The webinar highlights key features of the criteria that includes a description of what is in and what is out. For sites considering purchasing new material, the criteria are an important document to include in the process.

Julia Bentley, mezzo-soprano
Constance Volk, flutes
Austin Wulliman, violin
Alison Attar, harp
Greg Beyer, vibraphone
Amy Briggs, piano

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Program Notes:

Shakespeare’s The Tempest finds Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan and a learned magician, stranded on a remote island. Twelve years prior his own brother, Antonio, had conspired with his rival Alonso, King of Naples, to depose him. When Prospero divines that Antonio and others are on a ship passing close to the island, he conjures a tempest that wrecks the ship, bringing those who have wronged him ashore. Prospero then uses his powers and those of his servant, the spirit Ariel, to torment Antonio, Alonso and the others. But Prospero cannot sustain his quest for vengeance indefinitely. In this scene from the play’s last act, Ariel reports to Prospero on the suffering of his enemies, saying that “if [he] now beheld them, [his] affections would become tender…Mine would, sir, were I human.” Prospero responds:

“Though with their high wrongs I am struck to th’ quick,
  Yet with nobler reason ‘gainst my fury
  Do I take part. The rarer action is
  In virtue than in vengeance.”

Believing them penitent, Prospero prepares to cast a a powerful spell to restore his enemies, end their punishment and, most importantly, exorcize his own demons. The Rarer Action traces the fantastic invocations of Prospero’s final spell and his (arguably) tragic resignation from magic. It concludes with a representation of Prospero’s enemies immobilized in the circle he had traced on the stage. The ending – the distant glow of a major triad in the piano and feeble, flickering harp harmonics – invokes the ambiguous tone of the play’s end, best summarized by Prospero’s final monologue:

“And my ending is despair,
 Unless I be relieved by prayer, 
 Which pierces so that it assaults
 Mercy itself and frees all faults. 
 As you from crimes would pardon’d be, 
 Let your indulgence set me free.”

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Text and Stage Directions:

Act V, Scene 1, lines 33-57:

[PROSPERO makes a circle on the stage.]

PROSPERO:   Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves,

And ye that on the sands with printless foot

Do chase the ebbing Neptune, and do fly him

When he comes back; you demi-puppets that

By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make,

Whereof the ewe not bites; and you, whose pastime

Is to make midnight-mushrooms, that rejoice

To hear the solemn curfew, by whose aid
(Weak masters though ye be) I have bedimmed

The noontide sun, called forth the mutinous winds,

And twixt the green sea and the azured vault

Set roaring war; to the dread rattling thunder

Have I given fire, and rifted Jove’s stout oak

With his own bolt; the strong-based promontory

Have I made shake, and by the spurs plucked up

The pine and cedar. Graves at my command

Have waked their sleepers, oped, and let ‘em forth

By my so potent art. But this rough magic

I here abjure, and when I have required

Some heavenly music (which even now I do)

To work mine end upon their senses that

This airy charm is for, I’ll break my staff,

Bury it certain fathoms in the earth,

And deeper than did ever plummet sound

I’ll drown my book.

[Solemn music. Here enters ARIEL before, then ALONSO with a frantic gesture, attended by Gonzalo; SEBASTIAN and ANTONIO in like manner attended by ADRIAN and FRANCISCO. They all enter the circle which PROSPERO had made, and there stand charmed...]

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Lynx returned home to Minnesota Saturday afternoon to hundreds of fans at the Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport in a homecoming fit for champions.

Fans began chanting before the team appeared on the escalator, but once the fans saw their world champions and the trophy, they erupted into cheer.

The Lynx swept the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals in a 73-67 victory Friday. It’s been a long time coming for Minnesota sports fans, but the victory marked the state’s first world championship since 1991.

As soon as they walked through the doors, the Lynx were ready to show their fans some love.

“We love our fans,” said Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin. “We love them. This is outrageous.”

Lynx fan’s love their team too. Amy Briggs said she appreciates the attitude the Lynx take toward their fans and the game.

“The best part about it is these ladies are so humble, and they are so approachable,” Briggs said. “They are so grateful to play the game, and they do it for the love of the game.”

As the WNBA champions mingled with fans, they signed autographs and posed for pictures.

Even Gov. Mark Dayton took time to congratulate the Lynx.

