Art Exhibits

Musical comedy Silhouette Stages presents this Tony Award-winning musical comedy through Saturday, Nov. 5, at Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Lane in Columbia. Shows at 3 p.m. today and 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Tickets are $18; $15 for seniors and students. Reservations and more information: 410-637-5289 or seatyourself.biz/silhouettestages. Student exchange program The Columbia Association will offer information sessions for parents and teens about the 2012 Sister Cities High School Student International Exchange Program from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2; Tuesday, Nov. 15; Wednesday, Dec. 7; and Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10221 Wincopin Circle in Columbia.

When seven former college friends first ventured inside the former shoe factory at 306 W. Redwood St., it was filled with junk and there were holes in the floor. There wasn't an electrical outlet to be found, let alone the remnants of the former heating and cooling systems. Each footstep unearthed more rats. And everything, including the ceiling, was covered with grime. No wonder they fell in love with the place. "As soon as we walked in the door, we could see the potential," says Brad Leroy Cartwright, a local writer and member of the EMP Collective, an energetic group of young artists, musicians and actors.

'Art in the Mills' Nine artists are featured in a multicultural art show running through Sunday, Sept. 25, at The Other Barn, Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place. A reception from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 will include refreshments, music, children's activities and a kinetic sculpture exhibit. Show and reception are free. Show includes landscapes, portraits, religious themes, abstract art, Vietnamese dolls and other media. The artists represent a variety of cultures and styles and have exhibited in museums, universities and art centers around the world.

As summer's fleeting charms begin to fade, fall swirls into view in a burst of kaleidoscopic color. Relish autumn's arrival with 50 nifty travel ideas for the Mid-Atlantic region: from leaf peeping and leisurely drives, to museum-hopping, fall-inspired menus, Halloween delights and more, to usher in this glowing season of change. Lodging 1. Nestled amid the abundant trees of Maryland's largest forest, Savage River Lodge is an ideal starting place for leaf peeping. The handsome three-story lodge boasts a grand stone fireplace and the onsite cabins have oversized soaking tubs, plus porches with rocking chairs.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the Montpelier Art Center hosted a reception for three new exhibits. Guests were treated to an excellent selection of finger foods and provided with the opportunity to meet the featured artists Linda Bernard, Roslyn Logsdon, Charlie Risselada and Rachel Rotenberg. Bernard and Logsdon, who are both resident artists at the center, collaborated on a presentation titled "Windows. " Logsdon works hooked fibers and fabrics into images of windows on a facade.

SYKESVILLE — The South Carroll Fine Arts League is continuing its current art exhibition at the Fairhaven retirement community in Sykesville through July 15. The show debuted in June; and includes works of original oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; photographs; and framed prints by 10 local artists: Mary Decker; Sam Gunby; J.C. Coleman; Barbara Taccino; Wayne McWilliams; Gale Ratley; Frank Torockio; Lucille Kerns; Darlene Jones; and Kevin...

Open house The Laurel Museum and Montpelier Mansion will host an educators open house from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at 9650 Muirkirk Road in Laurel. Museums, history organizations, nature centers and others will share information on their educational programs. Free. Information: 301-377-7817. 'The Paper Show' An exhibition of works by Lisa Hillring, Virginia Rose Kane and Leora "Lee" Smith that explores the use of paper runs through Monday, May 28, in Tai Sophia Institute's Himmelfarb Gallery, 7750 Montpelier Road in Laurel.

Film series The "Marvelous Movies" film series continues with the romantic comedy "Platinum Blonde" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Slayton House Theatre, 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia. Film critic Mike Giuliano introduces the film and leads a short discussion afterward. Dessert and coffee will be offered. Admission is $7, $6 for seniors and students. The event is sponsored by the Wilde Lake Community Association. E-mail wlevents@columbiavillages.org for season brochure.