The new year is here, for some bringing hope, perhaps of a new grandchild or a serious commitment to the keto diet, for others it comes with much trepidation, of those same things. In any case, there are some fun things to do this weekend in town.
After a day of rest and then only a couple of workdays, let’s all get back out there on the weekend and enjoy life’s local pleasures. The Armenian Museum of Art is open and free this weekend. I love the current Tsitoghdzyan show. If you have kids from 5-11, there’s a crafternoon at the library on Friday that sounds fun. Sunday afternoon you can choose between a group gathering at Hibernian Hall to watch the Patriots game or there’s a string band concert at the library. On Saturday Storefront Art Projects hosts an opening reception for an exhibit inspired by Wordle puzzles.
FILTERED IDENTITY: The Art of Tigran Tsitoghdzyan.
Ongoing exhibit through February, Thursday to Sunday, 12-6 p.m.
Armenian Museum of America, 65 Main St.
Tigran Tsitoghdzyan is a New York-based artist whose photo-realistic paintings merge an interest in classical and modern art with an emphasis on his own experiences as a father and an immigrant. Tigran’s work is exhibited widely including Art Basel Miami, Cube Art Fair in Times Square, and globally in cities such as Dubai, Singapore, Istanbul, Cannes, Zurich, Monaco, and Brussels.
Admission to their three floors of gallery space is free on Jan. 4-5 in honor of Armenian Christmas, which is celebrated on Jan. 6. Our hours are noon to 6 p.m.
For more information: Click here
CRAFTERNOON FOR CHILDREN
Friday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m.
Watertown Children’s Library, 123 Main St.
Stop by the Children’s Room for some casual, creative crafting! For kids ages 5-11. No registration.
For more information: Click here
WORDLE at Storefrontn Art Projects
Jan. 4-25, Thursdays and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Reception Saturday, Jan. 4, 1-4 p.m.
83 Spring St.
Jeanne Williamson Ostroff works with patterns and boundaries inspired by construction fences, charts of her daily walks, and Wordle puzzles from the New York Times. She uses a combination of printing; painting; collage; and stitching; on vintage tablecloths and other fabric, in mixed-media pieces that range in size from 6 inches to 35 feet.
For more information click here.
RUTH AND BEN STRING BAND
Sunday, Jan. 5, 2 p.m.
Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St.
Watertown’s own Ruth Rappaport and Ben Wetherbee are a mother-and-son musical duo whose repertoire includes rousing, powerful old-time fiddle tunes and traditional, modern, and original songs that feature tight harmony singing. They have a CD called “Newfangled Folk,” and when they team up with a banjo and bass player they play as “The Ruth and Ben String Band.”
Ruth played for many years in the eclectic string band The Poodles, and Ben has made a mark for himself as a popular old-time, roots rock, and alt music fiddler. Both Ruth and Ben are instructors at the Passim School of Music in Cambridge. Ruth and Ben play at clubs, coffeehouses, square and contra dances, and numerous events throughout the northeast.
For more information: Click here
GAME WATCH; BUFFALO BILLS vs. PATRIOTS
Sunday, Jan. 5, 1 p.m.
Ancient Order of Hibernians, 151 Watertown St.
Head down to the hall to watch the Patriots game with good food, drink, and friends. (The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Oranization, founded in 1836.)
For more information: Click here