near & far

The newest  exhibit at The Westboro Gallery, Wish You Were Here – Landscapes Near and Far features pastel artist Nancy E. von Hone.  Von Hone will whisk you away to places far and wide, such as Morocco, Ireland, Mexico and Tibet as well as more local fare, including breathtaking landscapes of Wachusett Mountain and the fields of Sturbridge. The show will run from February 7-May 2, 2010, with an opening reception Sunday, February 7, 2-5p.m. The Westboro Gallery, 8 West Main Street, Westboro, westborogallery.com. 
 

faculty meeting

Worcester Craft Center’s 2010 Faculty Exhibit Reception is on Thursday, February 4, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Join the newly re-opened Craft Center for an evening of art, shopping, good conversation and light refreshments. Check out works in glass, ceramics, metals, enamel and jewelry all on display and available for purchase in the Krikorian Gallery at the Worcester Craft Center’s main building at 25 Sagamore Rd. in Worcester.

from the heart

“From the Heart” group art show runs February 1-27 and features works by local artists of various media, on display at Booklovers’ Gourmet, 55 East Main Street, Webster. Meet the artists at a reception on Saturday, February 13, 2-4 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information call 508-949-6232. Monday & Saturday 10-5, Tuesday-Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-6. Closed for vacation Feb. 14-19.

give me liberty

Join in a community breakfast celebrating those that keep us free at the Liberty Breakfast Fundraiser for Veterans Inc. on Saturday, February 6. Breakfast from 8 - 10:30 a.m. with an honoring of Veterans at 10a.m. All donations given will support Veterans Inc.. 8-10:30 a.m. Veterans Inc. Retreat Center, Cafeteria, 59 South St., Shrewsbury. 508-791-0956, ext. 123.

skate day

Enjoy a day of skating on the ponds of Elm Park with family and friends at Elm Park Skating Days on Saturday, February 6. Park Spirit will have the boathouse open for skaters to lace up while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and warming up by the fireplace. Support for the day comes from Becker College, Bowditch & Dewey and Friends of Newton Hill. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Elm Park, Highland St. and Park Ave. parkspirit.org.

one love

OurStory Edutainment presents Bob Marley Birthday Bash 2010 on Saturday, February 6. You and your family are invited to celebrate the life and music of Robert Nesta Marley. Video Documentary, Drumming, Live Music, Sample Authentic Jamaican Food, Spoken Word, Love, Peace and Happiness. 1-5 p.m. Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square. 508-410-1209.

prose for peace

Celebrate the power of words at the Poetry and Prose for Love, Peace and Justice on Saturday, February 6. First of a spoken word series. Enjoy poems and readings that speak of building a more peaceful and nurturing world. Join us and share a poem that is meaningful to you. Refreshments. Proceeds from this program will be directed to ASFC’s funds for Haitian recovery. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Worcester Friends Meeting House (Quaker), 901 Pleasant St. 508-754-3887.

Asian awe

You won’t want to miss Shen Yun Performing Arts with live orchestra on Saturday, February 6 & 7. After touring over 100 cities on five continents, Shen Yun Performing Arts comes to Worcester for a spectacular, original production of Chinese dance and music. Discover for yourself the brilliant choreography, gorgeous costumes, and state-of-the-art backdrops that have astounded audiences everywhere. Presented by: Falun Dafa Association of New England $30-$72. 7:30-10 p.m. Hanover Theater, 2 Southbridge St. 877-571-7469, shenyunperformingarts.org.

vegan heaven

Cooks for Compassion Charity Dinner Feb 7 on Sunday, February 7. Cooks for Compassion is hosting a charity dinner with all proceeds benefiting Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon. Dinner will be entirely vegan in a gourmet setting. Come and enjoy a night of delicious and healthy food while supporting a wonderful cause. Purchase tickets at cooksforcompassion.com. $25-$45. 7-10 p.m. Cafe Evolution, 22 Chestnut St., Florence. Call 626-825-4094.

starlet

Lights, Camera, Worcester! on Tuesday, February 9 features Andrea Ajemian and a discussion on how she’s been able to promote Worcester and the region through her various film and video projects as a producer at AA Films. Her passion is in promoting Central Massachusetts through film and video, and providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents in film. Her recent feature length film, Boyband: Breakin’ Through in ’82 was shot entirely in Worcester County during the summer of 2008. It is set at the fictional Worcester High School, and over 20 local actors became eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild due to their roles in the film. $17 members; $22 non-members. 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Coral Seafood, 225 Shrewsbury St. Call 508-755-8331 or visit spcgroup.org/meetings.htm.