Mural artist makes the city his canvas
When he sees a nondescript wall or side of a building, “Sir” James Thornhill sees art. To him, it’s like a blank canvas waiting for artistic reinvention. Thornhill literally “paints the town,” with colorful murals that honor heroes and heroines — especially local notables associated with the historic district of Jackson Ward, a section of Richmond known as the “Birthplace... READ MORE
Hamlet in the age of Twitter and Snapchat
To be or not to be. Is that really the question a twitchy millennial — a man-child with little self-awareness and a slippery grasp on reality — might be asking himself in the midst of existential angst? Apparently not, if Michael Kahn’s uneven wreck of Hamlet, onstage at the Shakespeare Theatre Company through March 4, is to be believed. And that’s why we see the Danish prince ... READ MORE
Silk painter shares her skill with others
Living in Egypt as a child during WWII, Diane Tuckman recalls, “they were shooting Jewish girls in the street...My family and I escaped [in 1949] and went to France.” Though less harrowing, even in France “it was a very difficult time after the war, with ration tickets and very little housing.” But eventually, Paris became home and much more to Tuckman. For it was there that she... READ MORE
International tai chi champions
Many recreation centers provide instruction in the ancient martial art of tai chi. But it’s a rare program that sends 17 of its members to China to participate in an international competition, and no doubt even rarer when such a group sweeps the awards in their categories. That’s exactly what happened, however, when a group from the East Columbia 50+ Center’s tai chi class traveled ... READ MORE
Grandmother’s kids books focus on family
As is the case with most grandparents, Daneace Terry Jeffery’s grandchildren have her wrapped around every one of their adorable little fingers. But unlike most grandparents, Jeffery has made her grandchildren the stars of a series of children’s books. Her “Ella Books” are loosely based on Jeffery’s two oldest granddaughters. The third of Jeffery’s projected five-book... READ MORE
Retiree rekindles passion for painting
Former homemaker, beautician and banker Pauline Rakis is making up for lost painting time. It’s a pursuit she had put on hold for decades. At 74, she is now on a full brush-on-canvas schedule four days a week, at least six hours a day. One of the 25 artists who own and operate the co-op Artists Gallery in Ellicott City, Rakis spent many earlier years styling the hair of other women,... READ MORE
How to feed backyard birds this winter
Although many of our feathered friends fly south during colder weather, other birds remain in the Richmond metropolitan area over the winter. Observing birds is one of the most popular wildlife-related activities. By feeding the birds, you will increase your opportunities to observe permanent residents, such as the cardinal, goldfinch, blue jay and tufted titmouse, as well as winter-only ... READ MORE
She keeps the senate of Virginia humming
Plaques, awards and memorabilia crowd nearly every square inch of Susan Schaar’s third floor office walls at the Virginia State Capitol. The long-time clerk of the Virginia Senate has a plaque from the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries, where she was the first Virginian elected president. There’s a trophy from the National Conference of State Legislatures... READ MORE
Start 2018 on a positive note with these
The beginning of a new year is a time for assessment and action. Look ahead with hope. Read and reflect on the choices before you. Draw inspiration on how to make improvements, break old habits, and forge new positive pathways. Start each day of 2018 with a smile and a purpose. Brain Rules for Aging Well: 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp by John Medina, 288 pages, Pear... READ MORE
Classes that will unleash your inner artist
Amateur artists 50 and above are encouraged to enter their works of art in an upcoming regional competition sponsored by the Beacon. Our Celebration of the Arts competition will open April 1. Read the Beacon in coming months for further details, or visit our website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com. For those who would like to take up a new art or craft — or perhaps return to an old... READ MORE
Arts 2024
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