The Scene In and Around Boston . . . We are all invited to make the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), part of our holiday tradition with "MFA for the Holidays," featuring free events and activities from Wednesday, December 2, through Sunday, December 6 (children 17 and under are always admitted free). Musical performances range from a concert by the Boston Children's Chorus to the Bob Christopherson Holiday Jazz Trio, as well as seasonal music by local college a cappella groups. "MFA for the Holidays" also includes book readings and signings by popular local authors and the opportunity for children to receive free books (hundreds of books will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis). Catie Copley, the friendly black lab featured in the book "Catie Copley" by Deborah Kovacs, will make a special appearance when her book is read and will be available for "pawtographs." Visitors can also marvel at a gingerbread replica of Copley Square (the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts), created by chefs from North Shore Community College. "MFA for the Holidays" is free with general admission (which includes two visits in a 10-day period). Tickets for students who are MFA University Members are free, as well as for children 17 years of age and younger (during non-school hours). For more information regarding visits to the MFA this holiday season, visit www.mfa.org or call 617-267-9300. A partial listing of some of the events: Wednesday, December 2 at 5 p.m. ~ "Unveiling of the Gingerbread Copley Square" ~ A large gingerbread replica of Copley Square, constructed by culinary students from the North Shore Community College, will be displayed on the first floor of the Linde Family Wing. At 6 p.m. the popular Boston Children's Chorus will perform holiday favorites in the Koch Gallery, which is filled with European masterpieces Friday, December 4, from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. ~ The Bob Christopherson Holiday Jazz Trio performs in the Koch Gallery, where art lovers can mingle at a special holiday edition of the popular mfafirstfridays series, while enjoying fine art, a cash bar serving holiday cocktails, and a delicious tapas menu. (For ages 21 and older.) Saturday, December 5, from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. ~ In the Linde Family Wing, the delightful Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble will offer a concert for children that adults will love as well. Using flute, violin, cello, woodwind and stringed instruments, the Ensemble will play songs that the children request, and encourage them to sing along. Afterwards, at 2:15 p.m., hundreds of books will be given away for free on a "first come, first served" basis. Sunday, December 6, beginning at noon, back in the Linde Family Wing there will be a Children's Book Signing and another distribution of free books. At 2 p.m. "Catie Copley," the book featuring the adventures of the popular black lab from The Fairmont Copley Plaza, will be read by Suzanne Wenz. The real Catie Copley will be present. There will also be "A Cappella Groups" in the Lower Rotunda and "Classic Holiday Movies" in the Remis Auditorium: 1 p.m., "A Christmas Story" by Bob Clark (1984); and at 3 p.m., "Miracle on 34th Street" by George Seaton (1947). The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is recognized for the quality and scope of its encyclopedic collection, which includes an estimated 450,000 objects. The Museum's collection is made up of: Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Open seven days a week, the MFA's hours are Saturday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. No admission fee is required (after 4 p.m.) on Wednesdays, although voluntary donations are welcome. The Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Patriots' Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For general visitor information, visit the MFA website at www.mfa.org or call 617-267-9300.
"ZooLights!" Fun Scheduled for Stone Zoo The Stone Zoo in Stoneham will again host "ZooLights!" beginning on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and running through December 30 (except for Christmas Day, December 25). For many Greater Boston residents, ZooLights! has become a beloved holiday family tradition. The "winter wonderland' attracts visitors each year who get into the holiday spirit by strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Upon entering the Zoo, guests will enjoy "Yukon Creek," which not only features dazzling holiday lights but also is home to bald eagles, a porcupine, a lynx, a gray fox and reindeer. Children may also visit with Santa, who awaits their arrival in "Santa's Castle." Jolly Old St. Nick will be available for photos through December 23. (Santa photos and carousel rides require an additional fee.) The magical holiday world will be filled with fairy-tale characters and dancing plush animals. For more information, call 617-989-2000 or visit www.stonezoo.org. Enjoy! |
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In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
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On Saturday, Dec. 5, MFA Curator Erica Hirshler, center, will sign copies of her new book "Sargent's Daughters: The Biography of a Painting," which explores the MFA's famous painting, "The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit." Ms. Hirshler is pictured in 2006 in front of the painting with Kathy Adler, left, of the National Gallery in London, and Barbara Weinberg, right, of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. (File photo by Hilda M. Morrill)