Evan Button will perform on the Gallery Stage at the Dorchester Center for the Arts on April 24 at 7 p.m.

Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA) asks members and supporters to make their reservations now for the 8th Annual Guest Artist Gala, which is set for April 18. The event theme is “Starry Night” and in addition to DCA Annual Sponsors MTS Broadcasting and The Dorchester Banner; this year the lead Guest Artist Sponsor is 1880 Bank.

The gala includes a live and silent auction, music for listening and dancing, hors d’oeurves to satisfy food cravings, and a cash bar. Performing at this year’s event is the band of Scott Davis, Brian Walden and Bob Kammon, and catering will be provided by Garden and Garnish.

Guest Artist is the “black-tie admired, but not required” signature fundraiser for the organization. Proceeds from tickets sales and the live and silent auction benefit DCA programs and services. Arts funding has seen drastic reductions in recent years, so community support is greatly needed.

Tickets are $65 for DCA members; $75 for non-members, and can be purchased with a credit card by calling 410-228-7782. Anyone seeking more information should also contact the Center.

Booktastings: Samplings of Maryland’s Art, Heritage and Environment

Seating is available for the first in the Booktastings Series at the Dorchester Center for the Arts (DCA). On March 29 at 2 p.m., Dr. Elaine Eff, author, will share the story of Baltimore’s screens and 300 years of painted screens around the world. Based on her book The Painted Screens of Baltimore: An Urban Folk Art Revealed, the author will share her insights with the audience.

A reception with refreshments will follow the presentation, and the event is free. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 410-228-7782.

Friday Night Live: Young Voices with Evan Button

DCA welcomes vocalist and guitarist Evan Button for a Gallery Stage performance on April 24 at 7 p.m.

Hailing from Virginia Beach but big on local connections, this 16-year-old talent boasts, as Veer Magazine states, a “big John Mayer-like voice with a little hint of Dave Matthews.”

Evan’s first full length CD, “Walking On Earth,” was released in January 2015. Evan appeals to a wide audience, so all ages are welcome.

Tickets are $10 for DCA members; $12 for non-members and seating it limited. To charge tickets by phone, using Visa, Master Card or Discover, call 410-228-7782.

Gallery show continues through March 28

There is still time to view DCA’s March Gallery show, “Seeing the World Through a Photographer’s Eyes.” The exhibit features the works of Frank Deak, Larry C. Reese, Jack Upchurch Jr., and Don Meritt. Also on exhibit is “Memories in Clay” created by patients in the Art Therapy Program at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. The clay used for these pieces is 1,000 year old clay from “The Hill” in Easton.

The gallery show is sponsored by UpWind Systems LLC, and will run through March 28.

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