February

13, 23

Two Parents, Two Homes

Sponsored by Home Service of Clarke County Parenting Education Center, 10am–2pm. Open to all individuals going through divorce, separation, child custody and visitation related difficulties. Would you like to improve your communication skills and learn techniques to assist you in keeping your child out of adult conflict? The “Two Parents Two Homes” program is right for you. This 4-hour class meets approval for individuals needing to fulfill a requirement. The cost of the class is $35. Registration forms are available online at www.homeserviceofclarkecounty.com or stop by the office to pick up a registration packet. Now located at 15 East Main Street Berryville Virginia.

Black History Dramatic Reading Contest

The ninth annual! The program begins at 1:30pm at the Josephine School Community Museum, 303 Josephine Street, Berryville, VA. This is a reading competition open to Clarke County third, fourth and fifth grade children. The readers will read from a selection of black literature and authors. Awards will be given out for each level. This event is free and open to the public. For more information go to jschoolmuseum.org or call 540-955-5512.

Free Tax Preparation

AARP TAX-AIDE is an organization that prepares and eFiles Federal & Virginia tax returns at no charge for senior citizens and low to moderate income taxpayers. Tax-Aide will prepare returns in Berryville at the new Senior Center in Chet Hobert Park on 2/16. Taxpayers will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Sign in and return preparation will begin at 10:30 AM. Sign in ends at 2:30 PM or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first. If married, both taxpayers must be present in order to eFile a return that day. Tax-Aide is also preparing returns at the War Memorial Building in Jim Barnett Park in Winchester (1001 E Cork Street), with sign in from 9:00 – 3:00 on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, from 9:00 – 12:30 on Fridays and from 9:30 – 1:30 on three Saturdays (2/9, 3/9 & 3/23).

Valentine’s Dance

8pm till midnight at Blue Ridge Fire Hall, $15 or $25 for a couple. Electric Blues by The I, IV, Vs. Ticket price includes heavy appetizers and a chocolate fountain. Fun will include a live auction, raffles, a dollar dance, champagne glasses for sale, a cash bar, and a rose and truffle sale. All proceeds will go to The Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association’s scholarship for a Clarke County graduate and High Five Sports Camp for children at risk. Romantic Attire is Requested! All Credit Cards will be accepted.

4H Spaghetti Dinner

Clarke County 4H Leader’s Association’s dinner and silent auction featuring Mackintosh Fruit Farm’s homemade apple crisp topped with ice cream. The evening includes silent and live auctions, with items like gift certificates, sporting goods, collectables, Longaberger baskets, live trees, farm equipment and more. $6 for adults; $4 per child under 10. Dinner at 5pm; auction starts at 6:30. Clarke County Fairground Ruritan Building. All proceeds benefit 4H programs of Clarke County.

Where’s Aubrey

A fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center at the Barns of Rose Hill. Where’s Aubrey has played together since 1985, writing and performing all original music since the turn of the millenium. Rhine Singleton’s original songs, cloaked and hooded by Gary McGraw’s improvisation on the fiddle and mandolin, range from old timey folk music through modern jazz. $15 advance; $20 door. Showtime, 7:30pm. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Young Nature Artists

Join Teaching Artist Annie Young for Wonderland Snowy Impressions, ages 6-9. Bundle up to explore the trails as children gather natural materials for their weekly projects. Other sessions include: Bird Finders & Feeders, 2/23; and Stick & Yarn Snowflakes, 3/2. www.wvcraftworks.org.

Tai Chi Chuan

Mondays at Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. Start with week 2 in a 6-session course (first session was Feb. 11), 6:30-730PM Shih Fu Lacy Colley. Tuition: $55 per person, includes a $5 donation to the Fire Company. Blue Ridge V.F.D. 131 Retreat Rd. Bluemont. Limited enrollment to ensure individual attention. For information, email Please email the instructor (lacycolley@live.com) for registration or more information.

A Cappella Group

Join choral director Mark Parsons in this new group of a cappella singers. CraftWorks at Cool Spring. www.wvcraftworks.org. 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, W.Va.

Film: Safety Not Guaranteed

At the Barns of Rose Hill, a smart comedy-drama from the producers of Little Miss Sunshine, this film boasts a fine ensemble cast and won Best Screenplay at the Sundance film fest. Three Seattle reporters investigate an unusual classified ad and wind up in a time travel adventure. “Casts an enchanting spell from its opening scene” (USA Today). Rated R. Tickets, $5; showtime, 7:30pm. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

The I, IV, Vs

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

Bob Fox and Friends

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

Town Pants

At the Barns of Rose Hill: With a decades’ worth of headlining Roots and Celtic festivals to selling out nights at rock venues The Town Pants own brand of Celtic roots rock rebel spans five albums so far, backed up with a legendary live show that’s garnered them fans internationally from New York to Norway. $10 advance; $15 door. All tickets are general admission. Showtime, 8pm. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Barbara Martin Trio

