Candace Nicol delivered a masterpiece to Artown on Tuesday—the final, original artwork that will form the foundation for the festival’s 2009 event.  This multi-layered and textured piece is comprised of brilliant colors and vivid images. There’s more to come from Candace, including workshops where aspiring artists can learn from her how to make compositions that are truly unique. 

Candace Nicol, a local artist, has been selected to create the Artown poster for the 2009 festival.  We’re very excited about this years artist.  She works in a variety of styles and the format selected for the Artown poster is printmaking.  She brought forward nine concepts to Artown and they are all wonderful.  Artown now wants your feedback on which ones you like and why. Below are the concepts for you to view.  We look forward to seeing your comments. 

Candace is currently creating the final work for the poster.   In all 14 years of Artown, we have been fortunate to find something different and unique about each year’s artist’s style.  Candace’s work is no exception.  The images that you see are vibrant and include many symbols representing the arts and Artown.  The originals of these images are even more interesting when you see them in person. They are multi-layered and textured due to the printmaking process.  We are currently working to find an exhibit space for Candace’s Artown series during the month of July.   The original works are definately worth viewing.  We are delighted and excited to see the finished product!

Artown presents Grammy Award-winning South African vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo March 15 hosted by Grand Sierra Resort.  Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed internationally for nearly 30 years, recording 40 albums and performing alongside musical giants including Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban and Paul Simon.  Their harmonized traditional Zulu music, born in the mines of South Africa, is called Isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Me-Ya), and was highlighted on Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland,” attracting the group a world of new fans.  Just one year later they earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for their premiere U.S. release, “Shaka Zulu.” Considered South Africa’s cultural emissaries, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has performed at notable events including two Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, the 1996 Summer Olympics and Queen Elizabeth II’s “Party at the Palace” 50^th Anniversary bash. Their collaborations include work in film, television and theater as well.

Ladysmith Montage:

Performance w/ Paul Simon: