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

Classes/Workshops

'Mystical Teaching of the Bible'
A class about the different interpretations of the Bible and how yogic mystical teaching relates to the more conventional approaches. May 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30. 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

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

Introduction to Meditation
This workshop will explore simple techniques to develop a meditation practice. There will be a full moon that night, so special attention will be paid to lunar energy in meditation. May 25, 6-8:30 p.m. $40. For more information, call Amanda Salisbury at 650-858-1440 or email amanda@blueirisstudiopaloalto.com or visit www.blueirisstudiopaloalto.com. Blue Iris Studio, 3485 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Clubs/Meetings

Community Events

Sequoia International Festival
The Sequoia International Festival will include carnival games, slides, international food, crafts and artisan booths and local musicians and dancers. May 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. For more information, call Rebecca Flynn at 650-245-4050 or email info@sequoiafestival.org or visit sequoiafestival.org. Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Ave., Redwood City

Dance

Live Music /Contra Dance
Caller, Celia Ramsay, with the band, "Three Fifths of Scotch" (Elizabeth Todd, Del Eckels, Eloise Blanchard and Debra Tayleur) will entertain at this beginners traditional American social folk dance class. The class is 7:30-8 p.m. and dance 8-11 p.m. Bring potluck food to share. Open to all. May 25, 7:30-11 p.m. $10; Members $8; Students $5 or pay what you can. 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., 2F, Palo Alto

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

Western Ballet's Coppelia
Led by Artistic Director Alexi Zubiria, Western Ballet performs "Coppelia." This classic comedy features Alison Share as Swanhilde, Maykel Solas of Ballet San Jose as Franz and other Western Ballet graduating students. May 25-26, 1 p.m. $15. Call 650-968-4455 or email info@westernballet.org or visit westernballet.org/documents/performances_youth.html. Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton

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

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

Family and Kids

'Paws for Tales'
On the fourth Saturday of each month, children ages five and up can sign up to read to a trained service dog. Help improve reading skills and build reading confidence. May 25-October 26, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. For more information, call Atherton Library at 650-328-2422 or email atherton@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

Health

Live Music

On Stage

'Babes in Arms'
This student-run theater performance of Rodger's and Hart's musical, "Babes in Arms," features songs such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Lady is a Tramp." May 24-June 1, 7-9 p.m. $5 for students/seniors, $10 for adults. Email grabbagtheater.com or visit www.grabbagtheater.com/babes-in-arms.html. Redwood City Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City

'Hanging Georgia'
Young Georgia O'Keeffe falls in love with famous photographer Alfred Stieglitz and American art is changed forever. BootStrap's team, Hilfinger & McMillen, produce a mix of music, movement and drama. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; no performance on May 25. May 24-June 9, 8-10 p.m. $10-$30. For more information, call Pear Avenue Theatre at 650-254-1148 or email pearavenuetheatre@gmail.com or visit www.thepear.org. Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View

'Hanging Georgia'
"Hanging Georgia" tells the story of painter Georgia O'Keeffe and her relationship with Alfred Stieglitz. Script by Palo Alto playwright Sharmon Hilfinger, music by Joan McMillen. May 24-June 9, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays. $10-$30. For more information, call Pear Avenue Theatre at 650-254-1148 or email pearavenuetheatre@gmail.com or visit www.thepear.org. Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View

'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

'Nickel & Dimed' on Stage at Foothill College
The Foothill College Theatre Arts Department presents "Nickel & Dimed," a play about low-wage work in America. Written by Joan Holden, based on the book "Nickel & Dimed, On (Not) Getting By In America" by Barbara Ehrenreich. May 24-June 9, Thursday-Sunday, 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets, $18; Seniors, students and all Foothill-De Anza District personnel, $14. For more information, call Tom Gough at 650-949-7360 or email goughtom@foothill.edu or visit www.foothill.edu/theatre . Foothill College Lohman Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills

New Play Development Factory
Dragon Productions Theatre Company has chosen new, original scripts by three local writers and are hosting three weekends of staged readings of these scripts. May 24-June 9, 8-10 p.m. $10. For more information, call Box Office at 650-493-2006 or email tickets@dragonproductions.net or visit dragonproductions.net. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City

SCIT presents Euripides' 'Cyclops'
The fifth annual Stanford Classics in Theater production puts on Euripides’ "Cyclops," in which a combination of song and dance creates a hipster-riff on an old Classic with Brooklyn flair and skinny jeans. May 23-25, 8-10 p.m. Free with Stanford ID, $5 general public. For more information, call Alan Sheppard Email ashep@stanford.edu or visit scit.stanford.edu. Toyon Hall, 455 Arguello Way, Stanford

West Bay Opera's 'Otello'
West Bay Opera presents Verdi's take on the Bard's masterpiece. Fully staged, with orchestra and chorus. Cast includes David Gustafson as Otello, Cynthia Clayton as Desdemona and Philip Skinner as Iago. Performances on 5/24, 5/26, 6/1 and 6/2 at 8 p.m.. Sundays at 2 p.m. $40-75. For more information, call Box Office at 650-424-9999 or email boxoffice@wbopera.org or visit www.wbopera.org. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Religion/Spirituality

Special Events

Chinchilla Education NIght
Chinchilla Rescue is bringing a few chinchillas to Know Knew Books to help educate people on the proper handling and care for these pets. May 25, 6-8 p.m. Free (donations accepted). For more information, call Emily Stains at 650-326-9355 or email knowknewbooks@gmail.com or visit knowknewbooks.com. Know Knew Books, 415 S. California Ave., Palo Alto

Trunk Show featuring Ellen Brook and Blue Donya
New Coast Studios hosts a two-day trunk show featuring apparel by Ellen Brook and jewelry by Nassim Nouri of Blue Donya. Meet the designers, participate in a raffle drawing for their work, and shop their spring collections. May 24-25, 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

Walking Tour of Professorville
Palo Alto Stanford Heritage presents a walking tour of Professorville's historic houses and their occupants. May 25, 10-11:15 a.m. Free. For more information, call webmaster Email portulaca@earthlink.net or visit www.pastheritage.org. Addison Ave. and Bryant St., Palo Alto

Sports

Summer Event at Woodside
At Woodside Horse Park's Summer Event, meet the riders and horses and watch equestrians compete in Dressage, Cross Country Jumping and Stadium Jumping. There will also be a trade fair and food. May 24-26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. For more information, call Robert Kellerhouse at 951-303-0405 or email rkellerhouse@galwaydowns.com or visit www.woodsideeventing.com. Woodside Horse Park, 3674 Sand Hill Rd, Woodside

Support Groups

Talks/Authors

Haute Potato Cooking Demo and Book Signing
The Los Altos Library hosts Jacqueline Pham, the woman behind the popular cooking blog phamfatale.com and author of "Haute Potato: 75 Gourmet Potato Recipe." She will be giving a cooking demonstration (complete with samples) with a book signing after. May 25, 2 p.m. Free. Visit sccl.org. Los Altos Library Program Room, 13 S San Antonio Road, Los Altos

Volunteers

'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

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