Art

“Artful Ornaments,” metal, clay, mixed media and more, Markings Gallery, Bath. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

Holiday show, group exhibit, CRAFT Gallery, Rockland. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

“John Haberle: Master of Illusion,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“Debating Modern Photography: The Triumph of Group f/64,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

“The Search for Beauty: Whistler and His Time,” drawings and paintings, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. Noon to 4:30 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“The Architecture of Environmental Landscapes, Within and Without,” regional artists exploring environmental themes, University of New England (Art Gallery), Portland. 1 to 4 p.m. today and Wednesday; 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday; 1 to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“Sit Down! Chairs from Six Centuries,” chair collection of American and European seating furniture from 1470 to the present, Bowdoin College (Museum of Art), Brunswick, free. 725-3275. 1 to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Jan. 16.

Maine Women in the Arts, fine art show, Masonic Hall, Kennebunkport. www.mainewomenarts.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

“Islands and Sirens,” work by Tom Curry and Brian Mark, Thos. Moser Showroom, Freeport. www.thosmoser.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Through Jan. 31.

“Photographing Maine: 10 Years Later, 2000-2009,” photography with work by more than 150 artists, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport. 236-2875. Book signing party from 1 to 4 p.m., 1 to 5 p.m. today.

“False Documents and Other Illusions,” Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10, free under age 6. www.portlandmuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“The Old Port at Night,” photos by Melanie Bennett. Also, historical photography and poetry exhibit, “Look Twice: The Waponahki in Image and Verse,” University of Southern Maine (Glickman Family Library), Portland. 780-4270. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. today; 7:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 30.

“Anything Goes,” paintings, sculpture, mixed media, River Arts, Damariscotta. 563-1507. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“India Sojourn and a Glimpse of Venice,” photos by Lawrence Elbroch. Exhibit is open by chance or appointment between Dec. 26 and Feb. 28, Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, Kittery. www.reddoorpottery.com. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Dec. 24.

Colin Page, paintings, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

108 Angels Project: “Tree,” by Eva Goetz; benefits the Center for Grieving Children, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. www.elizabethmossgalleries.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

“Perspectives,” pottery and oil paintings by Pamela Williamson, Jeanne O’Toole Hayman and Rick Boyd, Richard Boyd Gallery, Peaks Island. www.richardboydpottery.com. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; by appointment Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

Hugh Verrier, paper-sculpted birds, Birds in Flight Gallery, Eustis. www.birds-in-flight.com. Noon to 6 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Dec. 15.

“Currents 6,” multi-media work by Gina Siepel, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu. Noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Through Feb. 13.

Fall Faculty Exhibit, recent work by Bevin Engman, Gary Green, Maggie Libby, Harriett Matthews, Abbott Meader, Nancy Meader, Garry Mitchell and Scott Reed, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu. Noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

“Little Elegies: The Art of Nineteenth-Century Mourning,” paintings, texts and objects created to assuage grief, memorialize the dead and remind viewers of religious truths, Colby College (Museum of Art), Waterville. www.colby.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday.

Juried Student Exhibition, University of Southern Maine (Art Gallery), Gorham. 780-5008. 1 to 5 p.m. today; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday.

Faculty Exhibition, Maine College of Art (Institute of Contemporary Art), Portland. www.meca.edu. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Jan. 9.

“The Art of December: Original Holiday Cards by Maine Artists from the Mildred Burrage Collection,” Maine Historical Society, Portland. www.mainehistory.org. Noon to 5 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Through Jan. 3.

Senior Ceramic Exhibition, Maine College of Art (Free Street Gallery), Portland. www.meca.edu. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; 8 a.m. to8 p.m. Monday to Friday.

“Transport,” large-format photos of classic cars by Robert Moran, running with scissors, Portland. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. today; and by appointment. Through Dec. 31.

“Cross Currents: Visual Art Distilled from the Maritime World,” Maine Maritime Museum, Bath, $9-$12. 443-1316. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Feb. 6.

Nathan Macomber, glass works, Gallery 302, Bridgton. www.gallery302.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Imagination Takes Shape: Canadian Inuit Art from the Robert and Judith Toll Collection,” Bowdoin College (Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum), Brunswick. 725-3416. 2 to 5 p.m. today.

“New Work,” paintings by Paul Black, Fore Street Gallery, Portland. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Jan. 2.

