Scene by Carson: Kiss pigs, learn to cook and take pictures in the dark

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette were stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

February may be the shortest month, but it is still jam packed with a great variety of activities you can enjoy with your special someone or enjoy with single friends.  Be sure to get out and have fun once the streets thaw out.

Feb. 5 and 19
Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain hosts the Saturday Chef’s Series, “Dinner Times Two.” Take a romantic get-away and learn how to prepare a full gourmet meal from the chefs at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s River Rock Grill. Call (501) 727-5435 to make your romantic reservations.

Feb. 6
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Center For Art & Education in Van Buren exhibits the watercolor works of art by Sandy Bennett and Richard Stephens. Watercolors are a fresh and vibrant medium, with an array of expressions, so be sure not to miss the colorful exhibit. Exhibits will be on display Feb. 6 to 25 with the opening reception Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. The exhibition and opening are free and open to the public.

Feb. 7
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Most people didn’t pay attention in high school English and mass texting is killing the art of grammar and spelling. Thankfully there is help. Fat Free Writing: Writing basics for Busy People is an interactive workshop that will give you a crash course on grammar, spelling and punctuation. Learn how to write again without all the LOL’s. The workshop will be held at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, room 115 in the Business and Industrial Building. The workshop fee is $59; a small fee compared to the tuition you paid only to forget most of what you learned. Call 788-7742 for more details.

Feb. 12
Is your Valentine a chocoholic? Instead of a Walgreens box of chocolates, take them to the 7th annual Chocolate Lovers Festival in Eureka Springs. There will be everything from chocolate fountains to chocolate ice cream and only $10, about the same price as an ordinary box of chocolates. The event is held at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. Visit the Chocolate festival website for more details.

Feb. 12 and 13
In Valentine’s Day spirit, the Arkansas Symphony presents the “Couples that Stole Your Heart Concert,” with classics from “Casablanca” to “Lady and the Tramp” and other silver screen classic couples’ symphonic love songs. Take your sweetie to create your own Bella Notte. Concert is held at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock. Visit the Arkansas Symphony website for more details or to get tickets.

Feb. 25
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Photography is a hard thing to master, especially night photography. Take a class at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith to learn the skills of using a digital SLR camera at night. Take a walking tour of the campus to capture amazing architectural and landscape images with the use of natural light. Class is $20 and held in room 203 of the Math-Science Building at UAFS. Visit the Lifelong Learning website or call 788-7220 for more details.

Feb. 25
6 p.m.
If you love music enough to brave the cold winter then Rock the River Winter Jam might be up your alley. The event features the bands Sent by Ravens, Fight the Fade, Shatter Me, Flud Cavion, 4th Soil, C Phresh and Shirlandria. Benefiting the Hannah House and held at Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center. Visit the Rock the River website or call 782-5683 for more information.

Feb. 26
6 p.m. to Midnight
It’s time for the Ninth Annual Kiss a Pig Gala, which was voted as Northwest Arkansas’s Best Charity Gala for the last four years. All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association of Northwest Arkansas to progress their work to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of children and adults affected by diabetes. This year’s theme is “Mask-Squeal-Rade”, a black-and-white affair with fine dining, live and silent auctions and a performance by Cirque Le Masque. Tickets are $150 for individuals or $1,500 for a table of 10. You must be 21 years or older to attend. Held at John Q. Hammons Convention Center. Visit the Kiss a Pig website or (479) 464-4121 for more details and to get tickets. It’s sure to be a squealin’ good time.

Feb. 26
8 p.m.
In need of a few laughs? Try the Comedy Show featuring Marcus Lane, Inappropriate Ant, Brett Robinson and Doug Shadell. The show is held at the Fort Smith Event Center (12 N. 11th St., in downtown Fort Smith). Tickets are $10 at the door. Visit the Fort Smith Event Center website for more details.

Feedback
Even though she graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]