May 14 Exchange Arts Ideas
Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St
(512) 974-7860, ci.austin.tx.us

The City of Austin's Cultural Arts Division invites you to offer your ideas on ways to invigorate Downtown with visual arts and cultural vitality at a Community Charrette this Saturday, May 14.

The charrette is part of the development of a Downtown Arts Master Plan seeking input from artists, Downtown stakeholders and the Austin community at-large. The community forum will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St.

The Downtown Arts Master Plan will provide a framework, guidelines and an action plan for civic arts and public art that will contribute to creating a culturally dynamic Downtown. The art will enhance and enrich Austin's Downtown public spaces and attract residents, businesses and
visitors to this area.

During the charrette, you'll learn about the planning to-date, current civic and public art trends and a project timeline. Breakout sessions will focus on specific Downtown districts such as the Warehouse District, Historic Sixth Street, etc. Groups will explore the districts, their existing conditions, and ways public art, architecture, design, performance, dance, visual art, music, festivals, cultural events, arts facilities and venues can contribute to the cultural fabric and vitality of Downtown.

For more information, please contact Janet Seibert, Cultural Arts Division at (512) 974-7860.

Call All Kid Collectors
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, ext. 213, austinkids.org

The Austin Children's Museum is calling all kid collectors to share their treasures - weird, wild, unique or old. This summer the Museum is hosting a Community Gallery exhibit entitled, "Shared Treasures," which will highlight collections from kids. Collections tell stories and we want to hear about your collection! Entry forms can be found at the Museum's box office or online at www.austinkids.org The deadline for submissions is July 1. Selected collections will be on display at the Austin Children's Museum throughout August. For more information, please visit austinkids.org or call 472-2499 ext. 213

May 12 Eclectic Art Show
American YouthWorks' Warehouse, 216 E. 4th St

Support local artists during an evening of eclectic art, this Thursday, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at American YouthWorks' Warehouse. The event features new creations by both emerging and
established professional artists.

May 12-Jun 25 Liliana Wilson
Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

In an exhibition titled "Ausencias y Silencios," Liliana Wilson draws upon her experience living under a dictatorship in Chile to create images drawn from the subconscious. These are fascinating, richly colored paintings. The Opening Reception will be Thursday, May 12, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

May 14-Jun 11 5 x 7 Art Splurge
ArtHouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Named "Best Art Show and Party" by the Austin Chronicle's Critics Poll 2004, Arthouse's "Art Splurge and Exhibition," features more than 1,000 5" x 7" emerging and established artists with strong Texas ties. All works are on sale for only $100 for this Sixth Annual art affair. To add mystery and fun to the event, all the works will be displayed anonymously. Buyers will discover the creators of the works only after the pieces have been purchased. Preview Party and Sale will be held Saturday May 14 - 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. Tickets are required.

Still on Display Downtown...

To 5/12: Color/Pattern/Grid, Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress, amoa.org
To 5/13: Baby Dinos, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 5/13: Pinto y Pinto - I Paint and Paint, La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 5/21: European Paintings: Open Storage, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/21: Contemporary Art from Chile, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/26: Frido y Yo/Frida and Me, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, lapena-austin.org
To 5/29: Forces of Nature, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 5/29: Bats in My World, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 6/4: Landmark Maps, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 6/17: Linda Broadfoot/Aline Smithson, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
To 6/26: Grandeza Mexicana: Siglos XVI-XIX, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 7/17: The Muse in Motion, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/17: Place, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/17: Images of the World, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 8/27: Signs of the Times, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu

May 12-13 Cries and Whispers
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

This beautifully photographed classic captures the intensity of death and dying. Liv Ullman stars. Tickets on sale day-of-show only at The Paramount Theatre Box Office. Cash only accepted for ticket purchases under $25.00. Flix-Tix Booklet: 10 Admission for $45. For information on any film, visit imdb.com.

May 12-13 Autumn Sonata
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Emotional fireworks erupt when a concert pianist, played by Ingmar Bergman, visits her daughter, Liv Ullmann, for the first time in seven years. See listing above for details.

May 13-15 Swan Lake
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-2163, balletaustin.org

Light and dark. Truth and deception. Good and evil. An enchanting story of life's struggle between opposing forces, it's the ultimate fairy tale - and the ultimate ballet. This production delivers all the ethereal beauty and drama expected from such a classic. As part of this performance, Ballet Austin has teamed up with Capital Area Food Bank to offer "Tu-Tu Dollars" worth $2 off Swan Lake tickets for two cans of nutritious food brought to its offices at 501 W. Third Street. Great cause for great entertainment. We salute Ballet Austin for this effort.

May 14, 17 The Magician
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Ingrid Bergman spins a provocative tale of a 19th century magician/hypnotist who is charged with blasphemy. Tickets on sale day-of-show only at The Paramount Theatre Box Office. Cash only for ticket purchases under $25.00.

May 14, 17 The Magic Flute
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

This delightful and intelligent film of Mozart's opera was filmed for Swedish television but released theatrically in the U.S. See listing above for details.

May 14-15 Z Cabaret with Meredith McCall
ZACH's Arena Stage, Riverside Dr. & S. Lamar
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

"McCall owns the audience in minutes, oozing sex appeal and considerable star power," says the Austin Chronicle. The star of numerous ZACH musicals delivers thrilling theatrical power in a variety of styles, from songs of romance to songs of comedy. Promises to be a rich evening of entertainment.

To 5/22: The Wonder Bread Years, State Theater, austintheatre.org
To 5/28: James and the Giant Peach, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritechildrenstheatre.org
To 6/19: Aida, Zach Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 6/19: Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Zach Scott's Kleberg Stage, zachscott.com
To Spring: The Young Black Stallion, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Texas the Big Picture, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

May 12 Thursday Noontime Concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

Musicians from the Robert Schumann Conservatory of Germany will play a combination of classical and folk during the 12:05-12:35 p.m. concert.

