Artifacts 4/23

University shows off seniors' artwork

Southeast Missouri State University's senior art exhibit, titled "La Fiesta," opens today with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. The exhibit continues until May 16 in the University's Museum Gallery.

Celebrating the art of words at Wordsfair

The third annual Wordsfair: A Celebration of the Arts comes to Cape Girardeau from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday on the steps of Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library. This is a free event open to the public and will feature author Michael Martone, who will be signing copies of his books, and a musical performance by Dr. Dale Haskell, a musician and Southeast English professor. There will also be additional music performances and poetry readings.

Irish festival features food, Celtic Fair

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Irish festival that began Thursday in Carbondale, continues today, Saturday and Sunday. From 5 to 7 p.m. today there will be a "Picnic in the Park," where Irish foods will be available for purchase. Saturday, the Celtic Fair will bring Irish foods, merchandise, music, dance, art and sports to Turley Park from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fair performers include dancers from the St. Louis Irish Arts, music from Isla, The Dorians and, from Scotland, The Old Blind Dogs. A parade will be held at noon, and there will also be an Irish Children's Village. From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday there will be sports and Highland Games demonstrations at Bleyer Field. For more information, go to www.siu.edu/~irish or call (618) 453-3478.

Pieces of the past at Anna, Ill., quilt show

ANNA, Ill. -- Anna's PAST, Preserving Appreciation of Structural Treasures of Union County, is sponsoring the second annual Quilt Show and Table Settings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Historical table settings will be on display in the Fellowship Hall at the United Methodist Church at 111 W. Monroe St. in Anna. The quilt and historical displays will be in the church narthex. Proceeds from the entry donation go to PAST restoration projects.

Chamber music series ends first season Sunday

The "Sundays at Three" chamber music series will close its first season with a performance at 3 p.m. Sunday at Old St. Vincent's Church. The first part of the program will feature the Southeast String Quartet and the string section leaders of the Southeast Symphony Orchestra. During the second half of the performance, Cantus Choralis, Southeast's chamber choral group, will perform Benjamin Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb." Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Box Office in Forrest H. Rose Theatre or by calling 651-2265.

Arts council accepting entries for juried exhibition

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri is accepting entries for the "Girardot National Juries Exhibition." It is open to artists 18 and older, and all artwork must be original. Slides must be received by May 10. Art selected will be shown at the Arts Council's gallery at 32 N. Main St. from July 2 to 31. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Best of Show winner and other categories. For more information, contact the Arts Council at 334-9233.

Percussion ensemble performance

The Southeast Missouri State University Percussion Ensemble will perform an Irish-influenced performance at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Rose Theater. The concert will feature vocals, dance and harp playing, and the ensemble will play original compositions by students as well as old favorites. Southeast freshman and Irish harp champion Joanna Rhodes is a featured performer, and the group Voce Festival also is performing. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Box Office in Forrest H. Rose Theatre or by calling 651-2265.

Band to perform final concert of the season

This final concert by the Southeast Missouri State University concert band will be at 8 p.m. Thursday at Forrest H. Rose Theatre. Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Box Office in Rose Theatre or by calling 651-2265.

-- From staff reports