The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present a family-oriented concert Saturday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Auer Performance Hall in Rhinehart Music Center on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus. 

Conducted by Catherine O’Shaugnessy, “Intergalactic Fantasy” will include music from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, as well as 2001: A Space Odyssey, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Star Trek, and Star Wars. 

Special pre-concert activities and mobile space exhibits will be provided by Science Central. 

Masks are required at this 50-minute performance, per venue policy.

Museum of Art explores modern mythology

“Saints & Shepherds” is an exploration of modern-day mythology through the contemporary Afro-Futuristic lens of Hebru Brantley. 

In Brantley’s Negros Mythos world, heroes can be shepherds (purveyors of culture) and saints (“outliers” blossoming into leaders by bringing forward a new way of thought). This exhibition celebrates both, echoing the process of going from adolescence to adulthood, from supporter to leader.

The exhibit explores themes of hero worship and leadership in today’s culture, which challenges previous norms and values, including cultural reappropriation. Hebru flips this concept, reimagining traditionally Anglo-Saxon superheroes as people of color.

The exhibit runs through March 6.

Downtown ‘art gallery’ continues to evolve

Art This Way and parent organization Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District continues to evolve the 24/7 outdoor “art gallery” that encompasses residential and commercial areas in the heart of the city. 

The space, known as Double Plus, includes the alleyways between West Berry, East Wayne, and West Washington streets (running east/west) and the cross streets of South Calhoun and South Harrison (north/south). Art, murals, light installations, and family-friendly areas can be found throughout the alleyways. 

Artists represented on the south portion of the Double Plus include Alex Mendez, Alexandra Hall, Diane Groenert, Terry Ratliff, Theoplis Smith, 1010, Matthew Plett, Arlin Graff, Bryan Ballinger, and Julie Wall.

The north area features art by Shawn Dunwoody, Tammy Davis, Tim Parsley, Bryan Ballinger, and JUURI, as well as the 77 Steps light sculpture and the Porch Off Calhoun.

Time running short to Savor Fort Wayne

Through Sunday, Jan. 23, Savor Fort Wayne will feature dozens of local restaurants offering special three-course value-priced menus and 2-for-1 deals. No coupons or passes are needed, but reservations may be required by some of the restaurants. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. 

For a full list of participating restaurants, menus, hours, and restrictions, go to visitfortwayne.com/savor. Except where otherwise stated, prices do not include beverages, tax, and gratuity, so please budget accordingly.

Mixed martial arts coming to Grand Wayne

Grand Wayne Center will host the B2 Fighting Series, featuring professional and amateur MMA fighters, on Saturday, Jan. 22. Tickets are $35-150. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.b2fs.com.

PFW costume designer retiring

Craig Humphrey is retiring after 30 years as an assistant professor of costume design and head of design technology in the Department of Theatre at Purdue University Fort Wayne. 

Throughout his career at the university, he appeared in seven productions as an actor, directed 27 productions, and designed costumes for 104.

Humphrey is directing his final production as a professor, Sondheim on Sondheim, which runs Feb. 18-26 at the Williams Theatre. 

A longtime fan, Humphrey has directed a number of Sondheim musicals, including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, and two productions each of Merrily We Roll Along and Into the Woods.

Lincoln Collection at ACPL open to the public

After over a decade, the Allen County Public Library has opened the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research to the public. 

The “hidden gem” has been kept out of the public for protection, but technology has made it possible to scan the individual items for a more interactive display as well as to showcase some physical items. The aim is to draw crowds from all over the country and world as a must-see historical display of Lincoln memorabilia. Items such as photos, postcards, journals, and letters will be projected on the wall and available on touch screens.

The Lincoln Collection began as a private collection which was once housed in a museum at Lincoln Financial. The current collection is split between the ACPL and the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites in Indianapolis. The ACPL projections will feature items that are housed at the ISMHS (which also has items such as sculptures, clothing, and other personal items) as well as Fort Wayne.

Hours at The Rolland Center are 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturdays.