The Essentials | City Weekly's Entertainment Picks Dec. 11-17 

On its opening night last week at the Sego Art Center in Provo, the truck showcased art by Dan Steinhilber and Maggie Michael in conjunction with Steinhilber’s gallery opening at the BYU Museum of Art. Steinhilber’s work uses packing materials associated with trucks: large plastic bags tied together and threaded through cardboard boxes to create a kind of sculpture, perhaps the most ingenious use of boxes in art since Andy Warhol took brush to a Brillo box.

Michael’s painting on the outside shell of the truck uses text elements along with dripping paint in eye-grabbing colors and the dense shapes of chains to create a feeling of three-dimensionality.

Washingon, D.C.-based Steinhilber and Michael both have work in the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection. But this is an exercise in impermanence. In April, their work will vanish, to be replaced by something else. But Steinhilber says, “We are trying to package everything that’s great about the Art Truck and create a highly charged space.”

Art Truck, through April 10, various locations. 337Project.org.

FILM
nBy Jacob Stringer
n’Tis that time of year to come together as a community and lift our voices in seasonal solidarity and holiday cheer. This year, instead of traipsing through darkened neighborhoods with your merry band of melody makers trying to get people to pay the least bit of attention to your boisterous rendition of Joy to the World, may we suggest an alternative? The Salt Lake Film Society’s “SING WITH MARIA”: THE SOUND OF MUSIC sing-along spectacular.

Admittedly, songs such as “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” aren’t exactly Yuletide favorites. Still, the classic “My Favorite Things” is, with those “packages tied up with strings.” Plus, don’t forget that, like most classic show tunes, you probably know all the words—even if you won’t readily admit it. That’s the point; the fact that The Sound of Music is one of the most popular musicals of all time lends it perfectly to a sing-along format—right next to other greats like Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

So dress up as one of the beloved lederhosen-sporting Von Trapp-ers, or get creative and come down to the historic Tower Theatre as a “Do” (you know, a deer, a female deer) or even “Re” (a drop of golden sun) and get your musical freak on. Not only will there be prizes and gift bags, SLFS will provide complimentary cookies and “Ti.”

“Sing With Maria”: The Sound of Music @ Tower Theatre, 876 E. 900 South, Friday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m., $15.

VISUAL ART
nBy Ehren Clark
nFor those willing to venture south, the Springville Museum of Art—in themed juried shows and permanent collection—consistently surprises visitors with a wide body of works with dynamic perspectives, contrasting or complimentary. In a state with wide demographics and dynamic social and political contrasts, these shows allow for a cross section of artists with much to say.

The same can be said of the 23rd annual CHRISTMAS LAMB SHOW, an exhibition of holiday art by K-12 students from the Nebo School District who, this year, are giving adults a reality check (such as fifth-grader Christopher Baugh, whose “Far, Far Away” is pictured above). As the holiday season is in full swing, some neglect what they have, focusing on the things they lack. A reminder about the elusive meanings of the season might best be seen through the vantage point of children whose perspectives are not jaded by polemics.

Art from these youngsters is at times surprisingly innovative and offers a good opportunity for a family to enjoy a meaningful event together while looking at other excellent and varied works on display at the museum. More importantly, it is a reminder of traditions that strengthen the community—something particularly significant in a time marred by anxiety and blanketed by challenges.

This simple event—an exhibition that has been a popular tradition at the Springville Art Museum, with images of Santa Claus, the Nativity, Christmas trees—proves cheerful and refreshing. These are not masterpieces but reminders of Christmas past, motivation for Christmas present and optimism for Christmas future.

Christmas Lamb Show @ Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South, Springville, 801-489-2727, through Dec. 28. SMA.Nebo.edu

here&now Other New Happenings This Week

THE SHOSHONE EXPERIENCE Photographs and artifacts capturing the lives of Shoshone Indians on the Washakie Indian Farm. Brigham City Museum-Gallery, 24 N. 300 West, Brigham City, 435-6769, Dec. 10-Jan. 24

MESSIAH—A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Seventh annual blending of Handel’s traditional arrangements with a touch of gospel and jazz. SLCC Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State, 957-3322, Dec. 11-13 & 15, 7:30 p.m. The-Grand.org

SALT LAKE SYMPHONY Music director Robert Baldwin leads the annual holiday concert “Ghosts of Christmases Past.” Libby Gardner Hall, 1375 Presidents Circle, 581-7100, Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. KingTix.org

SALT LAKE MEN’S CHOIR Voices both booming and beautiful raised to sing holiday favorites. First Baptist Church, 777 S. 1300 East, 838-3006, Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m. SaltLakeMensChoir.org

MIDVALE CITY POKÉMON CHAMPIONSHIPS Kids still gotta catch ’em all in a free event for players of all skill levels. Hastur Cards & Games, 6831 S. State, Midvale, 352-2605, Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. HasturHobbies.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Share a morning with a special visitor to tell all you want for Christmas. Discovery Gateway, 444 W. 100 South, 456-KIDS, Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. DiscoveryGateway.org

WRAPPED IN PRIDE: KENTE CLOTH A display and historical exploration of the colorful textile craft of Ghana and Togo. Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Dr., 581-7332, Dec. 15-Jan. 13. UMFA.Utah.edu

NASTAR MEDALIST CHALLENGE Race against the time posted by Deer Valley’s pacesetter on the mid-mountain course for medals. Deer Valley Resort, 625 Main St., Park City, 800-424-DEER, Monday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. DeerValley.com

AN OSCAR WINNING CONFESSION Hunt Mysteries presents a mix of red-carpet glamour and sinister motives. Embassy Suites, 110 W. 600 South, 569-1482, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. HuntMysteries.com