Clothesline Art Show, River Tree Arts, Kennebunk. www.rivertreearts.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday.

Student Exhibition 2010, video and digital art, painting, drawing, installation and performance art, University of Maine (Art Gallery), Farmington. Noon to 4 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

Jennifer Wadsworth, oil paintings, SugarWood Gallery, Farmington. www.sugarwoodgallery.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“8 x 10 x 80,” Harlow Gallery, Hallowell. Noon to 4 p.m. today; noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“A Matter of Perception: An Exhibition by Artists with Disabilities,” VSA arts of Maine Gallery, Augusta. www.vsartsmaine.org. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Winter invitational exhibit, The Gallery at Eleven Pleasant St., Brunswick. www.vsartsmaine.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 31.

“Biennial Portland Show,” invitational exhibit; continues through Dec. 31, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. 772-2693. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

Fall exhibit, works by Todd Watts and Ilya Askinazi and from the museum’s collection, University of Maine (Museum of Art), Bangor. 561-3350. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Through Dec. 30.

“Mesa to Sedona to Jerome,” paintings by Francine Schrock, Sandpiper Jewelry Gallery, South Portland. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Shoemaking Skills of Generations,” exhibit celebrating Lewiston and Auburn’s history and present-day legacy in shoemaking, Museum L-A, Lewiston. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

“Main Streets of Waldo County,” photography, Belfast Free Library, Belfast. www.belfast.lib.me.us. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

Jennifer Morrison, nature photography exhibit, Viles Arboretum, Augusta. www.vilesarboretum.org. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Dec. 31.

“And Sew it Seams,” embroideries, art quilts and large scale woven sculpture, Spindleworks, Brunswick. www.spindleworks.org. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Dec. 31.

“Maine’s Woods: Observations by Bert Lincoln Call and Henry David Thoreau,” photos by Bert Lincoln Call with text by Thoreau, University of Maine (Art Gallery), Machias. 255-1279. 1 to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Dec. 17.

“The Way We Work,” group show, 317 Main Street, Yarmouth. www.317mainst.org. Noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Jan. 7.

“Art Noveau,” new works by Vox Photography artists, Portland Public Library (Lewis Gallery), Portland. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“LINES Portland: the invisible/visible lines and labor that connect us,” Katarina Weslien’s prints based on road repair lines made by Portland public service crews, Portland City Hall, Portland. www.lines.portlandmaine.gov. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Feb. 11.

Berri Kramer, photographs, The Frame Works, Kennebunk. theframeworks.net. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Italy Inside/Out,” paintings by Brita Holmquist, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through Dec. 31.

“Contemporary Maine Wood Sculpture,” Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport. www.woodschool.org. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Feb. 4.

Faculty exhibit, with work by Sascha Braunig, Corliss Chastain and Bethany Haeseler, University of New England (Campus Center), Biddeford. www.une.edu. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Through
Dec. 14.

“Katrina Chronicles, Vol. 1 and 2,” work by Peter Precourt, University of Maine (Charles Danforth Gallery), Augusta. www.uma.edu/danforth. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Through Jan. 21.

Linden O’Ryan and John Cardano, poem cards and various media, Southwest Harbor Public Library. www.swhplibrary.org. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Small Works,” paintings and sculpture, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Ellsworth. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday; Reception 5 to 7 p.m., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 23.

“Lalla Essaydi: Les Femmes du Maroc,” large-scale photographs adapted from Eugene Delacroix’s “Les Femmes d’Algiers,” Bates College (Museum of Art), Lewiston. www.bates.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Through Dec. 17.

“Wally Reinhardt: Collaborations with Ovid,” paintings interpreting Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” Bates College (Museum of Art), Lewiston. www.bates.edu. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Through Dec. 17.

Jason Slaughter, paintings, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. www.waterfallarts.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Through Jan. 20.

“Whiteout,” L/A Arts Gallery 5, Lewiston. 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Envisioning the World: The First Printed Maps, 1472-1700,” University of Southern Maine (Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education), Portland. 780-4850. 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday. Through Dec. 30.

“For Portland,” site-specific commissioned work by Jenny Holzer will be projected onto the front of the museum. The artist will also present a free lecture at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, followed by a reception, Portland Museum of Art, Portland, free. portlandmuseum.org. 7 to10 p.m. Tuesday.

