VISUAL ARTS
‘Orenda: Empower to Change the World’ exhibit reception, 6 to 9 p.m. April 6 at the AFA Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. An artist talk will be held at 2 p.m. April 14. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Exhibit features: Shannon Anderson, painting; Troy Bunnell, print media; Jeremy Cannon, ceramics and photo; Vinny DeSimone, sculpture; Jessica Maietta, painting; Caitlin Myers, ceramics and print media; Nancy Petalver, print media; Courtney Petrylak, ceramics; Ashley Purdy, graphic arts; Melanie Rosato, print media; Anna Vanderpool, sculpture; John M Weber, graphic arts and photo; Sarah Wiltshire, print media, and Kristen Yorkanis, painting. Info: artistsforart.org or artistsforartgallery@gmail.com.
Marywood University Class of 2018 Senior Art Exhibition, April 7- 29. The group exhibition presents work in the concentrated studies of art education, art therapy, and studio arts concentrations in graphic design, illustration, photography and sculpture. An opening reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 7 in the Mahady and Suraci Galleries, located in the Shields Center for Visual Arts on the university’s campus. Cost: free. Info: bit.ly/2H7Zlrt.
Pop Art at the Dietrich Opening Reception, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at the Dietrich Theater. Presented by the theater and Kitson Arts Alliance. Artists include: Mike Resnick, Amanda Robinson, Rhi Wallace, Michelle McKenzie, Scott Nichols, Joe Kluck, Katrina King and Elyse Mattocks. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Cost: free. Info: 570-996-1500.
ON SCREEN
Spring 2018 Film Festival Opening Night, 5:30 p.m. April 13 at the Dietrich Theater. Enjoy food, two films, beer, wine, desserts and more. Cost: $40. Tickets/info: 570-996-1500.
Spring 2018 Film Festival, April 13 through May 3 at the Dietrich Theater. 21 films in 21 days. Cost: $8.50/ticket (excluding opening night). Info: DietrichTheater.com.
Post Spring Festival Film Discussion, 1 p.m. May 4 at the Dietrich Theater. Have you ever wanted to be able to discuss the content and significance of some of the film festival movies with others who have seen them? Or do you have questions about festival films you have seen? Join in a post-festival discussion, facilitated by Ronnie Harvey, film buff extraordinaire. Cost: free. No need to register; just show up.
PERFORMING ARTS
United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s sixth annual Seniors Got Talent, 2 p.m. April 8 at the Theater at North. The first half of the show will feature a talent competition and the second half will include favorite hits of “the good old days,” including songs by Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra and Ethel Merman. Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door, or $20 for premium seating. Tickets/info: uncnepa.org/events.
‘My Spanish Heart: The Jazz of Chick Corea’ with Bill Carter and Mark Woodyatt, 4 p.m. April 8 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit. Bill Carter, the church’s resident jazz pianist, invited violinist Mark Woodyatt to join his Presbybop friends for an afternoon of music composed by jazz legend Chick Corea. Cost: free; a free-will offering will be taken. Info: 570-586-6306 or fpccs.org.
The University of Scranton’s 35th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert, 7:30 p.m. April 14 in the Houlihan-McLean Center. Features two new works written by composer/conductor Brandon Lee. Cost: free. Info: 570-941-7624, music@scranton.edu or scranton.edu/music.
Marywood University’s Tutti Ensemble Concert, 3 p.m. April 15 in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The Tutti Ensemble is an adaptive, student-led program encouraging the use of music for individuals with unique learning styles. It gives people with special needs an opportunity to perform on stage with the Marywood University bands. Cost: free. Info: marywoodtutti@gmail.com or 570-348-6268.
Marywood University’s Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony concert, 4 p.m. April 15 in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. Cost: free. Info: dromines@marywood.edu or 570-348-6268.
Improv Group, 7 to 9 p.m. April 16 at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 18 and up. Join with others in developing stories on the spur of the moment. No experience is necessary. Cost: Free. Info: 570-996-1500.
Actors Circle presents ‘Auntie Mame,’ by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, April 19-22 and 26-29 at Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Cost: $12 general, $10 seniors and $8 students; March 8 tickets are $8 general and Seniors and $6 students. Reservations: 570-342-9707 or tickets@actorscircle.com. Info: visit the Actors Circle Facebook page.
Open Mic Night with Breaking Ground Poets, 7 p.m. April 20 at the Dietrich Theater. Doors open for sign ups at 6:30 p.m. Open to audiences and performers of all ages. Musicians, poets, comedians and performers of all types are invited to share their talents on the Dietrich stage. The Breaking Ground Poets will headline this month’s event. Cost: free. Info: 570-996-1500.
Mostly Opera Presents ‘2, 3, 4: Duets, Trios & Quartets,’ 7 p.m. April 21 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 500 Madison Ave., Scranton. Hear the music of La Traviata, Turandot, La Boheme, Carmen, Madame Butterfly, The Pearlfishers and more. Cost: $25 general admission; $20 for seniors. Tickets: 570-702-4356. Info: mostlyopera.net.
Marywood University Symphony Orchestra concert, 4 p.m. April 22 in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. Featuring faculty member Sophie Till in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Violin Concerto. Cost: free. Info: bit.ly/2ouFjNA or 570-348-6268.
