April 5-7

Ramada Inn Plaza
9700 Bluegrass Pkwy.
conglomeration.info
$35-$45; various times

ConGlomeration boasts itself as Louisville’s very own Sci-Fi and Fantasy Convention, and Wikipedia seems to agree. Established in 2001, the convention has become a local staple, much like RiverCon before it. It’s three days — 72 hours — of multimedia geeking, complete with a game room, art show and masquerade. Those involved in ConGlomeration call it “a labor of love,” and truly, it is; it is a gathering of young and old, all equally excited to share and revel in their favorite shows, games and artists. The best part? It’s a flat rate for the whole three days. No “gold memberships,” no special pass required — it’s open range, an unbiased intermingling of fans, and entirely tailored to suit Louisville. —Natalie French

The Education Department of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, 715 W. Main St., will be exploring digital storytelling in conjunction with the exhibition “Story Telling as Craft” on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 12-3 p.m. All ages. $6 plus regular admission fee. For more information, contact Julie at 589-0102.

The Louisville Visual Art Association is moving from their long-time home at the Water Tower on River Road. The final moving sale is Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. As of Oct. 15, the  administration offices will be at 609 W. Main St.

Blacksmith Craig Kaviar is doing a forging demonstration at his forge and gallery at 1718 Frankfort Ave., 561-0377, on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. in celebration of American Craft Week.

Gallery Janjobe in the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave., 899-9293, is also doing demonstrations on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The following artists will be demonstrating their craft: Janet Bailey Burch, Drawing Board Farm – wood relief sculpture; Jana John, Showkitty Pottery – hand-built clay; Joy Lait, Stone Crow Studio – glass torching; Sharon Major, Frog Hollow Creations – chasing and repousse on copper.

Sept. 19-22

Kentucky Exposition Center
arabiancelebration.com
Free; various times

If horses went to high school, the Arabian might be that tall, elegant, good-at-everything type beloved by all. Even those meathead, Budweiser-swilling Clydesdales would appreciate an Arabian’s presence. This weekend, the popular horse breed shines at the Arabian Horse Celebration & Shopping Expo taking place at the Kentucky Expo Center. In addition to horse shows, stallions available for petting, and 500 vendors, the event will offer kids’ story time and lessons on how to create horse art. The nonprofit Arabian Horse Celebration team, based in Arizona, is behind this inaugural event. Part of the proceeds help support charities like the Angel Heart Farm, a therapeutic riding school for sick children. Oh, and admission is free! —Anne Marshall

Friday, June 29

Rastetter Avenue (between Payne St. and Frankfort Ave.)
cultivatingconnections.org
Free; 5-9 p.m.

Who doesn’t like the thought of leaving a better world for the next generation (or, at the rate we’re going, a world)? Then it’s time to cease living like a glutton and start living sustainable. It’s more than a buzzword, folks. And lucky for us, the sixth annual Louisville Sustainable Living Fair can help us navigate the responsible side of life. The evening street fair boasts 50 vendors that will educate Louisvillians on ways to eat local, consume less energy, and realize that, contrary to Muppet doctrine, it’s pretty easy being green. This free event held in Clifton is open to all. —Anne Marshall

The Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave., is holding its Second Saturday Demo Day on May 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (the Mellwood shops are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the restaurant from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Contact Joy Lait at 777-9792 for more information.

The Frazier History Museum is opening “Samurai” on Saturday, May 12. It runs through Sept. 30.Second

The Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave., is holding its Saturday Demo Dayon May 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (the Mellwood shops are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the restaurant from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Contact Joy Lait at 777-9792 for more information.

Preservation Fest 2012 is on Saturday, May 12 from 1-4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church (corner of 4^th and Kentucky Sts.). Sponsored by Preservation Louisville Inc.

Preservation Fest is a free interactive event designed to help participants learn to maintain and restore their older home or commercial building.  Activities will include educational sessions and workshops with knowledgeable guest speakers, and a Vendor’s Fair to introduce participants to appropriate products and services.

The Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 4th St., 634-2700,  is presenting “Artist Dialgoues” with sculptor Deborah Butterfield on Saturday, May 12 at 2:30 p.m.

Flame Run at Glassworks, 815 W. Market St., 584-5353, is having a celebration glassblowing event on Saturday, May 12. Artists will work on individual pieces from 4-7 p.m., then a dozenglassblowers will collaborate on one glass sculpture from 7-8 p.m.

Galerie Hertz, 1253 S. Preston St., 581-8277. is exhibiting “Motley Crew: Ceramics and Paintings” by Tom Bartel and Rachel Clark from May 13-June 3. The opening reception is Sunday, May 13 from 1-4 p.m.

May 11-13

Locust Grove
561 Blankenbaker Lane • 897-9845
locustgrove.org
$5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you haven’t gotten a chance yet to plant that summer garden, there’s no time like the present. You’re definitely not too late … and if you check out Locust Grove’s Gardener’s Fair this weekend, you can even buy some flowers, herbs and plants already in bloom. There will also be experts there to answer any questions about weird weeds and pesky bugs, as well as tools, art and accessories available for purchase. A silent auction offers goodies like a box at Churchill Downs, Cardinal basketball tickets, lunch at Proof on Main, a quilt, garden bench and much more. Give that green thumb a reason to live. —Sara Havens