Holiday show, Ember Grove Gallery, Portland. EmberGrove.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Pots and Vessels,” work by Warren MacKenzie, Sequoia Miller, Paul Heroux and Ron King, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. www.junefitzpatrickgallery.com. Noon to 5 p.m.
Tuesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Making a Greene,” paintings and other work by Jeremy and Sabrina Greene, Three Fish Gallery, Portland. www.making agreene.wordpress.com. Noon to6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“Highlights from the Photography Collection of Tim Whelan,” Maine Media Gallery (Tim Whelan Photographic Books and Gallery), Rockport. www.mainemedia.edu. Reception 4 to 6 p.m., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 31.

“Diagonal Knitting: A Different Slant,” sculptural work and clothing by Katharine Cobey, Maine Fiberarts, Topsham. 721-0678. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Feb. 25.

Elizabeth Cashin McMillen, Aucocisco Galleries, Portland. www.aucocisco.com. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 23.

“Winter Works,” paintings and sculpture by Tom Curry, Ralf Feyl and others and “Eye Catchers,” small works, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. www.gleasonfineart.com. Holiday party 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (benefits Portland Symphony Orchestra), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Jan. 29.

“Elizabeth Jabar: A Quiet Habitation,” prints, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland. www.susanmaaschfineart.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Addison Woolley and Friends,” group show, Addison Woolley Gallery, Portland. 450-8499. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Through Dec. 23.

“Aunt Lu: The Story of Princess Watahwaso,” collection of photographs and objects, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor. www.abbemuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

“Something from Nothing,” papier mache scuplptures by Nanci Kahn, June Fitzpatrick Gallery, Portland. www.junefitzpatrickgallery.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

“Unique and Affordable,” holiday show, Art Space Gallery, Rockland. www.artspacemaine.com. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 24.

“Smitten: Hands and Their Coverings,” Latvian mittens by Angela Kimberk and mittens and hand coverings by other area textile artists, photographs, prints, paintings and sculptures, Merrymeeting Arts Center, Bowdoinham. www.merrymeetingartscenter.org. 1 to 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

Saturday School exhibit, work in various media created by high school students, Maine College of Art, Portland. www.meca.edu. 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Holiday member exhibit, Kittery Art Association, Kittery. 451-8384. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

Photo a GoGo, Bakery Photographic Collective, Westbrook. www.bakeryphoto.com. VIP party with music, 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday; auction and music, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Auditions

“A Midsummer Night’s Disco Dream,” for age 16 and older, Waterville Opera House. 873-7000. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today; 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Lyric Music Theater auditions, Lyric Music Theater, South Portland. www.lyricmusictheater.org. For “Rent,” 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Benefits

The Dough Ball, holiday decorations on view, refreshments, music and more; benefits the opera house, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, $30 door. 7 p.m. Friday.

Community Spelling Bee, for competitors age 18 and older. Benefits the school’s 7th grade Kieve Leadership Program, Bucksport Middle School, $50/team, $2 to $3 spectators. 469-6647. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Books and Authors

Book signing and reading, seating is limited; reservations recommended, Kennebooks, Kennebunk. 967-8282. Meg Wolff, “A Life in Balance,” 1 p.m. today; Anita Shreve, “Rescue,” 11 a.m. to1 p.m. Saturday.

Children’s book signing, Maine children’s book authors Jeannie Brett, Cathryn Falwell and Phillip Hoose will read and sign copies of their books, Bull Moose Music, Scarborough, free. www.bullmoose.com. 1 to 3 p.m. today.

Book signing and author talk, and holiday cookie swap, Roma Cafe, Portland. 774-1044. With Joanne Chang, “Flour Bakery and Cafe,”1 to 3 p.m. today.

Book signing, Nonesuch Books, South Portland. 799-2659. John Moon, “City by the Sea: A Photographic History of Portland, Maine,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

Book signing, Rabelais, Portland. Terry Theise, “Reading between the Wines,” 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Chats with Champions series, followed by book signing, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, free. www.skidompha.org. Glenna Johnson Smith, “Old Maine Woman: Stories from the Coast to the County,” 10 a.m. Thursday.

