Arts Weekend Rundown: Big Dreams

By Jared Bowen

August 9, 2012

BOSTON —  A variety of arts on exhibit this week make us take notice of what it means to follow a dream, from the hard work to make it onto the stage, to quiet reflection, to dealing with the aftermath of dreams that are crushed

Billy Elliot
Plays at the Boston Opera House through August 19

Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. With the creative input of Tony-winning legends director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall, and with music by Elton John, Billy Elliot will enchant the dreamer in all of us.



Ansel Adams: At the water's edge
On view at the Peabody Essex Museum through October 8

Ansel Adams' appreciation for water was never far from the surface. He was drawn to the subject in all its forms, from rain, fog, mist and clouds to crashing waves and waterfalls. At the Water's Edge combines famous images with extraordinary but lesser-known examples, expanding knowledge of Adams' work and building appreciation for the artist as an important and innovative modernist.

>>See Jared's interview at the Peabody Essex Museum.


The 79th Annual Craftsmen’s Fair
On view at the Mount Sunapee Resort (Sunapee, NH)
through August 12th

The Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair is a nine-day event that showcases the work of more than 350 craftspeople’s items made by hand. Meet and talk to the craftsmen, learn about their techniques, and purchase from them. Find creative and practical gifts at over 200 craft booths and The Shop at the Fair. Do-it-yourselfers (adults and children) can sign up for workshops -- including basket weaving, tools for kids, and glassblowing -- and make their own handmade treasures.



Queen of Versailles
Now playing in area theaters

Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield shows us the construction of the biggest house in America, inspired by Versailles, and documents the life of a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With the epic dimensions of a Shakespearean tragedy, The Queen of Versailles follows billionaires Jackie and David's rags-to-riches story to uncover the innate virtues and flaws of the American dream.



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