Two dates to mark in your calendar

First, mark Sunday, March 21 on your calendar. That's the date of my favorite fundraiser of the year - the annual Over The Top! art auction and cupcake party at MAWA. I love the cheerful buzz as bargain-hungry art-lovers elbow their way past cupcake-laden tables to examine the work and devise their bidding strategies. In past years I've seen photographs by Diana Thorneycroft, prints by tamara rae biebrich and sculpture by Aganetha Dyck. A huge range of artists contribute, from well-known artstars to up-and-comers, so you're bound to fall in love with at least one piece. And with bidding starting at just $50, you can score some serious art deals. A few years ago we sweated out a silent bidding war over a tiny Wanda Koop painting, and emerged triumphant! Our "mini-Koop" now hangs happily in the hall. Over The Top! tickets are $10 and available at 611 Main Street. Or email me and I'll hook ya up.

Drop The Needle is back this month. On February 21, at 7 p.m., you can learn bookbinding from the multi-talented Chantale Maynard. The soundtrack of the evening is provided by organizer and D.J. extraordinaire Mama Cutsworth. See you at the Lo Pub!