Art Center

FRIDAY LINDA EDER'S JUDY GARLAND SONGBOOK: Broadway singer Linda Eder performs a tribute to Judy Garland with the BSO Pops at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., at 8 p.m. She'll sing such classics as "The Trolley Song" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The concert also takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $26 to $60. Call 410-783-8000 or go to bsomusic.org. BRUCE IN THE USA: Those who recently saw Bruce Springsteen at 1st Mariner Arena know a show featuring all of The Boss' hits is an enjoyable experience.

Let's keep the "ho-ho-ho" in all 12 months of 1995. It was my observation that people greeted people on the streets and in stores with a cheery "hello," and contributions to charitable organizations were made without thought to a tax receipt.But people who needed our help during the past two months need food, clothing and shelter all 12 months of the year.Would "January Joy," "February Friendship," etc., entice thoughtful giving?Perhaps local civic organizations or high schools' community service projects could sponsor particular months.

The new year brings the opportunity to learn, study and do . . . for you. Age doesn't matter; you'll never be any younger. Ceramics, painting, textiles, basketry, photography and dancing can open new doors and present opportunities for an avocation, or even a career.Registration for a plethora of 1995 classes in East Columbia is now open at Columbia Village Community Centers, Columbia Art Center (730-0075) and Chaselle Learning Center (381-0828).The classes are open to those of all ages from children to seniors.

Summer's end is two weeks away. But it's springtime today for fine arts in Howard County.Gala: The Fifth Annual Howard County Gallery Season Openings has improved upon its predecessors in the number of galleries that will participate, which means that for the first time, events will be spread over two weekends.Jennifer M. Motruk, program coordinator for the Howard County Arts Council gala, said the goal of the two weekends of openings is to "separate and, at the same time, unify the event.

FOOD Baltimore Farmers' Market: If you're anything like me, you haven't even bought a frozen pea for Thanksgiving. Luckily, the farmers' market is stocked and ready for us procrastinators. Leave the mega-stroller at home, though, because this is the busiest day of the year for the market. Open today from 8 a.m. until noon at Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets. Web: promotionandarts.com FILM 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox': In an animation world dominated by pristine computer graphics, this ragged stop-motion curiosity definitely stands out. But no one has ever accused the works of contrarian author Roald Dahl and eccentric director Wes Anderson of being normal.

The artists could be forgiven if they got a little temperamental while searching for their work. After all, bedtime was quickly approaching for many of them. Proud parents and even prouder students recently flooded the opening reception for "Telling Images: Stories in Art," an exhibit of artwork by Howard County students. The show, at Howard County Center for the Arts, has more than 700 pieces made by students in kindergarten through 12th grade. "I think it's important to have this in a museum/gallery setting so the kids can see that what they do is sophisticated," said Barry Shauck, Howard County public schools instructional facilitator for the visual arts.

Check the web site for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and you'll see an array of performances on the boards for this weekend alone that would make for a wonderful summer season in Harford County. Tickets for performances range from $18 for the hour-long family play "The Wings of Ikarus Jackson," to $130 for a box seat for a performance of "La Cage Aux Folles. " The demand for what might be characterized as high art is substantial in this area, and the general success of the Kennedy Center is a testament to how successful a major high-end arts venue can be. Scale down, and the success of organizations like the Havre de Grace Arts Commission has long been evident.

The Columbia Art Center presents paintings by Jim Bobick through today in the Main Gallery, 6100 Foreland Garth. The center's Window Gallery features paintings by Ed Maiello during the same time frame. For gallery hours and more information, call 410-730-0075 or go to columbiaartcenter.org.