Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) will present its Discerning Palates “Second Course” events over the weekend of April 23-24. Discerning Palates is a yearly fundraiser for the Center, featuring specially prepared meals served at some of the most beautiful homes and businesses in the region.

On April 23, Addie and Fred Beveridge will host “Fancy 2 at Canterbury.” The evening will begin at 6:30 with winter sangria, melon with prosciutto and aged cheddar, followed by a mixed green salad, grilled lamb chops and rice pilaf, caramelized squash and red wine. Finishing out the meal will be red velvet cake with while chocolate icing or fresh strawberry meringues with coffee. Tickets are $65 and the dinner is an intimate gathering for eight guests.

On April 24, Alan Brock is hosting “A Taste of Maryland” reception from 2– 5 p.m. at his painting studio, which is located at 410 Race St. This twist on a favorite theme pairs classic Maryland foods with Alan’s collection of fine art (over 30 works) by Maryland artists, including several from Cambridge and Easton. These works have never been publicly exhibited together, and several of the artists have been invited, giving guests a unique opportunity to learn about the creative process. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts catered by Chef Patrick Fanning; champagne, beer and coffee. Tickets are $40 and the event can accommodate 30 guests. Please note that the studio is accessible by stairs only. Tickets to the events are limited, so early purchase is recommended. More information can be obtained by contacting the Center at 410-228-7782.

Second Saturday Artist Reception this weekend

The Dorchester Center for the Arts invites the community to stop in during Second Saturday to view its current exhibit. “What If?” a solo show by artist Chris Carter is in the Gallery through March 26. A free Artist’s Reception will be held on March 12 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. with music and light refreshments provided. DCA offers its appreciation to Upwind Systems LLC for sponsoring the exhibit.

The “What If” theme is a concept developed by Chris. This exhibit documents the evolution of style and technique that occurred over the 10-year period and beyond, following her mother’s death. She returned to the easel and sketchbooks, needing to feel a sense of movement through space in her paintings whether they be abstract or figurative. Figures often emerged from the paint as she layered upon the paper or canvas. She needed to understand anatomy in motion, so she sketched and painted during dance performances, at bars during music jams and at yoga classes. As her story continued, in 2010 during a five week period following a hip replacement, she sketched plants, exploring their growth patterns and shapes. The continuation of drawing geometric shapes brought The Orb and Strata Series, which has been exhibited regularly at hospitals and cancer centers, and viewed as Healing Art.

For more information, call 410-228-7782 or stop in at DCA, which is located at 321 High St. in Cambridge.

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