“They are great role models for our girls,” Dayton said. “They are great role models for old men like me, because they show what happens when you dedicate yourself to a championship and you work together as a team.”

Some players said they weren’t prepared for such a homecoming.

“This is great. This is crazy right now,” said Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but it feels great.”

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves said that from the start she knew she had a special group of athletes.

“They are great people at the core of who they are,” she said. “They have tremendous respect for each other and respect for the game, and they are incredibly talented.”

Fans are already talking about a repeat of this year’s performance, and the players said they believe anything is possible.

If you missed greeting the Minnesota Lynx at the airport, you have a chance to celebrate with the WNBA champions next week.

On Tuesday, there will be a parade down Nicollet Mall at 11:30 a.m. That’ll be followed by a rally at Target Center at 12:15 p.m.

Lynx tickets for the 2012 season are now available.

download mp3

On a side note, Emily McCombs from A Woman’s Perspective had a really great video on video games.  And it’s pretty funny.

Now, back to business.  This post is not an ode to large-breasted video game characters nor a rant about Japanese rape video games (yeah, it’s real).

This is about the real women behind the scenes designing, programming, writing, and winning video games.  This information comes from About.com’s guide on the subject, written by D.S. Cohen.

_________________________________________

Roberta Williams: Co-Creator of Graphical Adventure Games, Co-Founder of Sierra

Screenshot © Activision Publishing, Inc.

One of the most important figures in the history of video games. In ’79 Roberta became inspired after playing the text-only computer game Adventure and put together a design doc outlining an interactive game combining text with graphics. Her husband Ken, a programmer at IBM, developed the software engine and tech using their Apple II home computer. When finished their game, Mystery House, was an instant hit and the graphical adventure genre was born.

The couple formed the company On-Line Systems (later called Sierra), and became the dominating force in computer games.

By the time Roberta retired in ’96 she was credited with over 30 top computer games, the majority of which she wrote and designed, including Kings Quest and Phantasmagoria.

Carol Shaw – The First Woman Game Programmer and Designer

Image © Activision Publishing, Inc.

Computer programmer Carol Shaw is best known for her work at Activision with the retro hit River Raid, but years before Carol had already made a name for herself in the history of video games. In 1978 she was the first woman to program and design a video game, 3D Tic-Tac-Toe for the Atari 2600.

In 1983, the final game that Carol would completely program and design herself, Happy Trails, released just when the video game market crashed. With the industry in shambles, Carol took a break from making games, but returned in 1988 to oversee the production of River Raid II, her final swan song in the world of console gaming.

Carol is now retired with her husband and fellow brainiac Ralph Merkle, a specialist in the field of nanotechnology.

Dona Bailey – The First Woman to Design an Arcade Game

Centipede arcade flyer © Atari

Determined to break into the game making biz, Dona received a position as an engineer at Atari in 1980. As Carol Shaw had already left for Activision, Donna was the only female game designer at the company. There she co-created and designed, along with Ed Logg, the classic arcade hit, Centipede.

After its release to instant success Donna disappeared from the video game industry only to resurface 26 years later as a keynote speaker at the 2007 Women in Games Conference. Donna admitted it was the pressure and criticism from her male counterparts which drove her from the business.

Today Donna encourages women to pursue careers in games and works as a college instructor, teaching numerous courses, among them game design.

Anne Westfall – Programmer and Co-Founder of Free Fall Associates

Packshot © Electronic Arts Inc.

A brilliant programmer, before Anne started working in games she had already created the first microcomputer-based program to help structure subdivisions (whew). In 1981 Anne and her husband, John Freeman, formed Free Fall Associates, the first independent developer contracted by Electronic Arts. Among their games co-designed by John and programmed by Anne was the hit computer title Archon, which at the time would be EA’s biggest seller.

In addition to her work as a programmer and developer, Anne also served on the Game Developer Conference board of directors for six years. Today Anne and John continue to make games, renaming their company Free Fall Games.

Jane Jensen – Historic Adventure Game Writer and Designer

Packshot © Activision Publishing, Inc.

Where Roberta Williams left off, Jane Jensen picked up the torch and kept high quality adventure game writing and design alive. Jane worked for Roberta back in the early ’90s where she got her start in Creative Services at Sierra, eventually writing and designing hits such as Kings Quest VI, the Gabriel Knight series and many others. Her work in classic games has molded how story and game design intertwine in modern point-and-click adventures.

