12 Great Free Things This Month
Monday, November 29, 2010
1. December 2: Hear a smart talk about the Amazon
Get some international culture early in the month with this free talk by archaeologist Michael Heckenberger (Associate Professor in Anthropology, University of Florida), who will discuss his work in the Amazon. The world’s largest tropical forest is often portrayed as pristine nature, little impacted by the region’s isolated, small-scale societies. Today, it is an icon for international concerns regarding global ecological change, as rapid deforestation and ecological degradation threaten much of the region. Reception to follow at the Haffenreffer Museum. Re-Imagining the Amazon, 5:30pm, presented by Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University Roberts Campus Center / Peterutti Lounge.
2. December 2: Party in the season, shop it up at Craftland
The Craftland Show Super Celebration Bash of the 9th Annual Craftland Holiday Show is not just a big party, but has a bunch of extras for free. The first 300 shoppers receive highly-coveted goodie bags stuffed with quality samples,
3. December 3: Celebrate and bid on some art at Rhode Island College's 38th Annual Art Auction
Go for free, enjoy free refreshments, and spend money if you feel like it. There's great art up for auction including ceramics, jewelry, paintings, drawings, prints, photography, sculpture, and more! Money generated from the auction will be used to help fund student activities. Rhode Island College's Bannister Gallery (located in Robert's Hall). 7pm, preview 4-7pm. Presented by Bannister Gallery at Bannister Gallery.
4. December 4: Ring in the season in style at the Providence City Hall Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Live entertainment, local celebrities, and a perfect dose of holiday cheer. For more information please call 401.421.7740 6pm. Presented by City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism at Providence City Hall.
5. December 4-5: Enjoy international ambience, buy if you like at International House of RI Bazaar
Holiday Bazaar featuring unusual gifts, international food cafe, baked goods, art works, jewelry, books, clothing, wreaths, holly plants, home made international craft items,flea market. 10am, 8 Stimson Ave, Providence. Presented by International House of Rhode Island at International House of Rhode Island.
6. December 5: Catch a survival tale
There is nothing like a survival story, and author Michael Tougias presents Overboard! A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival, a true tale of experienced sailors swept overboard in a heavy storm en route from Connecticut to Bermuda, and what happened to the new, inexperienced crewmembers. You'll never feel quite the same on a boat again. This program is part of the continuing RI Center for the Book at PPL's Fall READ New England book and author series, and is presented by Providence Public Library at Providence Public Library - Central. 2-3:30pm, 150 Empire St, Providence.
7. December 5: Enjoy a free concert at the Chaminade Club December Musicale
Christmas musical cheer at one of the city's most beautiful locations, and all for free. The Chaminade Club's monthly Musicale includes Philip Martorella, piano with Michael Simmon, violin; Christmas and Music with voices: Laraine Beck, Jacqueline Devillers, Joe Scott, and Renaissance instruments: Marsha Anderson, Jacqueline Devillers, Julie St.
8. December 9: Mingle and munch with artists at the Duck & Bunny
Hang out with some of the state's most interesting artists - those who are supporting the BUY ART campaign. If you've already got a BUY ART button (that's free too... just go to the Web site to get one), you can score a free drink. 5:30-8:30pm, 312 Wickenden St, Providence. Presented by City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism at Duck & Bunny.
9. December 10: Get food tips with chef and cookbook author Jane Hornby
Get some free kitchen sense (and samples) when Jane Hornby, author of What to Cook and How to Cook It, signs her new book and puts on a demo at Williams-Sonoma store at the Providence Place Mall. 6-8pm. Presented by Phaidon Press at Williams-Sonoma.
10. December 10: Special free access to a beloved holiday ballet, Coppelia
This takes a little planning. Tickets to this popular ballet are $25 for adults, $16 for children, but on December 10 at 10am, large school groups can attend for free (and individual tickets are only $5... nearly free... by reserving in advance by calling 334-2560). Roberts Auditorium, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence. For more, go here.
11. December 12: Free theater, or just pay what you can, at Perishable Theater
So it's not necessarily free (tickets to "Special Happy" by Rebecca Noon, run $10-$15), but on Sunday, it's pay-what-you-can-night, and if your pockets are empty, enjoy this absurdist romp for just your applause. The new performance piece created by Providence-based theatre artist Rebecca Noon with collaborators Jed-Hancock-Brainerd and Chris Rosenquest, premiered at the 2010 Women’s Playwriting Festival at Perishable Theatre as a part of the late night cabaret. Originally conceived as a birthday party for the audience, this version, presented by the Wilbury Group and re-imagined for the holidays, will be a celebration for everyone who has the misfortune of being born on or near Christmas. 7:30pm on Sunday. Run is from December 9-18. Presented by The Wilbury Group at Conley's Wharf, 200 Allens Ave, Providence. For more call 855-2460.
12. Through December 24: Hobnob and scout for deals at the Providence Art Club
It's the best place to scout mini-masterpieces, so enjoy a few free hours playing art detective at the 106th Little Pictures Show & Sale, presented by Providence Art Club at Providence Art Club. If you've saved your dollars, everything is $250 or less, and some of the best painters in the state show here. 11 Thomas St, Providence. Exhibit hours are Monday – Wednesday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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