At the Barns: One listen to jazz and blues singer-songwriter Barbara Martin and you will believe what the critics say about her. Witty. Intelligent. Sultry. Down-to-earth. Insightful. Ironic. Polished. Slice-of-life. Sensitive. Provocative. The list goes on. Barbara Martin is the real deal; a true renaissance woman in genres prone to stereotypes and pigeon-holes. Barbara’s soulful voice and skillful songwriting reveal the essence of her life experience, her creativity and her joie de vivre. And in that very honest and open place, Barbara Martin doesn’t just entertain us; she helps us remember how to dream. Tickets $10 advance, $15 door. Showtime, 8pm. All tickets are general admission. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Polymer Clay & Mixed Media Swap Meet

A FREE monthly gathering at CraftWorks for community artists working in polymer clay/mixed media. Bring what you aren’t using and swap for something you really want! www.wvcraftworks.org. 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, W.Va.

March

Last Ham Standing

At the Barns: Don’t miss this hilarious show full of laughs for the entire family. A group of talented performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and funny improv games. If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway? you’ll love Last Ham Standing…the other comedy meat! Tickets $10.00 in advance $15.00; at the door. Showtime, 8pm. All tickets are General admission. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Shortness of Breath

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

The Carroll Brothers

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

David Troy Francis, Piano

At the Barns: David Troy Francis is best known for his steadfast championing and performance of contemporary American music. Now living in Asheville, North Carolina, he is an esteemed concert pianist and recording artist as well as a respected composer, arranger and accompanist. His critically acclaimed CD, The Americans, features compositions of living American composers including the world premiere recorded performance of Eight Etudes by two time Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ned Rorem. Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Showtime, 7:30pm. All tickets are general admission. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Inheriting the Trade

2pm at the Josephine School Community Museum, “Inheriting The Trade” is Tom De Wolf’ s powerful memoir of a journey in which ten family members, descendants of the most successful slave-trading family in United States history, retrace the steps of their ancestors. The trip, recorded in the documentary Traces of the Trade: A Story of the Deep North, takes the family through the Triangle Trade, from New England to West Africa to Cuba. With searing candor, De Wolf tackles both the internal and external challenges of his journey and our nation’s need for healing. The documentary is an urgent call for meaningful and honest dialogue. This event is free and open to the public. For more information go to jschoolmuseum.org or call 540-955-5512.

Drawing & Painting Group

Join Judy Bradshaw for a monthly workshop of CraftWorks’ community of artists who draw or paint. All levels welcome; no experience necessary! www.wvcraftworks.org. 1469 Lloyd Road, Charles Town, W.Va.

Brown Bag with Books

The Clarke County Library which takes place at the Barns, the first Wednesday of every month at noon. This edition is The Widowers Tale by Julia Glass, The idea behind these is an open discussion, and all are welcome.Bring your lunch, and enjoy! April 3 the discussion focuses on Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz.

Forum for Rural Innovation

The 9th annual Forum for Rural Innovation, 8am–4pm at the Best Western Lee-Jackson Motor Inn & Conference Center in Winchester will showcase new and exciting projects and programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability. The theme of this year’s Forum is “Innovative Crops, Funding, and Public Relations for Farm Sustainability.” Speakers discuss innovative agri-education programs and share ideas on how to maximize production by creating value added products. Five area farms will be highlighted. Registration fee of $40.00 includes the forum program, morning refreshments, and buffet lunch. Registration information at www.LoudounFarms.org or 703-777-0426. Pre-registration by March 1 required.

Mary Flower

At the Barns, Says Acoustic Guitar magazine of Mary Flower: With her warm contralto and dazzling skills as an instrumentalist and arranger, Mary Flower has cemented her status as one of the most dynamic performers on the acoustic blues circuit. Flower is deep in the pocket of the country blues and there are few musicians in the genre bringing as much creative spark and low-key mojo to this century-old music. Tickets $10. Showtime, 8pm. For information, www.barnsofrosehill.org call 540-955-2004; Email: info@barnsofrosehill.org.

Half Past 3

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

Steve Warner and His Plan B

At the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association, 1162 Pine Grove Road, Bluemont. Info: 540-554-8291.

February At Opus Oaks

Opus Oaks isn’t just about summer art camps and classes for kids. There are plenty of teen and adult classes and workshops going on all year long. Register online now at www.opusoaks.org or call Clarke County Parks and Recreation at 540-955-5140. Or call Opus Oaks at 955-4226 for more information. Location for all classes and workshops, unless specified otherwise, is 111 First Street, Berryville.

Here’s what’s available just for the month of February:

Painting

Watercolors with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 12+)

Mondays 2/25-4/8 (no 3/25) 10AM-12PM

Thursdays 2/28-4/11 (no 3/28) 7-9PM

Bring your own pictures and ideas. Beginners will start with the basics: color mixing, composition, layering color, experimenting, brush techniques, washes, and materials. The instructor is there to help with artistic decisions and to introduce new techniques to continuing/experienced students. $85.00 Bring your own materials or pay the instructor $50 for a beginner set.

