art glass

Buoyed by support from dealers and collectors, Fenton Art Glass Co. is back in business.

The Williamstown-based company, one of West Virginia's last hand-blown glassmakers, had announced in August that it would soon close. But Fenton Art Glass President George W. Fenton said Tuesday that there has been a surge in orders and the company has made progress in restructuring its finances.

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An early peek at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

The completed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will include a 1,800-seat hall (left) for opera and ballet and a 1,600-seat symphony hall. The south end is covered with glass to allow views of the city from inside and glimpses inside from points south. About $70 million, including a $40 endowment, still remains to be raised for the project. .

Artist's creations offer therapeutic respite

LAS CRUCES - Sparkling in the desert sun, Carol Mack's creations catch the eyes of visitors at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market. You have to get close to make out the source of the glittery bling. Two trees are festooned with lovingly crafted glass and beaded ornaments.

"These things are absolutely beautiful. I do crafts, too, and this beading is really well done. This is full of the Christmas spirit," said Bette Smith of Las Cruces as she examined the unusual ornaments.

One tree hosts elegant angels and the other is home to bevies of spiders in brilliant jewel tones.

"Personally, I'm terrified of spiders," Mack said.

But the aversion doesn't carry over into her creative endeavors, and her artistic arachnids were born after a kit and a legend attracted her attention.

November calendar listings

Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, tickets $59.50. (856) 338-9000. www.keswicktheatre.com. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa.

Concert: Rowan Wind Ensemble, 8 p.m. Nov. 29, Pfleeger Concert Hall, free admission. (856)-256-4545. www.rowan.edu/fpa. Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro.

Concert: Dave Koz and Friends, features a smooth jazz Christmas show with holiday favorites and other hits, 8 p.m. Nov. 29, tickets $38-$70. (856) 218-8902. www.CBArtsCentre.com. www.ticketmaster.com. Commerce Bank Arts Center, 519 Hurffville-Crosskeys Road, Sewell.

Concert: Raul Malo's Christmas Party, 8 p.m. Nov. 30, tickets $29-$35. (856) 338-9000. www.keswicktheatre.com. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, Pa.

Murrells Inlet 2007 sponsors crafts fair

As part of this year's "Christmas on the Creek" holiday home tour, Murrells Inlet 2007 is introducing a new element: an arts and crafts boutique.

Home tour tickets are $25. Advance tickets are available at Lee's Inlet Apothecary, Lee's Inlet Kitchen, The Chocolate & Coffee House in Litchfield Exchange or at Rose Arbor Fabrics in Myrtle Beach and at Lee's Inlet Kitchen on Saturday.

Arts, Crafts Show Saturday

Shoppers searching for that perfect gift may find just what they are looking for on Saturday at the annual St. Joseph's Halle Craft Show.

Artists and craftsmen from the Fredericksburg and surrounding area will be displaying their handiwork on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in St. Joseph's Halle, located in the 200 block of West San Antonio.The public is invited to attend and there is no admission charge.Offered will be homemade cakes, cookies and breads; handmade baskets; hand-painted punched tin signs; hand-knitted sweaters and scarves; new crop pecans and pecan cooking oil; folk art dolls and decorative items, and handmade jewelry.

Also, mesquite cutting boards and crosses; gourd birdhouses and decorative hand-painted sayings; mosaic stained glass; soy candles and soaps; decorative wreaths and garlands; hand-painted scriptures and inspirational signs, and homemade jams and jellies.