‘Tis the season: Arts year-end roundup

December 9, 2022
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The University of Michigan and the city of Ann Arbor always have something to see, hear or visit. If you find yourself in the area during the holidays, enjoy one of the many exhibitions and events taking place over the next month.

UMS: The Heart of Robin Hood (8 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Power Center)

The U-M Department of Theatre and Drama presents a female-forward retelling of the legendary hero’s tale. U-M professor Geoff Packard directs students in David Farr’s 2011 reimagining of the Robin Hood story, wherein the band of Sherwood Forest outlaws steals from the rich, and may or may not give to the poor.

UMS: Béla Fleck My Bluegrass Heart and Punch Brothers (7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Hill Auditorium)

When Punch Brothers and Béla Fleck come together on this double-bill, their lifelong devotion to bluegrass is evident and infectious. Over the past four decades, Fleck has earned 15 Grammys in nine different categories, while Grammy-winning Punch Brothers bring their boundary-pushing instrumentation to the forefront.

Randazzo Dance Company: The Nutcracker with a Twist (7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18 at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, Michigan League)

This season, Randazzo Dance Company presents its 53rd annual holiday production, “The Nutcracker with a Twist.” Set to the renowned score by Tchaikovsky, “Twist” features the full company with many dancers debuting new roles.

3rd Annual Holiday Artist Market (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 22 at Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor)

The Guild’s (The Guild of Artists & Artisans) annual holiday market highlights a wide variety of work from 60-plus jury-selected artists. Features all types of art: glass, jewelry, ceramics, printmaking, painting, leather and more.

Woven Throughout Winter Exhibit at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (through Jan. 1, 2023, at Matthaei Botanical Gardens at 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor)

The exhibit explores plant-based weaving and includes seasonal flower displays and decor. It also provides an opportunity to participate in a community weaving project.

The Fiber of Being Exhibit (through Jan. 1, 2023, at Matthaei Botanical Gardens at 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor)

This community show of artwork explores the existence of life in all forms and the environments that sustain it. Examining the ecosystems and the give and take of the plants, animals and environments that sustain each other, the artists focus their work on the concepts that can be hard to define without creating art.

Clay as Soft Power: Shigaraki Ware in Postwar America and Japan (through May 7, 2023, at the U-M Museum of Art)

The exhibition examines how Shigaraki ware ceramics transformed the American public’s image of Japan after World War II to the present day. Known for its earthy tones, rough clay surfaces and natural ash glazes, Shigaraki ware originated from one of six ancient kilns of Japan and has a rich history from the 13th century to today.

Dopamine Dressing (through August 2023 at the U-M Museum of Art)

YehRim Lee positions colorful clay and metal sculptures on a complex structure of her own design to create a joyful, immersive environment. Inspired by the fashion trend of the same name, Dopamine Dressing leans into the idea that bright colors and surprising textures can create happiness by activating chemicals in the brain.