LAST-MINUTE shoppers looking for the perfect one-of-a-kind gift can visit the Columbia Association Art Center. "Singular Sensations," a holiday exhibit of artwork priced at $150 or less, opened there Thursday.
More than 300 pieces -- paintings, glass, ceramics and jewelry -- are available in the gallery show and sale displayed in the art center's main gallery.
"We bought three things," said state Sen. Martin G. Madden, who attended the opening with his wife, Julie. "I found some nice Christmas gifts." Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller appointed Madden last summer to the Maryland State Arts Council.
Denee' Barr, Winnie Coggins, former Sun community columnist Natalie Harvey, Ann Martin, George Murrill and Linda Press are among the local artists participating in the exhibit.
Press' bright watercolors of Provence hang next to Barr's painterly photographs of Columbia neighborhoods. Colorful stained glass, beaded necklaces, ceramics, clear blown glass and other objets d'art sat on tables.
Art center director Rebecca Bafford said that more than 30 items sold the first day of the show. An additional 30 sold during the weekend.
The center held its holiday ceramics sale in conjunction with the opening. Affordable, one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pottery created by art center instructors and their students was offered Thursday in Studio I, a classroom.
Students Jeff Kubina of Kings Contrivance and Sheila Franklin of Long Reach were among the eight artists showing their ceramics. The clay pieces included cups, teapots and vases.
"Singular Sensations" runs through Friday. Hours are from 9: 30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9: 30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. Friday. The gallery will close for the holidays Saturday.
The art center is at 6100 Foreland Garth in Long Reach village.
Information: 410-730-0075.
Busy season
The approach of the holidays is a busy time. On Wednesday evening, the Kings Contrivance Village Board will hold its holiday open house.
Board members invite village residents to stop by Amherst House between 6: 30 p.m. and 7: 30 p.m. Hot cider and cookies will be served in front of a roaring fire.
Newcomers to Kings Contrivance are encouraged to come to meet village officials and staff members. It's a great opportunity to learn about the history of the village and discover the unique features of one of our neighborhoods.
Pause for Claus
You better watch out and not pout (as the song goes) because Santa Claus will be having lunch at Amherst House on Saturday.
Santa will collect lists of Christmas dreams and then settle down to enjoy lunch with his young guests. Pizza is on the menu, with cookies for dessert.
A photographer will be on hand to take pictures of the children with Santa, at no charge.
Tom Brudzinski will again be the man behind the snow-white beard. Brudzinski has been playing Santa for 11 years.
Only 100 tickets are available. The cost is $3.50 for adults and children who live on Columbia- assessed property; $4 for others. Infants in arms do not need a ticket.
Information: 410-381-9600.
Christmas everywhere
Long Reach Church of God Christian Academy will present "Christmas Around the World" in the sanctuary at 7 tonight.
The academy has more than 100 pupils, grades K3 (3-year-olds) to 5. Each class will represent a country. The first-graders -- representing Great Britain -- will perform "Silent Night" in sign language.
Traditional Caribbean holiday dances will be followed by "Joy to the World" in Korean, and Italian Christmas carols -- sung in English.
Principal Robert Washington says guests are invited to the church's Fellowship Hall for a sampling of foods from around the world after the performance. Authentic recipes are being prepared by parents of pupils representing each nation.
The play "A Christmas Miracle" will be staged during 8: 30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Washington said.
Long Reach Church of God is at 6080 Foreland Garth.
Information: 410-997-2088.
Sing out
Tomorrow, Long Reach Church of God Christian Academy's chorus -- under the direction of Laura Booth -- will celebrate the holidays with two performances.
At 10: 30 a.m., carolers ages 3 to 10 will serenade the senior citizens' community at Longwood House (next to the church) with popular holiday songs.
At 11 a.m., the group will visit Long Reach Village Center to sing for merchants and shoppers.
