ArtWeek to soon take center stage

MARION — Grab a paintbrush, gardening tools and a box of popcorn in anticipation for the return of the annual ArtWeek South Coast festival.

For 10 days communities from Fall River to Wareham will offer over 50 classes, performances and workshops, including seven at the Marion Art Center.

From Thursday, May 8 through Sunday, May 18, take part in the annual Paint & Sip Workshop, catch some concerts, attend a play, and even sing-along to a screening of “The Greatest Showman.”

“The great thing about ArtWeek … is we do different kinds of workshops that you wouldn’t normally expect to see at the Art Center,” said Jodi Stevens, executive director of the Marion Art Center.

People can register for events on the Marion Art Center’s website at https://www.marionartcenter.org/artweek/, by calling 508-748-1266 or in-person at the center.

Friday, May 9:

Saxophonist Marcus Montiero and guitarist Donn Legge are both playing two, one-hour long performances on Friday, May 9 in the Marion Art Center that will feature original compositions and jazz standards. Both 7 p.m. shows are now sold out, but tickets for the 8:30 p.m. showings are still available and cost $15 for members and $20 for non-members. This is also a BYOB event.

Saturday, May 10:

There are a series of events on Saturday, May 10, including a community bike tune-up, a seed starting workshop, a movie sing-along, the annual Paint and Sip and a Crocodile River Music concert.

From 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. community members can bring their bikes to the Marion Art Center patio for free tune-ups, whether for brake adjustment or chain lubrication, as well as advice on how to address repairs before hopping on a bike. There will also be coffee and lawn games.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. horticulturist Paul Split will lead gardeners of all skill levels through the steps of growing seeds, starting with germination through harvest time. Participants will get a starting kit they can take home. A full list of materials is available on the Marion Art Center’s website.

The seed starting workshop will take place on the Marion Art Center lawn and costs $40 per person.

At 6:30 p.m., the Marion Art Center is screening the 2017 film “The Greatest Showman” as a sing-along in its theater, with song lyrics appearing on the screen. Movie-goers are invited to dress up and dance. The showing costs $8 per person.

“That’s kind of a funny thing, but that’s something brand new we’re doing,” Stevens said. “I have no idea what to expect, but I think that will be really fun.”

Friday, May 16:

The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is presenting “Jab” starting Friday, May 16. The original play, written by emerging playwright Kate Herlihy, is about a woman who rediscovers her strength and power after joining an all-female kickboxing group.

This is an interactive program, giving audience members the chance to have conversations with the playwright, directors, mentors and actors after the performance.

“Jab” will be performed on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

The play will take place in the Marion Art Center’s theater and costs $10 per person.

Saturday, May 17:

The annual Paint & Sip Workshop, which has been a part of ArtWeek every year since the festival began, is taking place on Saturday, May 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Marion Art Center lawn.

Artist Barbara Healy will lead the workshop while people paint and sample some new spring wines.

The Paint & Sip Workshop costs $40 per person, and participants must be at least 21 years old.

Crocodile River Music, a Worcester-based group that showcases West African music and culture through dance, song, costume and rhythm, is putting on a concert on Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m. Between eight to 12 people will perform in this free event, which will be held at the Marion Music Hall.