SKETCH OUTSIDE On Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge offers “Sketching in Nature,’’ the second event in the Arts at the Oxbow series. Instructor Rona Balco is a naturalist with a degree in visual and performing arts and is also trained in the art of botanical illustration. Walk along the trails with her, identifying and sketching plants to remember their characteristics with the goal of creating your own guidebook. Bring a small sketchpad or a spiral notebook with 5-by-7-inch index cards, black and colored pencils, plus a good eraser. Insect repellent, water, and a lightweight stool if possible are recommended. No previous experience is needed. If it rains, the program takes place in the refuge pavilion. The Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge is located at 80 Hospital Road, Devens. For more information, call 978-779-2259 or e-mail ada.friendsoftheoxbownwr@gmail.com.

REFLECTIONS 6 Bridges Gallery presents “Rhythms of Reflection,’’ featuring photographs by Linda DeStefano Brown and collage and artist books by Gail Coito, Aug. 22 through Sept. 30, with an artists’ reception on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. as part of ArtsNight Maynard. Brown’s work emphasizes the conjunction of the world, the photographer, and the viewer to reveal the interconnectedness within human condition. Coito creates with handmade and decorative papers, found objects and ephemera, antique photographs, old books, paint, and fabric. 6 Bridges Gallery is located at 77 Main St., Maynard. Gallery hours are Tuesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 978-897-3825 or go to www.6bridgesgallery.com.

THREE ARTISTS From now through Aug. 28, Room 83 Spring features the work of its summer artists-in-residence, Erik Grau, Marta Kaemmer, and Crislin Waldman, all members of Boston’s Musa Collective, an artist-owned and operated gallery space in Brighton. The three met while enrolled in Boston University’s MFA painting and sculpture program in 2009. They have spent the summer using the common workspace at Room 83 Spring to share ideas, materials, and imagery, focusing on exploration and collaboration in an effort to make paintings and sculptures that respond to each other’s visions and ideas. Meet the artists at a public reception on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Room 83 Spring is located at 83 Spring St., Watertown. For gallery hours or more information, go to www.room83spring.com.

CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCE The fourth annual Acton Traditional Chinese Music & Dance Night features more than 100 singers, dancers, and musicians performing traditional Chinese music and dance on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the NARA Park Amphitheater, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton. Presented by the Acton Chinese Language School and hosted by the Acton Recreation Department, the evening will feature the ACLS Pipa class and folk dance groups including Traditional Chinese Dance Troupe of the Boston, Dance ABC Acton group, ACLS Folk Dance Club, and Angel Dance Troupe Group, as well as performers from Suiyue­ ­Ruge singing traditional Chinese songs. Admission is free. Picnicking is welcome; bring your own chairs and blankets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Rain date is Thursday, Aug. 31. For more information go to www.acton-ma.gov/events.

OPEN MIKE The Center for the Arts in Natick continues its regular Folk Open Mike series on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m. featuring R.D. King. General admission is $5; free for members. Performer sign-up begins at 7:30 p.m. Each Folk/Acoustic Open Mike night features a variety of new and experienced performers, followed by concert presentations by the featured artist of the evening. The Center for the Arts in Natick is located at 14 Summer St., Natick. For more information, call 508-647-0097 or go to www.natickarts.org.

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