A book discussion and signing with renowned author J.A. Jance kicks off the Celebrate the Arts program at the Cochise College Benson Center, 1025 State Route 90, March 10-19.
Jance, the best-selling author of mystery novels set in Bisbee and other works, will share her unique writing experiences and the inspiration she draws from Cochise County at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10. Copies of her latest release, “Fatal Error,” will be available.
Jance’s presentation is free, as are many of the other highlights of the week. The program includes a juried art show and reception honoring the winners the evening of March 12. Other performances taking place throughout the week will be presented by Tucson big band musicians the Tom Patrick Sextet; David and Patty Lambert, performing a play in which they read love letters revealing the correspondence of a man and woman from childhood through middle age; the Daystar Chamber Players, a string quartet from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra; the Maguire Academy Irish Dancers (at the Benson High School Auditorium); and community musicians performing in an open jam session.
The film “Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child” will be screened the afternoon of March 14, and there will be a number of workshops available throughout the week on paint and poetry, beginning quilting, marketing for artists, creating illuminated books, contour drawing, digital photography and poetry.
A teen art show also will be available for viewing Saturdays from 1 – 4 p.m. or by appointment at the City Hall Gallery, 120 W. 6th St., Benson. Appointments may be made by calling (520) 586-8834, Ext. 2031.
The event concludes with a performance by Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School at a finale reception and mixer sponsored by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC).
Celebrate the Arts is presented by the San Pedro River Arts Council and sponsored by Cochise College, Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services, SSVEC, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cochise Community Foundation and the City of Benson.
Workshop registration forms and further program information can be found at www.sprarts.org, or contact the Benson Center at (520) 586-1981. Anyone requiring a special accommodation to attend should contact the San Pedro River Arts Council at accommodation@sprarts.org or (520) 586-8824 at least 72 hours prior to the event.