Public art, Messy Morning highlight busy weekend

Cape Girardeau's Broadway gained seven sculptures this week, part of continuing efforts to revitalize downtown Cape Girardeau.

The public art comes from seven individuals: Ben Pierce, of Cape Girardeau; Chris Wubbena, of Jackson; Andy Arvanetes, of Chicago; Mike Baur, of West Chicago, Ill.; Beth Nybeck, of Kansas City, Mo.; Dan Perry, of Waterloo, Iowa; and Stephanie Sailer, of Swisher, Iowa.

A public reception will be held at 6 tonight at the Vasterling Suites Courtyard, at the corner of Broadway and Fountain Street. The artwork will officially be unveiled at this point and be on location for a year.

Tonight is also a First Friday celebration at The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. A story in Tuesday's edition said the gallery will be dedicated to Herb Wickham. Wickham was a charter member of the Visual Arts Cooperative. He and his wife of 50-plus years, Nancy, both recently died. The reception will be held from 5 to 9 p.m.

Another downtown Cape Girardeau event tonight is the 5th Annual Birdhouse Bash. The event helps keep the not-for-profit organization in operation. The fundraiser will be from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The theme will be an elegant garden party gala.

Children will enjoy plenty of fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Messy Morning held at the Show Me Center. About 3,000 children and family members are expected. If you want to get a sneak peek at what this event is about, check out the story in Wednesday's newspaper or view photo galleries at semissourian.com. The joy on these children's faces is heartwarming.

To read about other upcoming events, visit semoevents.com or check out Page 2 of today's Southeast Missourian.