Today Jane continues her work in computer adventure games with the latest line of Agatha Christie and The Women’s Murder Club PC titles. Now she is developing her dream project Gray Matter, with developers Wizarbox and publisher DTP Entertainment.

Brenda Laurel – Specialist, Writer and Designer in Human-Computer Interaction

Brenda’s life mission has been to explore how we interact with computers and the benefits derived from it. She started using games for her work back in the early ’80s as a member of Atari’s research team and Manager of Software Strategy. Then in 1987 she co-produced the educational, medical sim game Laser Surgeon: The Microscopic Mission which gave a virtual look at the technique of brain surgery.

In the ’90s Brenda continued her work as one of the strongest voices in virtual reality research and development with her company Telepresence, plus co-founded one of the first software companies to specialize in developing games for girls, Purple Moon.

Brenda now works as a consultant, speaker and professor, teaching 2D and 3D Interaction Design.

Amy Briggs – Creator of the First Adventure Game for Girls

Packshot © Activision Publishing, Inc.

In Amy’s brief stint in the world of gaming she showed a vision far ahead of its time with an adventure game featuring narrative and protagonists aimed specifically at a female audience.

In 1983 Amy worked at the text game adventure company Infocom as a tester. Her strong writing skills and go-getter spirit convinced the bosses to greenlight her concept for a text adventure romance game for girls, Plundered Hearts. After writing and designing Hearts, Amy co-wrote Gamma Force: Pit of a Thusdand Screams and co-designing portions of Zork Zero.

Amy left the gaming industry in 1987, returning to school to gain her graduate degree. Now she owns her own company specializing as a Human Factors Engineer, Cognitive Psychologist and continues to write.

Doris Self – First Female and the World’s Oldest Competitive Gamer

Q*Bert Flyer © Sony Pictures Digital Inc.

At the age of 58 Doris was one of the first female competitive gamers when she entered the 1983 Video Game Masters Tournament and broke the world high score record for Q*Bert with 1,112,300 points. Although her score was beaten a few years later, Doris continued to work towards conquering Q*Bert.

Doris was featured in the documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, when Pac-Man world champion Billy Mitchell presented her with a Q*Bert arcade machine, spurring the then 79 year old Doris to start competing again.

Tragically, in 2006 at the age of 81, Doris passed away from injuries she received in a car accident. Although she is no longer in the game her legacy will last in the annals of classic competitive gaming forever.

    (March 17, 2009) Art Walk springs to life in April with two new galleries: Fresh, at the southwest corner of Walnut and Campbell, and the Six23 Gallery in the lobby of Six23 Condos, 623 W. Walnut.
    First Friday Art Walk, a free community event, will be held 6-10 p.m. April 3 in 26 participating venues. Join us for live art demonstrations, hands-on activities, music, food and fun! for full details see the April 2009 Newsletter. Among the April highlights:

• New venue Six23 Gallery presents a trio of artists. Paintbombs by Dean Groover is a collaborative effort between photographer Groover and Los Angeles artist Parris Patton that combines painting, performance, and photography to arrive at high impact, colorful images. www.art4miles.com. Six23 also features artists Locke Hilderbrand and Francois LaRiviere in April.
• The Creamery Arts Center presents the Central High School International Baccalaureate Examination Exhibition, featuring the work of students enrolled in Central’s IB art program and performances by Central High’s orchestra, choir, theater and media departments.
• Sculptor Bruce Burnaugh and Fiber Artist Carol Penprase are the featured artists at Fresh, a new collective gallery displaying works by 20 different local artists. Fresh, which opens its doors to the public for the first time during the April Art Walk, will also offer live jazz by students from the MSU music department.
• OTC Fine Art Gallery presents Exotic Fruit Evolution, works by Columbian-born artist Zoyla Maria Donney. An artist, graphic designer, journalist and teacher, Donney brings exuberance and a Hispanic cultural subtext to her brilliant images of fruit, which she describes as “full of intense color, glow, texture and flavor.”
• Troubles in Paradise at MSU Art & Design Gallery features eight contemporary artists employing “humor, wit, science, media and innovative thinking to address various issues pertaining to environmental sustainability, exploiting a diverse range of expression on behalf of our planet.”
• Jane Troup brings her distinctive style to Obelisk Home during the April Art Walk. Jane’s engaging, stylized landscapes and animal images are unmistakable, as are the brilliant colors she uses to give them life and light. An Art Walk favorite, her work is not to be missed.
• Springfield Pottery presents To Awaken from a Deep Sleep: New Work by Chen, Fang-Yi, an exhibition by visiting Taiwanese artist Fang-Yi Chen. Springfield Pottery also continues its hands-on First Friday miniMake projects this month with Victorian Flower Cones.     