May 13 Sabor Latino - Patricia Vonne
City Hall Plaza, 301 W. 2nd Street

She's the Tex-Mex diva. The City of Austin & the Austin Latino Music Association present Patricia Vonne in a noon concert at City Hall. Free parking. This series is sponsored by Guero's Taco Bar, Gibson Guitars and the Downtown Austin Alliance.

May 15 Salon Concerts Presents CHAMPS in Concert
Armstrong Community Music School, 901 Barton Springs Road

Student ensembles from the Chamber Music in Public Schools (CHAMPS) program are performing their final public concert of the year. Young musicians from middle and high schools take the stage to bring the music of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and others alive. This free, family-friendly concert is a great opportunity for young people to hear chamber music played by their peers. Concert starts at 3:00 p.m.

May 14 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074 austinfarmersmarket

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., W. 4th St. will be closed between
Guadalupe and San Antonio for the weekly Farmers' Market.

May 12 Movies in the Park
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
austinparks.org

This riotously funny take on child-rearing will have you rolling on your blankets or off your chairs. In "Raising Arizona," Holly Hunter and Nicolas Cage have created a cheeky classic that lets you celebrate Mother's Day a few days late. Blankets, chairs, picnics, and pets welcome, but leave the alcohol and glass bottles at home. Come at 7:00 p.m. for a diaper-tossing contest and pre-movie fun. Movie begins at dusk.

May 13 "Mother Earth Day at the Springs"
Zilker Hillside Theater, Zilker Park
(512) 350-4110

Come to the Springs to celebrate spring! This free, festive all-morning event (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) features educational nature activities, the Barton Springs Splash! exhibit. Maypole dances, and the one-and-only "Worm-a-rama." Kids will move to and be moved by the music of Bill Oliver and the Otter Space Band and dance by Daniel Llanes.

May 13-14 Scrapbook Expo
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
scrapbookexpo.com

Create treasures. Learn, look at and buy the newest and hottest scrapbooking techniques with top-notch workshops for expert and novice memory-makers alike.

May 14 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Spring into freshness this Saturday - 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. From just-picked produce to hand-made crafts, you'll find it at the Austin Farmers' Market. Visit austinfarmersmarket.org for each week's special line up.

May 14 Texas Craft Brewers Festival
West 4th and Guadalupe
txbrewersfestival.com

Tap into the best of Texas handcrafted beers. Learn about beer, how it's made and talk with brew masters from around the state. Tasting packages let you experience famous brewpub flavors from across the state. Admission is free for this 3:00-8:00 p.m. event.

May 14 Festival Celebrando La Juventud/
Festival Celebrating Youth
Martin Middle School, 1601 Haskell St.
(512) 804-2476, (512) 385-2838

Enjoy a day of free arts and entertainment for the entire family at the 1st Annual Festival Celebrando La Juventud - Festival Celebrating Youth. Children can enjoy art lessons in stamping, beading, clay art and mask building, taught by local Austin artists. First session: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., and second session: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the School courtyard. Event will also feature performers such as Hawaiian Kona Islae, Love of China, Tanjore Performing Arts and many more. For more information on art sessions please call (512) 804-2476, and for dance performance information, (512) 656-4442.

May 14 O. Henry Pun Off
O. Henry Museum, Brush Square, 409 E. 5th
(512) 472-1903, punpunpun.com

This irreverent assault on our anguished language annually lures both veteran verbivores and naive neophytes on a passionate pilgrimage to meet their Mecca with megatons of puns! Help the O. Henry Museum celebrate wordly weakness, wickedness and wit. A bargain book sale and silent auction benefiting the Susanna Dickinson House restoration will be held, along with food and drink galore. Pun fun begins at 11:00 a.m.

May 15 Japan May Festival
Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road
(512) 312-203, jasga.org

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture during Satsuki Matsuri. Sample sushi and other culinary delights and sway to the primal rhythms of Austin Taiko drum troupe. Learn to write your name in Asian characters under the tutelage of calligraphy masters and discover the beauty of traditional dances by Hanayagi Japanese Dance Academy. Aikido, judo and budo-taijutsu martial arts demonstrations also part of this free event, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

May 18 Gardner Betts Art Show and Silent Auction
San Jacinto Center Lobby, 98 San Jacinto

The Real Estate Council of Austin, Inc. has partnered with the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center to sponsor Project Bridge, an art and music program for youngsters ages of 14 and 17. The Center helps young people resolve emotional conflicts, foster self awareness and express unspoken concerns. The event takes place 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars for next week!!!
May 19 Issues & Eggs - 8:00 a.m.
St. David's Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 469-1766, rsvp@downtownaustin.com

Please join us for a free breakfast and fellowship at 8:00 a.m. next Thursday. Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle and the Neighborhood DA David Laibovitz, will lead a panel discussion about the Downtown Reentry Initiative. This is a collaborative project that diverts offenders being released from the Travis County Jail into transitional housing and employment. Also being discussed is the results of the 2004 Public Intoxication Enhanced Analysis for Travis County. Please let us know you'll be with us by emailing rsvp@downtownaustin.com.

May 17 Arts & Entertainment Marketing Committee
8:30 a.m.
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
Chair: Nancy Burns; DAA Contact: Cilla Temple
(512) 469-1766; downtownaustin.com

May 18 Republic Square Partnership Meeting
10:30 a.m.
Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street, DAA Conference Room
Chair: Thais Austin; DAA Contact: Julie Fitch
(512) 469-1766; downtownaustin.com