'If I Can Dream' at Brooks

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has partnered with Graceland to host an international art contest in honor of the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. The exhibition's opening reception is this Saturday, July 21, at 10:30 am. 

Original artworks in all media on exhibit were created in response to the quote, “If I Can Dream.” A professional panel of judges selected the pieces for the exhibition that runs through Sept. 16. 

The judges awarded a first, second, and third place prize in three divisions: professional, non-professional, and youth. The remaining submissions are on exhibition via PowerPoint in the gallery. Visitors of the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for “Fans Favorite” through the end of Elvis Week (August 19, 2012).

Hattiloo panel July 21

Hattiloo Theatre is hosting a panel discussion relating to themes in its upcoming musical comedy "The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin." The event is July 21 from noon to 2 pm and is free. Hattiloo is at 656 Marshall.

Panelists include Dr. Rychetta Watkins (Rhodes College), Wendi Thomas (columnist, The Commercial Appeal), Ruby Bright (Women's Foundation CEO/ President), Jackie Williams (YWCA President).

The musical opens July 26 and runs through Aug. 12. For more info, go here.

Searing "Race" at TheatreWorks through July 29

David Mamet's tough drama "Race" is an explosive look at America's toughest subject. Performances run Thursdays through Sundays through July 29 at TheatreWorks. For more info, go here. Christopher Blank praised the production here. Update: Chris Davis's take on it here.

Xanadu through Sunday

The regional premiere of "Xanadu" ends its run at Playhouse on the Square this Thursday through Sunday (July 19-22). Critics say it's silly and thoroughly entertaining. Check out the reviews by Chris Davis at the Flyer, Christopher Blank at GoMemphis and Adam Remsen at Live From Memphis.
Pictured: Nicole Renee Hale and Corbin Williams by Playhouse Staff

Latino Artists at the Dixon

A free tour of the Mallory/Wurtzburger exhibition "Memphis Vive: Latino Art from the Mid-South" will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 19 at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Curator of Education Margarita Sandin will lead the tour.

Memphis Vive highlights artwork by members of the city’s Hispanic community. Artists include Maritza Dávila, Livia Ortiz-Rios, Carlos J. Garcia, and Claudia Santillan among others, all dedicated to revealing their experiences as Latin Americans. The Dixon is partnering with the Centro Cultural Latino de Memphis and La Prensa Latina for Memphis Vive and its accompanying programming.

The exhibition runs through Sept. 16.

Pictured: Claudia Santillan's "Protected Symbols," 2010, oil on canvas

Memphis Rep: July 28

The Memphis Repertory Orchestra's 2012 Summer Concert is July 28 at 8 pm at the First Congregational Church, 1000 S. Cooper. Headlining this concert are Gerald Stephens (performing Rhapsody in Blue) and Jim Gholson (pictured) doing a work by local composer James Richens.