Acrylic and Oil Painting with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 12+)

Mondays 2/25-4/8 (no 3/25) 1PM-3:30PM

Learn techniques in composition; focal point, abstract versus descriptive, depth of field, and canvas prep before beginning a painting. Then explore color mixing and theory, light source, brush techniques, layering paint, glazing, and style. Continuing students work on their own paintings. Bring 18×24 canvas & 6 pictures to paint. $100 plus $15 materials fee.

Oil Painting with Eric Cherry (Age 15+)

Tuesdays 2/26-4/9 (no 3/26) 6:30-9PM

Learn the Old Masters technique of oil painting & glazing, including laying out your palette, canvas prep, color theory, gray scale color mixing, composition, and mediums. Bring your own paints or use our studio paints, an 18 x 24 canvas or board, and 5 photos. $125 plus $15 materials fee.

Drawing

Portrait Drawing with Eric Cherry (Age 12 +)

Thursdays 2/28-4/11 (no 3/28) 10AM-12PM

Students will work with a live model to do a portrait; being sensitive to form, emotion, skin values, textures, and light. $85 plus $10 for materials and $25 model fee.

Tickets to Adventure with Norma Colman (Age 15+)

Thursdays 2/28 – 4/11(no 3/28) 6:30-8PM

Explore and investigate your own process of creativity by generating small projects in and out of class each week based on a prompt or technique and then shared with the creative company. This approach was designed for visual artists, but is also adaptable to writers, musicians, bakers, candle makers, and you. A small journal or sketchbook is recommended. $65

Glass

Stained Glass with Sheryl Reid (Age 12+)

Tuesdays 2/26-4/9 (no 3/26) 4:30-6PM

Sheryl will guide you to choose a pre-made pattern or your own design for a stained glass project. Learn basic techniques of foiling, soldering, and finishing while making light catchers and decorative hangings. Continuing students will work on more advanced projects. $ 85 plus $15 materials fee.

Fused Glass with Gail Gramprie (Age 13+)

Wednesdays 2/27-4/10 (no 3/27) 12:30-3:30PM

Fusing glass in a kiln creates 2D and 3D art pieces with luminous colors, decorations and shapes. Learn to develop a design, cut, assemble, decorate and fuse art glass. Stingers, frit, confetti, glass paint, noodles, rods, and strips to enhance your piece and a brief intro to jewelry making will be presented. $125 plus $55 materials fee.

Jewelry

Jewelry Design with Rachel Rogers-Rodgers (Age 14+)

Thursdays 2/28-4/11 (no 3/28) 10 AM-12PM

Students will learn beginning/intermediate techniques for clay modeling and sculpting using air-dry clay such as tool use, joining, composition, texturing, and finishing techniques. Continuing students will work on more advanced pieces. $85 plus $25 materials fee.

Sculpture

Clay Sculpture with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 14+)

Wednesdays 2/27-4/10 (no 3/27) 7-9PM

Workshops

Drawing Birds from Life Workshop with Doug Pifer (Age 14+)

Saturday 2/23 10AM-2PM

Learn the basics of bird anatomy; shapes, form and movement. Learn techniques for detailed drawings of heads, wings, feathers, and feet while exploring line, composition, perspective, light & dark with various drawing instruments; graphite, charcoal and ink. A live bird will be on-site from the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. Bring a lunch. $40 plus $10 donation to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.

Copper Forging Workshop with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 13+)

Saturday 3/23 9AM-4PM

Participants will use metal forging, soldering, chisels and design elements to make a forged copper box of their own. Workshop includes all materials. Wear cotton clothing and bring your lunch. $75

Youth Classes

Acrylic Painting with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 6+)

Tuesdays 2/26-4/9 (no 3/26) 5-6:30PM

Students will learn basic painting techniques: color-mixing, building with color, mediums, color theory, light, and composition. Bring an 18 x 24 canvas/canvas board and pictures of things you want to paint. Returning students will work on their own paintings. $85.00 plus $15 materials fee.

Acrylic Painting with Aryana McDonald ( Age 6+)

Saturdays 3/2-4/13(no 3/30) 10:30AM-12PM

$85.00 plus $15 materials fee.

Clay Sculpture with Gale Bowman-Harlow (Age 8+)

Wednesdays 2/27-4/10 (no 3/27) 5-6:30 PM

Learn beginning/intermediate techniques for clay modeling and sculpting using air-dry clay such as tool use, joining, composition, texturing, and finishing techniques. Continuing students will work on more advanced pieces. $85 plus $25 materials fee

Fundamentals of Drawing with Doug Pifer (Age 8+)

Wednesdays 2/27-4/10 (no 3/27) 6:30-8:30PM

Explore line quality, composition, perspective, lights/darks, building forms and shapes, shading and developing visual acuity skills with different drawing instruments such as graphite, charcoal, and inks. Students will draw from plaster models and still life. $85 plus $10 materials fee.