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Art Galleries
‘Art Visions: Dynamic and Fanciful’ The Portola Art Gallery will have on display “Art Visions: Dynamic and Fanciful,” a joint exhibition by new gallery members Inna Cherneykina and Terry McMahon. Work on view will include oil and acrylic paintings of colorful still lifes, landscapes and city scenes. Monday-Saturday, Jan. 1-31, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-321-0220. www.portolaartgallery.com
‘Chasing Light and Reflection’ The Portola Art Gallery is showcasing a collection of oil and acrylic paintings by Alice Weil entitled “Chasing Light and Reflection,” which captures Weil’s passion for rolling hills and majestic oaks. The show will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Monday-Saturday, Dec. 1-31, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Portola Art Gallery, Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-321-0220. www.portolaartgallery.com
‘Oil Paintings of Christmas, Stories of Santa’ Peabody Fine Art Gallery in Menlo Park has on display an exhibit called “Oil Paintings of Christmas, Stories of Santa,” which is composed of paintings by artist Riki R. Nelson that are inspired by antique Christmas ornaments and the artist’s original holiday stories. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. Peabody Gallery, 603 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call 408-623-3544. www.riki-arts.com/christmas-art-exhibits-2015.html
‘Splendid Peacocks’ The exhibit at Cafe Borrone “Splendid Peacocks” will feature the newest work of local artist Flo de Bretagne. Nov. 23-Jan. 10, regular cafe hours. Free. Cafe Borrone, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-473-1317. www.florencedebretagne.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Legislate This! South Bay Supporting Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, this saucy variety show for ages 21 and over will feature South Bay performers and friends entertaining audience members with circus antics, burlesque, song and dance. Jan. 9, 7:30-10:30 p.m. $15 pre-sale; $20 at the door. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City. legislatethissouthbay.brownpapertickets.com
Classes/Workshops
Beginning Ceramics This ceramics class at Little House Activity Center will guide participants in discovering their inner artists while working with clay. Sessions will cover the techniques of hand-building, including pinching and coiling; throwing on a potter’s wheel; and finishing pieces with glazing. Mondays, Jan. 4-Feb. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $60 member; $65 nonmember; $20 drop in. Little House Activity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-326-2025 ext. 242. www.penvol.org/littlehouse
Beginning Improv Class Led by Bay Area improvisation veteran Terry Sandke, this six-week course, meeting one evening each week, will provide opportunities for both new and experienced players to create characters, stories and scenes spontaneously. Tuesdays, Jan. 5-Feb. 9, 7-9 p.m. $200 six weeks. The Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City. dragonproductions.net/activities/classes.html
Free lipreading classes in Menlo Park Taught by an experienced audiologist and lipreading instructor, these free weekly classes sponsored by Foothill College will provide help to those who have difficulty understanding rapid speech or hearing in challenging situations such as restaurants, social gatherings or other noisy places. Tuesdays, Jan. 5-March 22, 9:10-11:50 a.m. Free. Menlo Park Senior Center, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park. brownjulie@foothill.edu
Write Your Life Story memoir class Taught by local author and writer Phyllis Butler, this weekly class held at Deborah’s Palm will assist students in discovering their own voice while writing creatively about their lives. Pre-registration is requested. Jan. 7 and 14, noon-1 p.m. $50 series of four classes; $15 drop in. Deborah’s Palm Women’s Center, 555 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. deborahspalm.org
Concerts
Jym Marks Quartet: ‘Remembering Miles’ The Jym Marks Quartet will salute legendary jazz great Miles Davis in this free concert program presented by the Menlo Park Library, with the help of the Friends of the Menlo Park Library. Refreshments will be provided. Jan. 9, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Menlo Park City Council Chambers, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2501. menlopark.org/library
LightHouse for the Blind Benefit Concert The 15th annual benefit concert for LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, called “Life is a Cabaret,” will celebrate the music of Kander and Ebb, creators of “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “Kiss Of The Spider Woman” and other musical masterpieces, including the theme from “New York, New York.” Jan. 9 and 10, 7:30-9:15 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Menlo School, The Spieker Ballroom, 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton. Call 650-948-4648.
