Sunday, May 17, 2009 | "SP List"
SPecial Events

This week in arts and entertainment around Atlanta

Festivals and Happenings 

DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL
Artists market, live music, fine arts exhibition, dance and more highlight this 21st annual event, held May 23 and 24 in and around the square in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.decaturartsfestival.com.

DOUGLAS PRESTON AND LINCOLN CHILD
The New York Times bestselling authors of “Relic,” “Cabinet of Curiosities” and “Brimstone” discuss and sign their newest work, “Cemetery Dance.” 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Norcross Arts and Cultural Center.

THE GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Take a step back in time with knights, maidens, shops, turkey legs, stunts, animals, jousting and more. Runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 7. The festival is located two miles west of exit 61 off of Interstate 85. 770-964-8575. www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

RICK RIORDAN
The New York Times bestselling novelist of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series discusses and signs “The Last Olympian,” the final book in the young adult series. 6 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Little Shop of Stories. www.littleshopofstories.com.

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera  

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com. 

GEORGIA AQUARIUM'S JAZZ JOURNEYS
The summer concert series returns. Enjoy Jazz Bites dining options from Wolfgang Puck Catering. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday nights through September. 404-581-4444. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com. 

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs comedy in all its forms, including long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 at the Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Suite 10, at the corner of Decatur and Boulevard. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com. 

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family 

THE AMAZING CASTLE
Kids are transported to a whimsical medieval setting and become blacksmiths, jesters, chefs, gardeners, carpenters and even princes and princesses in this exhibit that teaches the important role each member plays in a thriving community. Through May 26 at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 404-659-5437. www.imagineit-cma.org.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
The classic storybook tale of the selfish prince rescued from the fairy's spell by Belle comes to life with choreography and costumes, not to mention dancing cutlery. 3 p.m. May 17 at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. 770-921-7277. www.northeastatlantaballet.org.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
Free outdoor screening of the film, part of the "Flicks on Bricks" movies series. 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 22 on the Square in LaGrange. 706-298-4533. www.downtownlagrange.com.

JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

PAUL BLART: MALL COP
Mall of Georgia hosts a night on the lawn at the Village Pavilion with live music, a prize wheel and a 42-foot screen. Music by Ally X begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23; movie begins at dusk. 678-482-8788. www.mallofgeorgia.com.

PLATINUM EDITION PINOCCHIO PUPPET
One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted puppet created by master puppeteer Bob Baker in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s classic film “Pinocchio.” On display through May 19 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

SNOW WHITE
The Atlanta Ballet produces a one-hour performance of the classic tale. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. May 17 at the Cobb Energy Centre. 404-873-5811. www.atlantaballet.com.

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
This controversial exhibit features 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com. 

DIALOG IN THE DARK
In this groundbreaking exhibition, visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of blind people. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com. 

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org. 

MOORE IN AMERICA
Exhibit featuring 20 major works from Henry Moore, recognized as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Through October 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-58559. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

SKULLS AND BONES
Event to feature live performances and all new artwork by Nagisa Higashida. Also features submissions by local artists, tattoo shops and art institutes including pieces on canvas, wood portraits and one-of-a-kind sneakers. 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Archive Gallery. 404-246-5043.

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org. 

Books and Talks

BRETT FRIEDLANDER 
The author discusses his book “Chasing Moonlight,” which tells the true story of Doc “Moonlight” Graham, who was immortalized in the movie “Field of Dreams” as a pioneer who longed to bat in the major leagues. 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the Opal Gallery. www.acapellabooks.com.

DEATH AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Eric Segalstad and Josh Hunter, authors of “The 27s,” and David Janssen and Edward Whitelock, authors of “Apocalypse Jukebox,” team up to discuss the relationship between death, despair and music over a soundtrack created specifically for the occasion. 7 p.m. Friday, May 22 at Decatur CD. For more information, visit www.acappellabooks.com. 

MARK KURLANSKY 
The author discusses and signs “The Food of a Younger Land.” 7 p.m. Friday, May 20 at the Central Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library. www.afplweb.com/cms.

Other Fun Stuff

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473.  HYPERLINK "http://www.engine11atl.com" www.engine11atl.com.