BAR HARBOR — College of the Atlantic is planning a full slate of events that are open to the public. “We want everyone we offer many great things that are open to the public,” said the college’s Donna Gold. For more information about any of these events, call 288-5015.

Gallery Talk

On Thursday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m., there will be an artists’ reception with Becky Buyers-Basso and Janet Best Badger for the Great Cranberry Island Portrait Project Exhibition, which is on display at the Blum Gallery through Feb. 12. No fee. This show is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission.

Seaweed Valentine Workshop

On Saturday, Feb. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. people have the chance to press different types of seaweed into beautiful or funny shapes and create a unique valentine for a friend, sweetheart or nemesis. This event at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is free and open to people of all ages.

Haiti Fund-raiser Dinner

On Saturday, Feb. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a dinner with storytelling and songs by College of the Atlantic’s creative international student body at the Gates Center to raise funds for disaster relief in Haiti. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 13 and younger. Proceeds will go to an established organization working in Haiti.

Concert

On Sunday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m., the band Maps & Atlases will perform at Gates Community Center. The cost is $10.

Play: “The Vagina Monologues”

COA presents “The Vagina Monologues on Feb. 12 and 13 at Gates Community Center. Doors close at 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Penobscot Nation Sexual Assault Program. Cost is $3 for COA students; $5 in advance for members of the general public or $10 at the door.

V-men Discussion

On Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 4:10 to 5:30 p.m. COA will host a male-only discussion of issues of male identity and violence against women in connection with a presentation of “The Vagina Monologues.” It will be in College of the Atlantic’s Straus Seminar Room, Turrets, Second Floor.

Speak-out

On Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.: A week after the performance of “The Vagina Monologues,” organizers are presenting an evening of music, poetry, dance, videos, artwork and discussion on violence against women and women’s place in our society. This is a time to reflect on the performance and share experiences. Refreshments provided. The event happens in the Blair Dining Hall.

Film Festival

On Friday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. in the Gates Community Center, COA presents the Ann Arbor Film Festival, a touring program of unusual independent short films. Gates Community. Cost is $6.

Contra Dance

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Big Moose Contra Band will perform for the school’s monthly contra dance. Lessons begin at 7:30, the dance begins at 8 p.m. Cost is $6.

“Macbeth”

COA presents “Macbeth” on March 5 through 7 at Gates Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Daniel Mahler and Alicia Hynes.

Earth Day Celebration

COA celebrates Earth Day on Saturday, April 17 all day long. Come to campus for a celebration of the earth, its people, and insights into sustainable life with music, talks, children’s activities, booths and much more!

Weekly Bird Walk

Wednesdays, through March 10 from 1 to 2 p.m.: Search nearby trails for common and uncommon birds, and head to the pier with a spotting scope for possible views of loons, ducks, gulls, and other seabirds, joined by student naturalist Anna Stunkel. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if possible. All ages welcome. Meet at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History.

Weekly Tracking Walk

Tuesdays, through March 9, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn how to identify tracks and sign of creatures in our local area. And especially, learn how to answer the question “What happened here?” We’ll be reminded on how to look through the eyes of our ancestors, sparking a new kind of appreciation for the world. All ages. Please dress for the weather. Meet at the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History. Contact: Matt Dickenson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 207-288-5395.

Weekly Improvisation Club

Sundays through March 7 at 4 p.m. A group of MDI community members and students meeting for fun, games and improv exercises. Deering Common, South Entrance.

For more community news, pick up a copy of the Mount Desert Islander.

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