By Evelyn Cairns
An opening reception for an exhibit of works by Denise Cassidy of Plymouth, formerly of Wyandotte, will be hosted by the Downriver Council for the Arts from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26 in the Lower Level Gallery of the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut.
Cassidy, who paints in acrylics on canvas, is known for her bold compositions of flowers in brilliant colors.
“For me, flowers have always induced feelings of joy, peace and warmth,” she says, “These feelings are what I try to convey in my paintings.
“In painting these flowers, I feel as though I have bloomed internally as a person, a mother, a friend and an artist.”
Cassidy also has created a collection of greeting/note cards featuring vibrantly colored flowers.
The exhibit opened Aug. 3 and will continue through Aug. 31.
Arts du Jour is coming up
Ten organizations will benefit from Arts du Jour, the charity preview for the 14th annual Ford Arts, Beats and Eats.
The preview will be held in downtown Royal Oak Aug. 25 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, which will be transformed into a 10,000-square-foot performing arts and partying venue.
The event will feature the food specialties of 50 metro Detroit restaurants, art exhibits, live bands, disc jockeys, acrobats, illusionists and other performing artists.
A strolling dinner will be served from 6 to 9 p.m., with entertainment continuing until 11 p.m.
Upscale summer attire is suggested. Tickets, $75, include three cocktail vouchers. A cash bar also will be available. Email [email protected] to order tickets and designate the charity of your choice. Among the charities are The Arthritis Foundation, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners and the Rainbow Connection. For more information, call (866) 234-6097.
Golden year to be marked
The Fisher Theatre will celebrate its 50th anniversary with six exceptional shows highlighting the 2011-12 Broadway in Detroit subscription season.
The season will start Sept. 13 with “Come Fly Away,” featuring the music of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Tony Award-winner Twyla Sharp.
Other plays are “A Christmas Story, the Musical,” November; “Million Dollar Quartet,” January/February; “Shrek the Musical,” March; “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” April; and “Blue Man Group,” May.
In addition to the subscription plays, the anniversary will be celebrated with performances of “Wicked,” in December; “Green Day’s American Idiot,” January; and “Rock of Ages,” February.
For additional information about subscription or individual ticket prices, call (313) 872-1000, Ext. O, or go to www.BroadwayInDetroit.com.
Places to Go . . .
Through Sept. 5 — “Discovering the Civil War”; displays, documents, a film of Battle of Gettysburg veterans and more commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War; at the Henry Ford Museum; admission is $15, adults; $14, seniors; and $11, youths; children 4 and under are free; for more information, call 313-982-6001 or go to www.thehenryford.org.
Sept. 12 — “Bubbles & Beauty,” spa and cosmetics event, a benefit for the Women’s Council of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; 6 p.m. at Neiman Marcus; tickets are $50; for reservations or more information, call (313) 576-5154 by Aug. 31.
Sept. 15 — Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Steak Roast; 5 to 8 p.m. at the Woodhaven Recreation Center, 23101 Hall; tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door; for more information, call (734) 284-6000 or go to www.swcrc.com.
Sept. 16 — Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Harvest Moon Ball, a benefit for the hospital’s Center for Surgery; 6:30 p.m. at The Henry (formerly The Ritz-Carlton); tickets are $175 to $750 ($750 tickets, for couples, include an overnight stay at the Henry); the ticket deadline is Sept. 2; for additional information, call Kim Striech at (734) 246-9639 or email [email protected].