ARTS Encounters with the Benini's - 4/29-30

ARTS Encounters at The Benini Foundation Galleries & Sculpture Ranch is a fun & unique artsy-thing to do, and happens on a monthly basis! All events are free of charge and EVERYONE's welcome!

ARTS Encounters Hours: Saturday, April 29th, the event runs from 10AM - 6PM, while on Sunday, April 30th, the event runs from 1PM - 6PM.
Speakers are at 1:30PM and 3:30PM promptly.

This month's featured artists are:

* Bryan Massey, Sculptor from Arkansas: Massey, who currently teaches at the University of Central Arkansas, will install a large piece on the Sculpture Ranch and discuss his career work in steel and bronze.

* Stephen Sumrall-Orsak, Painter from Texas: Sumrall-Orsak, who currently attends Montessori County School in Houston, at age seven, is the youngest featured speaker at the ARTS Encounter series.

* Greg Thompson, Fine Arts Consultant from Arkansas: Thompson will discuss his role as president of a fine arts consulting firm that places artwork in corporations, universities, & in private collections.

* John Arthur Martinez, Texas Songwriter: Martinez will sing some of the same songs that propelled him to the runner-up position at the Nashville Star competition awards.

* Peter Barbour of Texas: Reading & Booksigning from his new novel, Around the Horn!

Afterwards, The Silver K Cafe in Johnson City will host the ARTS Encounters Dinner Buffet beginning at 7PM. For more information, please call (830) 868-5244.

10th Annual Hill Country Motorcycle Run

The Fredericksburg Optimist Club is having their 10th annual Hill Country Motorcycle Run. There is a $40 registration fee and the event gets underway at Fredericksburg's Lady Bird Johnson Park. Call (830) 997-6982 for more information.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast - 4/30 7-11 am

This is an all-you-can-eat style pancake and sausage breakfast, served with coffee and juice. Proceeds benefit various special causes. At the St. Mary's School Cafeteria, on the Corner of Orange & San Antonio Streets in Fredericksburg, Texas. call (830) 992-9329 for more information. Pass the syrup, please.

DFWVROC Hill Country Ride - April 27 - 30

DFW Vulcan and Owners Club is proud to sponsor one of the fastest growing rides in Texas - all bikes are welcome, so come and join the excitement of riding in the Texas Hill Country and Fredericksburg, Texas. Call (682) 472-5157.

Fbg. Archery Club 3-D Shoots 2006, April 23

Call (830) 997-9457 OR 456-1413 for information.

David Asbury Concerti Guitarist - April 23 3 pm

Enjoy live music from David Asbury - Concerti Guitarist at United Methodist Church, 1800 N. Llano Street, in Fredericksburg, Texas. Free will donation. Call (830) 997-5413 for more information.

"Texas Meets Tuscany" Travel Event - April 21-22

Darlene Marwitz, author of Italy Fever, is presenting a celebration of the art, cooking and architecture of Italy at Villa Texas, 234 West Main, Friday and Saturday April 21 & 22.

Friday April 21 (4:30 to 6:30) Slides of Italy • Resource Displays
Special “Tuscany Orientation” at 5:30 presented by Harold D. Partain, CTC, Italian travel specialist with McCabe Travel Group and Board of Directors Member of the International Culinary Tourism Association

Saturday April 22 (9:30 to 11:30 and 3:00 to 5:30) Program Overviews • Slides of Italy • Resource Displays

Harold D. Partain and Darlene Marwitz (author of ITALY FEVER: 14 Ways to Satisfy Your Love Affair with Italy) will offer Brief Presentations and Ongoing Dialogue with an emphasis on the culinary arts and architecture of Tuscany and Italy.

Call 830-997-1068 for more information

Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trails - March 20 to May 31

Even though there hasn't been much rain, there are a few wildflowers out and about. Every year, the towns in the Texas Hill Country join together to share information on the best drives and call it the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail.

The bluebonnets are going to seed now but evening primroses and Engelmann’s daisies are doing well. Call (866) 839-3378 or (800) 452-9292 for information.

Harry & The High Tones - April 23rd - 6:30 - 8 pm

The first of the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance free summer concerts is presented as a "Thank-you" to the volunteers of the community for its support. All concerts are held downtown at Marktplatz in Fredericksburg, Texas. Bring your friends, your lawn chairs, and some snacks!

10th Annual Scholarship Fest

The annual Scholarship Fest features a golf tournament, team cook-offs with samples, appetizers, dinner, entertainment and a drawing for thousands of dollars worth of prizes donated by individual, local, and area merchants. Proceeds raised from the event go toward the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association's Scholarship Fund benefiting youth in Gillespie county. To date, $180,000 in scholarships have been awarded. The Scholarship Fest is held at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Hwy. 16 South, Fredericksburg, Texas. Call (830) 997-2359 for more information.

Cadidate's Forum - 4/19 - 7:30 pm

The Leadership Gillespie County Alumni have scheduled a candidates’ forum on Wednesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg, Texas Middle School Cafeteria at 110 West Travis. Candidates for mayor of Fredericksburg and the Fredericksburg Independent School District Board of Trustees will be in attendance. This event is open to the public.

Whistle Pik Galleries Annual Texas Review

An annual event at Whistle Pik Galleries, 425 East Main in Fredericksburg, Texas, featuring a collection of new works from nationally acclaimed and award-winning Texas artists. Friday, April 21, 2006 thru Saturday, May 06, 2006. Call (830) 990-8151 for more information.

Annual Spring Herb Fest at Fredericksburg Herb Farm

Fredericksburg Herb Farm's annual spring herb fest features music, herb gardening, organic gardening, holistic herbs, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and vendors. No admission.

Hours are Friday evening, Saturday 9:30AM - 9PM, & Sunday 10AM - 5PM.

Sorry for the lack of updates

Things have been a little wacky the last few months. And while things haven't gotten any calmer, I have resolved to resume keeping you informed about what's going on in Fredericksburg, Texas