Visiting artist lecture honoring new museum exhibit tonight

The visiting artist lecture series celebrating Arizona State Museum's new exhibit "Connections Across Generations: The Avery Collection of American Indian Paintings," starts tonight at 7:30. Michael Chiago, a Tohono O'odham artist, will share stories of his art and life with plenty of time for audience questions.

The event will begin with a lecture at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) auditorium, one building north-east of the Arizona State Museum. A reception, book signing and exhibition viewing will follow at the museum.

The event is $5 for ASM members, $8 adults, and students are free.

UAB presents a free screening of Kevin Smith's ÎChasing Amy'

Tonight at 7, the University Activities Board will show "Chasing Amy" in the Park Student Union. Kevin Smith's cult classic about a comic book writer (Ben Affleck) who falls in love with his lesbian friend is a riotous look at finding love in all the wrong places.

For information call 626-2973.

State Museum welcomes local artist, Navajo poet on Saturday

Sunday afternoon at 1, "Paintings and Stories" comes to the Arizona State Museum. The event features local Tohono O'odham artist Michael Chiago and Navajo poet Sherwin Butsui. The once-a-month Saturday series is designed to share native creativity and stimulate artistic expression with Tucson families, in celebration of the museum's new exhibition "Connections Across Generations: The Avery Collection of American Indian Paintings."

The free Saturday program offers opportunities for children (ages 8-16 and their adult companion) to explore artistic creativity and cultural appreciation in a variety of ways, including painting, drawing and writing activities related to the paintings in the exhibition.

Join O'odham artist Michael Chiago for a Master Art Class. Participants will enjoy painting their own pictures under the tutorage of this master. Chiago will lead families in creating paintings that express stories reflective of their own lives.

For more information, call the Arizona State Museum at 626-2973.

ÎCan't Say No' to ART preview performance of ÎOklahoma!'

Sunday afternoon, the Arizona Repertory Theatre, the professional training company of the School of Theatre Arts, presents a preview of the Rodgers and Hammerstein play "Oklahoma!" at the Marroney Theatre.

Kick up your heels and celebrate the Richard Rodgers Centennial with the show that redefined American musical theater forever. Seeing "Oklahoma!" is like visiting great old friends, with folks like Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller and Ado Annie singing songs that are a part of our collective history: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and "I Can't Say No."

Tickets are $15. For more information, call the fine arts box office at 621-1162.