Marywood University Jazz Band Concert, 8 p.m. April 23 on the Main Stage of the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The Marywood Jazz Ambassadors along with special guests, the Tunkhannock Area High School Jazz Bands, will perform a concert titled, “The Classic Big Band,” which is reminiscent of the Big Bands from the 1940s and 50s. Cost: free. Info: contact David Jumper at djumper@marywood.edu or 570-348-6268.
LITERARY ARTS
Writers Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays (ongoing) at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 18 and up. Come and read your work or listen and be inspired. Learn the craft of writing as you write toward a goal of publication. All genres and levels of writing are welcome. Cost: free. Info: 570-249-2994.
Creative Writing with Carol King, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the Abington Community Library. This class will focus on short fiction primarily, as a whole or as part of a longer work. It will review elements of good writing, but the main focus will be writing, reading students’ work and noting what contributes to the best storytelling. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Nonfiction/Memoir Writing with Carol King, 1 to 3 p.m. April 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the Abington Community Library. In this class, students will write life stories, those which issue from their own lives and those discovered in the lives of family. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Mystery and Detective Book Club, 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 10 at the Abington Community Library. Reader’s choice – participants may choose from any 17 of the “Father Blackie Ryan” series by Andrew Greeley. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Lackawanna County Library System Book Talk Program – ‘So what have you been reading?’ 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 at the Abington Community Library. Participants will discuss books they are currently reading or have read and authors they enjoy. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Afternoon Book Club, 2 to 3 p.m. April 18 at the Abington Community Library. Selection: “Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts and Fake News,” by Kevin Young. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
Warrior Writers, 7 p.m. April 20 at the Dietrich Theater (ongoing, Fridays). For ages 18 and up, these writing workshops support artistic exploration and expression and provide a safe space to share experiences in the military culture. Open to all veterans and service members. Empowering veterans through creativity. Cost: free; sponsored by Highmark.
‘Frederick Douglass: Interview from Slave to Master,’ 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 4 at the Albright Memorial Library in the Lecture Hall, second floor. A dramatic play reading by Clarks Summit actor Bob Hughes. Audience: Adults, 18 and older. Cost: free.
ART CLASSES & MORE
Oil Painting Floral Still Life, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, April 4 through May 2 at The Gathering Place. Marylou Chibirka gives oil painting instruction for beginners and intermediates. Bring a photo or arrangement. Cost $80. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Stamp-n-Swap, 6 to 8 p.m. April 5 at the Abington Community Library. Bring your current stamping projects and craft informally with other paper crafters. There will be opportunities to swap and create projects that other participants have designed. No registration necessary. Info: 570-587-3440.
Wire Jewelry Fundamentals, April 5 and 12 at The Gathering Place. Artist Kristie McMahon will teach the fundamental skills to create one-of-a kind wire earrings. Cost $50, plus a $10 supply fee. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Spoon Carving, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 5 and 12 at The Gathering Place. Participants will learn how to carve a wooden spoon. Safe knife grips will be taught, along with best oils for preserving the spoon. This is a small class (only five students), taught by Jeff Kuchak for two hours and two sessions. Each of his spoons are carved from wood of trees downed in storms. Cost: $30, plus a supply fee of $20. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Decorative Painting, noon to 3 p.m. April 11, 18 and 25 at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 16 to adult. Learn decorative painting techniques while creating decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. Instructor: Teresa Brewer. Preregistration is required. Cost: $20 per class, plus the cost of painting surface. Info: 570-996-1500.
Sign, Signs Everywhere, 5 to 8 p.m. April 13 at The Gathering Place. Shiloh Richner Byrnes, owner of From Drab to Fab furniture re-purposing shop in Mayfield, will return for another Paint Party. All who sign up will work under Shiloh’s guidance to create and paint one of three sign patterns that can be crafted to highlight their home decor. Wood, paint, brushes, patterns and snacks provided. Cost: $45. Register by April 6. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Craft & Chat, 10 a.m. Fridays, April 13, 20, 27 and 27 at The Gathering Place. A casual setting for artists with and without disabilities to meet and create. Cost: $10. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Pastel Painting, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 14 at the Dietrich Theater. For ages 16 and up. Instructor: Millie Schelling. This class is for beginning and experienced pastel painters.Cost: $25, plus the cost of materials. Call the Dietrich for a supplies list. Info: 570-996-1500.
Acrylic Landscape painting, April 17 and May 1 and 8 at The Gathering Place. Earl Lehman instructs in the art of landscape using acrylics. Cost :$60. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Crochet a Storage Basket, April 18 and 25 and May 2 at The Gathering Place. Cost $30, plus an $8 supply fee. Info: gatheringplacecs.org.
Fine Wine, Fine Art, 7 to 9 p.m. April 20 at the Dietrich Theater. Ages 21 and older only; ID required. Bring your own wine and snacks and immerse yourself in an evening inspired by Impressionist artists. Instructors Amy and Steve Colley will help you enter the world of an Impressionist painter, his or her techniques and qualities. Then it is your turn to produce an impressionist work of your own, with gentle guidance. Cost: $25 per class. Register: 570-996-1500.
Painting class with Sharon Mcardle, 6 to 8 p.m. April 23 at the Abington Community Library. An opportunity for adults who always wanted to take painting classes but were afraid to try. Project: Bird and nest scene. Cost: a materials fee of $10 per person is due to instructor at time of class. Info/register: 570-587-3440.
