ART

ART AUCTION. The Rockport Art Association presents "ARTxtravaganza," an online auction and exhibition featuring fine art, art-related gifts, and gift packages to be auctioned during the fundraiser through Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. rockportartassn.cmarket.com or 978-546-6604.

BEACH STREET STUDIOS. Art exhibit, featuring works by Kathy Connolly, Margie Florini and Joan van Roden White, through Dec. 1. 33 Beach St., Manchester-by-the-Sea. Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 978-526-4833 or www.beachstreetstudios.com.

CALADAN GALLERY. "SURreality," a juried exhibition of 12 national artists, through Dec. 9. Solo exhibitions by Tommy McLaurin and Brock Janson also on display. View all exhibitions at www.caladangallery.com.

GALLERY 14. "The Black and White Paintings of the Winter of 2006-2007" by Michael Martin Eagan. 28 Main St., Rockport.

GALLERY PENUMBRA. Illustrations by Alex Gerasev. 75 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester. 617-417-3777.

GALLERY VAL D'EAU. "Sea Meets Sky," canvases by John Cole and landscapes by Chris Plumer. Lanesville Station, Gloucester. 978-394-4950.

LOCAL COLORS GALLERY. Exhibiting original art by 17 local artists. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 6 pm. 121 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-3996 or www.local-colors.org.

ROCKPORT ART ASSOCIATION. Thumb Box show, Friday, Nov. 30 through December. Solo exhibition, "The Other Art," by Zygmond Jankowski, through Friday, Dec. 7. Solo exhibit by William Bradley, through Friday, Dec. 7. Retrospective of plein-air artist George Carpenter's work through Dec. 2. Gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 12 Main St., Rockport. 978-546-6604.

ROCKY NECK ART COLONY. The colony hosts its third annual winter exhibit and sale through Dec. 23, 117 Main St., Gloucester. Hours: Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. Meet the Artists reception, Saturday, Dec. 1, 5 to 8 p.m.

STATE OF THE ART. Cape Ann art by noted deceased and contemporary artists. Hours: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Gallery and sculpture garden, 4 Wonson St., Gloucester, 978-282-1504; Gallery II located at 18 Pleasant St., Gloucester, 978-282-5426.

STOFFA GALLERY. Open House, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23, 1 to 4 p.m. Variety of small original paintings, prints on canvas by Mary Douyard, Dorothy J. Ramsey and Michael Stoffa. Digital photography by Tom Philbrook, hand-crafted decorative tiles by Bob Bliss. Additional Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 41 Main St., Rockport. 978-546-7108.

STUDENT ART GALLERY. Artwork by students at Gloucester High School and Rockport Elementary School, through November, Education Room, Cape Ann Historical Museum, 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission $6.50 adults, $6 seniors, $4.50 students. 978-283-0455 or www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org

TIDAL EDGE. Original works by H.C. Zander, including Cape Ann landscapes, hand-painted bowls and stools, greeting cards, and more. Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 3 School St., Rockport. www.tidaledgegallery.com.

WENNIGER GALLERY. Exhibit of painter and printmaker Harry Shokler, through November, 19 Mount Pleasant St, Rockport. Hours: 12 to 5 p.m. daily or by chance. 978-546-8116, www.wennigergallery.com.

AUCTIONS/SALES

GINGERBREAD CONTEST AND SILENT AUCTION. The Wenham Museum is hosting its first Gingerbread Contest, public exhibit and silent auction, through Dec. 8. Entries will be on display at the museum for two weeks and then up for silent auction, funding the museum's educational programs. 978-468-2377 or e-mail mary.mcdonald@wenhammuseum.org.

SILENT ART AUCTION. The Art Advisory Committee of Sawyer Free Library is sponsoring the annual Silent Art Auction in the Matz Gallery. Silent bids accepted through November. Final live auction on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; preview and reception begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds used for purchasing art books, periodicals and DVDs for the library, a high school art scholarship and museum passes for patrons. 2 Dale Ave., Gloucester, 978-281-9763 or www.sawyerfreelibrary.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

BOY SCOUT TROOP. The annual clam chowder in a bread bowl event, Saturday, Dec. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate and corn dogs also available. Old Firehouse, 3 Dock Square, Rockport.

HAND-MADE FUDGE. Watch the in-house process Saturdays, through December 22, 1 p.m. Rockport Fudgery, 4 Tuna Wharf, Rockport. 978-546-2030.

NORTH SHORE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM. Dramatic play area, toys, art projects and more. Open Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost $4.50, adults free. 294 Essex St., Salem. 978-741-1811 or www.northshoreymca.org.

