The Gee's Bend Quilts display at The Berman Museum has attracted about two thousand people in the area. Still more will see the show through January 2. Those that view it take pride in what these Southern women have done ; these crafts ladies, in turn, take pride in their quilts and their community. But the excitement doesn't end at The Berman. The Fiber Art Show this month at Jacksonville State University opens our eyes to the handiwork talent we have in our community and what can be done in the future.

Dr. Patricia Corbin of Jacksonville State University, with sponsorship by JSU's Continuing Office of Education, has planned the Fiber Art Show for November 5-9 at Leone Cole Auditorium. Free to the public, it features quilting, knitting, crochet, needlework and other fiber art made by past and present residents of Calhoun County and surrounding counties.

Dr. Corbin is an avid quilter herself. She has been quilting for five years and favors the more contemporary, geometric style of quilting but the musician appreciates all types of quilting, she says. The craft is actively done around here with groups such as the Friendship Quilters Guild which held a show in Pell City in October. Also, groups have been gathering at Church of the Good Shepherd, Presbyterian in Anniston once a week.

The fiber art show presents a sprinkling of different styles and tastes in needlecraft. Dr. Corbin believes these talents should be showcased.

"Many people, like me, do these arts in private for family and friends, or just for the sheer joy and satisfaction that it brings to everyday life," she said.. This show is to share these gifts with the community at large."

Ann Spicer, a program planner for Leisure Learning in the Office of Continuing Education is pleased to be involved in a program that highlights local artwork. . "It's a perfect partner for our Lost Art Series," she said. "We hope seeing the handiwork will inspire others to discover their own artistic talents and check out our Lost Arts Series to help them achieve their goals."

The show's hours are Thursday November 5, Opening Reception, 7 — 9 pm; Friday, November 6, 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday, November 7, 1- am to 5 pm; and Sunday November 8 1-5 pm.

The program offers further incentives: there will be free mini crafting classes and demonstrations several times during the show including introductions to knitting, crocheting and "Making a Lanyard Keychain" Classes are geared for children through adult ages and space is available on a first=come, first-served basis. Those interested in learning to knit or crochet should bring their own crocket hook, knitting needles and/or yarn. For more information, call the Office of Continuing Education at 256-782-5918

The Nutcracker A program that previews The Nutcracker, the annual ballet presented in Anniston, will be from 4 to 6 pm. November 19 in the gym of First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Regular attendees have seen the program at the Jacksonville Public Library and librarians at the library will direct them to the church location. Dancers Rachael Hulsey and Jessica Weeks, JSU students and teachers will give demonstrations of movements and steps in the ballet. Also, readings will help the children get the feel of Tchaikovsky's famous 1892 classic. Refreshments will be served and two tickets to the ballet are given away as prizes.

Each year the program attracts large participation, according to Kimberly Westbrooks, Children's Librarian. at the Jacksonville Public Library. From all accounts the children attending become ballerinas in their own way as they learn from the dancers. "The children are adorable, so excited, and it's great, just great, to see them get involved," said Karen Silvers, Knox volunteer. The public is invited The Nutcracker will be offered by the Knox Concert Series December 6 at the Anniston High School Auditorium. The school day matinee is December 7.

With just weeks to go before the curtain opens, ladies On the Nutcracker committee from Jacksonville are going to be very busy. They are Robbie Medders, LuAnn Billings, and Vickie Crider.

Jacksonville actors in Southern Hospitality

Two Jacksonville actors are in the cast for Theatre of Gadsden's Southern Hospitality, a southern comedy by the writers of Dearly Departed and Dearly Beloved. In the production November 12, 13, 14 and 15 are Robin Bauer as "Ms. Davidson" and Erin Mahaffey as "Gina Jo". Also, Tim Doyle of Anniston plays Raymond Chissum and Debbie Tyson of Oxford is Honey Raye. The play is a sequel to Christmas Belles which was offered by this theater in December of 2008. The play will be given at Elliot Community Center on US Hwy 431 in Alabama City. Tickets are available at the door or online at toglive.com.