    And for parents who want to attend Art Walk but think they can’t afford child care, think again!  Family Art Night at the Downtown Y offers child care for ages 3 months to 12 years, 6:30-9 p.m. every First Friday for only $10 per child. Adults can enjoy Art Walk while the kids enjoy healthy activities and snacks, story time and a hands-on art project to take home. This month features dance performances by YMCA Arts Academy hip-hop and ballet students, and the art activity is foam bracelets. Call Kyla Bentley at (417) 862-8962, ext. 149 for more information or to preregister.

Full details of the April 3 Art Walk appear in the April Gallery Guide below.

April Gallery Guide

Bellwether Gallery of the Arts, 600 W. College St., presents Nature Awakening, featuring a quartet of artists in different media: Nature Photographer Debbie Blanchard, Art Quilter and Fiber Artist Judy Ferguson, Relief Printmaker Deby Gilley and Oil Painter Alyce Cox. (417) 831-1778 www.bellwetherarts.com Open 1-5 p.m. T-F; Noon- 3 p.m. Sat

Big Smile Photography, 207 Park Central East, features international award-winning wedding and portrait photographer Jeremy Lawson’s creative lifestyle wedding and portraiture work. Big Smile displays Jeremy’s one-of-a-kind portrait and wedding images from local events as well as events from around the world. (417) 527-2885 http://www.bigsmilestudios.com Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F and by appointment

Bodhi Salon and Spa, 431 S. Jefferson, Ste. 106, presents Artist Misty Ware.  “While my background is in advertising, I enjoy painting for emotional expression and personal development,” Ware says. “My connection to graphic design, typography, paper, and print material inevitably finds its way into my work.” (417) 864-4399 http://www.bodhisalonandspa.com Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. M-F; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat

The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway, presents the Central High School International Baccalaureate Examination Exhibition, featuring the work of students enrolled in Central’s IB art program, and performances by Central High’s orchestra, choir, theater and media departments. Exhibitors include Amy Briggs, Kalee Burgess, Joshua Campbell, Anna Jennings, Krystal Joiner, Bobor Jones, Vernon Meidlinger-Chin, Evan Melgren and Stephen Waldo. (417) 862-ARTS (2787) www.SpringfieldArts.org Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F; closed major holidays

DB Design Salon & Art Gallery, 326 S. Campbell, features four different shows in April: Organic Carved Functional Pottery by  Julia Schaefer, Photography and Stained Glass by Nathan Smith, Autos Revisited, featuring cars hand sculpted in clay by George Milne, and Jewelry by Jill LeGrand. DB also displays the work of in-house artists Tammy Kirks, John Ehlers, Katrina Stevens and Duane Bone. (417) 864-4343

Drury Pool Art Center Gallery, 940 N. Clay St., presents the Annual All Student Competitive Exhibition. (417) 873-7263 www.drury.edu/pacgallery Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M, T, W, F; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Th

Elite PhotoArt, 325 E. Walnut St., features Artist Dan McWilliams throughout April, while Lindsay Cooper will make her Springfield singing début at Elite during the April 3 Walk. Visitors can also view ongoing displays by Larry Daniel, Dwayne Hillme, Chris Short, Nancy Rose and Gallery owners Will and Lisa Roberts while indulging in hot Java Dave’s coffee,  snacks and each other’s company. Catering Creations will also be on site to serve barbecue samples while they last, so it’s “first come first serve.” (417) 569-3322 or (417) 234-7761 http://www.elitephotoart.com Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. T-F; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat or by appointment.

