West Newton’s Allen Center, Newton’s new cultural hub, is kicking off spring with Cherry Street Music's Beethoven & Beatles, Part 2. Cherry Street Music is a chamber ensemble offering concerts “with a twist,” bringing together classical music and unexpected, yet complementary art forms. The result? Less formal concert experiences where the audience and performers interact. Beethoven & The Beatles, Part 2 starts with two Beethoven classics—12 Variations for Cello and Piano from Händel's Judas Maccabaeus, and Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69, performed by cellist Allison Eldredge and pianist Max Levinson. The concert then branches into seven Beatles’ hits and pulls in guitarist Andres Guerra, and vocalist Donna McElroy. Tickets are $10 (students) and $30 (general admission). Light refreshments. Seating is limited--early ticket purchases are recommended.

On Dunstan Street in West Newton is a buzzing, fully-equipped printmaking studio, offering classes, community, and a workspace that feels like a retreat, yet is a stone’s throw from Washington Street. Now that Shepherd & Maudsleigh Studio has completed its expansion to 11,000(!) square feet, it has room for all of the new classes and equipment its students have dreamed about.



For those looking for a creative outlet, there are lots of spring workshops for newbies to seasoned artists in printmaking, bookmaking, woodcut carving, and more. Among its spring classes are: Gel-Plating (printing without a press); Intro to Cyanotype (alternative photography, using the power of the sun); and Reduction Block Printing, where students carve into soft rubber blocks to create repeatable patterns. Not sure where to start? Make an appointment to visit the studio or stop in during Newton Open Studios on April 27th and 28th to tour the facility, see and purchase artists’ works, and learn more about the workshops. Located at 27 Dunstan Street, West Newton.

Contemporary artist, award-winning photographer, and Newton resident Abelardo Morell will discuss his pioneering camera obscura photographic techniques at a free event at the Allen Center on Thursday April 18th at 6:30 PM. Morell's work has been featured in The Boston Globe, and displayed in galleries across the United States from The J. Paul Getty Museum to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Morell will also talk about his new book, The Universe Next Door. RSVPs appreciated.

An April vacation filled with art? Sounds pretty perfect. Newton’s New Art Center has a series of programs for students in grades K-12 from Tuesday, April 16 - Friday, April 19. Those in grades 6-12 can choose from morning or afternoon drawing and ceramics classes —or even double up for a full day of both. Drawing classes cover still life, self-portrait, and figure work, while ceramics includes both wheel-throwing and hand-building. In the K-5 full day program, students explore plants that change with seasons, then sculpt, paint, and create their own botanical art.

Not familiar with the New Art Center? It’s a community art space, tucked away in Newtonville Center, with diverse programs for artists of all ages—whether new to art or more experienced. Class space is limited; register soon to secure your child’s space.

The New Art Center believes financial circumstances should never prevent a student or artist from creating their art. As part of its mission, New Art offers need-based partial and full tuition assistance to children, teens, and adults to attend its programs.

Under the direction of Melissa Bernstein, Kindertransport, a play by Diane Samuels, tells the story of a Jewish child, Eva, who was part of the British government’s Kindertransport program. Before Word War II broke out, the Kindertransport evacuated nearly 10,000 children, most of them Jewish, from across Germany to foster homes in England, saving them from death camps, but separating them from their families. Forty years later, Eva is an adult, now Evelyn, fully assimilated into English culture with a daughter of her own, and forced to confront the truth about her past.

Beginning Friday, April 12, there are evening performances for date nights or a friends night out, while Saturday matinees are family-friendly. Tickets ($25) are limited and sell out quickly, so online pre-purchases are recommended. Performances are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Newtonville, and the theatre entrance is at 96 Otis Street. Dates & times: Fri. April 12th at 8pm; Sat. April 13th at 2pm and 8pm; Fri. April 19th at 8pm; Sat. April 20th at 2pm and 8pm.