Free events this week: romance readings, artistic insights; plus a Seaport cinema bargain
The Boston Figurative Art Center's mission is to uplift the creative community by bringing artists together — including comic artists. This Monday, the comic authors Mike Curato
of 'Flamer' and 'Little Elliot' series fame, and K. Wroten, whose client list is as illustrious as their work, will visit the center to discuss their literary and artistic work, including Curato's first adult novel,
that debuted last month.
Boston Figurative Center, 285 Washington St., Somerville.
SHHH, JUST READ
Sometimes all we want is just a little peace and quiet, but it's summer in the city and it's hard to escape the noise. Porter Square Books Cambridge Edition is taking a page from your local library by hosting a silent reading party. Bring your current read (or shop for a new one) to the '
shhh
'-worthy spot for a lazy, low-stimulus late-afternoon reading hour. The only noise will come from the turning of pages, and the occasional
shush
if someone tries to strike up conversation, or —
goddess forbid
— click their pen repeatedly. Following reading time, an optional discussion about your latest read will take place.
July 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
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Campbell-Lynn McLean's "The Hissing Lawn," oil on canvas. The Boston artist's first solo exhibition will open July 11 at LaiSun Keane Gallery.
Campbell-Lynn McLean
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PICTURES OF SUMMER
LaiSun Keane Gallery is bringing the South End art community together to celebrate one of its own with an opening reception for Boston artist Campbell-Lynn McLean's first solo exhibition, 'On Hissing Summer Lawns.' According to the artist statement, the painting collection is 'a love letter to abundance, consumption and good weather,' focusing on themes of queerness, community, and connection.
July 11, 6-8 p.m. 460C Harrison Ave. C8A.
DISCOVERING NATURE
Whether it's by kicking around a soccer ball or collecting roly-polies, summer break gives young ones the freedom to explore the great outdoors. Discovery Museum's Nature Play Festival will feature activities such as Invasive Plant Papermaking, Mud Kitchen, Bug Hunts, Log and Rock Flipping, as well as indoor galleries exploring the properties of nature — being water, air, light — to help children connect to the world around them.
July 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St. (Route 27), Acton.
Families can explore the outdoors during Discovery Museum's Nature Play Festival.
Jessica Cronin Photography
BOOKWORM BASH
Romance readers can join Lovestruck Books and
July 12, 2-5 p.m. Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St.
VIVE LA FRANCE
France's national holiday marks the storming of the Bastille in Paris during the French Revolution. It
technically
falls on July 14 — but here in Boston, Francophiles can get a head start with a Sunday soirée at the Charles Hotel. Attendees can expect displays of French traditions, including French accordion music and a 110-year-old waiters race, which requires exceptional balancing skills and speed. Before saying 'bonne nuit,' celebrants can stick around for some dancing and mingling as a DJ spins some more modern tunes.
July 13, 4-8 p.m. The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge.
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Deals & steals
MOVING PICTURES
Even with matinée prices, going to the movies comes with quite the price tag. While the words bargain and the Seaport may seem like an oxymoron, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has a deal that may suspend your belief: $7 tickets, even for new releases, every Tuesday.
Tuesdays, 4-11 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse, 60 Seaport Blvd.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to
.
Marianna Orozco can be reached at
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