Portraits of a Different Nature Dec 01-03, 05-08, 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, Through Dec. 8, Denise Blakeman’s lyrical paintings, tinged with surrealistic and bright, appealing palette. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper level, Menard Hall.

Snapshots, Exhibit by Shane Harris Dec 01, 11am-6pm Mon-Thu, Professor explores concepts of play, intimacy and relationships with interactive installation. UIS Visual Arts Gallery, HSB 201, One University Plaza, 206- 6506.

Children’s Corner

Breakfast with Santa Dec 10, 8:30-10:30am, Incredible Pizza Company, 2744 S. Sixth Street, 217-553-0174.

DSI Santa House Dec 03, 07, 10, 14, 10am- 2pm Sat, 5-8pm Wed, Open Saturdays. Free photo and candy cane. Open during walks on Dec. 7, 14, 21 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 3 after parade at 11 a.m.), Old State Capitol Plaza, Between Sixth and Fifth Sts at Adams.

Super Saturdays at the Museum Dec 10, 11am-3pm, “Let it Snow! Winter Crafts.” Ongoing activities recommended for children ages 4-8. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St, 782-7386.

Science

Paul Mickey Science Series Lecture Dec 14, 7-8:30pm, “Unraveling a Mystery: Recent Excavations at the Hickory Hill Site in Southern Illinois.” Free. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St, 785-0037.

Nature

Christmas Bird Count Dec 18, 1-3pm, Volunteers needed to walk trails and help with count. Indoor counters needed as well. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Springfield Civic Garden Club Dec 07, 9-11:30am, ‘Holiday Creations Using the Tools of the Trade.’ Learn to use cage, pinholder,oasis and more. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut Street, 217-522-4415.

ThinkFirst Poinsettia Sale Set Dec 06, 10-4pm, Pick up Poinsettia, Christmas cactuses and Cyclamen. Order and prepayment deadline Nov. 30, 545- 7766. SIU School of Medicine Warehouse/Dock, 327 W. Calhoun, 217-545-7766.

Volunteer Work Day Dec 11, 1-3pm, Cut/remove invasives and general trail maintenance. Tools/gloves provided. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 East Clear Lake Ave, 217-544-2473.

Lectures & Meetings

Classrooms First Commission Meeting Dec 05, 1-3:30pm, Persons wanting to give public comment are encouraged to bring written testimony. First-come-firstserved basis. Illinois State Board of Education board room, 100 N. First Street, 558-3754.