SANTA APPEARANCE AND DINNER. St. Nick arrives by boat to Tuna Wharf, Rockport, Saturday, Dec. 1, 3:45 p.m. Annual tree lighting ceremony to follow at 4 p.m., at Dock Square, and the tree-lighting dinner, 4 to 8 p.m., at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant, 25 Main St., Rockport. Dinner is sponsored by the Rockport Rotary Club, features the Rockport High School jazz band and costs $10 a person.

TUCK'S CANDY FACTORY. Free demonstrations of candy-cane, ribbon candy and Satin Stick making, Saturdays, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 Dock Square, Rockport. 978-546-6352.

WATERPARK OUTING. The Salem YMCA is inviting families to the Coco Keys waterpark, Friday, Nov. 30, 5 to 9 p.m., at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers. Cost: $18 per YMCA member; $22 per nonmember; and kids under 2 are free. 978-744-0351.

CLUBS

DOG BAR. Singer/songwriter Inge Berge, Sundays starting at 9:30 p.m. 65R Main St., Gloucester.

ELLIOT'S AT THE BLACKBURN. Karen Ristuben Jazz Trio, featuring guitarist Mason Daring and bassist Rory MacKenzie, Friday, Nov. 30, 8 to 11 p.m. 2 Main St., Gloucester. 978-282-1919.

MANCHESTER LANDING. Rick St. Germaine, Friday, Nov. 30; The Closers, Saturday, Dec. 1. Music from 9 p.m. to midnight. 7 Central St., Manchester. 978-526-7494.

RHUMB LINE. Eddy's Shoes, Friday, Nov. 30; Lisa Marie, Saturday, Dec. 1; Sasquach, Sunday, Dec. 2; Open Jamm, Mondays; Trivia and Funk Jamm, Tuesdays; open mike with Fly Amero, Wednesdays; and Dave Sag's Blue Party, Thursdays. 40 Railroad Ave., Gloucester. 978-283-9732.

THE FRANKLIN CAPE ANN. Billy Novick Trio, Tuesday, Dec. 4. Music 7 to 11 p.m. 118 Main St., Gloucester. 978-283-7888.

THE GULL. Easy-listening music every Thursday and Friday. 75 Essex Ave., Gloucester.

DANCE

1980s PROM. The West End Theater is hosting a retro prom, featuring local band What Time Is It, Mr. Fox?, Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m. Admission: $15; $10 if you come in 80s attire. 1 Washington St. Gloucester. 978-281-0680 or www.thewestendtheater.com.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR. The annual Christmas Bazaar of the Rockport Congregational Church, Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Handmade wreaths, swags and ornaments; hand-sewn aprons, pillows and dolls; and hand-knit sweaters, scarves and mittens are just a few of the handcrafted items on sale. Fellowship Hall, 12 School St., Rockport. 978-546-6638 or www.rockportucc.org.

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL. See the Lee mansion decked out with unique displays of gingerbread houses, available for bid via "penny raffle," to benefit the Marblehead Family Fund and the Museum. Gingerbread House Drop Off, Thursday, Nov. 29, 3 to 6 p.m.; Gingerbread House Display and Bidding, Friday, Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2, noon to 4 p.m., The Marblehead Museum & Historical Society, 170 Washington St., Marblehead. 781-631-1768 or marbleheadmuseum.org.

FILM

"PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA." A documentary directed by Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer, and narrated by John Waters. Thursday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Gloucester Cinema, 74 Essex Ave., Gloucester; Saturday, Dec. 8, Cinema Salem, One East India Sq., Salem; and Sunday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m., Hastings Farms, Beverly Farms. Metzler will be on hand for post-screening Q-and-A sessions at all screenings. www.saltonseadoc.com.

MUSEUMS

CAPE ANN HISTORICAL MUSEUM. "Jeff Weaver: Gloucester Paintings and Drawings" through January. "Chapters on a Quarry Wall: The Natural Stone Photography of Leslie D. Bartlett" through January. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission $6.50, $6 seniors, $4.50 students, children under 6 free. 27 Pleasant St., Gloucester. 978-283-0455 or www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.

HEARD HOUSE. Current exhibit, "Dow's Continuing Influence on Local Artists," as well as the permanent works of the Dow Gallery, the Ipswich Painters Gallery and the China Trade Room are on display in the historic home, Sundays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2 to 4 p.m. Members, free; $5, general admission. Ipswich Historical Society and Museums, 54 South Main St., Ipswich, ipswichmuseum.org or 978-356-2811.

OLD CASTLE. Saltbox-style building features exhibits on Dogtown, quarry tools and North Village History. Open by appointment. Admission $5, includes Sewall Scripture Museum. Castle Lane, Rockport. 978-546-9533.

