In this edition of the Weekender, a new exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Nature, a closing party, and five other things to do in Ottawa this weekend.
H.P. Lovecraft-inspired (FREE!)
SPAO (School of Photographic Arts) presents a multi-disciplinary show by Dante Penman. Disturbed by nightmares since youth, Penman found solace in the tortured imagination of American horror-fiction author, H.P. Lovecraft. Liebe Handwerk (or “love craft” in German), the title of his show, features his experimental photogram images, linocut relief prints, sculpture, pictorial poems, and other texts. Jan. 10 to 23. Free. SPAO, 168 Dalhousie St., spao.ca
Night transforms (FREE!)
See how mundane, everyday activities — shopping, work, transportation — are transformed by night’s strange alchemy in Window Shopping, an exhibit by Ottawa artist Petra Halkes at Cube Gallery. Another exhibit, Reflections, has the viewer gaze through windows, combined with interior reflections, to see hints of what lies beyond. Until Jan. 26. Free. Cube Gallery, 1285 Wellington W., cubegallery.ca
Literary showcase
Pressed highlights new and established local authors’ works as part of In/Words Magazine‘s second such showcase. There will be works by Ali Alikhani, Kaleb Hikele, Marilyn Irwin, Jane Silcott, and Kaleigh Watts, as well as indie-folk jams. Jan. 10. 7 p.m. $10, students $7. Pressed, 750 Gladstone Ave., pressed-ottawa.com
Computers are a snap
Build alarms, sensors, touch-based circuitry and more! Hosted by Codes for Kids at Shopify’s offices, children ages 7 to 9 explore electronic circuitry using Snap Kits (a circuitry toy), with all materials, including snacks, provided. For children ages 9 to 13, Codes for Kids offers a course on the basics of computer coding — learn Javascript code (used in websites) and jQuery (animation). Jan. 11. $59 for Snapkits, from 10 a.m. to noon; $29 for Javascript, from 1 to 3 p.m. Register here. Shopify, 126 York St., codeforkids.ca
X-ray fish
Sixteen backlit X-ray images of Arctic fish will be on display in a new exhibit at The Canadian Museum of Nature. Beneath the Surface: X-rays of Arctic Fish, gives viewers a unique look at the complex structures of fish. Opens Jan. 11. The Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 McLeod St., nature.ca
One last chance (FREE!)
… to see Ottawa artist Tavi Weisz‘s works. One Last Chance, the title of his exhibit of paintings, examines “a nebulous mix of memories, sensations, dreams and nightmares,” according to essayist Stephan St-Laurent. The closing party will also feature a performance by the artist himself. Jan. 11. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. Karsh-Masson Gallery, 110 Laurier Ave. W. ottawa.ca/karsh-masson-gallery
Apocalypse Sunday
Come in from the cold to hear a band of troubadours tell tales from unknown lands and distant stars; tales filled with witches, sea kings, and ancient cities. The Mercury Lounge hosts The Banjo Apocalypse Crinoline Troubadours, who will undoubtedly spellbind with their live music and theatrical interpretations. Jan. 12. $10. The Mercury Lounge, 56 ByWard Market Sq., mercurylounge.com