Arts digest

Blood drive held today in Warwick in memory of Daniel Battista WARWICK — The third annual blood drive in memory of Daniel Battista will be held today from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Jubilee studio at 87 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Warwick. In addition the TISTA memorial art exhibit, with works from local artists, is still on display inside the studio while donors wait, including refreshments and appetizers donated by area restaurants. Call 987-4207 for more information. Playhouse to present ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ this weekend in Monroe Monroe — Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players’ 2010 season continues with the popular Broadway musical, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2, at 8 p.m., and matinees on Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. All performances are at The Playhouse at Museum Village, Route 17M, in Monroe. Tickets to individual performances are $20 each, which includes dessert at intermission of apple pie, ice cream, iced tea and coffee. For reservations, call the box office at 294-9465. Chester Historical Society hosts special program on Oct. 3 Chester — The Chester Historical Society will present a program on local history on Sunday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m., which will include personal reminiscences, old local photographs and oral history recordings of long-time Chester residents, Guests will learn what life was like in small-town Chester, with both individual stories and large events including: the history of the Hambletonian/Rysdyk House, the St. Columba fire of 1946, the story of local artist Tom LaBarbera and the childhood memories and entertainments of a time gone by. Some of the people whose history is part of Chester and learn about our village will be on hand. A question and answer period will follow. Additionally, the latest installment in its “Talk of the Town” program will be held in the Chester Senior Center, located at the back of the Chester Public Library. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. For information, contact Ginny Privitar at 469-9789. Watercolor workshop in Florida florida — The Northeast Watercolor Society is sponsoring its annual watercolor workshop, “Watercolor Essentials,” in Florida from Oct. 18 to 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street. Robert J. O’Brien will lead the class and focus on the essential techniques necessary to produce a good watercolor painting. Students will explore composition and value patterns and their relationship to the painting process. To learn more about O’Brien and view examples of his work, visit www.rjobrien.com. Subject matter will include landscapes, florals, and close focus motifs. Critiques will be held and class discussion will be encouraged. For fees and to register call Richard Price at 607-637-3412; or e-mail: info@northeastws.com. www.northeastws.com. Eitz Chaim to host bingo Monroe — Congregation Eitz Chaim will host a monthly Bingo game, beginning Monday, Oct. 18, with cash prizes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Other dates already scheduled are: Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. Eitz Chaim is located on Orange Turnpike, near Reynolds Road, in Monroe. Call for artists: Create and donate bras for ‘Bra-zaar’ cancer benefit HAMPTONBURGH - “Bra-zaar,” the second annual art auction and cocktail reception to benefit the YWCA Orange County Breast Cancer Prevention Programs will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Bull’s Head Inn in Hamptonburgh from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Professional and amateur artists are sought to be decorate or create a bra · using a variety of materials (i.e. paint, clay, feathers, beads, sequins, fabric, etc.) Bras will be auctioned off during the reception that evening. Each entry must resemble a bra, be created by hand and measure no larger than 18”x 18.” Each artist is asked to name their unique creation. Contributing artists are invited to attend the event at a reduced ticket price of $30. All contributions must be received no later than Oct. 10. Call 561-8050 for more information. Organ recital at West Point on Oct. 24 West Point - The West Point Cadet Chapel will feature an organ recital by Craig S. Williams, current USMA Organist/Choirmaster, on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 2:30 p.m. This recital will precede a service of Choral Evensong at 3 p.m. commemorating the Protestant Reformation. The recital and service are jointly sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, Central Hudson Valley chapter and the Cadet Chapel.