Dorchester Center for the Arts welcomes the traditional holiday show and sale “Wednesday Morning Artists and Friends Gallery of Gifts” in the galleries for November and December, inspired by the theme “Water Moves Us.”

This seasonal favorite features an extensive selection of handcrafted items from local and regional artists, perfect for thoughtful gift-giving. A variety of mediums will be represented, including fiber art, gold and silver jewelry, glass, photography, paintings, and ceramics.

Wednesday Morning Artists is a local group of artists and art lovers who meet regularly for discussions, community projects, artful outings and to support each other’s efforts. Find out more at www.wednesdaymorningartists.com.

As of press date, participating artists include: Kathy Anderson, Lissa Barnes, Shelby Clendaniel, Pam Montell Decraecke, Jean Del Sordo, Steve Del Sordo, Will Dennehy, Susan Dickinson, Ned Egan, Jeannette Faber, Jane Flowers, Carol Feierabend, Maryjane Gaffney, Joan Georg, Robert Gladney, Al Izzarone, Shawn Leffler, Sue Lester, Paul Lewis, Maura Manley, Janice Orlik, Joyce Fritz-Ritz, Wendy Rue, Fran Saunders, Nancy Snyder, KC Stangl, Marilyn Stone, Lori Uncapher, Heidi Wetzel, Terry White, Christiane Williams, Gale Williams, and David Williams.

A Second Saturday Artists’ Reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 5-7:30 p.m. with music and light refreshments. Special announcements will be made shortly after 5 pm. A final reception follows on Dec. 14 featuring a spirited community choir and holiday treats. The Gallery of Gifts will be open Nov. 1 through Dec. 23.

Water/Ways Continues!
The Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibition continues in the George B. Todd Performance Hall at DCA through Nov. 30. On Nov. 2, in a discussion sponsored by the Cambridge Lighthouse Foundation, Jack Messick will share memories of day-to-day life during times gone by on a screwpile lighthouse standing out in the middle of the Choptank River.

The talk is titled, “Life on the Choptank River Lighthouse with Jack Messick.” Messick’s father, Harold, was the last live-aboard keeper of the original Choptank River Lighthouse, which stood near the mouth of the Tred Avon River up until the 1960s.

In his younger years, Jack spent hours living out on that lighthouse, as he would live aboard for two weeks at a stretch while helping his father tackle all manner of tasks, from cleaning the Fresnel lens to testing the fog bell and shining brass door handles.

This presentation will be facilitated by Jim Duffy, the executive director of the Cambridge Lighthouse Foundation, a nonprofit group that manages exhibits, events and the visitor experience at the replica lighthouse. The presentation is also supported by Heart of the Chesapeake Country Heritage Area and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. Find the complete list of Water/Ways programming at www.visitdorchester.org.

November Second Saturday in the Performance Hall will feature a special Water/Ways happening. Hoopers Island Oyster Co. will be unveiling the new tin design in their Chesapeake Heritage series, featuring an original watercolor by artist Lesley Giles. Reception 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information on additional programs and events at DCA, membership, volunteer opportunities or facility rentals, phone 410-228-7782, stop by 321 High St. in Cambridge, or visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org. Like us on Facebook!

Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

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