Clarke Condé

On Saturday, July 11, Nob Hill Main Street hosts Chalk the Block, a community art event that is free, open to the public and tailored to get people out of their houses to express themselves in a safe way. From 10am to 8pm chalk can be found by the light poles along Central Avenue between Girard and Washington. It’s going to be a hot weekend, so grab a mask, a cool beverage and if available, a small, bored child and chalk it up! (Clarke Condé)

Cartoonist Jim Davis said, “Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.” That from the creator of the most iconic of office breakroom posters is a fitting entry point into the new exhibit Cat Tales opening this week and running through Aug. 27 at the Placitas Community Library. It’s hard to say what role libraries will play in the future, but the Placitas library is indeed hanging on with this multimedia exhibit of local artists’ depiction of cats that is offered both in person and online. Library hours are subject to change so it is best to check the library website before you go at placitaslibrary.com. You can also see the entire exhibit anytime online at PCLArt.com. (Clarke Condé)

If you, like me, decided that since the government has given you money to stimulate the economy, now would be the time to make a slightly frivolous purchase, then you might have picked up a proper camera. None of this cell phone hullabaloo, but one with lenses, AKA glass, adjustable ISO and such. If also, like me, you found out that all of that is foreign to you and 10 YouTube videos later you’re absolutely lost and frustrated, maybe it’s time to have an expert walk you through it more thoroughly. Enter Learn Your Camera Workshop, being held by The Albuquerque Photography Group on Saturday, June 11 from 11am-2pm. The location of said class is secret until you buy a ticket for $70 off their website. To learn more, visit albuquerquephotographygroup.com. (Dan Pennington)

Shutterbugs gather up your best pieces and pick some to submit for hanging in the new Bernalillo County headquarters when the gov-peeps move to Alvarado Square, happening now until Monday, August 31. The selected photographs will be printed in a large scale and format. They will be used to create a welcoming environment for county customers, county employees and the general public. Some will be used on the windows of the new Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office suite. The photographs should represent the history and character of Bernalillo County and its people, places, landscapes and unique events in our county. There are some big bucks involved as chosen photographers will receive $1,500, with a limit of one photograph per artist. The chosen photos will become part of the public art program’s permanent collection. There is no fee or age limit required to submit. For more information, visit bernco.gov/community-services/current-call-for-entries.aspx. Ends August 31. (Carolyn Carlson)