Scene by Carson: Things to do in June

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.

June 9
5:30 to 8 p.m.
What could be more relaxing than sipping on fresh Mojitos, enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, listening to wonderful music, and strolling through beautiful gardens while mingling with friends? You can’t think of anything can you? Because that sounds pretty darn good. That’s why the Botanical Garden is holding Cocktails in the Garden — Moonflowers and Mojitos. There will also be an art show in the Event Hall with works from area artists. Tickets are $20 for Members and $25 for Non-Members. All drinks are complimentary! Reservations are suggested. Call 479-750-2620 or visit Botanical Garden of the Ozarks website, www.bgozarks.org, for more information. The gardens are located at 4703 North Crossover Road in Fayetteville.

June 13
6 p.m.

Ever wanted painting or inside artists tips from a famous artists? Now is your chance.  Award-winning artist Peggi Kroll-Roberts will present a three-day program in Fort Smith, sponsored by the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. On Monday, June 13 at 6 p.m. she will present a free public lecture at the Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch followed by three private painting workshop sessions in various locations in Fort Smith. The workshop will begin on Tuesday, June 14, at 9 a.m. and the workshop attendees will paint from still life, followed by painting a costumed figure Wednesday and Thursday. The full 3 day workshop tuition is $300 or $125 per session. Workshop space is limited and a 50% deposit is required upon registration. If you wish to register, please call the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum at (479) 784-2787. A supply list will be provided upon registration.

June 18-19

Here is one for your Redneck bucket list. The 19th Annual John Daly Golf Classic hosted by the good ole boy himself. Enjoy two days of golf and one big hell of a party. The event will be held at the Lion’s Den Golf Course in Dardanelle. Call (479) 229-4162 to get registered for the one-of-a-kind experience. All proceed will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley.

June 28
8 a.m. to Noon
Everybody has one; that frustrating co-worker or acquaintance that when they speak you can’t help but have this “What an idiot!” look plastered on your face. This is probably not the best quality to have at work, because that idiot may very well be your boss or highest-paying client and, believe me, body language speaks volumes. If this sounds familiar, you may want to try “Be Proactive: Increase Your Personal Effectiveness” offered by UAFS in the Business and Industrial Building, Latture Conference Center. In the class you learn to recognize and how to choose your reactions, making you more approachable and effective at work. Also learn how to avoid road blocks and focus on ways to achieve change, that may just help you cope with your boss or possibly show how well you handle adversity and land that big promotion. Registration is required and you got to fork over $59, but look at it as a stepping stone to your promotion. Call 788-7742 to register.

June 28

6 to 7:30 p.m.
Chances are your 6-year old is already a whiz on the computer and chances are even greater that your 13-year old is more savvy about technology and the Internet than you. What’s more, they know how to trick you about what they are really doing on the Internet. Parents, you do not grasp the gravity of the effect the Internet and social media can play in harming your children or how they can cause harm to others. Get educated; you don’t know what you don’t know!  UAFS is offering “Internet Safety for Families,” which is designed for parents and their kids to help families have a safer and more enjoyable cyber experience. Call 788-7220 to register, and registration is $20. Find out more information at the UAFS Lifelong Learning Center website.

June 30

5 to 7 p.m.
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum presents the 2011 Arkansas Women to Watch statewide traveling exhibition. The exhibition features a selection of figurative works by emerging women artists chosen by the Arkansas State Committee who worked with contemporary curators in their respective regions. This exhibition is an exciting mix including works by Janet Frankovic of Fort Smith, Emily Wood of Camden, Endia Gomez of Little Rock, Nikki Hemphill of Jonesboro/Harrison, Ruth Pasquine of Little Rock, Deborah Warren of Hot Springs and Thu Nguyen of Cabot. The exhibition will be on display July 1 – Sept. 15, with the opening reception on June 30. Since the new building for the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is not yet open, the exhibition will be on display at Second Street Live, 101 N. Second St. Viewing times are Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 784-2787 or visit the museum website for more details.

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