Finally, it is Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. What a winter of storms and bitter winds! It brought deep snows to several locales and icy breezes to all. Many days were grey and dank – but still filled with beauty! Most readers know of our fascination with winter snows – and of our “wintry escape” at Ce Soir Arts. Many say it feels cozy on a winter’s night – or refreshing on a summer’s day! There is outdoor wandering there, along with two refuges from the weather: The Conservatory and The Oracle Parlour. Do visit, if you have the inclination. But for now, we are on to warmer climes and topics in tune with the season!

We have a special treat in May, a beautiful art exhibit at Côte del la Mer Galerie featuring the artworks of the lovely fantasy artist and builder Xanthe Firehawk. You may remember her work that was highlighted during Mad Masquerade this past Hallowe’en (and still present) at The Ivy Tower. Many of you, no doubt, are also aware of her own gallery and shop Enchanted Fantasy. Visit there for more artworks and a wide array of landscaping and other items in a fantasy theme. Her work is excellent and you will enjoy visiting! There are teleporters to take you to the various areas. Go…enjoy!

As for this lovely exhibit – Mystical Spring – Xanthe has brought us five of her works. They are for sale at a very reasonable price, and fill with beauty the wall you see on entering. The mystical quality of each piece is evident as spring comes into view. Each one is richly hued and captures the mystical quality of the season, offering us a peek into the life of the forest with beautiful faeries and fanciful creatures to delight the senses. The realism in her work is often striking, and the figures seem to invite you in to enjoy the wonder.

Please click on the exhibit sign that is just outside the door at entrance; you will receive a notecard with information about Xanthe and her work. A quotation from the note gives us a look into the work of this magnificent artist:

“I appreciate all forms of art and in particular fantasy art. Art can evoke high emotions, similarly to literature, creative writing, music, theatre, and poetry. Pictures can make a person laugh with happiness, or cry with sadness, but either way they stir our emotions. Each piece of artwork is as individual as the person who has created or painted it, having its own unique personality, its own story to tell. Some are beautiful, some are ugly, some are friendly, fun, and happy, whilst others sad, lonely, and forlorn, but each has something of beauty to find within it, something that captures the essence of the creator, the artist who has painted it expressing their emotions openly through their work for all to see and admire, or sometimes criticise. Therefore, humanity is the reason why I fall in love with art. My re-mastered artworks in SL are a celebration to share with all who gaze upon them the extreme talent of artists who inspire us and with whom we have the privilege of sharing our RL world and SL lives with.– Xanthe Firehawk

Do come enjoy this gorgeous exhibit! After, be sure to take the LM notecard found at the door and wander Ce Soir and Ce Soir Arts. There is much to see and do including in spaces above and below the sim. Come…be inspired – and enchanted – tonight!

On Tuesday, readings will continue the mood of spring. Poet Laureate Russell Eponym brings both poetry & song to us at The Magic Tree at NOON SLT. Every week is a joy, but do come for this enchanting hour of poetry, story and music with Russell and friends who gather, eager to experience his presentation. A range of music styles is shared, along with fascinating stories and poetry by the masters; he even shares writing from his own pen from time-to-time. Russell is a multifaceted talent, and this hour is always magical, but is uniquely so as we celebrate Spring!

At 1 PM, I will share a short reading of springtime poetry with a fanciful twist. I will also share some photographs – some my own and those of others – to highlight the poetry and carry through the Springtime mood. The focus is mystical to go along with the new art exhibit. Come round at The Magic Tree! You will be warmly welcomed!

Next, at 1:30 PM SLT, Caledonia Skytower, the gifted writer and reader who leads at the beloved Seanchai Library drops in to share something extra-special. She has been quite busy, coordinating everything for LitFest at Fantasy Faire, the well-known annual fundraiser for RFL of SL. This event, in its tenth year of success in gathering funds to fight cancer, is always filled with fun and frolic! This year was outstanding and Cale worked with LitFest and took the literary events to a new level of engagement. On Tuesday, we will hear something quite special. Her presentation is entitled: “I went to the Faire…and this is what I wrote.” Her writing is exemplary and her delivery charming. Come join us!

At 2:30 PM, Ǣon Woodford brings us another of Robert Sheckley’s sardonic sci-fi tales. This time, it’s Demons, and it’s surprisingly humourous! Here’s a taste: Walking along Second Avenue, Arthur Gammet decided it was a rather nice spring day. Not too cold, just brisk. A perfect day for selling insurance, he told himself. He stepped off the curb at Ninth Street. And vanished. Well…what happens next is truly interesting! Of course, Ǣon tells the tale in his own inimitable style…which makes it all the more appealing. He’s dressed for the part – as he is wont to do – so don’t let him frighten you. (Well, don’t let him frighten you unduly!)

We will be happy to see you at The Magic Tree, and of course, at Côte de la Mer Galerie whenever you can come by. There are wonderful music events planned for Thursday, so check back for more information soon! As always, remember that the sim is open and that there are areas above and below to explore! Come…be inspired tonight!