Holiday Fairs and Cookie Walks
Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m., United Lutheran Church:
At the Cookie Walk, fill a box for $15. Locally hand-crafted items, jams/jellies, Fair Trade wares and gift basket raffle also available. Benefitting Housing Forward, New Moms, and Sarah’s Inn. Questions: 708-386-1576. 409 Greenfield St., Oak Park.
YMCA Christmas Tree Sale
Monday to Friday, 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., West Cook YMCA:
Buy fresh trees, wreaths and evergreen garlands now through Christmas Eve. Purchases ensure everyone has access to West Cook YMCA through scholarships. And, a portion of purchases are tax deductible. Bonus: purchase greenery and there’s no YMCA joiners fee ($50 value). More: westcookymca.org. 225 S. Marion St., Oak Park.
Saturday, Dec. 8, noon to 1 p.m., Nature Yoga Sanctuary Café:
At The Vegan Cookie Swap, bring a batch of vegan and nut-free cookies to swap in this cookie exchange. 146 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., McDonough Hall, St. Giles Church:
At the Holiday Gift Fair, a portion of sales are donated to Harambee, benefitting women and girls in Kenya. 1101 Columbian, Oak Park.
Author Talk: Dr. Asad Bakir
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
Hear the River Forest resident talk about his book, From Baghdad to Chicago: Memoir and Reflections of an Iraqi-American Physician, an account of his years in Iraq, as well as his 26-year career at Cook County Hospital. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Expressions Graphics Holiday Boutique and Member Exhibit
Friday, Dec. 7, 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, 1 to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, 1 to 4 p.m., Expressions Graphics:
Find hand-made holiday cards, art books, art/craft supplies, fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Member fine-art print sale through Jan. 5 during gallery hours. Questions: 708-447-9262. 29 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Art Shows, Plus
Reception Friday, Dec. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., Lower Level Gallery, West Suburban Medical Center:
Meet artist Maria Gedroc and see “CityScapes: An intimate view of everyday places and spaces.” Exhibit through Jan. 29, 2019. 3 Erie Ct., Oak Park.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 6 to 10 p.m., Black Moon Gallery:
View the December Art Show while listening to acoustic sets by Dan Vapid (with Simon Lam) and Jeff Pezzati of Naked Raygun, as well as Little Dave Merriman of the Arrivals. Free drinks. $12, donation at door. 17 Harrison St., Oak Park.
Reception Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 to 4 p.m., Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall, Concordia University Chicago:
At “Zumbandi Baani” see an exhibit of abstract paintings, drawings, collage and mixed-media by Gretchen Beck, who lived in Niger for three years, conducting research for her images. Artist’s talk at 3 p.m. Exhibit through Dec. 15. Gallery hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More: cuchicago.edu/experience/arts/visual-arts/ferguson-gallery, 708-209-3013. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.
One Earth Filmmakers Workshop
Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 to 4:30 p.m., River Forest Depot:
A Live-Action Film Workshop for Grades 6 to 8, taught by professional filmmaker Jonathan Moeller, covers story, framing, audio, lighting, editing and production. Students should bring an iPad/tablet. $30, River Forest residents; 35, non-residents. Register: oneearthfilmfest.org/workshops. 401 Thatcher Ave., River Forest.
“The Color of Art”
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library:
Meet filmmaker David Weathersby and local artist Jesse Howard at this documentary screening. The film explores the present-day renaissance of black art in Chicago. In partnership with Oak Park Art League. Info: oppl.org/more. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
“Faith of a Son” Puppet Show
Sunday, Dec. 9, 10:45 a.m., Forest Park Baptist Church:
At the mass, see the video collaboration of church members along with Michael Thomas’ puppet creation. Thomas wrote a short play, using puppets and a backdrop he created, where a shepherd boy discovers the meaning of Christmas. 133 Harlem Ave., Forest Park.
Holiday Sing-along
Sunday, Dec. 9, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Eastgate Café:
Come for pictures with Santa, food and gifts. Reservations/more: 708-660-9091. 102 Harrison, Oak Park.
Hephzibah Gift Donations
Through Friday, Dec. 14, Hephzibah Home:
Help make the holidays merry for children. Wish List items include remote control toys, Transformers, Incredibles and Black Panther-themed items, LEGOs and craft kits. More: hephzibahhome.org/donate/wishlist. Drop off at 946 North Blvd., Oak Park.
Khanike Night
Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café:
There are two seatings. First, 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., for children; second, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., for teens and adults. Buzz provides latkes, salad. Guests provide singing and Freylach. $7.95 per person. Reservations: goo.gl/2hbd1v. Questions: mikebass9@gmail.com. 905 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
