WTJU

This month through Monday, December 24th, the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative will hold its Gift Forest pop-up market on the Downtown Mall at 301 E Main St., Charlottesville. Featuring more than 100 local artists and crafters, the Gift Forest is an annual holiday pop-up market featuring handmade gifts, vintage, and vinyl records. It is an alternative to big box stores and way to find quality gifts while supporting local artists, makers, and collectors. For more information, visit thebridgepai.org.

An opening reception for artist Kelly Lonergan's new exhibit: "And Then There Were Two," takes place Friday, January 4th at 5:30pm at the McGuffey Art Center in Charlottesville. This exhibition includes eleven paintings, ten of which include a male figure, a female figure, a brick walk, a chain link fence, and a tree. The figures are Eve and Adam outside the gates of Eden just moments after the Expulsion. This is that moment and that place, featuring the first steps in the history of humankind. For more information, call 434-295-7973 or visit mcguffeyartcenter.com.

This radio station practices acceptance and respect for all people. As part of the University of Virginia, WTJU promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes. WTJU envisions a community of understanding, tolerance, and respect. Thank you for being one of our listeners and thank you for being a part of this community.

Leander McCormick Observatory at the University of Virginia is open to the public for two hours on the first and third Friday nights of each month through December 21st, except holidays. Observing with all telescopes, weather permitting, and there are tours and audio-visual presentations. For more information, call 434-243-1885.

Do you know a High School senior who wants money? College scholarship money awaits students living in southern Albemarle County. Interested students from any school, who live in the Monticello High School district and who will enter their first year of college in the Fall of 2019, are invited to enter the 29th annual Martin Luther King Day essay contest held in connection with the local celebration of Dr. King's life and work. The contest deadline is December 31st. Qualifying seniors can get an application and further details from Mr. Graham Paige by phone at 434-286-3639 or email gtpaige@aol.com.

St. Mark Lutheran Church is trying something different -- a Beer & Hymns Night in the "upper room" of Trinity Pub on-the-Corner the first Monday of every month. No Preaching. No Passing the Plate. No Kneeling, just Sing with a little Soul. It's free and open to all ages. The next gathering is Monday, January 7th, at 7 p.m. Trinity Pub is at 1505 University Ave, Charlottesville. Questions? E-mail paul@paulkshepherd.com or call 434-249-4467.

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