Main Stage Concert: ‘Farewell to 2015’ The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra will bid farewell to 2015 with a concert program with four all-star musicians performing Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante; three young violinists taking on Bach’s Concerto for Three Violins; two soloists leading the string section in Copland’s “Quiet City”; and one chamber orchestra presenting Haydn’s “Farewell” symphony. Jan. 1, 3-5 p.m. Free. First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Call 415-692-3367. www.thesfco.org/contact/contactinfo/
Exhibits
‘Fight the Bite’ The San Mateo County History Museum will introduce a new exhibit chronicling the fight to free the San Francisco Peninsula of mosquitos, including a photo display commemorating the centennial of the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District. Jan. 12-April 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $6 adult; $4 senior, student; free for children age 5 and under. San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. www.historysmc.org
‘Figuration/Abstraction’ The Cantor Arts Center exhibit “Figuration/Abstraction: Highlights from the Collection” presents dual installations that evidence a split between abstract and figurative styles that began in the early 20th century. Wednesday-Monday, Nov. 11-Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Missing Persons’ This diverse exhibition at the Cantor Arts Center — composed of around 50 photographs, prints, artist books and historical ephemera — captures the loss of those made missing by time, death, disaster, politics or artistic composition. Wednesday-Monday, Nov. 11-March 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Speed and Power’ The exhibit “Speed and Power” at the Cantor Arts Center looks at how artists have represented the impact of trains, planes and automobiles on modern life. Wednesday-Monday, Dec. 2-March 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
‘Word as Image II’ In “Word as Image II: Highlights from the Marmor Collection,” the Cantor Arts Center surveys the role of words throughout the history of art, sharing examples ranging from decoratively ornamented Quranic writings from the Ottoman Empire to 20th-century works referencing an emergent culture of mass production. Wednesday-Monday, Dec. 16-April 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu
Peninsula Women’s Caucus for Art: ‘Identity’ The Peninsula Womens’ Caucus for Art will hold an exhibit called “Identity,” exploring the colors, icons, surroundings and culture that define its members. The work of nine artists will be featured, and on Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m., there will be a reception. Jan. 5-March 2, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Free. Redwood Shores Library, 399 Marine Parkway, Redwood City. www.wcapeninsula.org/news.html
Family and Kids
Countdown To Noon At this children’s event, local business Cheeky Monkey Toys will mark the New Year with craft activities and a balloon drop at the stroke of noon. Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Cheeky Monkey Toys, 640 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. www.cheekymonkeytoys.com
Forte: Music Enrichment Program The Forte after-school program at Bethany Lutheran Church will give students ages 4 to those in fourth grade the opportunity to sing, play hand chimes and handbells, and participate in music and theater games. The spring session will last 12 weeks and include a performance. Visit the website or call for more info. Jan. 11-April 12, Mondays, 3:30-5 p.m. (grades one to four); Tuesdays, 3:15-4:30 p.m. (age 4 through kindergarten). $240 (price drops for multiple students). Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-854-5897. www.bethany-mp.org/Forte
New Year’s Eve Party The Portola Valley Library will hold a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, offering treats, a countdown at noon and photos with a special guest. Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 650-851-0560. www.smcl.org
Storyteller John Weaver At these Menlo Park Library events, storyteller John Weaver will share his comedic versions of fables and folklore, all told without a book. The programs are recommended for those in grade school and older. First Thursday of the month, Jan. 7-March 5, 4-4:45 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2530. menlopark.org/library
Film
‘Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement’ This event will offer a screening of the documentary “Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement,” which examines the multitude of innovations being worked on to fix or enhance the human body, as well as the drive to surpass human limitations. There will also be a panel discussion with Fabrice Jotterand, associate professor from Regis University; Jure Leskovec, assistant professor from Stanford University; and Aaron Kheriaty, director of the Program in Medical Ethics at U.C. Irvine School of Medicine. Jan. 8, 7 p.m. Free. Tresidder Union, Cypress Room, 459 Lagunita Drive, Stanford. www.fixedthemovie.com
Health
Pilates Cardiocamp in Woodside Pilates Cardiocamp morning fitness classes aim to help students develop better posture, a stronger back and a firmer body while reducing body fat. Visit the website for specific class prices. Year-round, Tuesday and Thursday, 7 a.m., and Wednesday, 9 a.m. (Town Hall); Monday, 9 a.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. (Village Church). $12-$25 per class. Woodside Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, and Woodside Village Church, 3154 Woodside Road, Woodside. Call 866-339-4438. pilatescardiocamp.com/contact-us/
Food and Drink
Facebook Certified Farmers’ Market Facebook has partnered with West Coast Farmers’ Markets and the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce to hold a year-round farmers market, offering produce from up to 30 vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and a children’s area. Sundays, year-round, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Facebook Parking Lot, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park. www.facebook.com/events/1499866463665724/
Portola Valley Farmers’ Market This year-round market offers organic fruits, veggies, nuts, juices, grass-fed meats, chicken, local farm eggs, fresh seafood, fair trade coffee, nut butters and jams, artisan beer, wine, gluten-free and artisan baked goods, honey and crafts. Hot Roli Roti chicken is also on sale. Thursdays, year-round, 2-5 p.m. (winter hours). Free. Portola Valley Farmers Market, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. pvfarmersmarket.com
Live Music
Haybale Murphy Apple Jack’s bar will ring in the New Year with three sets of live music by Haybale Murphy. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Free. Apple Jack’s, 8790 Highway 84, La Honda. 650-747-0331
On Stage
‘Emma’ For its holiday production, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley will stage a musical romance, Jane Austen’s “Emma,” with music, lyrics and book by Paul Gordon. See the website for specific dates and times. Dec. 2-Jan. 2. $54 adult; $45 senior, educator; $25 age 30 and under. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 650-463-1960. www.theatreworks.org
‘Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin’ TheatreWorks Silicon Valley will kick off the New Year with the regional premiere of a new work by performer and playwright Hershey Felder, as he inhabits the persona and story of “America’s Composer,” Irving Berlin. See the website for specific times, dates and pricing. The Jan. 13-15 performances are previews. Tuesday-Sunday, Jan. 13-Feb. 14. $25-$74. Mountain View Center for the Performing Artrs, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. www.theatreworks.org
Monday Night Play Space Starting in 2016 on select Mondays, Dragon Productions Theater Company will host Monday Night Play Space, a venue for local artists to share anything from staged readings to comedy, film screenings, poetry and more. Visit the website for more info. Jan. 11 and 18, 7:30 p.m. Donations accepted. The Dragon Theatre, 2101 Broadway, Redwood City. dragonproductions.net/activities/mondaynight.html
Support Groups
Stanford Autism Parent Support Group Meeting This support group organized by Stanford Child Psychiatry will connect the parents of children with autism so that they can share experiences and provide each other support. Second Thursday of the month, Nov. 12-June 9, 7-9 p.m. Free. Stanford Child Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford. Call 650-721-6327. med.stanford.edu/childpsychiatry/community/asdparenteducation.html
Teen Activities
Teen Manga Night with Carlos Nieto The Menlo Park Library will host a special event for teen fans of anime and manage, where professional artist Carols Nieto — who has worked on “The Simpsons,” “King of the Hill” and for Disney and Universal — will teach some drawing techniques. Visit the website to register. Jan. 8, 6-8 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2501. menlopark.org/library
