LGBT Center of Greater Reading to hold art installation, reception

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, 640 Center Ave., Reading, will present “no bias (2023)” by Karen Glass on Oct. 12 from 6-8 pm

Tickets for the art installation and reception are $50 per person and include free raffle tickets, refreshments and appetizers. Artwork will be on sale.

“No bias” attempts to express and suggest the movement in fashion from gender juxtaposition toward gender neutrality.

The exclusive fundraiser features the remarkable work of Glass, who through both her artistic and spiritual explorations, has discovered that relationship is key to self-awareness.

Her latest conceptual fashion installation, “no bias (2023)”, is a profound journey from canvas to canvas. This installation encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the story behind each piece, reflecting on the intention and intricate details that shape the work.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the completed clothing pieces.

For tickets, go to https://tinyurl.com/LGBTCenterArtExhibit.

Awards

Preservation Pennsylvania has announced that the WCR Center for the Arts, formerly the Women’s Club of Reading, has been awarded the 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for Leadership in Public Impact. This award recognizes the WCR Center for the Arts’ excellence in using a historic building to enrich the community.

Located at 140 N. Fifth St. in Reading’s historic Callowhill District, the WCR Center for the Arts has transformed its 19th century building into a vibrant community hub. Originally the city’s first post office and later the Women’s Club of Reading, the WCR now serves as a unique performance and exhibition venue, fostering artistic exploration and community engagement.

In 2023, the WCR completed an accessibility project to ensure that the historic site is open to all, regardless of mobility challenges. The WCR’s initiatives, including arts education for low to moderate-income families and partnerships with local nonprofits, have created valuable opportunities for the Greater Reading community.

The 265-seat auditorium, known for its exceptional acoustics, draws artists and audiences from across the nation, contributing to Reading’s cultural and economic revitalization.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our commitment to preserving our historic buildings and enhancing community life,” said Jayme Rhoads, president of the board of directors of the WCR Center for the Arts.

The 2024 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards recognize outstanding contributions to preserving Pennsylvania’s heritage. The WCR Center’s dedication to community impact and inclusivity has made it a deserving recipient of this award.

Events

The Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading have announced the following events:

Comedian Jeff Dunham and his entourage of dummies bring their Artificial Intelligence tour to the arena on Nov. 7.

Dunham is an American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian and actor who has also appeared on numerous television shows, including “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Comedy Central Presents,” “The Tonight Show” and “Sonny with a Chance.”

There will be a nostalgic night with Macaulay Culkin following a screening of “Home Alone” at the SPAC on Dec. 12.

“Home Alone,” in which Culkin starred as a 10-year-old, is a 1990 American Christmas comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and written and produced by John Hughes.

And on Jan. 20, 2025, the ballet “Swan Lake” makes a stop at the SPAC.

“Swan Lake, Op. 20” is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failure, it is now one of the most popular of all ballets.

Tickets for all three shows are available at ticketmaster.com.

Music

A continuing education service of the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture in cooperation with the Reading Symphony Orchestra League will present “Know Your Symphony Lecture Series” on Sept. 27 at 7:30 pm at The Highlands, 2000 Cambridge Ave, Wyomissing. The lecturer will be Jacob Leonowitz, orchestra director at Gov. Mifflin High School.

Books

John Herold of Union Township has published a new book, his fifth, a mystery titled “The Creepy Cottage.”

The mystery takes place in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. After a murder is discovered, the chief of police investigates the crime only to be murdered himself. The Bureau of Homeland Security is called into the case when it is discovered that the cottage is a home to smugglers.

“The Creepy Cottage,” published by Amazon Direct Publishing, will be available on September. 25. Visit https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US and search for “The Creepy Cottage”. It is available in paperback and Kindle editions.