The WOW list: What's on Where this week

February 2

WHEN NATURE CALLS  - No, this is not an exhibit about bodily functions — it's a series of animal studies by artist Daniel Vallieres. What began as an exercise in rendering the subtleties of realism — accurately depicting texture, composition, values — resulted in an exhibition dedicated to illustrating the personality of animals and encouraging viewers to reflect on the beauty of the animal kingdom. "When Nature Calls" is part of the Emerging Artist Program by Artists on Elgin in association with Science North. Runs Feb. 1 to May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd.

THE STORY OF US -Under the guidance of Kim Mullin-Santone, six NISA artists met weekly over the course of three months to create a series of narrative mixed-media paintings. Each week focused on a new skill, including transfer and painting techniques, and the use of expressive colour. The goal of the Creative Expression workshop was to help the participants discover the colours, shapes, images, and feelings important to them in creating their narratives. Runs Feb. 1-28, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Artists on Elgin, 168 Elgin St., artistsonelgin.ca.

MINES DE RIEN PAS POUR CINQ CENNES - Guillaume Boudrais-Plouffe looks into the poetic relationship between the mines and the blueberry bushes that thrive on the Nickel city’s black rock. Melding fiction and reality, the fantastic and the banal, tradition and the present, this project — with its multi-sensory pieces and performance art — is a feast for the senses. Runs Jan. 22 to Feb. 27, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario, 174 Elgin St.

February 3

BAGPIPE LESSONS - Get in touch with your inner Scot by learning how to play Scotland's iconic instrument: the bagpipes! Participants will learn to play on a "practice chanter," a small, reeded instrument similar to a recorder. Bring your own or purchase one at the first class. All other materials will be furnished. You don't even need to know how to read music. Wednesdays from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Polish Combatants Hall, 291 Albinson St., sudburypipeband.ca.

February 4

MOTLEY KITCHEN - Enjoy some delicious food and some top-notch musical entertainment when Ottawa's Amanda Rhéaume brings her talents to the Motley Kitchen. Rhéaume is an accomplished Métis singer-songwriter and Canadian Folk Music Award winner for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year. Dinner and entertainment combined will cost $50 including HST. Show-only seats are $19 each. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the buffet dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m. Reserve by calling 705-222-6685 or drop by the Motley Kitchen, 70 Young St.

BLIND DATE - And now for something a little bit different ... Sudbury Theatre Centre presents Rebecca Northan's |Blind Date." Experience the exhilaration and excitement of new love as Mimi goes on a blind date with a different man every night — men she plucks right out of the audience! From sold-out runs in New York, London’s West End, and Toronto, this fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fusion of clown, improv, theatre and social experiment is sure to make you fall in love with Mimi and celebrate her audience-member-turned-romantic-hero! Runs Feb. 4-14, Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy St., sudburytheatre.ca.

February 5

BOB MARLEY'S BIRTHDAY -  Get up, stand up and pay tribute to the reggae icon Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley at the Townhouse this week. If Marley was still alive he'd be 71 years old. Cost is $10 at door. You must be 19 year old to attend. Show starts at 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Townehouse Tavern, 206 Elgin St.

FUNNY MONEY - A dinner theatre production by Theatre Cambrian. Henry A. Perkins, a mild-mannered C.P.A., accidently picks up the wrong briefcase — one full of money. Henry assumes it is illicit cash and he decides to keep it. Henry’s inept attempts to extricate himself from this impossible situation leads to increasingly hysterical situations. Runs Feb. 5 & 6 and 12 & 13, Theatre Cambrian, 40 Eyre St., theatrecambrian.ca.

February 6

CHILDREN'S BOOK LAUNCH IS AWFUL - "The Awful Alphabet" by Tracy Baker and Josh Turnbull gets launched today complete with a kids' concert and book reading. 3-11 p.m. at Fromagerie Elgin, 80 Elgin St.

CELEBRATE SNOW WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY  - Free family day to promote active outdoor fun with snow shoeing, skating, horse-drawn wagon, a petting zoo and ice fishing, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the James Jerome Sports Complex. Free transit available to and from the venue. Download or print a voucher to show the bus operator when they board the bus. Vouchers also available at public libraries. Limited parking will also be available at St. Denis elementary school.

IMAX OPEN HOUSE - Visitors are invited to experience the world’s most state-of-the-art advanced cinema technology between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the IMAX Theatre, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd. sciencenorth.ca.

February 7

CASTING CALL - Sudbury Theatre Centre is seeking four energetic performers aged 14+ with previous acting experience and/or training to play the teenage leads in the upcoming production of #TheWatertower. Auditions will be held Feb. 7 by appointment. Book by email [email protected] or phone 705-674-8381.