Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email the Current at info@marbleheadnews.org.
Road to Independence walking tour
Thursday, Aug. 12, 4-5 p.m.
This walking tour with Marblehead Museum features the history of Marblehead in the early 1770s, highlighting the town’s pivotal role in such famous events as the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the resistance to British taxes. The tour will also explore attacks on local Loyalists, and the contradiction of Marbleheaders fighting to end their political “enslavement” by Britain while enslaving Black people in their own homes. $16. Register at marbleheadmuseum.org.
Weekend Intensive Oil Painting for Beginners Workshop
Aug. 15-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artist Joli Ayn Wood will be teaching a two-day Basics of Oils Intensive Learning Workshop at the Marblehead Arts Association. Each day, students will dive into beginning skills and building blocks of painting with oils. This class will utilize water-mixable oils, and all materials are included in the fee. $225 MAA members, $250 non-members. Register at marbleheadarts.org.
Art Crawl & Open Studios
Sunday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Marblehead’s creative community will throw open its doors for the town’s first Art Crawl & Open Studios on Sunday, Aug. 16, giving residents a chance to step inside artists’ workspaces, discover hidden creative corners and meet the people behind the art.
The free event, hosted by the Marblehead Arts Association, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features more than 30 artists at studios throughout town. Visitors can follow a self-guided map, stopping to watch artists at work, learn about their creative process and purchase original artwork.
Organizer and printmaker Amy Hourihan said the idea grew from a desire to showcase Marblehead’s rich artistic community in a new way.
“This is an innovative idea that hasn’t been tried here before,” Hourihan said. “There’s been a lot of enthusiasm.”
The inaugural crawl will feature a wide range of artistic disciplines, from jewelry, ceramics and woodworking to fine art, photography, cyanotype, sculpture and printmaking. Visitors will also find music instruction, working studios and, at some locations, artist demonstrations.
‘10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse’
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14, 15
This musical is produced as an intensive two-week program by MLT’s Children’s Program featuring middle and high school actors (ages 11-16).
When zombies attack, a ragtag group of survivors is thrown into a chaotic fight for their lives. Enter Jimmy, Christy, Susan and Sam — four not-so-qualified heroes who stumble through 10 outrageous methods to survive the zombie apocalypse. Tickets and info at mltlive.com.
America 250: Writing Workshop for Kids
Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m.
This three-week writing workshop is designed to help students ages 8-12 strengthen their writing skills and enjoy the creative writing process, all while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Each session will combine age-appropriate instruction with entertaining and engaging activities to reinforce core writing fundamentals, using America’s founding and history as inspiration for original work.
Students will practice developing narratives, work on sentence structure and word choice, and develop their creative voices as writers. They will leave the workshop with a collection of their own original work to share, an enthusiasm for storytelling, and sharper descriptive writing skills to take into the school year.
This program is limited to 15 students ages 8-12, and online registration is required. Free. Register at abbotlibrary.org.
Jazz in the Garden
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Come enjoy live jazz with The Joe Berkovitz Trio in this backyard garden venue. Reserve seats now by emailing margiflint117@gmail.com. Bring food and beverages of choice. $20-$30 donation for the artists. More info at margiflintherbalist.com/jazz-in-the-garden
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Mahjong fundraiser night
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6-9 p.m.
The Marblehead Family Fund is partnering with Mabel of Marblehead and Le Petit Comptoir for a special Mahjong Fundraiser Night benefiting the rebuild of Gatchell Playground. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love supporting a great cause, gather with friends for a fun-filled evening. Your ticket includes a welcome beverage, a beautiful grazing board and the chance to compete for prizes awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. Every game played helps support Gatchell’s Playground.
