Art Galleries

'Light and Dark: Photography Now'
The Pacific Arts League of Palo Alto hosts a "First Friday" opening reception for an exhibition of original work by California-based photographers. May 3-20, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. For more information, call Pacific Art League at 650-321-3891 or email frontdesk@pacificartleague.org or visit pacificartleague.org. Pacific Art League, 227 Forest Ave., Palo Alto

'Rooms and Blooms'
Gallery 9 features acrylic paintings by Bay Area artist, Jan Meyer. “Rooms and Blooms” is on display through June 2 and features interior room scenes painted with bold colors and graphic patterns. A reception for the artist will be held Friday, May 3, 5-7 p.m. March 30-June 2, Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5 p.m.; Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Free. Call 650-941-7969 or visit www.gallery9losaltos.com. Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos

Gallery House SVOS Exhibit
Gallery House extending hours for the first three weekends in May for Silicon Valley Open Studios. Ten Artists: Vidya Narasimhan,,Thomas Arakawa, Martha Castillo, Charlotte Coqui, Madeline Ettin, Sydell Lewis, Dan McLean, Patricia Nojima, George Perazzo and Peter Schenk. May 4-19, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Staffer at Galley House at 650-326-1668 or visit galleryhouse2.com. Gallery House, 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto

Misako Kambe’s 'Carving Magic'
The Portola Art Gallery presents “Carving Magic,” carved ceramic creations by Misako Kambe of Menlo Park. A reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 1-4 p.m. May 1-31, every day except Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Misako Kambe at 650-321-0220 or visit www.portolaartgallery.com. Allied Arts Guild, Portola Art Gallery, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park

New Work by Barbara Heinrich
De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry will present a show of new work by jewelry artist Barbara Heinrich from New York. Meet Barbara Heinrich in person during her artist appearance Thursday, May 2, 2-6 p.m. and Friday, May 3, 10-6 p.m. The show will run from April 27 through May 22, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. For more information, call Cherry LeBrun at 650-327-1256 or email services@denovo.com or visit www.denovo.com. De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry, 250 University Ave., Palo Alto

PAUSD Annual Youth Art Show
Palo Alto Art Center hosts the Annual PAUSD Art Show for grades K-12. The show runs April 29 - May 19. Tuesday-Fridaty hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Additional venue: PAUSD district office, 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto. Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Emily at 650-329-3939 or email emarshall@pausd.org or visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/artcenter/default.asp. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto

Classes/Workshops

'Beyond Calligraphy'
A class on calligraphy writing as a work of art used in collages, cards and scrapbooks. Various writing tools will be explored as well as a history of writing in general. Instructor is Taun Relihan. Fridays, April 12-May 31, 10-11 a.m. $50 ($40 members). For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or email jwebb@avenidas.org or visit avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

'French for Francophiles'
Avenidas offers "French for Francophiles" classes, in which students will learn to converse as if they're living in France. Some knowledge of French is recommended. The class instructor is Leo McCord Jr. April 10-June 26, Wednesdays, 12:30-2 p.m. $75 ($65 members). For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or email jwebb@avenidas.org or visit www.avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

'Impressionist-Style Painting'
Students will learn about color theory, value concept, composition, modern-art history, technique and limited-palette method. Still-life and landscape possibilities with loose brush strokes and acrylic colors. No class May 21. Tuesdays, April 16-June 11, 1-3:30 p.m. $90 ($80 members). For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or email jwebb@avenidas.org or visit avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

'Learn to Meditate'
A class on meditation will be held Thursdays from May 2-23 7:30-9 p.m. $60. For more information, call Joe Begley at 650-323-3363 or visit www.anandapaloalto.org. Ananda, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

'Learn to Square Dance'
Classes are held by the "Bows & Beaus Square-Dance Club" on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. First class free; $5 per class thereafter. For more information, call Nanci Email n.scharfen@comcast.net. Loyola School, 770 Berry Ave., Los Altos

'The Chakras'
A class about exploring chakras will be held on Wednesdays from April 3-May 22, 7:30-9 p.m. $120 for 8 weeks, or $18/class. For more information, call Joe Begley at 650-323-3363 or visit www.anandapaloalto.org. Ananda, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Feldenkrais
Little House is offering feldenkrais classes to improve balance, flexibility and brain function. Exercises are on the floor, so students should bring a towel or mat to lie on. Fridays, year-round. 11 a.m.-noon. $45 ($40 members). 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

