Arts Amigos Targets Singles, Meets for First Time Nov. 5

How often have you thought about going to an art exhibit or concert only to find that you have no one to go with you?

On Saturday, Nov. 5, that problem gets resolved in a new and exciting way with the first meeting of the “Arts Amigos” at Coyote Creek Grill, 4615 San Bernardo, at 5:30 p.m.

The newly formed group has come up with a simple solution: make new friends, get together as a group and enjoy the myriad artistic events taking place in Laredo. Arts Amigos is the first of many new activities and planned events being sponsored by the Laredo Arts Coalition.

The first Arts Amigos will provide an opportunity to mix and mingle and enjoy a “Dutch Treat” dinner.  Following the social hour, Arts Amigos will visit the opening of the new art exhibit at “sound art space” on 206 W. Ryan Street #B, and then move on to another art opening at the new Gallery 201 (201 Market Street).

When the Coalition first met, Brendan Townsend, Music Director of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, noted  “there is strength in numbers, and all of us benefit by working together to cross-promote events and build audiences.”

Townsend said he is well used to attending events alone and knows that others may limit their enjoyment of the arts for lack of company.

“I go to things all the time by myself, but I recognize that not everyone feels the same way. Attending an arts event is often more of a social activity than a purely enriching experience, and so having someone to go with you is tremendously important,” he explained.

The idea for the Arts Amigos began first as a singles group to promote attendance at the symphony concerts. But as the momentum towards the formation of the Laredo Arts Coalition grew, so too did the idea of providing singles with a safe environment to enjoy arts of all types.

Townsend said that while being single is not a requirement for joining the Arts Amigos, it is not unheard of. The main idea is to bring people together to enjoy the camaraderie, share some food and fun, and attend arts events together.

“And hey, if you meet someone you like, all the better!” Townsend smiled.

“There are an amazing number of concerts and things going on at this time of year,” Townsend continued,  “At some point we hope to have multiple groups gathering to attend different events, such as the Dance Recital at LCC or the Chamber Music concert at TAMIU this Sunday.”

Future meetings will be held at regular intervals to attend art openings, theatrical performances, dance recitals and concerts.

For more information regarding the Arts Amigos, contact Townsend at 326-3039 or e-mail btownsend@tamiu.edu or Gayle Aker Rodriguez at garbo@grandecom.net.

Further information regarding the Laredo Arts Coalition is also available on the Web.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu