3/6 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from The Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun to your life.

Make Your Art Life Fuller -- TONIGHT

You still haven't made it to the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, right? Have you taken your kids to IKEA in Stoughton? Well, it's practically down the street, and possibly more cultural than Swedish meatballs. A new exhibit, The Stories We Tell: Works by Tommy Simpson, Michelle Holzapfel and Binh Pho, opens this weekend. And since today is the first Thursday, there is a celebration at the artkitchen Café. These celebrations are themed, and generally have performers, DJs, talks, games, etc. as well as comfort food and a cash bar.

On the earlier side of this evening's program – from 6:30 – 7:30pm, amazing children's book illustrator Shennen Bersani will be in the Great Room discussing her work. Unusual for an illustrator, she conducts first hand on-site research by traveling to sites where events took place and immersing herself into actual non-fiction scenes. She will be followed by a Jazz Trio and an Organ Trio and a Poetry reading. I believe non member adults are $12.

Oh, the Drama

High schools in Massachusetts can attempt to compete in the state drama festival. CRLS entered the play "Anon(ymous)," and has made it to semi-finals so far. These are timed entries, with the kids setting up, performing, and taking down the stage with the clock running. Friday at 7pm in the main CRLS auditorium you can get a glimpse of what they are doing. I speak from personal experience telling you the state plays are generally fantastic, and it is a transformative experience for the kids.

Draw Your Way Into a Book

On Saturday, in the Curious George Room at the Main branch of the Cambridge Public Library, you can attend a Comic and GraphicNovel Workshop.  From 12:30 to 2:00pm, seven (!) graphic novelists will present, and all ages are welcome. It's free.

I'd Like to Compliment You on Your Complements

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has Education Studio Activities on select Saturdays from 11-4pm. (This week the activity goes only until 3.) It is called Complements in the Collection. Take a break from the gray weather to look at some saturated colors in the museum, then join the staff in the Studio to learn more about color relationships and create a small artwork using oil pastels. Don't forget to pick up a museum pass at the library first. http://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/events/5739

Behind the Scenes at Joy Street

Second SatARTdays!

Some of the artists of Joy Street Studios are opening their doors. Joy Street is a nearby artist building with 62 studios, of which some participate every other Saturday to invite you in and see their work and processes. March 8th from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM at 86 Joy Street in Somerville.

ELSKA of Iceland

The Saturday morning Kids Show, March 8 at 10:30am at the Coolidge Theater in Brookline is a blend of theater, storytelling and musical performance. Elska is a modern pioneer who discovered a newly formed volcanic island off the coast of Iceland, where she lives a life of beauty and wonder amongst a cast of unusual friends, including a pensive Winter Bear, a very friendly Goobler, a mysterious Arctic Fox and a vast colony of Lost Socks. Adults are $10, kids $8.

The Energy of Dance in Still Photos and Film

The Nave is currently showing Chaotic Forms, the nameless, intangible energy that dancers can attempt to express using intuitive, chaotic movement. Photographers and filmmakers have meditated upon this theme for an exhibit celebrating the art of dance.

http://navegallery.org/wp/chaotic-forms/

Register ahead: MAKE SPEAK

MAKE SPEAK: Contemporary takes on craft by seven not-so-conventional craftspeople. The North Bennet Street School is again offering this fun TED-Talk-like night, Thursday, April 10 at 7pm. It's free, but reserve ahead:  http://www.nbss.edu/about/news/make-speak/index.aspx 

Enjoy seven, 7-minute presentations by not-so-conventional craftspeople about how they work, think, and create. These talented folks include an installation expert for the MFA, a duo of artist/mathematicians currently at MIT who are understanding unsolved problems in the sciences thru sculptures, and a woodworker who has been teaching thousands to create wooden objects from her mobile work/live space.

Winter Got You Playing the Blues?

Somerville Mayor Joe Curatone is bringing back Joe's Jazz and Blues Festival again this year. In mid-June it makes its way through local music venues then on June 21^st there is an all-afternoon free concert at Powderhouse Park. If you are interest in playing in it, look no further: http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/jazzblues

KEEP THE ARTS A PRIORITY

You may be interested in WBUR's recent Cognoscenti show on Why Government Should Support the Arts.  

If you are interested in keeping the arts funded nation-wide, you made be interested in the Americans for the Arts group which is running Arts Advocacy Day March 24-25 in Washington, DC. 

2/13 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from The Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun to your life. Happy School Vacation, and happy snow! I won't be updating this during the next two weeks.

