FIGHT OR FLIGHT (FREE!)
Lovers of realism rejoice! Local artist Crystal Beshara has an upcoming exhibit at Orange Art Gallery. Beshara’s paintings offer something for everyone: her work is composed in a variety of styles and media, from landscapes to self-portraits, from pen-and-ink to watercolour. Popular subjects include birds, cattle and horses, while the colours that show up again and again are those of the earth and sky. It must not be forgotten, of course, that Beshara’s works are striking not just because of their subject matter, but due to the skill that goes into their creation. Fun fact: at the age of 23, Beshara became the youngest elected Fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society. Meet the artist on Thursday, January 10, 7-10 p.m. Exhibit runs from Wednesday, January 9, to Sunday, January 27. Orange Art Gallery, 233 Armstrong St., www.orangeartgallery.ca.
SNOWSHOEING UNDER THE STARS AT GATINEAU PARK
Keep happy and active this wintery weekend with a guided two-hour snowshoe tour in Gatineau Park. In addition to learning from an experienced naturalist about how local plants and animals survive through these colder months, you can feel pleased knowing that your ticket purchase will go to supporting Friends of Gatineau Park activities. Snowshoes are included with your reservation and participants of all ages are welcome. Bilingual. Takes place January 11, February 1, and February 15. For reservations, call 819-827-2020. $15 for adult non-members, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for children. Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Road, Old Chelsea, www.canadascapital.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park.
ROYAL WOOD
Juno-nominee Royal Wood has just released his new album, Born to Glory, and will be performing a one-night-only show at the National Arts Centre this Saturday. Wood (whose given name is actually Royal Wood) combines his talents as singer-songwriter, arranger, and producer to create a sound that he describes as a “celebration of life and all the aspects of it.” With all his talents, it comes as no surprise that he was awarded iTunes Songwriter of the Year in 2008, or that he’s become established as one of Canada’s most accomplished songwriters. Fellow Toronto-based folk-rock artist Liam Titcomb opens. Saturday, January 12, 7:30 p.m. From $29. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
SEVENTH ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO
Keep those well-intentioned resolutions on track and gain inspiration for a healthier new year at the Health and Wellness Expo. This unique one-day event is filled with useful information and plenty of samples for those interested in learning more about natural healthcare and how to live a greener life. The show hosts specialists who range from midwives to money coaches to help you build a balanced wellness plan. This year’s expo features more exhibitors than ever and includes a speaking event by Dr. William Davis, the New York Times best-selling author of Wheat Belly. Saturday, January 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See website for speaker schedule and a full list of exhibitors. $7, some activities extra. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boul., www.orleanswellnessexpo.com.
WEDDING PALACE BRIDAL SHOW
Ah, spring weddings! What better time to plan for them than the middle of January? If you or someone you know has an upcoming wedding (spring or otherwise), don’t miss out on the opportunity to win generous door prizes, learn about all the current trends, see a bridal fashion show or two, and wheel and deal with local vendors. This is the 17th event and it promises to be unique in its scope and scale. Saturday, January 12, and Sunday, January 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20. Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr., www.weddingpalace.ca.
WINTER DELIGHTS ART SALE (FREE!)
How would you like to own a piece created by a local artist? Now you can! The Ottawa Art Gallery — which specializes in bringing modern and contemporary visual art to the community — has been making photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewellery, and textiles of local artists available for sale all season long. The sale ends January 19 though, so this weekend is the perfect time to check out what the artists have to offer. The great news is that you don’t need to be a millionaire to snag a special piece: every item is priced at $400 or less. See website for gallery hours and a list of participating artists. Ottawa Art Gallery, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., www.ottawaartgallery.ca.
THE OTTAWA LITTLE THEATRE: ARTHUR MILLER’S ALL MY SONS
The story behind this 1947 play is almost as good as the play itself: during the “Red Scare” of the 1950s, Miller was summoned to the House Un-American Activities Committee for the play’s criticism of the “American dream.” The plot centres on Joe Keller (Mike Kennedy), suspected by his neighbours of having sold defective parts to the military, and his wife Kate (Cheryl Jackson), preoccupied by her belief that their son Larry, although MIA for three years, is still alive. The play is being mounted as a part of the Ottawa Little Theatre’s 100th anniversary season. On until Saturday, January 26, 8 p.m. $25, $22 for 60+, and $12 for students. Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., www.ottawalittletheatre.com.