Feldenkrais Method
Through subtle movements -- some easy, some challenging -- students will learn to radiate strength from the core and improve flexibility. Wednesdays, April 10-June 26, 10-11 a.m. $75 ($65 members). For more information, call Judy Windt at 650-328-4173 or email judy@judywindt.com. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Life Drawing Open Studio
In these ongoing, year-round drop-in classes, participants can draw from live models. No formal instruction, work with other students and artists. Bring own supplies. Option to purchase punch card for 10 sessions. Mondays are Short/Med Pose; Wednesdays, Long Pose. See website for more info. Running until December 30, Mondays and Wednesdays, 7-10 p.m. $7 per session/$60 for 10 sessions. For more information, call Linda Covello Email lcovello@arts4all.org or visit www.arts4all.org/study/on-site/lifedrawing.htm. Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View

Pastel Plein-Air Painting Classes
The Portola Art Gallery’s Jan Prisco will offer weekly pastel plein-air painting classes at Allied Arts Guild, starting April 17 and running through August. Wednesdays, 1:30-4:15 p.m. $30/class. For more information, call Jan Prisco at 650-341-9519 or email jan_prisco@yahoo.com or visit www.janprisco.com. Portola Art Gallery - Allied Arts Guild, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park

Yoga Night: 'Kundalini for Compassion'
Kundalini yoga uses simple movements aimed at strengthening the nervous system, connecting with the breath and promoting relaxation. One Heart Yoga at Little House hosts a spring series on compassion with yoga teachers from the entire Bay Area. April 16 through May 21, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Donation $10-20 recommended. For more information, call Amar Email amarkaur3@gmail.com or visit www.oneheartyoga.com/schedule.html. One Heart Yoga at Little House, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park

Clubs/Meetings

Community Events

'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' Food-Collection Events
First Saturday of the month, March to August: 3/02, 4/06, 5/04, 6/01, 7/06 and 8/03. Participants should bring fresh, canned and packaged foods between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Foods dropped off benefit households and food closets. One-hour volunteer shifts available. Free. For more information, call Food Drop Off Site Mgr. at 650-283-9910 or email neighborshelpingneighbors2013@gmail.com. Midtown Center, 2700 Midtown Court, Palo Alto

Balanced View Open Meeting
Education in the nature of the mind every Tuesday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Email www.paloalto@balancedview.org or visit www.balancedview.org. University Church, 1611 Stanford Ave., Palo Alto

El Camino Hospital Farmers' Market
El Camino Hospital hosts a weekly farmers market every Friday on the Mountain View campus. The market is held in the parking lot east of the emergency entrance. Parking is available in lots A and B, located in front of the hospital along Grant Road. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit www.elcaminohospital.org/calendar. El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View

Midtown Zero Waste Block Leader Events
Attendees can come on the first Saturday of each month (March to November). The ZeroWasteIsPossible Team will be on hand for Q&A. There will be give-aways, treats and beverages, and a new special guest and topic each month. Attendees can share their best recycling tips, get info and learn. 9 a.m.-noon Free. For more information, call ZWBL at 650-283-9910 or email MidtownCourt.Neighbors@gmail.com. Midtown Center, 2700 Midtown Court, Palo Alto

Peninsula Volunteers Decorator Show House 2013
Woodside estate The Horse Park, with 20 rooms styled by premier designers. Free parking & shuttle and "Meet the Designer" evenings. May 4-24, Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35. For more information, call Bart Charlow at 650-381-9933 or email bcharlow@peninsulavolunteers.org or visit www.penvol.org/. The Horse Park, 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside

Dance

Adult/teen ballet class
For the Love of Dance offers a beginner-to-intermediate class in classical ballet, with barre exercises, center-floor technique, combinations, adagio, allegro, jumps and turns. Through June 25, 8-9 p.m. $60/month. For more information, call Lesley Ruzon at 650-861-0650 or email fortheloveofdancemv@gmail.com or visit www.fortheloveofdancemv.com. For the Love of Dance, 2483 Old Middlefield Way Suite B, Mountain View

Adult/Teen hip hop class
For the Love of Dance offers this class on street-style moves. Class begins with a jazz warm-up. Through June 25, 8-9 p.m. $60/month. For more information, call Lesley Ruzon at 650-861-0650 or email fortheloveofdancemv@gmail.com or visit www.fortheloveofdancemv.com. For the Love of Dance, 2483 Old Middlefield Way Suite B, Mountain View

