Each week, arts writer Meredith Moss shares news about the people and events making arts news in our region.
If you have news to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com Please include a daytime phone number and a photo when available.
Two actors with Miami Valley connections will be among the 2016 honorees on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Allison Janney and Rob Lowe are being honored in the television category and will receive stars on the famous celebrity path.
Janney, who grew up in Oakwood and attended The Miami Valley School, stars as a recovering alcoholic on the sitcom “Mom” and is also well known for her role of C.J. Cregg on “The West Wing.” She had a recurring role on “Masters of Sex,” is a five-time Prime-time Emmy Award winner for her television work, and is a past Tony Award nominee. Her film credits include “American Beauty,” “Juno” and “Finding Nemo.”
“Inexplicably, Allison Janney also hasn’t had a star until now but the omnipresent goddess will finally get a slab of sidewalk to call her own in 201,” wrote AVClub.com
Lowe, who starred on TV programs including “The West Wing,” “Brothers and Sisters” and “Parks and Recreation,” attended Oakwood Junior High School. He is also well-known for movie roles including “The Outsiders,” “About Last Night,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Wayne’s World” and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” He’s currently appearing in a series of DirecTV commercials.
Among the others being honored next year: Steve Carell, Michael Keaton, Kurt Russell, Quentin Tarantino and Ashley Judd. “Mama” Cass Elliot will receive a posthumous star.
Sheen on Google Play
Native Daytonian Martin Sheen is a featured voice on “All Creatures Big and Small,” a new animated feature on Google Play. The adventure, which also features the voice of Amy Grant, re-imagines the story of Noah’s Ark.
The July 1 release coincides with the launch of Google Play’s new family-friendly discovery experience designed to help parents find apps, games, movies and TV shows and books that are appropriate for their kids.
Author’s husband to visit Books & Co.
Just nine months after her first book was published to critical acclaim, Carol Wall died from complications of breast cancer. “Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening,” published by Berkley, was named one of the top 10 books of 2014 by USA Today and one of the best books of 2014 by AARP.
In accordance with her wishes, her husband and children have carried the message of Carol’s book, speaking to readers and groups across the country. Dick Wall will speak at Books & Co at The Greene in Beavercreek at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.
The story revolves around the relationship between a woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis and the gentleman who becomes her gardener and friend. According to the publisher, “he teaches her not to let illness define her, and she receives a new concept of freedom.”
Pyramid Hill extends hours
If you’ve been meaning to visit a Hamilton treasure — Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum — this is the perfect time of year to go.
The 300-plus-acre outdoor museum features over 60 pieces of sculpture in natural settings as well as an indoor ancient sculpture museum that focuses on Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Etruscan pieces.
Weekday hours at the park have just been extended and it’s is now open until 7 p.m. each weekday evening. Director of Park Operations Shaun Higgins said members have been asking for longer hours so they could enjoy the park after work. The park is pet-friendly and ideal for leashed dog walks.
Weekend hours remain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Ancient Sculpture Museum will continue to be open daily from 12 to 5 p.m. Pyramid Hill is located at 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton. For information: www.pyramidhill.org.
African-American quilt exhibit is now a book
The wonderful exhibit, “And Still We Rise” is now a beautifully illustrated art book. Many of those in our area were fortunate enough to see the show at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The author is Carolyn L. Mazloomi of West Chester, who also curated the exhibit. One of the foremost historians of African-American quilts, she is the recipient of the 2014 Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award, the highest honor our nation bestows upon its folk and traditional artists.
The 208-page book, published by Schiffer Publishing, traces the path of black history in the United States with 97 original works from quilt artists around the world that explore important events, places, people, and ideas over a 400-year period, arranged in chronological order.
Among the quilts included is a one by Carole Gary Staples of West Chester entitled “A Letter from Phillis.” Her quilt was inspired by the image of poet Phillis Wheatley writing at her desk. There’s a quilt by Cynthia Lockhart of Cincinnati that honors Levi Coffin, president of the Underground Railroad, a quilt by Charlotte Hunter of Cincinnati entitled “Smarter Than A Fifth Grader,” honoring Garrett Augustus Morgan, an inventor known as the “Black Edison,” who patented a belt fastener and zigzag attachment for sewing machines as well as a safety helmet and gas mask for service members and firefighters.
Other area quilters represented are Cleota Proctor Wibekin of Cincinnati, who designed “The Unbalanced Scales of Justice” quilt, the logo of the National Association of Bench and Bar Spouses and Mazloomi, who created “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” which commemorates the 1965 Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in March, 1965.
In addition to the full-page color photographs of each quilt, the book contains information about the history each represents. It sells for $34.99.
Israeli duo to sing at Cinci’s Washington Park
The well-known Jewish Israeli artist known as Noa (Achinoam Nini) will perform with her long-time collaborator — renowned Arab-Israeli singer, composer and actor, Mira Awad — at 6 p.m. this evening at Cincinnati’s Washington Park.
Noa, who has performed with superstars such as Sting, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, dedicates much of her time to promoting peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Awad, who has performed with opera star Andrea Bocelli and Bobby McFerrin, has appeared in many films and TV shows, including the Israeli version of “Dancing with the Stars.” She has been an outspoken activist for women’s rights, environmental awareness and equal citizenship for Arabs living in Israel.
In 2009 the two singers represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest, singing their original song “There Must Be Another Way.” They co-wrote the duet in Hebrew, Arabic and English as a call for hope, understanding and respect for our common humanity.
Their Washington Park performance will be the third installment in the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, JCRC and JCC Israelity series.The park is located in downtown Cincinnati, near Music Hall.
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