Photo by Evelyn Cairns
Wyandotte Councilman James R. DeSana (third from left) congratulates Doni Moxlow-Harris (right) for winning the Best of Show Award for her pictured entry, “Large Gourd and Cinnamon Sticks,” in the Fall Festival of the Arts competition. Also shown are Sandra S. Difazio (left) and Margaret Arnott, who received third and second places, respectively, for their works. Difazio also captured the Artists’ Choice Award. The festival, which opened Oct. 4 with a reception and awards ceremony, will continue through October at the James R. DeSana Arts & Cultural Center, formerly the Wyandotte Arts Center.
By Evelyn Cairns
More than 200 art aficionados gathered Oct. 4 for a reception kicking off the Ninth Annual Fall Festival of the Arts and honoring winners of the a juried fine art competition.
A cooperative effort of the Downriver Arts & Crafts Guild, Art Ambience and the Acanthus Art So-ciety, the event was held at a new venue, the James R. DeSana Arts & Cultural Center, formerly the Wyandotte Arts Center.
The center, home of the Downriver Council for the Arts, was recently renamed in honor of DeSana, a former mayor of Wyandotte and current councilman, who was a speaker at the reception.
Doni Moxlow-Harris captured the first prize of $300 in the art competition for her entry “Large Gourd and Cinnamon Sticks;” Margaret Arnott, second place and $200 for “Reunion;” and Sandra S. Difazio, third and $100, for “Garden Retreat.” Difazio also won the coveted Artists’ Choice Award of $100.
Honorable-mention awards went to Rebecca Arendt, David Grose, Nancy Knapp, Vivian Longfel-low, William Morreau and Jean Peacock.
The festival will continue thorough October with the exhibit of the more than 100 entries in the show and the sale of handcrafted items in the organizations’ holiday boutique.
Marilyn Bomarito and Betty Hajkus were co-chairman of the festival. Members of the AKT theatre chorus provided entertainment at the reception, which offered refreshments and drawings for 10 gift baskets.
Public-relations chairman Maureen Keast said the festival committee was pleased with the event’s success at the new venue, which highlighted the DCA’s support of Downriver communities.
Actress to talk about career
Well-remembered for the role of Jenna she originated on the television series “Dallas” and for the parts she played in many other series, including “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Kojack,” actress Morgan Fairchild will speak about her career Oct. 18 at the first lecture in the annual Downriver Town Hall Series.
Additional speakers in the series will be Rochelle Pennington, author and newspaper columnist, Nov. 8; Martha Raddatz, foreign-affairs correspondent, Jan. 10; JoEllan Dimitrius, jury consultant; Feb. 14; and comedian Jeanne Robertson, March 14.
The programs are scheduled for 11 a. m. at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Information about tickets for the series of five lectures ($52.50) and lunch-eons with the speakers is available by calling 734-783-9224.
Dementia is meeting topic
“Planning for the Future of Your Loved One with Dementia” will be the topic of a program slated for 4:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 by the Taylor-based Information Center.
The program will take place at Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road, Taylor. Speakers will be Carol Waarala of the Odyssey Hospice, and Roxanne J. Chang, eldercare attorney and limited licensed psychologist.
There is no charge for the program. For more information, or to register for attendance, call Erica Hartman at 734-287-7858.
‘Mary Poppins’ visit scheduled
The irresistible “Mary Poppins” will return to Detroit for performances Oct. 23 through 28 at the Fisher Theatre.
The musical, based on the Walt Disney film, is the winner of 44 major theater awards.
Tickets, starting at $34, including parking, are available at all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com. For more information, call 313-872-1000.
Coming up . . .
Oct. 28 — Southern Great Lakes Symphony Hometown Hero concert featuring Ramon Wodkowski of London, England, formerly of Trenton, as clarinet soloist; 3 p.m. at the Flat Rock Community Audito-rium; for ticket prices or more information, call 734-246-2890 or go to www.sgls.org.