What to Do This Weekend In and Around the Creek

Editor’s Pick: “Inspiring Impressionism”
High Museum exhibit ends this weekend

“Inspiring Impressionism” at the High Museum of Art explores the links between Impressionists and the Old Masters – the historical European legends that came before them. The collection includes work from Manet, Monet, Degas, Bazille, Cassatt, and Cezanne alongside the older works of Raphael, El Greco, Rubens, Velazquez and more.

The more familiar Impressionist artists burst onto the art scene in Paris in 1874. It’s hard to believe now, but during that period, they were considered renegade with their bold colors and brush strokes. A great deal of their work emanated from copying the original works of others, particularly Italian, Spanish, and Dutch artists.

The museum provides a guided tour via headsets. Two distinct sets of numbers allow adults to hear a more in-depth view of the collection, while a family-friendly version is well-suited for teaching children about art.

The special exhibition, a collaboration between Atlanta, Denver and Seattle, ends this weekend.

The High provides free admission for Fulton County residents to any of their collection galleries on the first Saturday of each month. Proof of residency is required; a driver’s license will do the trick.

Parking along Midtown side streets is more restricted than in previous years. Most areas require a permit. However, the High has a parking deck adjacent to their facility. The cost is $10 – steep, but worth it when your family admission is free.

Family-friendly food and beverages are available in the High Café.

-- Liz Flowers

King's Ridge Christian School Open House
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., King's Ridge Christian School, 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta. Hosted by the King's Ridge Christian School Department of Admission, this Open House will permit members of the community to learn about the King's Ridge program in anticipation of applying for the 2008-2009 school year. Applications are currently being accepted for students in rising grades K-12. For more information, call 770-754-5738.

Night Hike
Saturday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Ages 4 and up. Join the Atlanta Astronomy Club as you discover the winter stars above, and enjoy a night hike on the grounds of CNC. $8 non-members/$6 members. Call 770-992-2055 for more information.

Story Time at The Reading Tree
Saturday at 11 a.m. at The Reading Tree Bookstore, 18 Cumming Street, Alpharetta.
Join us for a special story time by children's author, Laura Duksta, who will read her children's book, "I Love You More." Karen Kessler, illustrator of the book, will also be on hand. In addition to story time, there will be crafts and book signings. Call 770-740-7171 for more information.

Winter Stars
Sunday, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Ages 5 and up. Don't miss this must-see attraction at CNC. It’s chilly outside but warm inside our STARLAB. Children and adults will delight in learning what stars they will find up in the winter sky inside our giant, inflatable planetarium. General admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12 and free for members and children 2 and under. Call 770-992-2055 for more information.

Guided Nature Hikes
Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. All ages. A CNC docent guides you on a journey through the CNC trails, using biofacts and activities to spark your “natural” curiosity. General admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12 and free for members and children 2 and under. Call 770-992-2055 for more information.

Winter Book Sale
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek. The Friends of the Northeast Spruill Oaks Library will host its winter book sale including adult fiction novels, children's books and non-fiction books on history, business, cooking and self-help as well as biographies, art and collectible books. The sale will also offer videos, CDs and DVDs.

“Disney's High School Musical"
Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. at North Gwinnett High School, 20 Level Creek Road, Suwanee. The Suwanee Performing Arts members present the hit TV musical. Tickets are $7 (minimum donation) and are available at the Suwanee Academy of the Arts, 341 Main Street, Suwanee. Call 678-482-6333 for more information.

"Local Color" Art Exhibit and Reception
Join your friends and neighbors at the Ocee Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, for an impressive group art show of works in various mediums. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception will be held on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Free admission. Call 770-623-8448 for more information.

Midtown Atlanta:
“Inspiring Impressionism” Show, High Museum of Art
“Annie” at the Fox Theatre
Group Art Exhibit, Mason Murer Fine Art
“The Eye of Josephine” Exhibit, High Museum of Art
Claire Lynch in Concert, Red Light Café
“Duke Ellington’s Cat”, Center for Puppetry Arts
“Twelfth Night”, New American Shakespeare Tavern