Adult/teen jazz class
For the Love of dance offers a beginner-to-intermediate class, with stretch, jazz choreography and progressions. Through June 24, 7-8 p.m. $60/month. For more information, call Lesley Ruzon at 650-861-0650 or email fortheloveofdancemv@gmail.com or visit www.fortheloveofdancemv.com. For the Love of Dance, 2483 Old Middlefield Way Suite B, Mountain View

Zumba Gold Dance Classes
Avenidas will host a series of zumba gold dance classes, a fusion of Latin rhythms and dance moves. Students should wear comfortable clothes and workout shoes (no sandals or leather soles). April 10 through June 26, Wednesdays at 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. $75 ($65 members). For more information, call Judith Webb at 650-289-5436 or email jwebb@avenidas.org or visit www.avenidas.org. Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Exhibits

'A Place of Magic'
An exhibit of Baylands nature photography by Salvatore Ventura. Proceeds from the works for sale benefit local nature education. Through June 1. Free. For more information, call Environmental Volunteers at 650-493-8000, ext. 340 or email communications@evols.org or visit www.evols.org/index.php?page=photography-exhibit---salvatore-ventura. The EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

'From Fiber to Fabric: A History of American Textile Production'
Exhibit on the history of textile production in the United States from the homespun of colonial times through mass production in the industrial age. Artifacts and textiles illustrate the story of wool, linen and cotton from cultivation to finished cloth. Open through Aug. 18, Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. For more information, call Laurie Hassett at 650-321-1004 or email Admin@moah.org or visit www.moah.org. Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto

'Harmony 2013: A Fine-Art Photography Exhibit'
The Peking Duck Restaurant hosts this exhibit featuring photographs by Kim Dang, Charles Dilisio, Charles Mujie and Roger Spinti. The exhibit shows through June 6, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Free. Peking Duck Restaurant, 151 S. California Ave., Palo Alto

'Watergate Villains and Heroes'
Local artist Myrrh's portraits of the Watergate defendants, and the senators questioning them, are on display at the Midpeninsula Community Media Center. She drew them in pencil, crayon and oil pastels while watching the hearings on her TV in 1973. Through June 27, open weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment on weekday evenings. Free. Call 650-494-8686 or visit www.myrrh-art.com. Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Ry Smith
Los Altos Hills-sponsored art exhibit of paintings by Ry Smith, a designer of high-tech products. Reception March 31, 2-5 p.m. Exhibit up through Aug. 28. Free. 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

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

Stanford Art Spaces - Stanford University
Mixed media by Nicole M. Lomangino, paintings by Michelle Sakhai and paintings by Yu Chun-Hui are on exhibit at the Paul G. Allen (C.I.S.) Art Spaces Gallery. Reception: April 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Paul G. Allen reception area. March 29-May 23, weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Marilyn Grossman at 650-725-3622 or email marigros@cis.stanford.edu or visit cis.stanford.edu~marigros. Stanford Art Spaces, 420 Via Palou, Stanford

Family and Kids

Atherton Library Preschool Storytime
Children ages 3-5 are invited for stories and activities every Monday morning. Through May 20, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. For more information, call Maeve Visser Knoth at 650-328-2422 or email visser-knoth@smcl.org or visit www.smcl.org. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton

Picture Book Story Time
Story Time at Linden Tree, every Friday and Saturday from 11-11:30 a.m., is ideal for preschoolers, kindergartners or any children ages three to six. Titles are selected from both classic favorites and new books. See website for weekly themes. May 3-July 6, Free. For more information, call Dee at 650-949-3390 or email info@lindentreebooks.com or visit www.lindentreebooks.com. Linden Tree Books, 265 State St., Los Altos

SCRA Swim School Spring Kick-Off
Spring classes at SCRA Swim School for beginning, intermediate and advanced swimmers. April 1-May 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $65-85. For more information, call Laura at 650-723-8135 or email Mitchell or visit www.scraswimming.com. Stanford Campus Recreation Association, 875 Bowdoin St., Stanford

On Stage

Comedy Club
Comedy nights on Sundays through May 26, 8-9:30 p.m. $30 (includes 2 free drinks). Call 650-619-0266 or email european_enterprises@msn.com or visit www.premiercomedyclub.com. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City

