Art Galleries

'Are We There Yet?'
Paintings by Bay Area artist Suej McCall. Runs through Jan. 27 at Gallery 9 Los Altos. Exhibit features watercolors inspired by images the artist encounters while traveling. Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Visit www.gallery9losaltos.com. Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos

'The Jameel Prize: Art Inspired by Islamic Tradition'
This international exhibition presents the work of 10 finalists for the 2011 Jameel Prize, which explores long-established practices of Islamic art, craft, and design within a contemporary framework. It is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Through March 10, Wednesday through Sunday. Free. For more information, call Abbasi Program at 650-736-8169 or email abbasiprogram@stanford.edu or visit museum.stanford.edu/news_room/jameel.html. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford

Ford, Hill: 'A Farewell Exhibit'
Watercolor and pastel artists Terri Hill and Terri Ford unite for a farewell exhibit at Viewpoints Gallery for the month of January. Reception: Jan 12, 2-5 p.m. at the gallery. Gallery closes at 3 p.m. Sundays. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call 650-941-5789 or visit www.viewpointsgallery.com. Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos

Once In A Lifetime
A gallery by Paige K. Parsons, "Once In A Lifetime," a retrospective of 7 years of concert photography will show a t Keeble & Shuchat Gallery 290 S. California Avenue, Palo Alto. The artist reception will be Jan. 19 from 3-5 p.m. The gallery shows through Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 650-327-8996 or visit kspphoto.com/gallery.html. Keeble & Shuchat Gallery, 290 S. California Ave., Palo Alto

Rodin Sculpture Garden and Galleries
The B. Gerald Cantor Rodin Sculpture Garden features 20 bronzes by Auguste Rodin, including The Gates of Hell, and is open to the public. The Center also devotes three indoor galleries to the work of Rodin. Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., rain or shine. Visit museum.stanford.edu/visit/public_tours.html. Cantor Arts Center, Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford

The Hogarth Experiment
Fourteen artists have taken the Eighteenth Century into the Twenty First in three centuries of British Art. Each artist worked on an original 19th century Hogarth etching. Reception Feb. 9 3-5 p.m. Open from Jan. 25-March 2, 10-2 p.m. For more information, call Karen Frankel at 650-327-7762 or email saprints@sbcglobal.net. Smith Andersen Editions, 440 Pepper Ave., Palo Alto

Valentine's Show
De Novo presents its annual Valentine's Show, with pieces by Jane Bohan, Raissa Bump, Karen Gilbert, Gabriella Gould, April Higashi and Valerie Mitchell. Jan. 26-Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 650-327-1256 or email services@denovo.com or visit www.denovo.com. De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry, 250 University Ave., Palo Alto

Classes/Workshops

Attracting Beneficial Critters
Attendees will be given a living-color PowerPoint presentation of plants and gardening practices that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, song birds, bees, lizards and other beneficials. Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $31. For more information, call Patricia Becker at 650-493-6072 or email manager@commongroundinpaloalto.org or visit www.commongroundinpaloalto.org. Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto

Feldenkrais
Little house is offering feldenkrais classes to improve balance, flexibility and brain function. Exercises are on the floor so bring a towel or mat to lie on. Fridays, year-round. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $40 members/ $45 nonmembers. For more information, call Deborah at 650-679-8113 or email dmdutton_assoc@yahoo.com or visit www.Umovebetter.com. Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park

Mushroom Hike
The mushroom hunt is a favorite pastime throughout much of Europe. Attendees learn about mushrooms has they hike through the woods to identify several local species. Bring a camera. Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 Adult. $12 Student. For more information, call Margaret Fielder at 650-949-9704 or email cpintern@hiddenvilla.org or visit www.hiddenvilla.org. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills

Playwriting Workshop with Carol Wolf
This 2-part workshop is designed to teach beginning, and some intermediate and advanced, playwriting techniques through intense lecture, demonstration, experimentation and discussion. Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m.- noon, and Sunday, Jan. 27, from 1-4 p.m., 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $99. For more information, call Pam Grange at 650-324-4321 or email pam@keplers.com or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/307590. Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

TV Studio Production Workshop
This class will teach all the crew positions necessary to produce one's own TV show in the Media Center's TV studio. Five-night class, Jan. 18-Feb. 4, 6-10 p.m. $145. For more information, call Dave Sorokach at 650-494-8686, extension 10 or email dave@midpenmedia.org or visit midpenmedia.org. Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Community Events

