Sneak Peek -- SUN 5/10

We can't ignore Mother's Day. That lady may annoy us to the precipice of matricide, but she's awesome. And she never hesitates to remind us that she is awesome. I think any of these things can be done with the woman who pushed you out of her uterus, and much of this stuff is free...

And if you forget to buy a card -- or you thought a six-pack of PBR was more important -- you can print out one of these...

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SUN 5/10

10am to 4pm
Lilac Sunday
at Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston (Jamaica Plain)
FREE

On a nice day, the Arnold Arboretum is a great place to walk and view the flora. I like people and dog watching too. There are guided tours to view the blossoming lilacs, or you can stroll on your own. You don't need to bring your mother, but it could be some quality time... If you don't want to talk a lot, activities and performances are occurring throughout the day.

SUN 5/10

Noon
Annual Duckling Day Parade
from the State House to the Public Garden, Boston Common
FREE

Yep, little kids and their families recreate "Make Way for Ducklings". You can bring your kid and march them, but they ask for $25 donation per family. It's a rain or shine event, because ducks are water fowls...

I hope they don't get caught in the Boston Common fishweir!

SUN 5/10

Noon to 5pm
Annual Fort Point Spring Art Walk
around Fort Point, South Boston [PDF map]
FREE

Noon to 6pm
Central Cambridge Open Studios
around Central Sq & Cambridgeport, Cambridge [PDF map]
FREE

I love walking around town everyday. Throw in hundreds of artists showing work, and it's even better. Fort Point is one of the first areas that hosted open studios (info booth near 249 A Street, I think), and there should be some cool stuff in Cambridge too.

I feel far more relaxed than a museum or gallery experience. Whether the art appeals to you or not, you can discuss it with the person who made it (and/or leave quickly yet respectfully). Many artists might have some "refreshments" for you as well.

If you haven't bought your mother a gift yet -- and you don't know what to get her -- buy her a piece of art; you'll see work in all sorts of media. This is basically your last chance before dinnertime...

SUN 5/10

1pm to 5pm
"Iconography of Climate Change": Digital Silkscreen Production Workshop
at Studio 9:43, The Distillery, 516 E Second St, South Boston
FREE

Give a little love to Mother Nature! Believe it or not, this is part of the Boston Cyberarts Festival.

I don't think you need previous shirt-making/screenprinting/artistic experience to participate or even succeed. It might help, but the point is to learn -- right?

This afternoon workshop will use digital media and silkscreen techniques to critically analyze, deconstruct and revision these lame icons of climate change in the media.

We provide:
* Silkscreening demonstrations
* Tools for digital production and archiving
* Tunes & greens (to use and to eat)

You bring:
* T-shirts, bags, patches, pants and other printable materials

The end product:
* an online archive (Creative Commons licensed)
* an artists book edition

It might be too late to RSVP, but you can give it a try...

SUN 5/10

2:30pm to 5:30pm
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School Cabaret: Life Drawing Class
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$7 / 18+

It's funny how many special occasions fall on the second Sunday of the month: Easter in April and Mother's Day in May. If your mama has an artistic flair or likes to drink a lot, why not take her to Dr. Sketchy's? She'll get in for free like it was the zoo -- but different... Slightly... If not, it could be a chance for you to draw her a gift!

There might be some parallels to a normal life-drawing class, but there's no instructor to criticize. If you don't have the chops of other folks, do your best and have a good time. Enjoy the atmosphere and the creativity!

A couple of tips: Come on time to get a seat up front. Keep it small so others can crowd in around you. Bring your stuff in a milk crate so you have something to sit on or put your stuff on. (we have lots of seats, but more is helpful) There will be some fancy paper for you to buy if you want.

This month's model is artist Jess Hess who wore some really cool outfits last year including a bear suit she stripped out of...

SUN 5/10

9pm
Vivian Girls, Stupid Party, The Libyans
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

The Vivian Girls play fun, catchy songs with soporific group vocals. (I'm always fascinated how bands can become underground faves in less than a year, but people go crazy for their stuff.) It's a bit like "punk ladies" night. The Libyans (from Boston) have a female lead singer and deliver a hard, punchy punk sound. Stupid Party sound like a trio of arty, noisy fuck-ups with some good 'n loud riffs.