Author signing and reading, Longfellow Books, Portland, free. 772-4045. Glenna Johnson Smith, “Old Maine Woman, Stories from the Coast to the County,” 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Book signing, Tara Home and Gift, Cape Elizabeth. www.tarahomeandgift.com. Ellen Thayer, “My Christmas Surprise,” 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Author signing, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. www.llbean.com. Lisa Birnbach, “True Prep,” and Astrid Sheckels, illustrator of “The Fish House Door,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Book signing, Poofberry’s Toys, Kennebunk. 967-0400. Astrid Sheckels, “The Fish House Door,” 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Book signing, Borders Bookstore, Brunswick, free. Dahlov Ipcar, “The Calico Jungle,” 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Book signing, Skyline Farm, North Yarmouth. 899-5837. Lynda McCann, author of “The Mis-Adventures of Tink and Frado,” 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Author program, Mr. Paperback, Ellsworth. 667-5089. Glenna Johnson Smith, “Old Maine Woman: Stories from the Coast to the County,” 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Classical Music

DaPonte String Quartet, United Methodist Church, Brunswick, $18-$20, free under age 21. www.daponte.org. 3 p.m. today.

Frank Glazer, pianist performs in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Robert Schumann’s birth. Tickets are required, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, free. www.bates.edu. 3 p.m. today.

Community Chorus at South Berwick, Christmas concert. $8 in advance and for seniors and students (at the door); $10 at the door for all others, Marshwood High School, South Berwick. ccsb-sing.org. 3 p.m. today.

UMF Community Chorus, University of Maine (Nordica Auditorium), Farmington, $6, $5 for seniors. 778-7072. 3 p.m. today.

Magic of Christmas, annual holiday concert with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Magic of Christmas Chorus and guests, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $25-$61. 842-0800. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Comedy

Ba Ha Ha Humbug: An Evening of Holiday Comedy, with Karen Morgan, John Ater, Stephanie Doyle, Tuck Tucker, Nellie Coes and Kate Ghiloni, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick, $12 door, $10 in advance. www.explorefrontier.com. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Paula Poundstone, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $40, $35. 761-1757. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday.

Dance

International Folk Dancing, dances taught, beginners welcome, Mallett Hall, Pownal, $5, $3 for children. 688-2293. 7 to 9 p.m. today.

“The Nutcracker,” annual Maine State Ballet production with Wescustogo Youth Chorale and Musica de Filia Girlchoir, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $15-$45. 842-0800. 2 p.m. today.

Ballroom dancing, Maplewood Dance Center, Portland. 878-0584. 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday; 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Dancing with DJ John, Maplewood Dance Center, Portland. 878-0584. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 17.

Contradance, beginner program at 7:30 p.m., Bates College (Chase Hall), Lewiston, $6. www.bates.edu. 8 p.m. Friday.

Contradance, potluck at 7 p.m., beginner dancer session at 7:30 p.m.; family dance at 6 p.m,
Wescustogo Grange, North Yarmouth, $10, $7 for students and seniors. 233-4325. With Whiffletree, 8 p.m. Saturday.

“The Nutcracker,” presented by Robinson Ballet, the Grand, Ellsworth. www.grandonline.org. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Films

Global Lens Film Series, touring program of narrative features from around the world, Bates College (Ronj Coffeehouse), Lewiston, $5. 786-6135. “The Shaft,” 6 p.m. Monday; “Shirley Adams,” 8 p.m. Friday. Through Dec. 13.

“Lobster” and “Rachel Is,” two films made by filmmakers with local ties. Screenings are followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick, $7. www.explorefrontier.com. 7 p.m. Monday.

Classic Film Series, presented by Oqunquit Performing Arts. Discussion before and after the film, Dunaway Center, Ogunquit, free. 646-6170. “The Life of Emil Zola,” 7 p.m. Wednesday.

SCOPE, visual arts film series, Space, Portland, $7. www.space538.org. “Herb and Dorothy,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Sagadahoc Preservation’s Dreamland Theater, film series, Winter Street Center, Bath. “Sweet Smell of Success,” 7 p.m. Thursday.

[dog] and [pony] DVD Release Show, with musical performances; 18-plus, Space, Portland, $8. www.space538.org. 8 p.m. Friday.

Food and Drink

Steaming and Casserole Cooking in Clay, ideas for cooking in clay pots, Markings Gallery, Bath. 443-1499. 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Fire and Ice Bar, with refreshments and music, Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, $20. www.nonantumresort.com. 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Cookie Decorating and Tasting, in the kids’ department, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. www.llbean.com. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

For Children

Breakfast with Santa, eat and visit with Santa. Each child will receive a gift. Registration required, Camp Ketcha, Scarborough, $7, free for age 2 and younger. 883-8977.7:30 to 9:30 a.m. today.

Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, $10-$50. 775-3458.7 p.m. Thursday; 10:30 a.m. and7 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

Museums

“Learning is an Ornament: The History of Kennebunk’s Schools,” Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk, $5 donation. www.brickstoremuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Music

Christmas at the Cathedral, Choral Art Society’s annual holiday concert, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, $10-$30, $5 for youth. 828-0043. 2:30 and 7 p.m. today.

Anne Dodson and Friends, annual holiday concert. Suggested donation of $12 in advance or $14 at the door; $6 in advance, $7 at the door for children 6 to 12; free for children under 6, First Congregational Church, Camden. 236-9576. 7:30 p.m. today.

Bowdoin College Chamber Choir, Bowdoin College (Chapel), Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 3 p.m. today.

Opera Workshop performance, with university opera students, University of Southern Maine (Corthell Concert Hall), Gorham, $3-$6. www.usm.maine.edu/music. 2 p.m. today.

Broadway at Good Theater, holiday concert, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25-$30. 885-5883. 2 p.m. today.

Unity Community Christmas Concert, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, Unity. 948-SHOW. 3 p.m. today.

Jazz Breakfast, breakfast items available for purchase; concert free with museum admission, Portland Museum of Art, Portland, $4-$10, free for children under 6. 775-6148. Sally Davis Trio, 10:30 a.m. to noon today.

Sheepscot Valley Chorus, holiday concert, Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, Boothbay Harbor, $12. 677-2840. 3 p.m. today.

Yuletide Celtic Harp concert, with Julia Lane and Kristin Tescher, Winter Street Center, Bath, $10, $5 for children. 783-6995. 3 p.m. today.

Nanci Griffith, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $80. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Monday.

Terri Lyne Carrington, drummer performs with jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding and pianist Geri Allen, Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick, $15. 725-3375. 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Bates College Steel Pan Orchestra, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, free. 7 p.m. Monday.

Natalie MacMaster, Canadian fiddler’s Christmas performance, University of Maine (Collins Center for the Arts), Orono, $27. www.collinscenterforthearts.com. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Teada: Irish Christmas in America, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, Unity, $20. 948-SHOW. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Bowdoin College Jazz Ensembles, Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick, free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Voice students’ concerts, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, free. 786-6135. 12:30 p.m. Tuesday; 4:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Bates College Jazz Band, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, free, but tickets required. www.bates.edu. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Charo, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $75. www.stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Natalie MacMaster, Canadian fiddler, Camden Hills Regional High School (Strom Auditorium), Rockport, $25-$45, $8 age 18 and younger. www.baychamberconcerts.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

JT Nero featuring Alli Russell, CD release show, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $10. venuemusicbar.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Irish Christmas in America, Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center, South Carthage, $20. 562-4445. 7 p.m. (pre-show jam at 6:15 p.m.) Wednesday.

Sing, Wassail! holiday concert with the Rangeley Community Chorus, Church of the Good Shepherd, Rangeley, $10. 864-5364. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Noonday concerts, half-hour performance presented by Portland Conservatory of Music and the church, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland, free. 775-3356. University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, 12:15 p.m. Thursday.

Paula Cole, 21-plus show, the Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough, $40. www.thelandingatpinepoint.com. 7 p.m. Thursday.

A Loss for Words, with Lions Lions and others, Deering Grange, Portland, $10 day of, $8 in advance. www.brownpapertickets.com. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Irish Christmas in America, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25 door, $22 in advance. 761-1757. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Matisyahu – Festival of Light with Moon Taxi, reggae, State Theatre, Portland, $28 day of, $26 in advance. www.statetheatreportland.com. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Southern Maine Children’s Chorus, youth chorus performs variety of music, from spirituals to folk songs, University of Southern Maine (Corthell Concert Hall), Gorham, by donation. 780-5555. 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Project, with the Dirk Quinn Band, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $5. venuemusicbar.com.8 p.m. Thursday.

