Everything Nac

Another installment of the popular “Red Dirt Memories: Storytelling with Jerry Permenter” is planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches. Permenter’s newly published book, “Red Dirt Memories,” will be available for purchase.

A native of the Swift community in Nacogdoches County, Permenter, who goes by the name Red DirtBoy on Facebook, grew up in rural East Texas, and his memories of those early years laid the groundwork for what is now the Facebook page Red Dirt Memories, which has more than 10,000 followers. SFA Press is publishing “Red Dirt Memories,” and a limited number will be available for purchase and for Permenter to sign at the Christmas edition of storytelling at Cole Art Center. Books are $20 each; cash or check only will be accepted.

Permenter will again share some of his own “red dirt” memories in holiday-themed storytelling sessions both afternoons. Admission is free, but seating in Cole Art Center is limited, according to Lisa Steed, events coordinator for SFA art galleries.

“Jerry’s written and spoken word stories have really created a large nostalgic community of people in a very short time period,” Steed said. “Older locals are particularly enchanted with these memories, but I think we’re all looking for relief from these troubled times and want to feel a connection to our roots.”

Among Permenter’s topics: Dog Trot House, Funeralizing, Cotton Dresses and more. Similar storytelling sessions last May at Cole Art Center drew large crowds of enthusiastic Red Dirt Memories followers, Steed said.

“I’ve been tremendously blessed by growing up in Nacogdoches and, in many ways, I hope to give back to my hometown at this stage of my life,” Permenter said in a previous press release. “By offering readings, my writings and sharing our collective memories, I think many will enjoy the nostalgia of these stories and find it a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.”

Exhibitions showing in Cole Art Center through the end of this year include SFA’s Biennial Juried Art Metals and Jewelry exhibition, “Kymia Nawabi: Not For Long, My Forlorn” and a vintage Christmas decoration, ornament and toy display.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-6557.

Graduate students in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art will host an open studios event and ceramics sale for the public and SFA community on Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the art buildings off of Wilson Drive.

Open studios events allow the public to view artists’ working spaces as well as recent and in-progress work. Students will be available to talk with visitors and answer questions, and some artists will have works for sale. Graduate studios are located in both the upper and lower SFA art buildings.

The ceramics sale will include both graduate and undergraduate work.

“This opportunity to acquire beautiful, handmade pottery comes just in time for the holidays,” said Amanda Breitbach, assistant professor of art at SFA.

Open studios begins at 6 p.m. following Portfolio Night, an exhibit of student design portfolios in the lower art building gallery. The ceramics sale will begin at 4 p.m. during Portfolio Night and continue until 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the SFA School of Art at (936) 468-4804.

Jaycie Case, a senior human development and family studies major at Stephen F. Austin State University, was recently recognized by the National Council on Family Relations for her “exceptional accomplishments and involvement in scholarship, leadership and community service in family science,” according to the NCFR.

Dr. Jennifer Newquist, assistant professor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences, nominated Case for the NCFR Honors Student Recognition, which is a national award.

“I nominated Jaycie because of her dedication to the field of family science through her academic work, and leadership as president and public relations/membership officer for the Jacks Council on Family Relations,” Newquist said. “She has completed several community service hours related to family science with the JCFR, as well as her sorority. She has been a major asset to this organization.”

An Aledo native, Case has been a member of SFA’s JCFR since 2016, which is the local chapter of the NCFR.

“When Dr. Newquist nominated me for this award, I was truly honored,” Case said. “She is one of the inspirations for my career choice to become a college professor, and knowing that she believes in me enough to nominate me means the world.”

JCFR is a student organization focused on building networks and helping families within the community. It is part of the School of Human Sciences. Each semester, organization members host various outreach programs. During her tenure, Case has helped with Thanksgiving Homebound, a food drive for families during the holiday; Family Fun Day events; diaper drives; and nursing home outreach.

“Ever since joining JCFR, I have always loved being a part of the community outreach we do,” Case said.

Case is scheduled to graduate this fall with honors and begin her graduate studies at SFA in the spring.

By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art will host a Graphic Design Portfolio Night from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in Graphic Design Room B121 and front gallery in the art building on Wilson Drive.

The event will feature two SFA art alumni who will discuss their successful careers following graduation.

Guest speakers are Amanda Buckley, principal and CMO for Omniplan in Dallas, and Andrei Bucur, project manager and designer for Dodd Creative Group, also in Dallas.

Buckley’s job is to build brands that communicate the values of holistic design in retail, mixed-use and urban planning. Bucur, a former manager of SFA’s Graphic Shop, coordinates and manages brands into successful signage programs at Dodd Creative Group.

The event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

For additional information, call the School of Art office at (936) 468-4804.