Upcoming events: Free artist workshop in Manchester; Ludlow holds Christmas celebration; church’s prison ministry discussed; holiday party to benefit SVAC; and Lessons & Carols at St. Luke’s in Chester

For more upcoming events, click here for The Chester Telegraph calendar. To be included in our Upcoming events briefs, email Susan Lampe-Wilson at calendar@www.chestertelegraph.org. Photos welcome. No PDFs, please.

Dec. 18: Free artist workshop at Helmholz Fine Art

Helmholz Fine Art at 203 Depot St., in Manchester, presents an artist workshop at the pop-up gallery space.  The workshop is free.

Artist Elizabeth Torak, left, will hold a free workshop this Thursday.

“From Representation to Abstraction: the Art of Improvisation” will be presented from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 18, will be taught by Elizabeth Torak, a professional artist for 30 years. Torak has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the country and has received over 40 awards for her work.

Topics to be discussed include: How does an abstract painting evolve? And how 30 years of representational painting laid the foundation for Torak’s semi-abstract technique. Using a still life set-up as her starting point, she will demonstrate the process through which she creates her semi-abstract work. For more information about “Still Life Demonstration” visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/763887433673239/.

Helmholz Fine Art and the exhibition “A Moveable Feast” are open to the public in the celebration of the arts, of the holidays, of family and friends, and of giving back to the communities in which we all live. For details or answers to any questions call Lisa at 802-855-1678 or email lisa@helmholzfineart.com. A percentage of the proceeds from all art sales during the exhibition will be donated to Hunger Free Vermont.

Dec. 19: Ludlow holds Community Christmas Celebration

The fifth annual Community Christmas Celebration sponsored by Friends of Ludlow Auditorium take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium at 37 Depot St., Ludlow. It is free and open to the public.

The Community Handbells, conducted by Constance Wilcox, will provide a greeting to the arriving guests as they enter Town Hall. Highlighting this year’s program will be seasonal music from the students of Ludlow Elementary School and Black River Middle/High School along with performances from Joey Blane, Tesha Buss, Kasia Karazim and Andy Ohotnicky; a comedy skit by Broadway writers Jane and Stan Hart and a special short film. George Thomson will act as emcee.

The program will end with the traditional sing-along led by the LES third and fourth graders. For more information, call David Almond at 802-228-2414.

Dec. 19: Church at Prison Inc. discussion on church role in prison ministry

The Southern Vermont affiliates of the Church at Prison Inc. will be giving a presentation on the church’s role in prison ministry and in working with ex-inmates to assist them in re-entry at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. Music will be provided by Mona and Scott Frye. The presentation will be by John and Betty Nunnikhoven and the Fryes.

The event will be held at Grounded4Life, a coffee house in the lower level of the Chester Baptist Church, 162 Main St., Chester. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with food, coffee, fellowship and conversation. Admission is free.

Check out the Grounded4Life Facebook page or contact John Nunnikhoven at john4ns@fastmail.fm

Dec. 20: Holiday party to benefit exhibitions at SVAC

On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., the holly-decked halls of the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s elegant Yester House Galleries will host and toast revelers with signature holiday cocktails, wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres created especially for the evening by TED Café.

The Southern Vermont Arts Center is off West Road at 930 SVAC Drive in Manchester. Funds raised will help underwrite the Arts Center’s ambitious slate of upcoming exhibitions. A live string quartet playing a repertoire of classical and classic holiday carols and songs, from Mendelsohn to Mathis, provides the soundtrack to this seasonal soiree.

Tickets are $53 per person or $48 per person for SVAC members. Register online at svac.org or by calling 802-367-1302.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 802-362-1405 or email info@svac.org.

Dec. 21: St. Luke’s presents Evening of Lessons, Carols

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 313 Main St. in Chester welcomes the public to an Evening of Lessons and Carols beginning at 4 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 21, followed by a potluck supper in downstairs in Willard Hall.

The service of biblical passages and familiar and favorite Christmas carols is a perfect way to herald in the holiday season. A freewill offering will be taken to support local organizations in need, already matched by a $200 gift. The church congregation asks that you “take a break and join us in celebration.” Details can be found at www.stlukesepiscopalvt.org/special events.