Bates College Gamelan Orchestra, Bates College (Chase Hall), Lewiston, free. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Acoustic Night, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, $5. www.mayostreetarts.org. 8 to11 p.m. Thursday.

Stone Mountain Live, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. www.stonemountainartscenter.com. Christmas show with the Gibson Brothers ($79 dinner and show; $49 show only), 7:30 p.m. (concert) Friday and Saturday.

The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Show, with the Fabulous Ginn Sisters, One Longfellow Square, Portland, $25 door, $20 in advance. 761-1757. 8 p.m. Friday.

Red Light Revue, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $5. venuemusicbar.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Barefoot Truth, Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), Fryeburg, $17.50, $10 for students. www.fryeburgacademy.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

David Mallett, folk, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $25. www.stlawrencearts.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Sara Evans, holiday concert, Bangor Auditorium, Bangor, $21.50-$41.50. www.basspark.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Big Gigantic, electronic and hip hop; 21-plus, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $12 day, $10 in advance. www.portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Holiday concert, with Susie Burke, David Surette and Kent Allyn, First Congregational Church, Kittery Point, $10-$15 suggested donation. 439-5401. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

“Listening In, Looking Out,” image and sound project with local school children, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston. 786-6135. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Bagaduce Chorale, holiday concert, First Congregational Church, Blue Hill, $15 suggested donation. www.bagaducechorale.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. Saturday.

Richard Nelson’s Imaginary Ensemble, jazz, rock, funk and folk, Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, Brunswick, $12 day of, $10 in advance. www.explorefrontier.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Holiday Choral Festival, with University of Southern Maine Chamber Singers, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Portland, free. 4 p.m. Saturday.

Solstice Celebration Concert and Ceremony, with Leah Wolfsong and friends, First Universalist Church, Auburn, $8-$10. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Carolyn Currie, performed in the Star Dome; seating is limited, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland, $5-$10. 780-4249. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Suzy Bogguss, Christmas show, Venue Music Bar and Grille, Portland, $35-$70. venuemusicbar.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Junior Brown, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston, $8-$15. www.bates.edu. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
A Heritage Christmas, with the Maine Music Society, Franco-American Heritage Center, Lewiston, $16-$18. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, rock, State Theatre, Portland, $20 day of, $18 in advance. www.statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Paul Sullivan: Christmas in Maine, piano, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, Unity, $15. 948-SHOW. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

UMF Community Orchestra, University of Maine (Nordica Auditorium), Farmington, $6, $5 for seniors. 778-7072. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

David Francey, Canadian singer/songwriter, River Tree Arts, Kennebunk, $20 day of, $15 in advance. www.kennebunkcoffeehouse.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Agape Coffeehouse, Seacoast Chapel, Saco, free. www.seacoastchapel.com/agape. Seacoast Chapel Music Choir and Kevin St. Michael, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Maine Academy of Modern Music and River Tree Arts Launch Party, with Paranoid Social Club, Town Hall, Kennebunk, free. www.rivertreearts.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Fantasia on Christmas Carols, presented by Tri-City Community Chorus, First Parish Congregational Church, Saco, $5-$12. 283-3771. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Dorie Barnes and Jesse Feinberg, jazz, Merriconeag Grange Hall, Harpswell, $10, $7 for students and seniors. 798-9201. 6 p.m. Saturday.

Lysa Hora I: Winter Night, with local bands, Mayo Street Arts, Portland, free. www.mayostreetarts.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Caroling, Caroling, holiday concert with Seaglass Chorale, South Congregational Church, Kennebunkport, $15, $12 for seniors. www.seaglassperformingarts.org. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Stardust and Roses, jazz, gospel and international and holiday songs performed by the Greater Freeport Community Chorus, Freeport Performing Arts Center, $5-$10, free for ages 12 and under. 751-6301. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Outdoors

Geocaching Treasure Hunt, store’s staff lead a GPS search. Meet at the Discovery Patio, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. www.llbean.com. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Pro Sports

Maine Red Claws, NBA Development League basketball game, vs. Springfield, Portland Exposition Building, Portland, 210-6655. 5 p.m. today.

