Tour a new exhibit, grab tickets to see an American Idol winner and shake those jingle bells—this winter’s got something for everyone.
Things to Do on O‘ahu in December 2023 and January 2024
Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Nov. 30–Dec. 6, 2023
See comedians perform, raise a glass for the Honolulu Zoo penguins and attend a Christmas carnival at Kapolei Shopping Center.
Invasive species awareness art contest open to students
Photo from WA Invasive Species Council
The Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are inviting school-age students to participate in an art contest to help spread the word about not spreading invasive species.
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms that don’t naturally live in Washington and, when brought here, can cause economic and environmental harm. Invasive species can outcompete native species for food and habitat and may even eat native species. Once established, they can proliferate and cost millions of dollars to control. They also negatively impact utility, agriculture, and tourism industries.
Entries must focus on a specific species chosen from a provided list of invasive species.
“We need the creativity of young people to help us get the word out about the damage invasive species can do and how it impacts all of us,” said Stephanie Helms, WISC executive coordinator.
The contest is divided into three divisions of students:
- Grade school (kindergarten through fifth grade)
- Middle school (six through eighth grade)
- High school (9th-12th grade)
Three winners will be selected from each division. First place will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and a poster print of the art, while second place will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and third place a $25 Amazon gift card.
In addition, the first-place submission will be displayed at WDFW’s aquatic invasive species check stations in Spokane, Clarkston, Cle Elum and on U.S. Route 395 near the Tri-Cities. It also will hang inside WDFW’s invasive species outreach trailer. Staff travel with the trailer through Washington and the Northwest to fairs, festivals and other events to educate people about the threat of invasive species.
The art contest runs now through May.
Submissions must include pictures or information on a specific invasive species.
A list of species is in the contest rules.
Digital mediums such as photographs, illustrations, cartoons and digital paintings are recommended, but high-resolution digital scans of artwork will be accepted.
“The species on that list–such as quagga and zebra mussels, African clawed frogs, northern pike, and feral swine–are some of the ones we are most concerned will be introduced or spread,” said Justin Bush, WDFW’s aquatic invasive species policy coordinator. “But there are many others. We are happy to have this art contest as another way to bring attention to the importance of stopping these harmful species.”
From WISC:
Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species requires simple actions such as not releasing unwanted pets into the environment, being aware of which plants are in yards, or ensuring that boat and fishing equipment are cleaned, drained and dry before being moved between waterbodies. WISC and state agencies promote simple actions that anyone can take to become part of the solution and protect Washington’s land and water.
New ‘BUF’ sculpture unveiled Wednesday at Canalside
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Visit Buffalo Niagara unveiled on Wednesday a new permanent sculpture at Canalside. Read more from WBEN:
The OE1 Workspace Collection Now Powers the Office Environment
Originally launched in 2021, the OE1 Workspace Collection designed by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility for Herman Miller gave contract customers the ability to change and adapt their work environment based on changing business goals and personal preferences. The collection consisted of mobile tables, movable walls, height-adjustable workstations, storage trolleys, and more. Hecht and Colin have now expanded the collection, so not only can they outfit the modern office, they can power it too.
The OE1 Powerbox and the accompanying OE1 Power Tray create Herman Miller’s first portable power solution. Users can work from anywhere without worrying about being close to an available wall outlet or making sure their devices have been powered up beforehand. With three USB-C ports and a USB-A port, the OE1 Powerbox can charge multiple smaller devices or, with the OE1 Power Tray, power larger devices, including monitors. A tracking device holder helps with facility management.
Also new to the collection is the OE1 Sit-to-Stand Table, a monochromatic, height-adjustable desk that looks and feels like it can belong in the home versus the office. Available in three shapes – round, rectangular, and rectangular with wrap – the desk features a discreet power foot pedal that allows users to adjust the height to their preferences.
The full expanded collection of the OE1 Workplace includes: the Freestanding Curtain and the Curved Screens to define boundaries, the Personal Hoodie to provide small space privacy, the Workbox to corral small desk objects, the Agile Wall Corner Cover to define worktop spaces for collaboration, and the Mobile Easel in a 48” size.
OE1 Powerbox and Power Tray
OE1 Powerbox
OE1 Workbox
OE1 Sit-to-Stand Tables
OE1 Sit-to-Stand Table
To learn more about the OE1 Workspace Collection, visit hermanmiller.com.
Arts Guild hosting annual Christmas show
The Beatrice Area Arts Guild will be holding its annual Christmas show beginning this weekend at the Court Street Plaza building.
Following the Country Christmas theme for the Holiday Lighted Parade, the group is hosting a Country Art Market.
The show will open Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also plan to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 16.