SARGENT HOUSE MUSEUM. The 1782 home was built for writer and education advocate Judith Sargent Murray. Furnished with a collection of New England antiques, decorative arts and original artworks by portrait painter John Singer Sargent. Guided tours Friday to Monday, noon to 4 p.m., 49 Middle St., Gloucester. $5, $4 seniors. 978-281-2432.

SEWALL SCRIPTURE MUSEUM. Open house, featuring carol singing to an old-fashioned pump organ, and an electric train for the children, Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 to 5 p.m. Built in 1832, the museum features a collection of local history and genealogical information, including work by Fitz Hugh Lane, Aldro Hibbard, Alfred Wiggin and Charles P. Gruppe, and cyanotype prints by Charles H. Cleaves. Museum Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m. Admission: $5, includes Old Castle. 40 King St., Rockport. 978-546-9533.

MUSIC

A HOLIDAY CONCERT. Rockport Middle School Chamber Music And Orchestra Concert to perform Sunday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. First Congregational Church, 12 School St., Rockport.

MANCHESTER CHORAL SOCIETY. Ringing in its 47th season with two Christmas Tapestry concerts, Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. St. Joseph Cathedral, 145 Lowell St., Manchester, N.H. Tickets, $20 to $15. 603-472-6-MCS or www.mcsnh.org.

READINGS/SIGNINGS

ALENDAR SIGNING. Gloucester Times syndicated cartoonist Mark Parisi will sign his 2008 calendar, "off the mark, 2008 Daily Calendar," Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Weathervane, 153 Main St., Gloucester. 978-281-1227.

THEATER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The North Shore Music Theatre presents, for the 19th year, an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's Christmas journey, Friday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $45 to $70. www.nsmt.org or 978-232-7200.

TOURS

.SALEM HOUSE TOUR. The 28th annual Christmas in Salem house tour, "McIntire: Mansions and More," features 15 homes and buildings designed or inspired by Salem's renowned architect and carver, Samuel McIntire, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Unique Friday, Nov. 30, 5 to 8 p.m., opening of five homes around Salem Common exclusively for advance ticket holders. Tickets: $18 for Historic Salem members and seniors; $20 for general admission; and $25 for day-of tour. 978-745-0799 or www.historicsalem.org.

ETC.

CHANUKAH PARTY. Spread the light at the Jewish Community Center Of The North Shore's Chanukah Party, Thursday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. Dinner served, along with latkes and desserts. Experience music, games and dances for adults and children of all ages. Tickets: $11 adults; $9 children; and free for children under 2. Required reservations by Friday, Nov. 30. Four Community Road, Marblehead. 781-631-8330 ext. 152 or shoffman@jccns.com.

CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY AND HALF-PRICE SALE. The Rockport Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, will hold its annual Holiday Party, Thursday, Dec. 6, 5 to 7:30 p.m. "Half-Price Sale" of merchandise, gifts and dining certificates donated by local firms, in order to generate money to help defray the costs of Christmas in Rockport. Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant, 25 Main St., Rockport. 978-546-6575.

CRAFTS NIGHT. Make your own holiday ornaments at the annual Ipswich Arts Cooperative Holiday Wine, Cheese and Craft Nights, Friday, Nov. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Register in advance. Series continues through December. 59 South Main St., Ipswich. 978-356-0239.

HOLIDAY ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER. The Rockport Art Association presents its 13th annual hand-painted ornament fundraiser, in support of the R.A.A. Each ornament costs $40, through December, but typically sell over half of the ornaments during the first few days. 12 Main St., Rockport. 978-546-6604.

RADIO DOCUMENTARY. The Essex County Greenbelt Association hosts a free presentation of "Down River: Life and Landscape in Essex, Massachusetts," Friday, Nov. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Project Producer Ashley Ahearn supports her 25-minute audio-documentary with beautiful slide images. Cox Reservation, 82 Eastern Ave., Essex.

SANTA "PAWS" FUNDRAISER. Have your dog's picture taken with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, noon to 2 p.m. $10 donation, to benefit Cape Ann Animal Aid Shelter in Gloucester. Local animal artist, Lynn Holoway, will paint a miniature custom pet portrait from your Santa Paws photo, or any favorite pet photo, for only $38 with 20 percent of proceeds donated to CAAA. Good Dog! Gallery, 36 Bearskin Neck, Rockport. 978-546-1364 or www.gooddoggallery.com.

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Calendar submissions are due by noon Wednesday - eight days prior to publication - to features reporter Emily Young, Eagle-Tribune Publishing Co., 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845. Fax: 978-687-6045; e-mail: eyoung@eagletribune.com. Listings run the week of scheduled event and are limited to arts and entertainment events. We do not publish for-profit classes and workshops. All submissions must be in writing; calendar listings cannot be taken over the telephone. Color photos and graphics are encouraged.