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Special Saturdays coming up in McKinney
By Allen Rich
May 12, 2006

The next two Saturdays will bring out the best of downtown McKinney, beginning with Second Saturday coming up May 13 and culminating with Art Walk on May 20.

Saturdays are special in McKinney, whether it is the art, shopping or entertainment that brings you to the county seat of Collin County. 

If you haven’t had a chance to see the flagship of the McKinney square, the historic Collin County Courthouse that has been completely renovated and is now the McKinney Performing Arts Center, the McKinney Youth Theatre will be performing Snow White, The Musical at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. May 13 in the Courtroom Theatre. 

McKinney Performing Arts Center

On Sunday, the McKinney Youth Theatre will offer a 5:15 p.m. performance of Grease.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door, although group discounts are available.  For more information, call 972-422-2575.

The Tuzer Ballet will take over the Courtroom Theatre May 20 at 2:00 p.m. for Tuzerita: A Fairy Tale.  Tickets for this performance will be $10 and you can visit www.tuzerballet.com for more information.

Michael Martin Murphy entertained at the McKinney Performing Arts Center in April and you can learn more about upcoming events at this impressive facility by clicking on http://www.mckinneyperformingartscenter.org/ .

Art enthusiasts will have over a half dozen galleries to visit in the downtown area May 13.  The Art Institute of McKinney, located just south of the square at 113 S. Kentucky, will have various works by the teen classes on display in the Blue Room. This event is free and open to the public. 

Art Institute of McKinney

The Art Institute of McKinney will feature an exhibit of gallery charter member David Pine beginning May 13.  Mr. Pine's style ranges from dark and satirical, as depicted in his award-winning work "Corporate Zombie" and its companion piece "Branch Manager" to symbolic and compelling, as characterized by "Four" to images on the verge of disturbing, such as "Mother's Day."

A reception will be held at the AIM Gallery and Studio on Saturday, May 13 from 7-10 pm. and Mr. Pine will be available throughout the evening to discuss his world of juxtaposing symbols, shapes, and words on display.  The exhibit will run through May 20. 

branch manager -- by David Pine

For more information, contact the studio at 972.548.7830 or visit the website http://www.artinstituteofmckinney.com.

Long known as a destination for antique aficionados, historic downtown McKinney is also home to a number of clothing retailers that offer everything from the latest trends to eye-catching vintage items.  With two wineries located on the square, shoppers tend to enjoy a glass of their favorite wine and conversation with friends between stops.  Backstage Coffee is another place to visit before continuing the shopping spree.

And if you have shopped until you are about to drop, McKinney has a carriage that is not so much a sight for sore eyes as it is a welcome relief for sore feet.  The carriage can drop you off near your car or at another location in the downtown area.

The May 20 Art Walk should be a very interesting day with approximately 100 artists displaying their work in downtown McKinney.