Approximately 12 artists will be displaying oil painting, water color, quilling, wood carving, and stained glass. Painted horseshoes, rocks and pottery will also be available. Most items will be for sale. Live demonstrations on different types of art will happen throughout the open hours.
In addition, there will be door prizes. Visitors also have the opportunity to vote for the window display that is a part of the Main Street Beatrice competition. Refreshments and treat bags will also be available.
People are also reading…
Winnie Woods said last year’s event was wonderful.
“Last year there were all kinds of tables and displays set up,” she said. “It is kind of exciting because people can come in and look. No one has to buy and they can come in for free and see what we’ve been doing all year.”
The group was founded in 1965 and currently has a membership of about 37 artists.
Roselyn Shaffer said members are from communities throughout Southeast Nebraska and beyond.
“We have members from Beatrice and the surrounding area,” she said. “We even have one member from Alaska.”
Erna Beach was one of founding members. She said it’s been fun.
“Art is better than chasing cars and staying in bars,” she joked. “It is proven that artists live longer and are healthier. It helps with emotions and it’s just fun.”
Members have also joined Association of Nebraska Art Club. Nebraska is the only state that offers this type of association. They meet once a year offering a variety of workshops.
“Oh my goodness, we’ve had some incredible artists give instruction,” Beach said.
Classes for both youth and adults are offered by the Beatrice Area Arts Guild. Deb Monfelt has classes planned for January.
Monfelt is also a member of Impact which has an art display at the Beatrice Public Library through the end of December.
Shaffer said they just want people to come and enjoy the art.
Wabanaki Winter Market returns to UMaine Dec. 9 – UMaine News
The largest holiday gathering of Wabanaki artists in New England will return with one-of-a-kind pieces, including some from new and nationally-acclaimed basket weavers, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the University of Maine Collins Center for the Arts.
During the 29th annual Wabanaki Winter Market, dozens of Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet and Mi’kmaq artists will showcase and sell their basketry, jewelry, beadwork, wood carvings, birchbark work and other artwork. The market is co-hosted by the Hudson Museum and the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance (MIBA), with support from Maine Office of Tourism and the Onion Foundation.
The free event will also feature brown ash pounding and sweetgrass flower demonstrations, storytelling, traditional music, drumming, dancing and maple syrup.
Profiles of several participating artists and event information can be found on the Hudson Museum website.
“This year is the 29th anniversary of this show, which celebrates the cultural and artistic traditions of the Wabanaki people. Artists like Barry Dana, Peter Neptune and Eldon Hanning have attended the event since it began in 1995. Others, such as Geo Neptune, Sarah Sockbeson and Frances Soctomah represent a new generation of award-winning weavers,” says Gretchen Faulkner. Visitors will find not just basketry, but a wide variety of Wabanaki artistic traditions in prices ranging from $20 to thousands of dollars. There is something for everyone.
The Hudson Museum, located inside the Collins Center, will also be open during the event. Among its exhibits is the Wabanaki Gallery, which showcases historic and contemporary Wabanaki art.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Hudson Museum Director Gretchen Faulkner, gretchen.faulkner@maine.edu.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu
Meet the artist who created this year’s Christmas Stroll button
GREAT FALLS — In the video above, reporter Cade Menter talks with Julia Weir (website), the artist who created the button for the 2023 Christmas Stroll. The theme for this year’s button contest was “Cowboy Christmas.”
The annual Christmas Stroll will be on Friday, December 1, from 5pm until 9pm along Central Avenue in downtown Great Falls. The event features food vendors, live music, arts and crafts, and more.
Stroll buttons are on sale at The Blue Rose, Candy Masterpiece, City Bar, Club Cigar, Dragonfly Dry Goods, Fetch, First Interstate Bank (Downtown), Kaufmans Menswear Centre , Mighty Mo Brewing Company, My Viola Floral Studio, The Newberry, Pizazz, and The Wild Hare.
People who buy one of the numbered buttons are eligible for prizes from downtown retailers; winners are usually notified within a week after the Stroll.
MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1: The town of Fairfield will host a Christmas Stroll from 4pm until 8pm. Lions Park will feature a tree lighting and caroling at 4pm. Fairfield Community Hall will feature vendors and basket raffles from 4pm until 8pm – $1 per ticket or 6 for $5. From 5pm until 7PM there will be taco in a bag meals provided by Fairfield Junior Women’s Club. There will also be “Willy The Train” rides at the Community Hall. Santa Claus will arrive via fire truck at 6:30pm at the Community Hall; $5 photos with Santa. All proceeds and donations go toward Community Projects. For more information, contact Nicole Misner at 406-450-4267.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1: Paris Gibson Square (1400 First Avenue North) will host “The Art of Christmas Open House & Artist Market.” From 10am – 5pm on Friday, December 1st, and 10am – 3pm on Saturday, December 2nd, visit The Square for shopping in the Gift Shop (featuring local artists); an artist vendor market with 36 artists, crafters, bakers, and more; lunches catered by Rhonda Adkins (by reservation only, tickets can be purchased online or in the Gift Shop ahead of time); guided art exhibition tours, and facepainting! Saturday’s events also feature photo opportunities with Santa and art activities for all ages. The Art of Christmas is a free event for the community, and The Square kindly asks for a suggested donation of $5 to support free museum admission year-round. For more information, click here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2: The Belt Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the fourth annual Belt Christmas Stroll. Breakfast with Santa at Belt School 8am-11am. Shop vendors around downtown Belt from 2-6pm. Photos with Santa at the Theater Lobby 2-5pm. “Elf” the movie at the Theater 4-5:30pm. Tree Lighting with Santa in the Little Park 6:30pm. The event is sponsored by Belt Valley Bank and Alliance for Youth. For more information, click here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2: Come enjoy a Christmas Party with Santa at at both Great Falls Ace locations from 11am until 2pm (215 NW Bypass and 3527 Tenth Avenue South). Photos with Santa (bring phone or camera for free pictures), Traeger Cookie Demos, and deals for the holiday season. Click here for more information.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2: Come to the Sun River Winter Market from 9am until 3p at fire station (26 Ramble Inn Road) in Sun River. Santa will be there for pictures in front of the Fire Truck from 11-12. Come get your holiday shopping done! We will have a variety of Craft Vendors, Antique/Vintage sellers and Home based businesses. For more information, call Laura Carlsson at 406-965-3087.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2: Holiday Village Mall in Great Falls will host the ‘Twas 3 weeks before Christmas’ Winter Solstice Arts, Crafts, and Vintage Show from 10am until 5pm. Bed Bath & Beyond location, upper level. Come shop with our Highly talented Vendors and find the perfect unique gift and Holiday decor. Carolers, musicians and dancers will be performing throughout the day. Stop in to visit Santa and the kiddie Craft corner with your kiddos! Free Admission. For more information, call Solstice Arts and Crafts at 406 750 5566.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3: There will be a Christmas Rummage & Bake Sale from noon until 6pm at 159 Main Street in Shelby. Come down to the building previously owned as Larson’s Clothing Company in Shelby, Montana! For more information, call Judy Richman at 406-470-1511.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6: University of Providence will host Lessons And Carols starting at 7pm at 1301 20th Street South in the Trinitas Chapel. Enjoy an evening listening and singing Christmas carols and readings presenting Jesus’ birth. This is a free event. For more information contact pianokody@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9: The Do Bar (1800 Third Street NW) in Great Falls will host “Rage For Santa” starting at 3pm. This is a community fundraiser concert for Toys For Tots. Featuring an acoustic set and a split lineup of EDM, hard rock, and metal music, all from bands and artists from around the state. Twelve performing acts, 50/50 drawing, raffle featuring items donated from around the community. Proceeds will be donated to Toys For Tots. Event is open to the public, 21+. Admission is just $10, or a $10 unwrapped brand new toy. For more information, contact Jonah Shirley at Jonahfromgreatfalls@gmail.com or click here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9: Montana ExpoPark will host Last Chance Christmas Bazaar from 9am until 5pm in Exhibition Hall. Join us for a delightful day of shopping, browsing, and celebrating the talents of local artisans and crafters. With a wide variety of unique, one-of-a-kind items, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information call Dawn at 406-590-6710 or click here.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9: Come to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to “Trim the Tree” from 9am until 1pm (4201 Giant Springs Road). Come enjoy free admission to the center where kids can craft three holiday ornaments, two to take home and one to adorn the center’s tree. Kid’s secret shopping day is also happening! Children can shop for their family because all gifts are $10 or less. Staff will wrap the gifts while parents get to sit back and relax with complimentary coffee and cookies. Every 4th-grader that attends the event can get an admission pass and Christmas tree for free! For more information, call 406-727-8733.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9: The Great Falls Public Library will host a Holiday Party from 11am until 12:30pm. Children and their families are invited to enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas and Hanukkah stories, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Take a free picture, then make your own picture frame ornament to display it. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jake Sorich at 406-453-0349.
TRENDING:
Advertising and Marketing Communications Management Students Reach Finals in Digital Media Marketing/Advertising Competition
A group of talented advertising students from St. Clair College – School of Media Art and Design have emerged as finalists in Perdue University’s Digital Media Marketing competition, showcasing their innovative skills and strategy in the dynamic field of digital media.
Working on the case study since mid-September the team of Zachery Dillen, Sara Rupert, Emma Carosella, and Dalton Drouillard have secured their place in the finals of the event.