Religion/Spirituality

'Kirtan: An Evening of Devotional Chanting'
There will be an evening of chanting in English, as well as some Indian chants, accompanied by harmonium and guitar. Fridays, April 5-May 31, 7:30-9 p.m. For more information, call Joe Begley at 650-323-3363 or visit www.anandapaloalto.org. Ananda, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Compline: Evening Service of Song
A reflective, contemplative 30-minute service of hymns, anthems and chant sung by Stanford and local choral ensembles in the tranquil candlelit ambiance of Memorial Church. A different choral group sings every week. Sundays, April 14-June 2, 9-9:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Office for Religious Life at 650-723-1762 or email religious-life@stanford.edu or visit events.stanford.edu/events/366/36683. Stanford Memorial Church, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford

Lifetree Cafe Palo Alto
Lifetree Cafe offers weekly conversations on life issues. May 5: "The Black and White Truth About Racism." May 12: "When Love Hurts." May 19: "How to Live Before You Die." May 26: "The Majesty and Mystery of Nature." Snacks/drinks available. Sundays, May 5-26, 7-8 p.m. Free. For more information, call Susan Mitchell at 408-507-9858 or email lifetree@pacc.org or visit www.lifetreecafe.com. 3373 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Sunday Spritual Service
The Center for Spiritual Living Peninsula hosts an hour long Sunday service that consists of music and an inspirational message. April 14-June 9, Sundays, 10-11 a.m. Free. For more information, call Rev. Abigail Schairer at 650-503-4275 or email cslpeninsula@gmail.com or visit www.cslpeninsula.org. Royal Hodge Masonic Lodge, 651 Roble Ave., Menlo Park

Special Events

MVHS Annual Art Show
Mountain View High School's annual Student Art Show will feature photography, drawing, painting and sculpture pieces on display in the library. May 6-24, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. For more information, call Lori Nock at 650-940-4600 or email lori.nock@mvla.net or visit www.mvla.net/mvhs/Pages/default.aspx. Mountain View High School, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View

Sports

AYSO soccer registration
All children born between August 1, 1994 and January 31, 2009 are encouraged to join AYSO's fall league. Registration begins at midnight on May 1, with walk-in registration at Hillview Middle School on May 11 and May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration also available online. For more information, call Joanne Goldberg Email registrar@mpsoccer.org or visit http://ayso.org/resources/registration.aspx. Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park

Support Groups

Alateen Support Meeting
Alateen is a community of young people (12-18 years) whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Confidential. Anonymous. Non-professional. Non-Religious. Based on AA's 12 Steps. Thursdays weekly, 7-8 p.m. Call 650-329-8298 or visit alanonmidpeninsula.org. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 670 East Meadow Drive, Room 8, Palo Alto

Codependents Anonymous
The group meets in the main building, Room C, Downstairs. Fridays through May 31, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Free. For more information, call Lee Blevins at 408-564-7442 or email blevins.lee@gmail.com. El Camino Hospital, 2500 Grant Road, Mountain View

Food Addicts in Recovery
Weekly meeting on Sunday evenings. Open to all who want to stop eating addictively. 7-8:30 p.m. Visit www.foodaddicts.org. St. Marks Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto

Talks/Authors

Free Introductory TM Lectures
Free Introductory Lectures to the Transcendental Meditation Technique every Wednesday at noon and 8 p.m. For more information, call Michael Yankaus at 650-424-8800 or email michaelyankaus@me.com. Transcendental Meditation Center, 1101 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Volunteers

'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' Food Collection Events
Monthly food collection, March-Aug. Shifts are 30 minutes to an hour on the first Saturday of the month between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants gather one day per month to sort, bag and pass out grocery bags. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call MidtownCourt.Neighbors & Friends at 650-283-9910 or email MidtownCourt.Neighbors@gmail.com. Midtown Center, 2700 Midtown Court, Palo Alto

'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' Food Collection Events
Participants can join a team of food sorters, baggers and drivers once per month, Mar-Aug. On the first Saturday of the month the team will gather in Midtown Center parking lot next to Wells Fargo ATM for one hour shifts between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call Mo.Food Drop Off Site Mgr. at 650-283-9910 or email neighborshelpingneighbors2013@gmail.com. Midtown Center, 2700 Midtown Court, Palo Alto

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