Art Galleries

'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

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

Babysitter Training Course (HSSCAR201)
This 6.5-hour American Red Cross course gives youth ages 11 to 15 years old the knowledge and confidence to care for infants and school-age children. Combines video, activities, hands-on skills training and discussion for a complete learning experience. Feb. 9, Remember to bring a snack lunch. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $85. Call 877-727-6771 or visit www.redcross.org/siliconvalley. American Red Cross Silicon Valley, 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto

Edible Garden Series: From Design to Harvest
Attendees learn garden design and planning, composting, soil testing and preparation, seed propagation and transplanting, watering and how to nurture healthy edible crops. Feb. 2-May 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $325. 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

Fruit Tree Pruning
Attendees learn how to maximize tree health and fruit production and to identify dead wood. Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $42. 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

Community Events

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

PALY Music Boosters Feb Flea Market
There will be a variety of items for sale including books, antiques, crafts from around the world and plants. Proceeds support Palo Alto High School Instrumental Music Program. To reserve a booth for sales, please see contact information. Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call PALY Flea Market at 650-324-3532 or email palyflea@gmail.com. Palo Alto High School parking lot, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Concerts

China National Orchestra: Chinese New Year's Eve Concert
Attendees can experience the renowned China National Orchestra, a 90-person ensemble of musicians who perform on Chinese instruments, on Chinese New Year’s Eve in the new stunning Bing Concert Hall, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Part of the annual Pan-Asian Music Festival. Feb. 9, 8-10 p.m. $30 general/$20 students/$10 Stanford students. Call 650-725-2787 or visit panasianmusicfestival.stanford.edu. Bing Concert Hall, Stanford

Dance

Environment

Neotropical Raptors and the Solitary Eagle Project
The speaker will show the neotropical forests of Central America during this special lecture and slideshow with Ryan Philips, the founder and Executive Director of the Belize Raptor Research Institute. Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, call Eric at 650-493-8000 or email Education@evols.org or visit www.evols.org/index.php?page=neotropical-raptors-and-the-solitary-eagle-project. The EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Turning the Tide: How ordinary people can save the baylands
CGF and Save the Bay are partnering to bring an educational program followed by a birding session that will showcase the Baylands, one of the best-known birding sites on the West Coast. Attendees can learn more about local environmental efforts and howthey can lend a much needed hand and voice. Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information, call Karin Lin at 650-968-7243 x 340 or email Karin@greenfoothills.org or visit www.greenfoothills.org/. EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

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

Weekend Preschoolers on the Farm
On a series of three fun tours designed just for wee ones, preschoolers can bury their hands in sheep wool, toss corn to the chickens, and discover heaps of new information and ways to use their senses. Ages 3-5 + 1 Adult. Class meets Saturdays, Feb. 2-16, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $65 Adult and First Child. 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

Health

Kidney Health Screening
The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®) offers free screening for those at risk - anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. Pre-registration is encouraged. Walk-ins if space is available. Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call Roz Fanaieyan at 415-543-3303 ext. 117 or email programsnca@kidney.org or visit www.kidney.org/news/keep/index.cfm. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Live Music

Redwood Symphony: Liberating the Soul
Three modern classics will be featured in Liberating the Soul, a concert Redwood Symphony will present Feb. 9. The program will include Jennifer Higdon's Blue Cathedral, Lou Harrison's Piano Concerto with Louise Costigan-Kerns as piano soloist, and John Corigliano's Symphony No. 1. 8-10:30 p.m. $20 adult ($25 at door) $10 student; children 17 and under free. Call 650-366-6872 or email info@redwoodsymphony.org or visit www.redwoodsymphony.org. Canada College Main Theatre, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City

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

'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

Arts with a Heart 2013: Tomodachi
Castilleja's annual dance performance, Arts with a Heart includes dances, singing, and original films. All proceeds go to the Tomodachi initiative, a charity that supports Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Feb. 8, 7:30-10 p.m. $15 For more information, call Rosalind Woloshyn at 650-739-5793 or email 14rwoloshyn@castilleja.org or visit artswithaheart.org. Castilleja School, 1360 Bryant St., Palo Alto

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

Birds of Bedwell Bayfront Park
See & learn about some wintering birds of Bedwell Bayfront Park: ducks, geese, egrets. Experienced birders will be available to show close-up views of different birds of water and land. Bring binoculars or look through the scope. Families welcome. Meet along the entrance road. Heavy rain cancels. Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free For more information, call Chris at 650-464-2877 or email friendsofbayfrontpark@gmail.com or visit www.friendsofbayfrontpark.org/. Bedwell Bayfront Park, end of Marsh Rd. at Bayfront Expressway, Menlo Park

Religion/Spirituality

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.

Tutor Training for Project Read-Menlo Park
Change Lives Through Literacy - Become a Project Read Tutor. Volunteers work with adults who are eager to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. No experience necessary. Feb. 5-9, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call Roberta Roth at 650-330-2525 or email rlroth@menlopark.org or visit www.projectreadmenlopark.org. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park