Portland Pirates, AHL hockey team, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, $11-$17. 828-4665. www.portlandpirates.com. vs. Worcester, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Special Events

Holiday Celebration, North Yarmouth Historical Society’s annual party with tree decorating, singing, crafting and cookie decoration, Old Town House, North Yarmouth, donations appreciated. 846-4379. 1 to 3 p.m. today.

Polar Air Mail Express, letters to Santa are picked up by plane, plus museum open house with crafts for children, stories and a holiday concert, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head, free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (activities begin at 11:30 a.m.) today.

North Yarmouth Community Potluck and Tree Lighting, bring an entree, side dish, bread or salad to share at the potluck; beverages provided. Tree lighting follows dinner and sweet treats follow the tree lighting, Wescustogo Grange, North Yarmouth. 5 p.m. (potluck), 6:15 p.m. (tree lighting) today.

Holiday Extravaganza, events featuring musicians, art exhibits, poets and more, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. www.aarhusgallery.com. Today. Through Dec. 24.

Holiday Open House, several performers, Montpelier-Gen. Henry Knox Museum, Thomaston, free. 354-8062. 1 to 4 p.m. today.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, tours of the mansion decked out in holiday splendor; tours are self-guided. Victoria Mansion, Portland, $5-$15, free for children under 6, family ticket $35. www.victoriamansion.org. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today to Saturday. Through Jan. 8.

Trees and Trains, historic property decorated for the holidays including a display of model trains, McLaughlin Garden, South Paris, $3-$5. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

1880s Coastal Christmas, tours of the house decorated for a Victorian Christmas celebration, Harrington House, Freeport, $10. 1 to 4 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“Christmas with the Longfellows,” a mid-19th-century holiday celebration with Longfellow House tours, children’s activities, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland. 774-1822. Noon to 5 p.m. (last tour leaves at 4 p.m.) today; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour 4 p.m.) Monday to Saturday; music from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Arts Downtown and All Around, open studios, gallery exhibits and performances in Bath, Brunswick, Harpswell, Bowdoinham, Topsham, West Bath, Dresden and Woolwich. www.fiveriversartsalliance.org. Noon to 4 p.m. today.

Share the Wonder, seasonal celebration with the Wyeth family, exhibit of holiday art and artifacts and a large model train set, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland. 596-6457. Book signing with Chris Van Dusen, “Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee,” 2 p.m. today; holiday music with Camden Hills Regional High School Women’s Choir and Chamber Singers, 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday; holiday film favorites for children (reservations requested), 2 p.m., and holiday music with 14 Strings, 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

A Heartwood Christmas, staged readings, poetry, storytelling and music, Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $8-$20. 563-1373. 3 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

Festival of Trees, with special events and silent auction; benefits Bath Area Family YMCA, Sewall House, Bath. 443-4112. Tots and Trees from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (by donation), all-ages viewing from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (by donation) Tuesday; Holiday gala ($25), 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Port Veritas, spoken word series, Blue, Portland. With Ryk McIntyre ($3 suggested donation), 7 p.m. Tuesday. Through Dec. 28.

Holiday Memories, seasonal readings and music, L/A Arts, Lewiston, $12 door, $10 in advance. 782-7228. 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday.

“Mill-ieu,” art exhibits, music, food, theatrical performances, Dana Warp Mill, Westbrook, free. 591-8126. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

The Great Gingerbread Spectacular, display of gingerbread creations, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Storytelling with Vernon Cox, by the campfire on Discovery Patio, L.L. Bean Retail Store, Freeport, free. 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday.

Longfellow Family Christmas, family event with crafts, poetry readings, stories and music, Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland, free. www.mainehistory.org. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Candy Cane Train, 90-minute round-trip ride between Bath and Wiscasset. Passengers will meet Santa and his elves, listen to storytellers, sing songs and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Benefits the Read With Me Family program and Literacy Volunteers, Bath Train Station, Bath, $17. candycanetrain.com. 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday.

Santa’s Workshop, photos with Santa, scavenger hunt, art making, parade and more, downtown Bangor, at the Charles Inn, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 18.

Open house, view working layouts and munch on light refreshments, Model Train and Slot Car Shop, York, free. 363-4830. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Theater

“The Old Peabody Pew,” romantic comedy by Kate Douglas Wiggin, presented by the Dorcas Society, Tory Hill Meeting House, Buxton, $5, $2.50 for age 12 and younger. 929-6052. 5 p.m. today.

