Here’s what’s coming up in the area’s entertainment and arts scene as the New Year approaches.
EVENTS
■ Bricks 4 Kidz, located at Ferguson Square in State College, will host “’Star Wars’ Mission 2 Space Mini-Camp” Wednesday, Dec. 30, for children ages 6 to 14.
Based on “Star Wars” and the NASA Space program, the program will teach participants about space exploration and astronaut training. They will construct space models and can add a “Star Wars” flair. Kids also can create their favorite character as a model figure or with beads.
Registration is $25 for the morning session and $55 for the full session, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
■ First Night State College takes place in downtown State College and on the adjacent University Park campus of Penn State each New Year’s Eve. It’s a great event for the whole family, with activities beginning the morning of Thursday, Dec. 31.
A First Night button is your ticket to 50 great performances and other events. Pick one up at area merchants or order buttons online at www.firstnightstatecollege.com.
■ Enjoy delicious homemade breads, soups, desserts and hot beverages in between your First Night activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, in the basement of University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes St., State College.
ART
■ Serenity Wellness Centre is hosting an art class at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9. Participants will create their own mandalas.
Mandala, which is a Sanskrit word for circle, is a spiritual symbol for universe. Because mandalas exhibit radial balance, they have been used for centuries as meditative tools.
Materials for the class will be provided, but participants can feel free to bring their own markers or colored pencils. Registration is required, as space is limited to 15 students, and cost is $20.
■ The HUB-Robeson Galleries will present State College Area School District student artwork in Robeson Gallery Monday, Jan. 4, through Thursday, Jan. 21. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon until 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
A public reception for the exhibit will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, and will include food, drinks and conversation.
MUSIC
■ Christopher Guzman performs a public recital in conjunction with the Marian Garcia International Piano Competition and Teacher Workshop at 7:30 Friday, Jan. 22, in Esber Recital Hall on Penn State’s campus.
The two-day piano festival, hosted by the School of Music, includes two piano competitions (collegiate and high school), teacher workshops, recitals and masterclasses presented by Penn State piano faculty members.
