Making a list, checking it twice?

Well, the shopping season has officially begun and, though it's not the reason for the season, some folks focus mainly on just that. We did have a great event in downtown Aransas Pass for "Black Friday" with no pepper spray or police called in to manage rabid shoppers, thank goodness. Thanks to all who enjoyed a great evening visiting and seeing what's in store for you in our historic downtown.

At the Rialto Theater, we met a couple of part-time residents we share with Austin, some artists, more old friends, and new residents entertaining the thought of volunteering for future events. So, all in all, we count it as a success and truly enjoyed the evening. Christmas lights are going up all over town, and it's that time of year of goodwill and peace (I hope!).

The parties will now commence. From the Art Center for the Islands' "First Friday" Christmas Party Reception this Friday, through the Rialto Theater's first-ever New Year's Eve bash, you've got lots of opportunities to enjoy the arts through the holiday season. There are multiple galleries, non-profit and otherwise, showing off some first-class art work by our talented creative folks. So, while you're trying to work through your shopping lists, please remember there are artists out there needing your support, some musicians ready and willing to play for you, and actors emoting all over the region just for you as well!

Artisan Events:

• Friday, December 2, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - "First Friday" Christmas Party Reception. Art Center for the Islands. Admission: Free.
• Saturday, December 3, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - "Currents" Opening Reception. Annual All-Member Show. Rockport Center for the Arts. Admission: Free.
• Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Open Acoustic Jam. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Saturday December 10, 7:30 pm - "Stuart Michael Burns CD Release Party." Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.
• Fridays & Saturdays through December 17, 7:30 p.m. - "Nunsense." Aurora Arts Theatre. Admission: $12-$14.
• Sundays through December 18, 2:30 p.m. - "Nunsense." Aurora Arts Theatre. Admission: $12-14.
• Fridays & Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. through Dec 18 - "A Christmas Carol." Harbor Playhouse. Admission: $6-$16.
• Saturday, December 31, 9:00 p.m. - New Year's Celebration featuring "Always, Patsy Cline" live on stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $35.
• Fridays & Saturdays, January 6-21, 7:30 p.m. - "Always, Patsy Cline" Live on Stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $15.
• Sundays, January 8-22, 2:00 p.m. - "Always, Patsy Cline" Live on Stage. Rialto Theater. Admission: $15.
• Daily through January 25 - "Whimsy" Exhibit by KiKi D's, Gary Hansen & Jackie Anderson. Rialto Theater. Admission: Free.

Jen Rubinowitz is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rialto Theater, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization fostering art and education through visual art, music and live stage productions in the historic movie theater in downtown Aransas Pass. Her day job is in real estate at Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company. If you have someone you'd like to spotlight in this column, drop her a line at jen@jenscoastalbend.com.