GET CONTEMPORARY

The ICA has some fun mid-week programs next week for families. Workshops will have you creating a painting without paint, seeing the sculptures by visual and performance artist Nick Cave and designing your own 3D suits or environments for small figures and animals. Kids are free for these events.

BOSTON LIBRARIES

Boston Public Library locations will host a variety of vacation activities. Storytelling, crafts, puppet shows, music programs, games, Lego clubs, and much more are on the schedule.

And parents, if you missed Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook, at the Cambridge Library in November, you can see him at the BPL in Copley Square Wednesday the 26^th at 6pm

MEANWHILE, MONDAY

That's all well and good, except the ICA and the library are closed on Mondays, so head to the Isabella Stewart Gardner or the MFA.

Monday through Friday 10-4 (until 8 on Wed), the MFA has Free admission for kids.

The Cogan Family Foundation is sponsoring week of activities at the MFA, with the theme of shapes. There will be lots of art-making activities and an adult must accompany a kid.

The non-free afternoon vacation classes at the MFA studios are currently sold out for the 6-8 set but there may be space for 9-11 year olds.

Snag a library pass to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and you can also do the fantastic art activities they have planned for the week. Note, the Gardner is closed on Tuesdays.  

I HAVE A DREAM

The Citi Performing Arts Center's Education Team has organized an empowering interactive reading of Kadir Nelson's I Have A Dream picture book inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  There will be audience participation, poetry workshops, and take home activities. You may win a copy of the book. This event is taking place multiple times, including at the Margaret Fuller House, other neighborhood community centers, Boston Centers for Youth, and libraries.

THE UNIVERSE IS ART

Okay, I'm going to cross the science/art line back and forth some for these next two. It's a fine line when we are talking about visual beauty and I want to tell you something possibly off-topic. The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics has rooftop stargazing through telescopes on the third Thursdays of the month. It's like the ultimate art viewing, right? They give a lecture, then, if weather permits, head to the roof. The lectures they give prior are intended for high school age and older but kids are welcome. This month's lecture has four "stellar" astronomers include Nobel Prize-winning Robert Wilson. The Big Bang and cosmic inflation, dark energy and the accelerating universe, and more will be discussed. Admission is free but seating is limited, so go more than 15 minutes ahead of the 7pm door opening. There is a main lecture room and an overflow crowd in a screening room. Note that if you are parking around there after 5pm you can ignore the "Staff Only" signs.

SNOWFLAKE SHAPES

The Trustees of Reservations has some fantastic places to visit in the area, and hey, your trusty arts guide was once a Trustees ranger. The 20^th is a fantastic time to explore Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. There is a naturalist program that day from 1-3 PM (Adults $5-8, kids FREE) where you can explore the wonder of snowflakes, making ice crystal models and paper flakes and viewing the famous snowflakes of Wilson Bentley, who your kids know about, thanks to Liz the Librarian. Pre-register for this one. 978-281-8400

WHAT'S UP DURING VACATION, DOC?

Next week there is also the annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival at the Brattle, of course.

I STILL DIDN'T GET YOU TO SALEM?

Seriously? I still didn't get you just half an hour away to the Peabody Essex Museum to see the 70 birds playing bass? (see last week's blog) What if you also could see ice sculptures around town, too? If you go this weekend or early next week you may still have a chance to see 14 large sculptures…a seahorse, a rubber ducky, a sailboat, and more...

PARTY LIKE A PARENT

I am a big believer in spontaneous dance parties at your desk throughout the day, however, if you want to do it better, and bigger, and with other humans, take some Dance Partydance lessons and then join the dance party Saturday night 7-9:30 at the Dance Complex.

2/7 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from The Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun to your life.

Lunar New Year 2014 – The Year of the Horse

On Saturday the MFA is free from 10-4:45pm. You can watch a parade and performance with Gund Kwok Lion Dance Troupe. Learn about Gong-Fu, Chinese Martial Arts, and Saebae, a Korean bowing ceremony. 

Meanwhile, the Chinatown festival happens on Sunday, February 9^th. This is when the different lion dance clubs (the dancers are also martial artists) go door-to-door throwing around fireworks and eating lettuce. It's loud and messy, and the biggest celebration around.

Feeling Jazzy?

There is a new live jazz series that is taking place at The Green Room. That's 62 Bow Street in Union Square, Somerville. Saturday, Feb 8, 3pm ($10) you can see Cheap Parlor Tricks.

Second SatARTdays

Join some of the artists of Joy Street Studios Saturday, Feb 8, for their monthly open studios from 12-6. Maybe you'll find an interesting Valentine's gift. Joy Street Studios are at 86 Joy Street in Somerville.

