Articulations

G & S Salute

Do you hear what I hear? No, it's not a chorus of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"; I think it's "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General." This time of year, it's a given that the songs of Gilbert & Sullivan will be in the air, as it's the season for the Austin Gilbert & Sullivan Society's Holiday Gala All-Star Revue. This year is no exception; on Saturday, December 6, at the Helm Fine Art Center at St. Stephen's School, the gala is a go with all the usual goodies: wassail bowl, champagne buffet, and renditions of some of the sterling songs of G & S by 16 sterling local singers. One thing, however, will be unique about this year's event: It will be the last one presided over by Robert Mellin in his longtime role as the society's Executive Director. January 1, he's stepping down from the post. Whoever takes over the job (the society is taking applications) will have big shoes to fill; Mellin initiated the group's In-School Concert program, scholarships, monthly musicales, and the gala itself. Which makes this year's edition a splendid time to raise a glass to this devoted aficionado and arts activist. Tickets to the gala are $30. Call 472-4772 for info.

First in Art

If you like the Uptown Cultural District, why not try the South First Street District? What's that, you ask. Basically, it's the stretch of South First from the 1800 block, home to Skagen Brakhage Design (and its Big Blue Genie), to the 2200 block, which is home to a whopping four galleries and six studios, with more studios and art-related businesses on neighboring streets. And this Saturday, from noon to 8pm, the studios and businesses thereabouts will be open for the "South First Street Art Tour." Just drop into one of the galleries -- Alternate Current or Laughing at the Sun, both at 2209 S. First -- and ask about the tour. Or call 443-9674 or 326-4410.

Worthy Causes

Mexic-Arte Museum is sponsoring its fourth annual "Divine Auction Party" on Friday, December 5, 6-10pm, at the museum, 416 Congress. More than 100 contemporary retablos and ex-votos by local, regional, and national artists will be for sale, and as you bid on the saint you want, you can savor complimentary margaritas and hors d'oeuvres. Admission is $5 for members/$10 for non-members, with proceeds to benefit the museum's 1998 Art Education program. Call 480-9373.

The Austin Circle of Theatres will hold a "Spectacular Script Sale" on Saturday, December 6, 1-3pm, at 823 Congress on the Plaza level. Hundreds of theatre scripts will be up for grabs at the low, low price of $1 each. Magazines, books, and music will also be for sale.Proceeds benefit ACoT. Call 499-8388. Stillpoint Dance Company is hosting a "Holiday Brunch and Gift Bazaar" on Sunday, December 7, 12:30-3pm, at Lazy Oak Bed & Breakfast, 210 W. Live Oak. Pick up gifts for all your loved ones while treating yourself to scrumptious munchies by Shelley Seeley and live music from Mickey Merkins, Kim Miller, and Brian Woods. Tickets are $20 ($15 in advance). Call 474-2639.