The Digital Marketing Competition (DMC) known for its emphasis on cutting edge digital media strategies drew participants from across the globe, and our students have proven their strength amongst a pool of highly talented contenders.
The St. Clair College team’s entry stood out for its creativity, strategic approach, and creative utilization of the latest trends in digital media advertising. The students demonstrated an exceptional understanding, of consumer behavior, media channels, media planning, and technological trends in the ever-evolving landscape of digital media and advertising.
Team coach, Professor Scott Briscoe said: “The students put in the work and effort to make this happen. As a group they spent roughly 40-60 hours on this competition case study solution. This is a testament to their dedication, as they still attended all classes kept up with their course work and part time jobs. They’ve developed some outstanding solutions to this marketing problem. Their work ethic and strategic thinking was outstanding.
The DMC finals take place this Saturday December 2, 2023. The students in the Advertising and Marketing Communications program have created a live watch party event to take place at 10:00am at The St. Clair Center for the Arts. The St. Clair College team will have the opportunity to present their creative, strategic ideas at 12:30pm.
The Advertising and Marketing Communications invite; the community at large, members of the media, and industry professionals to watch and celebrate with us the accomplishments of these talented individuals. You can register to receive the livestream link here: free Zoom Event
For further information contact Steve McEachern smceachern@stclaircollege.ca
St. Clair College:
Transforming lives and strengthening communities, through high quality and accessible educational experiences that support career readiness, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Conference puts pope’s call for ‘outgoing theology’ into action
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (CNS) — Theologians, social scientists, historians and artists, including an Indigenous Mexican rapper, met in Bogotá to discuss how religion is represented in popular culture today.
Pope Francis “says that new theology cannot be a dialogue between theologians because that is self-referential, rather it must be an interdisciplinary dialogue,” Emilce Cuda, president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America told Catholic News Service Nov. 27 during a three-day conference in Bogotá on religious expressions in popular culture at the headquarters of the Latin American bishops’ council, known as CELAM.
Theologians, she said, “must be among the people and listen to the language they use to express the faith today, to express their needs and dreams,” and to engage with popular expressions of faith conveyed through tattoos and rap music, for instance.
The conference, titled “Theology on the Peripheries: The Symbolic Language of Popular Culture,” featured panels on the use of religion in forming ideologies, media narratives surrounding religion, the appropriation of religious symbols and their representation in art.
Cuda said the conference was motivated by the need for an “outgoing theology” that aligns with a vision of an “outgoing church” as Pope Francis requested in a letter Nov. 1 approving new statutes for the Pontifical Theological Academy.
Jesuit Father Felipe Legarreta, a biblical scholar at Loyola University of Chicago and conference participant, told CNS that studying the modern-day use of religious symbols follows the example of the early church fathers, who “appropriate symbols, appropriate languages to translate and interpret the Gospel message in new contexts.”
Father Legarreta said he hoped the conference would support a “new epistemology and methodology for theology that is in dialogue with the other sciences and with the peoples of the earth, above all those who are on the peripheries.”
Miguel Ángel Pérez Gómez, a rapper from Chiapas, Mexico, known by his stage name “Sebsor,” said that his participation in the CELAM conference as an artist and as an Indigenous person was important “so that academics look at us, so they see that we exist, that we have a spirituality and to dialogue about it.”
Pérez’s songs incorporate both Spanish and his native Tzeltal, a Mayan language spoken by some 590,000 people. He told CNS that his music blends Mayan culture, Catholic spirituality and the message of resistance found in American hip-hop.
“If you’re at a desk, you cannot understand the spirituality of a group of original peoples that was never conquered and continues to exist,” he said. “Why hip-hop? Why has art saved us? Because it has been a means of social transformation in the peripheries.”
Theology today can be overly concerned with “certain ways of preserving doctrine that place more attention on preservation than on proclamation” of the Gospel, Argentine Father José Carlos Caamaño told CNS.
A systmatic theologian at the Catholic University of Argentina, Father Caamaño said that preserving the faith through theology “cannot be motivated by tending to a body of work so that I can take decisions about others from a position of power.”
“Knowing the challenges of our times is fundamental to be able to articulate a language that communicates the Gospel, otherwise what we communicate is a hollow doctrine, a dehumanizing doctrine,” he said. “If you are worried about the salvation of people, you have to gain knowledge about them by using disciplines that know how to capture a concrete, historical reality,” such as through collaboration with historians and sociologists.
Cuda said such an approach “is the way of understanding theology in part of Latin America, particularly in Río de la Plata,” the region which encompasses Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
“In Latin America, theology of the peripheries is not a theology of philosophical categories, it is a theology mediated by culture,” she said.
