In many religions and cultures, altars are used to present offerings, tokens of sacrifice. Over thousands of years, altars have become places where people seek solace and guidance. OffCenter Community Arts and the New Mexico Art Therapy Association will be accepting entries for the show Altars of Light on March 25 and 26 from noon to 6 p.m. at OffCenter (808 Park SW). The organizers are looking for art that incorporates the altar and "its image as sacred ground to promote healing from the wounds of sexual violence." Each artist is invited to submit up to two entries for this juried show. There is no entry fee. The opening reception for Altars of Light will be at OffCenter on Friday, April 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Go to offcenterarts.org.
Culture Shock: Holidays When Mythical Creatures Break Into Houses And Leave Things Holidays When Mythical Creatures Break Into Houses And Leave Things
You think the connection between the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago and an old man in a red suit who breaks into your house, eats your cookies and leaves you presents is weird? I’m going to say that the association of the resurrection of said Jesus and a giant rabbit that leaves baskets and may or may not lay multicolored eggs (I’ve never been real clear on that) is way weirder. Well, kids are both suckers for and purveyors of weirdness, which means that the arrival of Jan Brett, author of The Easter Egg, is sure to be right up their odd little alleys. Brett will pull up to the Albuquerque Little Theatre (224 San Pasquale SW) in a decked-out bus with her pal, Hedgie the Hedgehog, who I hear is quite the party animal. The event on Saturday, March 27, begins at 5 p.m., and the first 275 families who purchase the book from Bookworks (the event’s sponsor) beginning that morning at 9 a.m. will get to meet the author. The bunny bash is free, but you must get tickets in advance at Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande NW, 344-8139). Check out bkwrks.com.
Culture Shock: A Kingly Pursuit A Kingly Pursuit
Recent genealogical research has revealed that, if the Internet is to be believed, I am descended from the ancient ruling family the Plantagenets. So should you attend the Adobe Theater’s production of The Lion in Winter , you’ll get to witness the machinations of King Henry II of England, my 40 th (or so) great uncle. The play, set in 1183, follows the aging lion Henry as he fends off his power-hungry sons and spars with the wife he’s imprisoned, the brilliant Eleanor of Aquitaine, who encouraged her sons’ insurrection against the king. The Lion in Winter runs at Adobe Theater (9813 Fourth Street NW) March 26 through April 18. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14, students and seniors $12. Reservations are encouraged (call 898-9222 Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Go to adobetheater.org for more.
