>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

WELCOMING SPRING: Among those performing in the fifth edition of “Spring Into broadway” are, back row from left, Jennifer Sasser, Jillian Wheeler, Jennifer Romriell and Kami Richards. In front is Jessica Waite. The singers are performing “I Can Hear the Bells.” - Photo/KENN WHEELER

What does this all mean? Well, it means that spring is finally here, and that it’s a time to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than to bring the entire family to the EOU theater program’s fifth annual musical theatre revue, “Spring Into Broadway II,” playing April 17-19 and 24-26 in the Schwarz Theatre on campus.

For the fifth year in a row, Eastern’s theater program has gathered a group of talented actors/singers to present an evening of song and dance, featuring the latest from Broadway as well as some old standards that never lose their appeal.

NEW AT THE SATELLITE GALLERY: “Judgment of the Flowers” — Steve Feldman

The show will feature a wide variety of work from 14 of the Grande Ronde Valley’s most accomplished artists. From printmaking to ceramics, there is sure to be something for everyone.

The concept for this exhibit was to offer up the gallery space to these artists to bring in some of their underrepresented inventory and give the public a chance to see the outstanding talent that resides in the valley.

‘WINTER’S CHILL’: Watercolor by La Grande artist Jan Clark

However, at this Third Thursday’s Art Walk at the Mitre’s Touch Gallery, the La Grande artist will unveil displays of her latest work in batik (ba-teek) and mixed media collage. Mitre’s Touch is just one of several galleries partiocpating in the April 17 event between 5 and 8 p.m.

Batik is a centuries-old, wax-resist dyeing technique that can be used on textiles such as silk, cotton and wool as well as leather, paper, wood and ceramics. This expressive art form is found in several countries in West Africa and Asia. In Indonesia, the ancient tradition is considered a national art form.

WOMAN’S HANDS #2: Christine Heap, 12”x12”, 2008

An opening reception for the artists will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gallery.

The exhibition, titled, “What’s Within,” showcases the body of work that Emily Chartier, Christine Heap, Ashley Heisler and Matthew McDonal have developed during their time as students at EOU.

EXTRAVAGANT TABLE SETTINGS: This picture (Titanic 2007 service) is from last year’s dinner and not only looks like a person could be on the Titanic but also shows the extravagant table settings. - Submitted photos

With emotions high the travelers board the Titanic. The sights, the sounds, the aromas wafting from the kitchen, and the excitement of sailing the ocean.

Mr. Henderson (Buck Potter) lectures Ed Carmichael (Tristan Stufflebeam) about income taxes, while Ed's wife Essie (Leslie Croghan) looks on. - Photo/KENN WHEELER

The production plays March 6-8 and 13-15 at 8 each evening. On March 8 and 15 there will be matinee performances at 2 p.m.

ROMANTIC CONUNDRUM: Tony (Fune Tautala) tries to squelch Alice’s (Amanda Slippy) concerns about getting married. - EOU Theatre/KENN WHEELER

“This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic has been entertaining audiences for more than 70 years, and our version is sure to do the same for our La Grande audience,” said Kenn Wheeler, production director.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Jane Roberts’ book brought attention to deeper issues such as population, development and human rights.

International Women’s Week at EOU runs March 3-7.

The annual week-long festivities have become a vibrant celebration on the Eastern Oregon University campus that recognizes women’s struggles and achievements in the international community.

PIANO EXPRESSIONS: Mihyun Kim - Submitted photo

The performance will be at McKenzie Theater in La Grande at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Sunflower Books, Betty’s Books, EOU Bookstore and at the door.