Call for artists to display at Visions Video
The downtown Northampton video store Visions Video recently announced a call for artists to display work in its new “micro-gallery” in its storefront window.
The store is looking for work “focused on, but not limited to, the moving image,” according to an Instagram post.
The micro-gallery is approximately 7 feet by 10 feet by 3 feet and has ceiling hooks, track lighting and one power outlet.
To apply for one of three available slots in January, February or March, fill out the Google Form linked at visionsvideo.org by Sunday, Dec. 14. There is no cost to apply or show work. All work must be family-friendly because it will face a public street.
If you have any questions, email info@visionsvideo.org.
‘The Nutcracker’ returns
Pioneer Valley Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is returning to the Academy of Music. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 12 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 and 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 and 4:30 p.m.
The classic Christmas ballet is about a girl named Clara who travels to the Kingdom of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince. This production will include guest dancers from Carolina Ballet in addition to dancers from western Massachusetts.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit aomtheatre.com.
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday
Swifties age 18 and up are invited to celebrate Taylor Swift’s 36th birthday at a themed dance party at The Drake in Amherst on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m.
Attendees can expect every iconic song, lyric and memory from “the world’s biggest pop star,” according to the event description. “From Fearless sing-alongs to Midnights anthems, it’s a night made for Swifties to scream, dance and relive every album together.” Those who are planning to attend are encouraged to don glittery outfits and friendship bracelets.
Tickets are $25 via thedrakeamherst.org.
Ukulele singalong to fight food insecurity
Forbes Library’s Ukulele Strum Group will host a holiday singalong to benefit the Northampton Survival Center on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Coolidge Museum at Forbes Library.
Lyrics and chords to popular holiday songs will be projected on a screen. Guests are welcome to bring musical instruments of their own, if desired.
Admission is free and open to the public for guests ages 5 and up. Donations will be welcomed to support the Northampton Survival Center.
‘HyperColor’ art exhibit on display
The art exhibit “HyperColor” is on display at Holyoke Community College’s Taber Art Gallery through Thursday, Dec. 18.
The show features five artists from western Massachusetts, including Andrae Green, Donnabelle Casis, Kim Carlino, Sharon Leshner, and Sunny Allis. The artists utilize “brilliant colors to explore spirituality, memory, intuition, time and rebellious joy,” according to a press release.
“On its face ‘HyperColor’ is an exhibition about color, but it’s also about the ways people explore and express themselves without shame or hesitation,” said Taber director Rachel Rushing in the release. “The artists in this exhibition are fearless in their use of color to explore the internal worlds of dreams, memory, and intuition as well as the ways we connect to the world around us with curiosity and play.”
Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school is in session.
Chanukah Klezmer Carnival at the Iron Horse
The Iron Horse will host Chanukah Klezmer Carnival, an all-ages event featuring live music, family-friendly activities, food and more, on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Myrtle Street Klezmer, a group billed as “an ecstatic exploration into the past, present, and future of Klezmer music” that incorporates Balkan, Greek, Arabic, jazz and rock influences, according to a press release, will provide the music.
The event will also be a launch party for their debut album, “Fun Vanen.”
Admission is free.