Fashioned By Jaye, 212 S. Campbell, presents Fine Art Prints by April Whitlow during the month of April. Fashioned By Jaye is a gallery and boutique featuring work by local artists and locally handmade jewelry, handbags, home decor and gift items. (417) 862-4100 www.fashionedbyjaye.com Open Noon-7 p.m. M-F; 2-7 p.m. Sat

Fitzwilly’s Gifts & Antiques, 308 South Ave., presents Through My Lens, a display of images by Springfield Historian and Photographer David J. Eslick. (417) 866-3696 Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat; First Friday hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fresh, a new gallery at the southwest corner of Campbell and Walnut, features Sculptor Bruce Burnaugh and Fiber Artist Carol Penprase in April. A membership gallery of juried local and regional artists, Fresh offers works by local artists including Dolores Bauer, Janice Brueggemann, Stephanie Cramer, Holly Elkins, Alicia Farris, Clarissa French, Mary Hamilton, Joy Hyde, Ann Meese, Jeanie Morris, Angel Nahon, Carol Penprase, Kevin Richardson, Peggy Thatch Sibley, Sandy Strother, Denene Taliaferro, Karla Breeding Trammell, Sharon Warren and Elaine Willig. (417) 862-ARTS (2787) Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. T-W; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Th-Sat

Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, presents The Art of James Crafford. A self-taught, award-winning artist, James has shown work in several local galleries, at art fairs and in public locations, and says he is “very lucky to do what burns in my heart.” (417) 863-7843 www.gillioz.org

Global Fayre, 324 S Campbell, presents Images of Africa: Art Quilts from Cher Piché. Cher was born in Southern Africa in a time of peace and prosperity, and grew up on a farm enjoying the natural beauty around her. She and her husband lived in Africa for 40 years and raised 3 children there before moving to the USA nine years ago to open a business. They have had ties with the Springfield area for 15 years, and are happily settled on a small acreage just outside of town. “I am inspired by God’s creation and love the scenery and animals of the world, which are embellished into my quilts,” Cher says. (417) 873-9792 www.globalfayre.com Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Sat or by appointment

Good Girl Art Gallery, 325 E. Walnut St., Ste. 101, presents Childhood in its Landscape, a juried art exhibit and silent auction that will raise funds for art scholarships for Springfield children. The silent auction continues through April 25. Proceeds of each sale are divided evenly between the artists and the fundraiser.  Nationally known photographer Julie Blackmon, who juried the show, is also donating a piece for the auction. (417) 865-7055 www.goodgirlartgallery.com Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. T-F; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat

Hawthorn Galleries Inc., 214 E. Walnut St., presents The Art of Perseverance, an exhibition of artwork by Minda Cox and Emily Frost. Born without arms or legs, 21-year-old Minda Cox has used her passion for art to overcome her disability. As a fellow artist and one of Cox’s teachers at Southwest Baptist University, Emily Frost has encouraged Cox to view art as an act of freedom. Both artists are stretching the boundaries of the artistic process and redefining what it means to be “disabled.” Meet the artists and enjoy live music by guitarist Dale Augustson at the opening reception during Art Walk. (417) 866-6688 www.myspace.com/hawthorngallery Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. T-F; 1-5 p.m. Sat

MSU Art & Design Gallery, 333 E. Walnut, presents Troubles in Paradise, featuring works by Vaughn Bell, Brian Collier, Lilian Cooper, Mallory Cremin, Tim Gaudreau, Isabelle Hayeur, Basia Irland, Josh Keyes. Embracing the notion of artist as researcher and community activist, these eight contemporary artists employ humor, wit, science, media and innovative thinking to address various issues pertaining to environmental sustainability, exploiting a diverse range of expression on behalf of our planet. (417) 829-5092 www.art.missouristate.edu/gallery.php Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. T-Th; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. F; Noon-6 p.m. Sat, closed Sunday, Monday and university holidays

MSU Student Exhibition Center, 838 E. Walnut St., presents the MSU art and design department’s All-Area Design Exhibition.. (417) 836-6999 www.sec.missouristate.edu Open 1-5 p.m. T-Sat, closed major holidays

Nonna’s Italian American Café, 306 South Ave., presents Artist D. J. Ball in April. D.J., a Nonna’s employee, is also a painter. His show in April features landscapes in acrylic. (417) 831-1222 www.nonnascafe.com

