By Megan O’Brien, deputy inside editor
Event of the Week: Saturday, Nov. 7
The Waltham Mills Artists Association (WMAA), one of Greater Boston’s oldest artists’ communities, is holding its 39th open studio weekend starting this Saturday. Artists from Lincoln Studios, the home of nearly 20 studios and two galleries, and Metalwerx, a Waltham-based non-profit school and community studio, will join artists from the WMAA to meet and greet members of the community, give studio tours and exhibit and sell their original works. Over 75 artists, working in mediums ranging from woodworking to film leave, much to be explored at this two-day event. 144 and 289 Moody St.; noon – 6 p.m.; free.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Boston Conservatory dance students will showcase four works this weekend at The Boston Conservatory Theater, three of which were created for the artists in their showcase, “From the Ground Up.” The event features the works of Gallim Dance founder and director Andrea Miller, Broadway performer and past Dance Theater of Harlem soloist Francesca Harper and 2015 Guggenheim Fellow Zoe Scofield. In addition to the classical duet “Diane et Acteon” from Marius Petipa’s “La Esmeralda,” which was reconstructed for the performance by faculty member Gianni Di Marco, the dancers will be accompanied by The Boston Conservatory Orchestra. 31 Hemenway St.; times vary; $25 – $30.
Friday, Nov. 6
With the jack-o’-lanterns tossed and last candy bars eaten, Christmas claims its spot as the next big holiday. Staring on Friday, those anticipating Dec. 25 can start basking in holiday cheer this weekend at the Boston Christmas Festival at the Seaport World Trade Center. Attendees can peruse and purchase goods from 300 craft artists from around the US. Home accessories, clothing, jewelry, food and a wide variety of holiday decorations, ranging from stockings and wreaths to figurines and ornaments, will be available for purchase. Additionally, participants in the Gingerbread House Competition will have their frosted entries on display during the festival. 200 Seaport Blvd.; noon – 7 p.m.; $15.
Sunday, Nov. 8
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum invites visitors to explore connections between special exhibits and works in the museum’s permanent collection in “Collection Conversations.” The program entails a 30-minute gallery discussion through the halls led by a Gardner museum curator. This week, the featured exhibit will be “Ornament and Illusion: Carlo Crivelli.” It is the first exhibition in the US dedicated entirely to the Renaissance painter who specialized in religious artwork. The conversation will focus on comparisons between images of the Virgin Mary and her child, Jesus Christ. The conversation is free after museum admission. 25 Evans Way; 2:30 – 3 p.m.; $5.
Monday, Nov. 9
“Fly by Light,” a documentary following four teenagers from Washington, D.C. as they head to West Virginia for a peace education program, makes its Boston debut with a showing presented by Press Pass TV next Monday. Before the film, enjoy provided refreshments. The screening will be followed by a panel with Hawah Kasat, filmmaker and director of “Fly by Light;” Cara Lisa Berg Powers, Ph.D. and Press Pass TV co-director; and Rose Pavlov, founder and president of Ivy Child International, which provides cross-cultural health education and psychological services. 287 Columbus Ave; 6 – 9 p.m.; free.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Berklee College of Music will showcase the talent of its female faculty and staff in its annual Women Musicians Network concert. The program, put on by a student club of the same name, is directed, produced and starred in by exclusively women. Female students, faculty and Berklee-based bands will fill the Berklee Performance Center with sounds ranging in style from electro-pop and gospel to Spanish-Indian fusion and blues. Special guests include Berklee student group Peltinitsa Balkan Choir, associate professor Nedelka Prescod and Maureen McMullan of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. 136 Massachusetts Ave; 8 p.m.; $8 – $12.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
The Boston Ski and Sports Club will welcome the winter-sport season with a Winter Kick-Off Party at Royale Boston night club on Wednesday. The first 500 guests to arrive will receive a gift bag, and thousands of dollars will be raffled off throughout the evening in the form of ski gear, ski trips, lift passes and other prizes. Over 30 ski exhibitors, including a few large New England resorts and retailers, will be represented. Additionally, the Ski & Ride 2016 trip schedule will be announced, and those at the party can buy tickets at a discounted price. The event will feature light appetizers, a DJ and cash bar. 279 Tremont St.; 6 – 9 p.m.; $10 – $15.
Photo courtesy Elvert Barnes, Creative Commons
