Austin’s second largest ballet company suffered an unexpected blow last week when Greg Easley resigned as artistic director of Austin Contemporary Ballet. Though the move came suddenly, it reflected Easley’s growing frustration with the company’s funding, cutbacks, and actions by certain board members. Easley led ACB for four years; he was only its second director, having taken the post from Randall Soileau, the ballet’s founder. Easley has no plans at present. A search for his successor will begin soon.
Dean of Critics Honored
A university theatre program celebrating its first quarter of a century is paying tribute to a man who has covered the arts locally for half a century. The Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward’s University, which turns 25 this year, is hosting a party in honor of John Bustin, “dean” of local arts writers, who began his storied career in the pages of The Daily Texan in 1947. At a reception in the university’s Main Building, SEU officials will salute Bustin’s role in getting MMNT off the ground in the early Seventies and local critics will acknowledge Bustin as a source of journalistic inspiration. For info, call 448-8404.
A Green Memorial
Julie Butridge, the artist and director of the Dougherty Arts Center art gallery who died earlier this spring in a car accident, will be remembered in a ceremony at the center Friday at 4pm. Friends and family will share remembrances of Butridge, and three Texas mountain laurels will be planted at DAC as a living memorial. The public is welcome.
Off the Desk
A retreat exploring art as a bridge between the human spirit and God’s spirit is being sponsored by Eremos, a center for contemplative life. “Steps on the Journey: A Time of Art and Prayer” will be led by Stephanie Woodruff, Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist, Saturday, April 26, 10am-3pm, at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, 6317 Bee Caves Rd. Cost is $35. Call 419-7460.
Worthy Causes
NiaSpace is hosting a benefit for dancer Heather Tullius, to raise funds for her to study in Germany. The event features a silent auction, buffet, massages, showings of art by Yoshi Goto, Holly Bruckner, and Keith Grosskopf, and a performance featuring Lucila Velez, Laurie Freelove, Anuradha Naimpally, Toni Bravo, Britta Jaschke, Govinda, and Tullius. Suggested donation: $10. The benefit is Saturday, April 26, 8pm, at NiaSpace, 2810 S. First. Call 443-3013. Mexic-Arte Museum is sponsoring its second annual “Hispanic Leaders Support the Arts” night Thursday, May 1, 5:30-9:30pm, at the museum, 419 Congress. Business and political leaders will not only voice support for the arts, they’ll perform — in a talent show. Judge Bob Perkins, County Commissioner Margaret G�mez, and councilmember Gus Garcia will sing, accompanied by Johnny Delgallado y Su Conjunto. Call 480-9373.
This article appears in April 25 • 1997 and April 25 • 1997 (Cover).