Feast Jewish Learning
There are dozens of classes and interactive workshops on an array of Jewish topics taught by rabbis, scholars and educators from all walks of Jewish life. There are sessions in English, Hebrew and Russian. Live music, dancing, and food will close the evening. For adults of all backgrounds. Jan. 26, 7-10:30 p.m. For more information, call Tzippi Zach at 650-207-1207 or email tzach@jewishlearningworks.org or visit www.jewishlearningworks.org/for-adult-learners/feast-of-jewish-learning. Oshman Family JVV, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Festival of Cultures
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers will be bringing their service home with exhibits, activities, a story hour, fashion show and food from countries where they have served. Presented by the Northern California Peace Corps Association. Jan. 26, 1-4 p.m. Visit www.norcalpca.org. Women’s Club, 475 Homer Ave., Palo Alto

MLK Jr. Community Disaster Preparedness Fundraiser
MLK Jr. Day through February's Black History Month, fundraiser to prevent public and social safety disasters in African American Communities across USA. Sponsored by Ravenswood Gardenkits Products and Free At Last Gardening Club. Jan. 15, For more information, call Leland at 650-461-0276 or email freeatlastgardens@yahoo.com. Ravenswood Community, 265 Tara Road, East Palo Alto

Concerts

Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra Concert
David Ramadanoff and MSCO perform Faure’s Shylock Suite, Piazzolla’s Tango Suite, Anna Maria Mendieta, harp soloist, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 96. Join us for Maestro Ramadanoff’s insightful introductions to each piece and receptions with the orchestra, guest conductor, Pamela Martin, and soloist. Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. Youth Free; Seniors $16; General Admission $20. Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/319244. St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park

Dance

Contra dance and live music
Lynne Wilde's Birthday dance. Caller: Jean Gorrindo (SLO). Band: Julie Vallimont & Cedar Stanistreet of NorEaster, Jon Cannon of Ezekial's Wheels (Boston). Jan. 26, 7:30-11 p.m. $12 general, $10 for members, $6 (or pay-what-you-can) for students. For more information, call Bay Area Country Dance Society Email info@BACDS.org or visit www.bacds.org/series/contra/palo_alto. First United Methodist Church of Palo alto, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Environment

Tree Planting - 7th Anniversary MVTrees
Mountain View Trees volunteers help celebrate the organization's 7th anniversary - plant trees to replace recent losses of over-mature walnut trees. Children okay if each accompanied by an adult. No experience necessary - instructions, trees, tools, & refreshments provided. Wear gardening clothes. Jan. 26, 10-11:30 a.m. For more information, call Ray Morneau, MVT Chair at 415-412-1127 or email info@mountianviewtrees.org or visit www.mountianviewtrees.org . Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain View

Exhibits

Los Altos Hills art exhibit
The Town of Los Altos Hills will sponsor an artist's exhibition of Mitchell and Nina Bricker's figurative paintings through March 1. For more information, call Karen Druker at 650-941-8073 or email kadruker@pacbell.net. Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills

'Community Creates'
Ten Bay Area artists have partnered with community members to inspire an exhibition in celebration of the re-opening of the Palo Alto Art Center following its $7.9 million renovation. Runs through April 2013. Free. Visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto

Deborah Garber Art Exhibit
Bay Area artist Deborah Garber brings new floral images to Woodside in an exhibit opening Dec. 22. The new work in oil and pastel has up-close views of flowers, both exotic and commonplace. Also featured are some of Garber's familiar landscapes. Shows through March. 18, Tues-Sat, 5:30-9 p.m. For more information, call Deborah Garber Email DG@DeborahGarber.com or visit www.DeborahGarber.com. Station 1, 2991 Woodside Road, Woodside

Sculpture from the Fisher Collection
This exhibit features pieces by John Chamberlain, Sol LeWitt Claes Oldenburg and Martin Puryear, together with Carl Andre's Copper-Zinc Plain, a floor piece composed of 36 tiles; and John Chamberlain's Bijou, a large early work made of crushed automobiles and paint. Wed.-Sun.; Feb. 29-Oct. 13, 2013; open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Thursday until 8 p.m.). Visit museum.stanford.edu. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford

Family and Kids

Nature Games : Crafts
Enjoy an afternoon designed to bring attendees closer to the wild side. They learn to roar like a mountain lion, put on "deer ears" to hear what the forest is saying, and build their own bug house. The day will finish with a hike through the woods to try out the new nature skills. Jan. 26, 1-3 p.m. $10. For more information, call Margaret Fielder at 650-949-9704 or email cpintern@hiddenvilla.org or visit www.hiddenvilla.org. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills

School of Rock Grand Opening
Attendees can come see Palo Alto's newest music school, School of Rock. It teaches kids ages 7-17 guitar, bass, keys, drums, and vocals through a combination of private lessons and group rehearsals, culminating in real live rock shows. The opening features a tour, activities, and live music from one of the student bands. Jan. 26, 1-4 p.m. For more information, call Hansel Lynn at 650-388-9964 or email hansel@schoolofrock.com or visit paloalto.schoolofrock.com. School of Rock, 2645 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Health

Live Music

On Stage

'After Ashley'
From Gina Gionfriddo, the author of "Becky Shaw," comes a biting dark satire that looks at a father and son coping with the loss of a loved one in the eye of a media storm. Jan. 25-Feb. 17. $15-$35. ($10 rush tickets at the door on non-opening Thurs and Fri nights.) For more information, call Box Office at 650-493-2006, extension 4 or email tickets@dragonproductions.net or visit www.dragonproductions.net/afterashley.html. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City

'Intimate Apparel'
A Lynn Nottage play inspired by Nottage's great-grandmother, an African-American seamstress who sewed her way out of grinding poverty. Thurs.-Sun., 8-10 p.m. Sun. matinees at 2 p.m. Through Jan. 27. Sunday matinees at p.m. $10-$30. Call 650-254-1148 or email info@thepear.org or visit www.thepear.org. Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View

'On Golden Pond'
Ernest Thompson's play is about revisiting the past and forging new bonds across generations. Jan. 24-Feb. 17, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 or 7 p.m.; and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. $18-$32. For more information, call Nada Angell at 650-941-0551 or email nada@busbarn.org or visit www.busbarn.org. Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos

'Somewhere'
TheatreWorks presents the Matthew Lopez play "Somewhere," about a family dreaming of show biz. Jan. 16-Feb. 10. $23-$73. For more information, call TheatreWorks at 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View

HMS Pinafore: The Next Generation
The Stanford Savoyards present the traditional Gilbert & Sullivan operetta featuring class division, revealed identity and romance but inspired by the revered characters, costuming, and settings of the Star Trek: The Next Generation. Jan. 25, 26 and Feb. 1 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 27 and Feb. 2 at 1:30 p.m. $10 to $20. For more information, call Stanford Ticket Office at 650-725-2787 or email StanfordSavoyards@gmail.com or visit tickets.stanford.edu. Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford

See How They Run
Hillbarn Theatre continues its 72nd season with the riotous British farce by Philip King. Jan. 25-Feb 10, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $34 (student price available). Call 650-349-6411 or email boxoffice@hillbarntheatre.org or visit www.hillbarntheatre.org. Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City

Outdoors

Religion/Spirituality

'Feast of Jewish Learning'
This community event starts with Havdalah and is followed by dozens of classes and interactive workshops. The concluding oneg will have live music, dancing and food. Jan. 26, 7-10:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Tzippi Zach at 650-207-1207 or email tzach@jewishlearningworks.org or visit www.paloaltojcc.org/feast. Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Sports

Ongoing Soccer Tryouts - PSV Union FC
PSV Union FC is a non-profit youth soccer club based in Palo Alto, with teams ages U7 to U18, and an academy for ages 4-6. Through Feb. 4. Call 650-387-4128 or email manager@psvunion.org or visit www.psvunion.org. Jordan Middle School, 750 N. California Ave., Palo Alto

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

Volunteers

Lytton Gardens Senior Communities
Volunteer opportunities with seniors include friendly visits, pet visits, activities assistant, dining room host, staff assistance, more-than-a-meal program, spiritual support, leading a class, and music performance. Flexible schedule. Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call Bethany Dinh at 650-617-7355 or email bdinh@lyttongardens.org or visit www.lyttongardens.org. Lytton Gardens Senior Communities, 437 Webster St., Palo Alto

Museum of American Heritage
Volunteers are welcome at the Museum of American Heritage in downtown Palo Alto. There are a wide range of opportunities. 11-4 p.m. free For more information, call Laurie at 650-321-1004 or email admin@moah.org or visit www.moah.org. Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto

Now Recruiting Outdoor Education Leaders
There are volunteer opportunities with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. It involves working as part of a team and leading third through fifth grade students on field trips at the David C. Daniels Nature Center. Those interested can submit an interest form now to be included in the upcoming training. Through Feb. 12, Free Call 650-691-1200 or email jwilliams@openspace.org; docent@openspace.org or visit www.openspace.org/volunteer/volunteer.asp.