Recharge with a Weekday Field Trip!

Here's a tip for those of you free on a weekday afternoon. Break up the winter blahs. Pick up your kid at school, and drive to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, arriving at 4pm. Your kids are free, and you'll pay the reduced price entry. You will be there without the lines or crowds or timed entries of the weekend, and have plenty of time to see Boursier-Mougenot's sonic installation. This is a big room with 70 beautiful zebra finches flying around and a path that meanders around their aviary which is also home to a flock of Gibson Les Paul and Thunderbird bass guitars attached to amps. The birds land on the instruments, hop on them, and voila, a constantly changing soundscape. Afterwards, go have dinner in Salem, catch a glimpse of the ocean, and be home by bedtime.

A Couple Later Night Events of Note for the Parents

Somerville Local First is having a benefit concert on Sunday night with Mission of Burma. It will be their only Boston area performance in 2014. It's at the Regent Theater in Arlington. Also placing are Peter Prescott's (Burma's drummer) other band Minibeast, and Bugs and Rats. Doors open at 7 PM, show at 7:30 PM. Tickets: $27, $22. Help us celebrate all our local heroes by coming to the show! Buy your tickets here. 

Next Wednesday, Somerville flutist Peter H. Bloom invites you to another evening of FiLmprov on February 12  – improvised music (woodwinds, brass, piano, percussion) to the world premier of Kate Matson's film, "Silhouettes." It's at 8pm at MIT, Killian Hall, 160 Memorial Drive, and it's free. Information: 617-452-3205. 

1/26 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

1/26

ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from the Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun to your life. Now listen, if you want to get your family to agree to a fun day of art activities, first establish your credibility of knowing what fun is during the first meal of the day. Feb 1 is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. You're welcome.

WOODCRAFT THAT ZOOMS

It's the first Saturday of the month, and that means it's Home Depot workshop time! If you're a fan of the Cambridgeport Grand Prix Derby, note that this Saturday you can build a Home Depot Race Car for free at your nearest Home Depot (Somerville, Everett, Watertown). From 9-12 your kid will learn skills, tool safety and pride while they build a small wooden car, receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a pin.

THIS WEEK IN AQUATIC PUPPETRY

The amazing Faye Dupras has created a family puppet production, "The Great Red Ball Rescue," at the Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline.  Jasper, a timid young boy with a big imagination, loses his favorite red ball to the tides. Can he summon the courage to get it back? He sets out on an adventure across the ocean, meeting fantastical fortunetellers, thieving fishermen, and many mysterious creatures of the deep. Bostix discount tickets bring this show down to under $10.

Meanwhile the Tanglewood Marionettes are at Tufts with The Dragon King. In this show you can experience an underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, as a wise Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and the answers to why he seems to have forsaken the land above. Tickets are $10 at the door and benefit the Tufts Eliot-Pearson children's School. 

By the way, also at the Aidekman Arts Center at Tufts is the exhibit "Seeing Glacial Time: Climate Change in the Arctic," Thursday, January 30^th from 5-7:30pm. The exhibit runs through mid-May and features exquisite photos and some paintings of glaciers, icebergs, and Arctic life.

BEARDFEST 2014

Sunday, Feb 2, from 2-5 at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. in Somerville is the fun Beard and Moustache Contest of 2014. Contestants will vie for prizes in 5 categories, and for follicle challenged, best fake beard. Food and drink, scratchy music with DJ Pace, whimsical prizes for contestants, a make-your-own beard table, and a room full of artistic facial hair--what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? If you like this, keep your eye out for the Northeast regional championships in August. $5.

AIRBORNE COMEDIANS

     

Sunday's family fun at the Coolidge Corner Cinema has The Airborne Comedians, with a high energy, unorthodox comedy juggling show (think lawn-chairs, electric guitars, from atop tall unicycles). 10-30-11:30 $8 children/$10 adults.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Those born in horse years are said to be cheerful, skillful, talented and good with their hands. 2014 is the Year of the Wooden Horse. While Boston's Chinatown celebration isn't until the 16^th, you don’t have to wait to start to celebrate.

The Chinese Musicians Association will share Chinese culture and music through different instruments during the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Boston Public Library, Copley Square, on Sunday, February 2, 2014, 2 – 3:45 pm.

You can also celebrate Lunar New Year at the wonderful Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem on Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. They will have performances, including the Gund Kwok Asian Women Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe kicking off the celebration as it leads the traditional Lion Dance, storytelling, craft activities and sword play, gallery tours, and films throughout the day.

