Read It and Weep—If you're one of the three or four people left in Albuquerque who haven't read Rudolfo Anaya's classic tale Bless Me, Ultíma, then Albuquerque Readfest is about to present you with a golden opportunity. Actually, if you have already read it, do yourself a favor and read it again. Anaya's novel is featured as the next selection in the city's innovative experiment in communal reading. Here's how it works.
You pick up a copy of the book at the library or a local bookstore, and you read it. Then you participate in a bunch of discussions about the book with others in your community who have read the book.
Reading can be an isolated activity, but it doesn't have to be. Sites and times for discussions are listed at abqreadfest.com. To enhance the experience even further, plan on attending events with Mr. Anaya himself at Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande NW, 344-8139) on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. and the Taylor Ranch Library (5700 Bogart NW, 897-8816) on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2:30 p.m.
Culture Shock
The Gift of Art—Yale Art Center seeks work from local artists for a special exhibit running throughout the month of November. The idea is to present art that's relatively inexpensive, priced at a maximum of $100 but preferably in the range of $10 to $60. They're looking for jewelry, ceramics, prints, paintings, drawings, clothing and similar media. Two-dimensional work must be unframed and no larger than three by three feet. Deadline is Sept. 30. For details, call 242-1669.
Culture Shock
Let’s Get Theatrical — Trying to find culture in Rio Rancho is something like trying to find hummingbirds in Antarctica — tough, to say the least. That will change to some extent with the opening of a planned community theater. If you want to get in on the action, attend a planned organizational meeting in Room 205 at Rio Rancho City Hall (3900 Southern Boulevard) on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. The organizers will be selecting a board of directors and discussing plans for their inaugural musical production in 2006. Whether you want to work on or behind the stage, they’re looking for good, reliable, talented people. For details, call 892-6111 or e-mail ACTOR@cableone.net.
Culture Shock
Sell It Out ch'Yonda—Your friends over at Out ch'Yonda (929 Fourth Street SW) will be hosting a flea market, clothing swap and potluck this Friday, Sept. 23, starting at 7:15 p.m. There's no charge to participate in El Mercado Negro Loco, but your hosts do request that vendors donate 10 percent of their earnings to Out ch'Yonda. To reserve a booth, call 385-5634.
