Art Galleries

'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

Color and Line Exhibition
New Coast Studios presents "Color and Line," an exhibition featuring 20 artists exploring hue and saturation and the rhythm of form and line, across a variety of themes and media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 6-8 p.m. May 17-29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. For more information, call Shira Adriance at 650-485-2121 or email info@newcoaststudios.com or visit www.newcoaststudios.com. New Coast Studios, 935 Industrial 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

Auditions

'Gretel and Hansel' Auditions
The City of Los Altos Youth Theatre presents "Gretel and Hansel," a new twist on an old tale. The musical is done by Kate Hawley, directed by EJ Taylor and with music by Craig Bohmler. The show rehearses Monday-Friday, June 3-August 11, 4:30-8 p.m., as needed. The final performance is July 12 at the Bus Barn Theatre. Casting ages 12-22 with auditions on May 22 and 23, 6-9 p.m. Free. For more information, call Los Altos Youth Theatre at 650-947-2796 or email losaltosyouththeatre@gmail.com or visit www.losaltosrecreation.org/auditions.html. Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos

Classes/Workshops

'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

'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

Foothill College Summer Session Registration
This year, Foothill College offers two summer sessions that run six weeks: June-Start (Early Summer) Session runs June 10-July 21 and July-Start Summer Session runs July 1-Aug. 11. Choose from a variety of traditional and online class options. Class schedule at www.foothill.edu. Registration is May 13-June 30. California residents pay $31 per unit plus basic fees for Foothill classes; fees are due at the time Call 650-949-7325 or email webregfh@fhda.edu or visit www.foothill.edu/admissions.php. Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills

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

Travel Photography
Little House hosts a travel photography class taught by Marcia Lepler. Participants should bring their cameras' owners manuals. Pre-registration is required. May 15-29, Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. $45. For more information, call Kamilah at 650-326-2025 ext. 222 or email Knwachob@peninsulavolunteers.org. Little House Actitivity Center, 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park

Clubs/Meetings

Community Events

Entertaining and Interactive Conductorcise Event
David Dworkin leads "Conductorcise," an exercise class that mixes music, physical activity and mental endurance. Participants will hold a baton and mimic Dworkin’s exaggerated movements of a conductor to exercise. May 22, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call Naazmin Khan at 800-873-9614 or visit moldaw.org/event-detail-01.htm. Moldaw Residences, 899 East Charleston Road, 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

Smuin Ballet presents 'Spring Program'
Smuin Ballet ends its season with the West Coast premiere of the ballet "Petal" by Helen Pickett, the Bay Area premiere of Darrell Grand Moultrie's piece "Jazzin'" and "Chants d'Auvergne" by Michael Smuin. May 22-26, 8 p.m. $52 -$68. Call 415-556-5000 or visit www.smuinballet.org. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., 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

'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

Fairmeadow Fundraising Night at Books Inc
Books Inc. hosts a fundraising school shopping event to support Fairmeadow Elementary with featured author Cynthia Chin-Lee sharing her book "Operation Marriage," an illustrated story set in San Francisco. May 22, 5 p.m. Free. For more information, call Books Inc. at 650-321-0600 or visit www.booksinc.net/event/2013/05/15/month/all/all/1. Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto

Junior Naturalist Program
Youths (grades 3-5) can come and experience nature in the Palo Alto Baylands as part of this after-school program. Each of the program's four sessions will focus on different subjects, including hands-on activities and scientific exploration. Meet a live bird, play Ohlone games, search for wildlife and more. Wednesdays, May 15-June 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $75 (includes T-shirt, snacks, four sessions). For more information, call Eric McKee at 650-493-8000 or email Eric@EVols.org or visit www.evols.org. Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

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

Film

'A Fierce Green Fire' Film Screening
"A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet" recounts the history of the environmental movement. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. May 22, 6 p.m. Free. Call 650-329-8556. Patagonia Palo Alto, 525 Alma St., Palo Alto

Health

Free Total Control Pelvic Health Class Introductory Session
Classes that combine education and gentle exercise, taught by El Camino Hospital therapists who have undergone specialized training, can help strengthen muscles to achieve a strong pelvic core, flatter abs and improved bladder control. Call to register; space is limited. Sessions will be held May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25 and December 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Call 650-940-7285 or visit www.elcaminohospital.org. El Camino Hospital Park Pavilion Second Floor, 2400 Grant Road , Mountain View

Live Music

On Stage

'Love's Labours Lost' by the Stanford Shakespeare Company
The show, set in a contemporary college setting, explores the hilarity that arises when educated young adults fall in love for the first time and find themselves at a loss to rationalize their emotions and actions. May 22-26, 7:45-9:45 p.m. Free. For more information, call Christina Lee Email esclee@stanford.edu or visit shakespeare.stanford.edu. Phi Kappa Psi House, 592 Mayfield Ave., Stanford

Religion/Spirituality

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

Support Groups

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

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

Menlo Park 'Project Read' Tutor Training
Project Read's spring tutor-training registration begins Tuesday, May 7, and will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St. Training continues Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The final meeting is June 12, 6-8 p.m. Free. For more information, call Roberta Roth at 650-330-2545 or email rlroth@menlopark.org or visit projectreadmenlopark.org. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park