Obelisk Home, 214 W. Phelps, presents Jane Troup. Jane has a distinctive style that makes her works instantly identifiable. “I look at the world and find so much to be excited and curious about. So I observe and try to understand whatever it is. I want to breathe it in, see it from all angles,” she says. “I crave getting in close to my subjects and really seeing them. Only then can I tell the story. I am so lucky to have work that encourages me to focus on the most intriguing and beautiful ideas.” (417) 616-6488 www.obeliskhome.com

OTC Fine Art Gallery, 325 Park Central East, Third Floor, features Exotic Fruit Evolution, works by Columbian-born artist Zoyla Maria Donney. An artist, graphic designer, journalist and teacher, Donney brings exuberance and a Hispanic cultural subtext to her brilliant images of fruit, which she describes as “full of intense color, glow, texture and flavor.” (417) 447-8873 Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Th; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. F; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on First Fridays

Park Central Square Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, presents First Friday On Stage at 7 p.m. with St. Mark’s Square, a classical string quartet featuring Michael Murray, Allison Steiner, Kirsten Weiss and Aleksis Zarins. (417) 831-1342 www.myspace.com/parkcentrallibrary Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. M-Th; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. F-Sat

Randy Bacon Photography and Figment Art Gallery in the Monarch Art Factory, 600 W. College St., present Recent Paintings by Sharon Harper. A professor of art and design at MSU, Harper has been painting for more than 20 years. She depicts images of subjects that reflect the human condition through her personal experiences with love, loss, prejudice, emotional intimidation and self-acceptance. “I recently became increasingly conscious of my aging process and how my body and thoughts are changing,” Harper says. “My paintings begin to reflect this process with the inclusion of layers of translucent or transparent material, paint, or images where one image is intertwined and dependent on another. This process allows for the multiple thoughts or feelings to be synchronous and affect one another, allowing ephemeral thoughts to read simultaneously.” For more information, call (417) 868-8179. www.randybacon.com http://www.gallerysounds.net Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. T-F; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat

Six23 Gallery, 623 W. Walnut, presents a trio of artists during the April 3 Art Walk. Paintbombs by Dean Groover is a collaborative effort between photographer Groover and Los Angeles artist Parris Patton that combines painting, performance, and photography to arrive at high impact, colorful images. Visit www.art4miles.com for more information. Six23 also features artists Locke Hilderbrand and  Francois LaRiviere in April.

Springfield Hot Glass Studio, 314 S. Campbell Ave., features An Easter Celebration. See glass eggs, chickens and baby ducks expertly crafted live demonstrations by the studio’s hot glass artisans. (417) 868-8181 www.springfieldhotglass.com Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Th; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. F-Sat

Springfield Pottery, 416 S. Campbell Ave., presents To Awaken from a Deep Sleep: New Work by Chen, Fang-Yi, through April 10. Fang-Yi, a visiting artist at MSU from Tainan National College of the Arts in Taiwan, will also conduct a workshop 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4. She will give a demonstration and slide talk on functional pottery, sculptural porcelain and decorative slip techniques. The workshop is $35 and space is limited; call 864-4677 to preregister. Also, Springfield Pottery will continue its First Friday Art Walk miniMakes. For a small fee of $10, you will be guided through the MiniMake project of the month, and we will have it fired and ready for you in 14 days. The April MiniMake is Victorian Flower Cones. (417) 864-4677 http://www.springfieldpottery.com Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. T-Sat

Storefront Studios, 319 N. Main St., features the work of more than a dozen local artists in oils, watercolors, acrylics, photography, art cloths, wood carvings and more. Enjoy a hot cup of chai while you view the works of participating artists Alexander Jones, Gina L. Pulis, Candace Fruge, Carol Lee Marshall, Joan Gentry, Victor Edwin Humphrey, Joey Borovicka and Lorraine Taylor. (417) 862-ARTS (2787)

Susan Sommer-Luarca Fine Art Gallery and Frame Shoppe, 221 Park Central South, exhibits a large body of Susan’s work in originals and fine giclee, museum prints. Susan is an internationally known and widely acclaimed artist with the honor of being Official Artist for the U.S. Olympic Team, Beijing. Official Triple Crown Horse Racing Artist and Artist for the 2008 Super Bowl, Susan also paints LIVE at many nationally televised events. (417) 866-4ART (4278) www.sslworldwide.com