PETER PAN

And if you're at the PEM Salem, go to Beverly and see the

Neverland Theatre present Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. Fly away with all of your favorite Disney Neverland Characters in this delightful musical, featuring the classic Disney songs from the movie and performed by an all youth cast.

$13-$15.

KINETIC SCULPTURE

If you liked the 5000 Moving Parts Exhibit at the MIT Museum (if you haven't gone, go! It's there until November and is fabulous), be sure to head to the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton. Beginning Sunday, February 2 through June, the museum will have its exhibit Machines and Mechanizations, where movement is an integral part of the design and meaning of the sculptures.

1/22 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

Hi from the Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun in your life.

NOT-LAME, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ROCK!

There is a rock show at the Sinclair this Saturday your whole family can all go to! And it's two good local bands, not potentially excruciating "children's" music. And in case you fear your kid's attention will flag and You are still into it, Knucklebones will have stuff for them to play with, and there will be face paint and the like. The two bands are Parks, who recently had a single called <a href="http://parksband.bandcamp.com/track/sweater-weather">Sweater Weather"</a> which was in the Phoenix's "Class of 2013" cover story.

The other band is <a href="http://bentshapes.tumblr.com/audio">Ben Shapes</a>.

You can get tickets online from Ticketmaster or stop by the Sinclair box office (52 Church St.) in Harvard Square and skip the fees.

All kids need adult supervision, and one adult can bring up to three children. A child is 12 or under.

ICA: FILMS AND FILMMAKING PLAY DATE

The last Saturday of the month means it's free play date time at the ICA from 10-4pm. Kids are always free at the ICA, but each kid gets two adults in free during play dates, too. This one is a day of films (some made by kids!). The full listing of films is online. There are also hands-on activities that foster an awareness of the filmmaking process. Kids can work with film artists on a project about pixilation and step into the Art Lab to design a movie set and take action. Be a film critic and vote for your favorite film of the festival.

While you've been drawn to the waterfront…see the Fort Point Arts group show DRAWN TO WATER at the Atlantic Wharf Gallery at 290 Congress Street. It will be there through March 28, with the opening reception Thursday the 23^rd from 5-7:30pm. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photography, prints, video and sculpture in which water plays a central role. Check out some of the preview images online.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CIRCUS: CIRCUS OZ

The family deal to note on BOSTIX this week is Circus Oz. It's the National Circus of Australia, and are "plucky" acrobatic daredevils performing "From the Ground Up" at the Shubert with Bostix discounts available on February 19. They claim it is great for ages 5 and up.

BULGARIAN SENDENKA

On Sunday the 26^th in Woburn there is a Sendenka – a traditional Bulgarian folkloric music and dance gathering with performances by Divi Zheni and others, including a children's dance ensemble, and dance and song instruction and traditional food. It starts at 4pm at the ACAS Activity Center at 29 Montvale Ave in Woburn, free parking. Children 8 and under free, $15 general admission, $10 seniors/students.

VISUAL ART ABOUT SOUND AND MUSIC?

This exhibit at the Washington Street Art Center (that's between the Biscuit/Dali and Union Square) strives to convey the emotion and genre of music through various visual mediums. Can you draw a song? Sculpt a sound? Is this like when Frank Zappa said, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture?" Find out through the 25^th.

ADULTS LIKE STORY HOURS, TOO!

If you want to ditch the kids with a spouse or friend and head out for some quality literary time at your level, Note that Gish Jena and Leah Hager Cohen are at the main library from 6-8 in the Broadway Lecture Hall discussing writing and culture (free), Gary Shteyngart is at the Brattle reading from his memoir that same night at 6pm ($28, include admission and a copy of Little Failure) see the Harvard.com site, and Isabel Allende is reading from Ripper: A Novel at the First Parish Church at 7pm on Tuesday the 28^th ($5 tickets at Harvard.com).

 PS: DO YOU NEED A SHAVE, OR IS THAT FACIAL ART?

The Somerville Arts Council sponsors BeardFest 2014 in a week and a half. If you're on your way to competitive whiskery, register now. More on attending the beard and moustache contest in next week's edition.

PPS: DO YOU DO BIG, PUBLIC ARTWORK?

Submit a design for one of the new stations on the Green Line extention through Somerville.

