From gallery to classroom and back again, DCA wraps March in the arts. March 23, “Smooth Melodies with Phil Kirkland” is the featured event for the Gallery Stage. 7-9 p.m. Admission is $10 for DCA members, $12 general admission. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Phillip E. Kirkland is a pianist, singer and songwriter who comes to Cambridge by way of Philadelphia. To learn more about Phil and to sample his work, visit www.facebook.com/silverfoxmelodies.

March 24, DCA is pleased to welcome master screen painter John Iampieri for a one-day instructional workshop, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Screen painting is a unique folk art that was embraced in Baltimore over 100 years ago. In this workshop students will learn the history, tools, techniques, and functionality of the art form. Each student will create their own personalized screen.

This workshop is a perfect multi-generational activity, fun for both children and adults. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies are included and provided by the instructor. $70 DCA members, $110 future members.

Return to the Gallery on March 27 for an art history lecture presented by Gloria Rojas, with audio and visual support by Art Renkwitz. “Murals: From the Walls in Caves to the Streets of Dorchester.” The historic cave drawings are beautiful and worth visiting, even if only by images on screen or in books. So are the Renaissance era murals.

But the murals of the Chesapeake in Cambridge, East New Market, and Vienna hold their own importance to residents and visitors alike. Featuring muralist Michael Rosato as a special guest. In the Gallery, 6-8 p.m. Gloria Rojas is a retired teacher and broadcast journalist. Her interest in painting hails to childhood, and her art studies have been independent. Art Renkwitz is a retired Cambridge High School teacher of science and ethic, who is currently the founder and leader of “Socrates,” a weekly discussion group of philosophy.

March activities will wrap on the 30 with the Friday Night Live: Coffeehouse Open Mic from 7 – 9 p.m. Come experience this fun, friendly, supportive atmosphere for acoustic musicians, poets, storytellers, and other folkies. Each show brings to the stage new talent and surprises. Interested in sharing your talent? Just call: 410-228-7782. Slots are usually 10 minutes, depending on the size of the crowd.

Order of appearance will be randomly assigned with the first performer going on at 7:15. Piano available on site. Admission is free, with refreshments available for purchase.

Stop in Studioworks

A visit to DCA is not complete without a stop in “Studioworks,” the onsite artisans’ gift shop. Studioworks features a wide array of handmade items created by talented local and regional artists and artisans, from original paintings to hand-thrown pottery to one-of-a-kind jewelry to hand-woven baskets. Studioworks also sells stained glass, scarves, and a wonderful selection of note cards and books by local authors about art and the Eastern Shore.

For more information on current and upcoming activities at DCA, stop by 321 High St. in Cambridge or visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org. Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, celebrating 50 years of service to the arts.

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