“A Very Ida Christmas,” Public Theatre, Lewiston, $16-$18, $5 for age 18 and younger. www.thepublic theatre.org.2 p.m. today.

“Miracle on 34th Street,” classic holiday story about a department store Santa, Schoolhouse Arts Center, Sebago Lake, $14, $12 for students and seniors. www.schoolhousearts.org. 2 p.m.
today; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“A Christmas Carol,” $25 to $39; $12 for children under age 12, Portland Stage Company, Portland. 774-0465. Noon today; Gala showing benefiting Bruce Roberts Toy Fund ($50) 7 p.m. Wednesday; 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

“The Santaland Diaries,” for mature audiences, Portland Stage Company, Portland, $20, $17 for students. 774-0465. 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod the Nut, and the Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree,” an irreverent nativity story, Monmouth Community Players, Cumston Hall, Monmouth, $10. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“A Christmas Carol,” adaptation of Dickens’ story, Belfast Maskers Waterfront Theater, Belfast, $5-$15. www.belfastmaskers.com. 2 p.m. today.
“Santa’s Reindeer Revue,” photos with Santa before the show (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.), reservations recommended, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8. 4 p.m. today and Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“The Christmas Carol,” adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story presented by Sanford Maine Stage Theatre, Nasson Community Center (Little Theatre), Springvale, $12, $8 for seniors and students. www.sanfordmainestage.com. 3 and 7:30 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“A Christmas Carol,” musical version of Dickens’ story, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Auburn. laclt.com. 2 p.m. today.

“The World of Sholom Aleichem,” three short plays depicting life in Eastern Europe Jewish communities in the early part of the 20th century, Acorn Studios, Westbrook, $10, $8 for students and seniors. www.acorn-productions.org. 5 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“A Christmas Carol,” community production of Dickens’ classic holiday story, York High School, York, $5. 2 p.m. today.

“The WFCP Home Time Radio Hour,” family-friendly show with popular songs from the 1940s and 1950s, comedy sketches in the style of the era, Freeport Players, Freeport Performing Arts Center, Freeport, $15 door. 2 p.m. today.

“It’s A Wonderful Life,” holiday classic, Old Port Playhouse, Portland, $15-$22. 2 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“A Christmas Carol,” Sanford Maine Stage, Springvale, $8-$12. www.sanfordmainestage.com. 3 and 7:30 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“Plaid Tidings,” holiday version of “Forever Plaid,” Bangor Opera House, Bangor. 942-3333. 3 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 23.

Naked Shakespeare, minimalist performances by Acorn Productions’ Shakespeare Ensemble, Wine Bar on Wharf Street, Portland, $8 suggested donation. 854-0065. Sonnets and Soliloquies, 8 p.m. Monday.

“The Gift of the Magi,” original musical set in 1940s Maine, Old Port Playhouse, Portland, $15-$22. 773-0333. 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 23.

Voice and Speech Students, final projects, Bates College (Gannett Theater), Lewiston, free. www.bates.edu. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“The Velveteen Rabbit,” Bangor Opera House, Bangor. 942-3333. 7 p.m. Wednesday; noon Saturday. Through Dec. 20.

Directing Class Projects, student-directed plays from the Fusion Theatre Company, Bates College (Schaeffer Theatre), Lewiston, free. www.bates.edu. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

“Annie,” musical about an orphaned girl who finds a new home, Waldo Theater, Waldoboro. www.thewaldo.org. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“Forest City Times,” “The Weeping City,” a production by Maine Inside Out with Portland High School students, explores students’ relationship with the police, and “Radio Calls,” a performance by Portland police officers about their lives, work and interactions with Portland’s youth. Reservations recommended, Portland Public Library, Portland. 874-8681. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

“It’s A Wonderful Life,” adaptation of  the classic film, Studio Theatre of Bath, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $15. 442-8455. 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

Christmas Extravaganza, skits and music, First Baptist Church, Portland, free. 773-3123. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Through Dec. 12.

“A Christmas Carol,” musical version of Charles Dickens’ story, City Theater, Biddeford, $15. www.citytheater.org. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 19.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” and “A Christmas Memory,” readers’ theater performances presented by Timepiece. Seating is limited. Recommended for those age 8 and older, St. Luke’s Cathedral, Portland, $10. 772-5434. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

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