1/14 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

ARTY FUN OF NOTE
Hi from the Cambridgeport School Arts Committee. It's that random time of the week where I attempt to inspire you to add some arty fun in your life. I try to mention the family-friendly, affordable, and Cambridgeport School area events mostly, but I throw in some other fun, because I have ARTistic license here.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. – MLK Jr.
CRAFTY MLK JR DAY OF SERVICE IN CAMBRIDGE
You can register to volunteer for Cambridge's MLK Day of Service. This is always a popular event, filling the Sr. Center and City Hall with people of all ages from all over the city working together to sew blankets, sort food for food pantries, make hundreds of Valentines for elders, and put together activity kits for children in hospitals. Make Cambridge a better place between 2-5pm on Monday. Register here.
ARTY MLK JR IN BOSTON
Meanwhile, across the river, the MFA is always free on MLK Jr. Day. From 10am-4:45 Sunday you can celebrate his legacy with performances, art-making activities, gallery tours, and more.
Also Sunday, at the JFK Presidential Library & Museum from 10:30-11:30AM you can groove to some amazing African drumming for free as Benkadi Drum and Dance group is performing traditional rhythms and movements from Mali and Guinea.
Jordan Hall is where MLK Jr. spoke when he came to Boston, and he met Coretta Scott on the steps there. She eventually became his wife and the mother of their four children. If you get the $15 tickets at 2pm, you too can go to Jordan Hall in their honor and hear the Boston Children's Chorus (BCC) perform "Only Love."
ICE ICE BABY
American Dental Partners is sponsoring a cool event at the Peabody Essex Museum on Saturday. The family oriented play date from 1-3 will show you Chill out with chainsaws, chisels and professional ice carver Don Chapelle. Watch the artist demonstrate the tools of the trade and create your own ice piece to add to the collaborative sculpture.
BELMONT WORLD FILM's Family Film Festival Click for all the info on the four days of animated and live action films from all over the world playing at the Studio Cinema in Belmont and the Regent in Arlington.
JAPANESE NEW YEAR The Children's Museum is celebrating Japanese New Year on Sunday the 19th.
CLASSICAL MUSIC and STORIES The Powers Music School presents free live classical music story programs at area libraries, and the one on Saturday at 10:30 at the Belmont Public Library is "Green Eggs and Ham."
FREE ARSENAL ART FUN If you find yourself in Watertown, the Arsenal Center for the Arts has Free Family Fun on Saturday from 10-12 for all ages. Experiment with paint, paper and collage to create works of art together, and leave with a masterpiece.
DUDLEY SQUARE KEEPS ROCKING IT If you've been following all the fantastic street/public art projects in Dudley Square in Roxbury, you'll enjoy this night of presentations by the Dudley Square Municipal Center Public Art Finalists.

1/9 ARTY FUN OF NOTE

MFA fun at the BPL
The Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Public Library have teamed up this month to offer painting, printmaking, and wire sculpture construction led by educators from the MFA. Visit the library's calendar to find an arts session near you.
Ticket Deals for Shows, Skating
The holidays are over but some big shows can still be seen. Getting tickets from BosTix.org with the promo code: ARTSBOSTON can take a bite out of the price. ONCE, the musical that won eight 2012 Tony awards and the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album is here, for instance. Also, Belmont World Film's Family Film Festival is happening January 17-20 and BosTix has half price passes to that.
Oh, and speaking of tickets. This is kind of arty, though sportsy: If you manage to still get a ticket (on Ticketmaster) to the 2014 Prudential US Figure Skating Championships, use the code FIRSTNIGHT for a: Buy One Ticket, Get One deal.
Celtic Music Festival
This weekend is the Celtic Music Festival, with concerts, workshops, dance performances and a dance party. The festival's mission: to produce locally-based Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton music and dance in an upbeat, all-ages friendly environment. http://www.clubpassim.org/BCMFest
Friend Day at Boston Ballet - Boston
Boston Ballet School is running Friend Day on Sunday the 12th. It's for toddlers – 7 years at their Boston Studio (19 Clarendon St. in the S. End) 9:30am-1:30pm. Your kid can try a free class:
Creative Dance 1 (3 years) 11:30am-12:15pm
Creative Dance 2 (4 years) 1:00-1:45pm
Pre-Ballet 1 (5 years) 9:45-10:30am OR 12-12:45pm

Pre-Ballet 2 (6 years) 10:30-11:15am

Primary (7 years) 11am-12pm
Coolness in Central Square
Are you familiar with Danger!Awesome? It's a laser etching store/maker space right on Prospect Street (soon to be on Mass Ave). It has its roots in the founders wanting to make an animation on toast and ending up making an animation on toast with lasers for the band OK Go, and one of them recently being voted into Cambridge City Council. Anyway, on January 27th Danger!Awesome will be holding its first class on 3D modeling: Digital Sculpting for 3D Printing! Learn how to sculpt digital clay to create pieces that will be printed from the shop's Form1 3D printer. Visit http://digitalsculpting.eventbrite.com/ for more info and to sign up.