Artifacts 1/16/15

Poetry Out Loud contest is Saturday

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri will host the annual Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library, 711 N. Clark Ave. The event, part of the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest, will determine who attends the statewide competition representing Southeast Missouri. To learn more about the competition, go to capearts.org/Poetry%20Out%20Loud.aspx.

Southeast will host extravaganza

The Southeast Missouri State University Department of Theatre and Dance's Extravaganza, slated for Jan. 29 in the atrium of the River Campus, will offer the public a chance to rub elbows with the cast of the university's upcoming musical, "The King and I." The extravaganza will begin with a 5:30 p.m. social, followed by a dinner at 5:45 p.m., and musical performances at 6:30 p.m. Funds raised at the extravaganza will benefit this fall's Senior Showcase. Tickets are $50 per person and are available in the theater and dance department or by calling 651-2149. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Jan. 23. For more information, contact Angie Wilson, director of development with the Southeast Missouri Foundation, at awilson@semo.edu or 576-8877.

Make valentines at Saturday Social

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, 32 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau will hold a printmaking workshop with a Valentine's Day theme from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 7. Participants will create one-of-a-kind greeting cards and valentines. The workshop will be hosted in conjunction with the 15th annual Children's Arts Festival, on display at the Arts Council from Feb. 6 to 28. Printmaking demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and noon, with 12 people participating in each session. All ages may attend, but parental supervision is required for children under 12. To reserve a spot at the workshop, call the Arts Council at 334-9233. Materials will be supplied by the council, but there is a $5 fee to participate.

Book-signing set at Cape Barnes & Noble

Ron Spears, a retired Marine and a new novelist, has scheduled a book-signing at the Cape Girardeau Barnes & Noble at 1 p.m. Jan. 24. His novel, "Armor of Glass," is set in St. Charles, Missouri, and is based on a true story. Spears is a resident of Louisiana, Missouri, and has a daughter living in Cape Girardeau.

-- From staff reports