Posted 2:50 p.m. Fri., 02.19.10 - Check in for a list of some parties, promotions and events designed to help nonprofit organizations in the area. Also find chances to donate time, talent or treasure. Today: Regional Arts Commission and a photo contest from Gitana

Posted 10:22 a.m. Fri., 02.19.10 - The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum lets you take a different look at work in two exhibits:"Needle Work" focuses on masks and face coverings of all kinds (as seen at left); "Lunch Break" centers on the workers withouth ever showing a product.

Posted 10:25 a.m. Fri., 02.19.10 - Four guys who formerly played in A Perfect Fit, Kristeen Young, the Oozkicks, Urge, Ulcer Inc. and Big Joe Scientists had stepped back from performing but came together because, as one said, they "really, really love writing, playing, performing and engaging the audience." How did they click? What is their sound?

Posted 11:30 a.m. Thurs., 02.18.10 - A new production offers a woman playing Tom Sawyer, a feminist Becky Thatcher and a new look at a classic tale. “The Assorted Short Adventures of Tom, Huck and Becky” is the first full production, with music and choreography, from the DisAbility Project. It’s also the first time they’ve adapted a story most people know. 

Posted noon Thurs., 02.18.10 - This look at the last days of the life of Leo Tolstoy doesn't develop the characters enough to make us care about them and look beyond larger-than-life bickering. Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer have been nominated for Academy Awards.

Posted 11 a.m. Wed., 02.17.10 - A new season, Lent, has started for Christians. Since the year 900, the sign of Lent has been ashes placed on the forehead of believers, especially Roman Catholics. Christians in general see Lent as a time of giving, reflection and  sacrifice. (Photo by Jennifer Balaska )

Posted 2:52 p.m. Tues., 02.16.10 - "We know statistically that young people introduced to arts will stay with the arts and carry it on for a lifetime," said Nancy Tonkins, marketing director of Metro Theater Company. Take a look at some of the theatrical offerings that are available for Children.

Posted 2:30 p.m. Tues., 02.16.10 - Each person pays about $10 for dinner. And as they dine on soup (on this menu: carrot, leek with roasted red pepper), people discuss proposals that have been submitted by artists. After a vote, all the proceeds from the dinner are then awarded to the proposal with the most support.

Posted 12:55 p.m. Tues., 02.16.10 - St. Louis native Barclay Hughes' work at Schmidt Contemporary Art delves into the limbo lives of long-haul truckers. These intimately scaled images feel at once anonymous and yet highly personal: We’re given privileged views of a way of life that remains obscure and marginal. (Detail of Michael by Barclay Hughes)

Posted 9:45 p.m. Sun., 02.21.10 - The St. Louis French Festival, which runs nearly a week from Feb. 24 through March 1, started as a simple organ recital. It grew to include two speeches by the French ambassador to the United States, an art lecture, a theatrical performance, a musical afternoon and a tour of the Cathedral Basilica, in addition to the organ recital and two lectures.