wine. In addition, a gift card, compliments of La Buena Vida, will be awarded to the first individual to correctly identify all wines!

The Southlake Women’s Club is thrilled to announce that country music star Derek Sholl will return to the main stage this year as headline performer for the annual Art in the Square festival. This will be Sholl’s second consecutive year in the spotlight at this popular, free-admission family event, held every third weekend in April at the Southlake Town Square. Last year, Sholl’s classic country voice, boot-stomping energy, and poignant lyrics delighted huge crowds. This year, the Southlake Women’s Club anticipates an even greater response as returning fans and new event attendees gather to enjoy Sholl’s lively performances. Sholl follows in the footsteps of other premiere main stage stars at Art in the Square, including Jewel and Carolina Rain.

Though now a headliner talent, Sholl was not always a serious musician. In fact, he was drafted right out of high school to play for the Kansas City Royals—but several serious injuries kept him from maintaining a career in baseball. During his recovery periods, however, he played guitar and entertained teammates with his best country music impressions. Friends encouraged him to pursue his musical ambitions, and before long, Sholl had both a band and a three-year gig opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas.

Today, Sholl is busy touring and promoting his latest album, Just Because You Can, which features the hit song, “When They Come Back,” a moving tribute to American soldiers returning from overseas duty. For a sneak preview of Sholl’s spirited sound, visit www.dereksholl.com.

Derek Sholl performs live in Southlake on Saturday, April 24 at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage at Art in the Square. Plan to arrive early to secure seating as space is limited, and this is the most popular musical performance of the weekend! For more information on the 3 Day Festival, visit www.artinthesquare.com.