At Springfield's Boys and Girls Clubs, some 30 talkative girls aged 6-12 line up at the gymnasium wall. Athletic director Mattie Watson calls out "Ready. Set. On your mark." Some girls take off prematurely, so Watson starts the process again - and again.

His imaginary world is beset with gobos, gels and cycloramas. He dwells in the dark, watching shadows and colors. He sees the light.

Life can be like a symphony. A series of movements builds toward a finale. Circumstances are instruments of change.

The human head is both her canvas and sculpting base. She's been known to plant branches in kids' faces, create noses and sew ears in hair. Activities like that make her happy.

Kari Catton dishes out enthusiasm for the Theatre in the Park, the amphitheatre at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg. "It's magic," says the jovial executive director.

"I was the guinea pig," local actor and director Gil Opferman muses.

His role was one of Muni cast hopeful and test subject. Opferman, with some 50 area productions to his credit, was the first to try Muni's new audition format - one that he helped redefine as Muni's audition committee chair. He was the first audition of 303 people vying for 140 spots cast for this season's musicals.

Ever wonder what trial an artist in a "juried" art show endured?

Many organizations, shows and exhibitions review artists' work for participation. While not "American Idol" fanfare, a jury - or panel - selects those who qualify for a type or skill level and eliminate those who don't. So, you likely won't find beer-can airplanes in the same show as the emerging Picassos.

Two artistic souls find an ocean of opportunity using music in their work.

As an artist and a writer, I see a strong connection between art and health and well-being. On a personal level, smashing glass to smithereens for frit to create my fused-glass floral images is a constructive outlet in a couple of respects. Art-related activities help me channel energy, redirect my thoughts, provide an emotional outlet or give me respite to let a creative process help resolve other issues.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Music Director Karen Lynne Deal, among other feats, is aiming to line up the planets for this coming symphony season. That's just part of the gravitational pull for attention.

Springfield native Donna Lounsberry estimates she has taken a quarter million images of area performances over the past five years. But she says she doesn't take the pictures. God does.