Dorchester Center for the Arts wants the community to know that it’s not too late to make reservations to attend this weekend’s Guest Artist Gala, to be held in the George B. Todd Performance Hall at DCA. Now in its 10th year, Guest Artist helps to support DCA programs and services, and provides a fun and festive evening to celebrate the arts. Featured event sponsor is 1880 Bank.

The event begins at 6 p.m. this Saturday, and will include heavy hors d’oeurves, beer and wine cash bar, live music, live and silent auctions. Music will be provided by returning favorites Rich and The Road Runners with special guest Daryl Davis. Tickets are $65 per person for DCA members; $75 per person for nonmembers. To make reservations and charge tickets by phone using Visa, Master Card or Discover, call 410-228-7782.

The Hall comes alive again on April 30, 2 p.m., for a performance by opera singer and concert artist Martin Hargrove entitled “Art Song: A Spiritual Journey.” Mr. Hargrove will perform a program of Spirituals and American Art Songs, and discuss how Spirituals have influenced and shaped American music. Many will remember Martin as a member of the American Spiritual Ensemble, who performed at DCA last September. A champagne reception will follow the performance. Tickets are $10 for DCA members and $12 for non-members. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult with paid admission. This performance is part of the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Foundation Trust Music Series.

Community arts grant applications accepted through May 1

The Community Arts Grant program is an effort of the Dorchester Center for the Arts, (DCA) as the designated county Arts Council, to support and expand arts programming throughout the county. The deadline for applications is May 1, for programs scheduled to take place July 30, 2017 – Dec. 31, 2017. Supported arts disciplines include dance, theatre, visual arts, music, film/media arts, literary arts, folk/heritage/traditional and multi-disciplinary arts programming. Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: artistic merit, organizational effectiveness and service to the community. Organizations receiving funds must be located or producing programs in Dorchester County and be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization or be in the process of obtaining 501(c) (3) certification.

To obtain an application and grant guidelines, stop by DCA at 321 High St. in Cambridge during normal business hours, or visit online and download from the website at www.dorchesterartscenter.org. For more information, call 410-228-7782.

May class highlights for adults

New dates have been set for two new spring classes at DCA. Call to register.

• May 3 – May 24 The Great Landscape, Instructor David Grafton

Advance your ability to make your paintings come alive with atmospheric narrative. Learn how to use a snapshot as a thumbnail sketch and how to work small outdoor studies into large studio paintings. For intermediate to advanced level students. Medium of choice: watercolor, oil, acrylic, or pastel. Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m. $95 members, $135 non-members.

• May 2-June 6 Introducing Printmaking with Monotypes, Instructor: Sheryl Southwick

Students will learn the fun and surprising way of painting in reverse on Plexiglas plates with ink. Non-toxic professional water-based printing inks will be used. Tuesdays, 6 – 8:30 p.m. $95 members, $135 non-members $20 materials fee payable to instructor.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.