San Diego Reader

Thursday | 29

LOOSEN UP TO ABSTRACT PAINTING

Learn to use “basic principles of abstraction and combine them into your own style of painting.” Bring ideas for inspiration, such as photos, art reproduction, and sketches. The workshop includes instructor demonstrations and individual group critiques.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Bravo School of Art at NTC Promenade, 2690 Decatur Road, Point Loma. 619-223-0058;

bravoschoolofart.com

Friday | 30

MASTER CLASSES FOR ALL

It’s time to start dancing off those cookies and candy canes. Learn beginning or advanced hip-hop at Southwestern College’s dance program and Groove Basics’ master-class dance series, which is open to the public (that means you) in room 1006.

WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fridays through May 11

WHERE: Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. 619-322-1015.

Saturday | 31

THE DINNER DETECTIVE, NORTH SAN DIEGO

This interactive, improvised comedic murder mystery is set in the present day. None of the performers will be dressed in costume, so the audience won’t know who’s a part of the show and who isn’t. After dinner and the “murder,” a live DJ entertains until 1 a.m.

WHEN: 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. (after-party until 1 a.m.)

WHERE: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Boulevard. 888-619-0858; thedinnerdetective.com

Sunday | 1

POLAR BEAR SWIM

The La Jolla Cove Swim Club celebrates the New Year in a chillingly refreshing way by taking a dip into the Pacific Ocean for a brisk two-mile swim. This noncompetitive social event is a fun way to meet fellow swimming enthusiasts...and a good way to wash off a New Year’s hangover.

WHEN: 10 a.m.

WHERE: La Jolla Shores, 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla; lajollacoveswimclub.org

Monday | 2

WHALE-WATCHING TIME

Get a chance to spot gray whales on their round-trip migration from the Bering Sea to Baja’s breeding grounds. Get a close-up look at wildlife and learn about gray whales, barnacles, and prey from Birch Aquarium naturalists during your cruise. Don’t forget warm clothing and binoculars!

WHEN: Various times; now through April 15.

WHERE: Flagship-San Diego Harbor Excursion, 1050 North Harbor Drive. 619-234-4111.

Tuesday | 3

STORYTELLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Alaskan bush pilot and photographer Mark Stadsklev — whose images have appeared in National Geographic and Stern — will share his experiences via a slideshow and sign Alaskan Air: Nature’s Artwork on the Alaskan Landscape.

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, Rancho San Diego. 619-660-5370; alaskaphotopilot.com

Wednesday | 4

LEARN QIGONG!

If the hustle-bustle preparation for the holidays has you yearning for a bit of “peace, quiet, grounding, and balancing,” get back to basics with this practice of aligning breath and movement.

WHEN: 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.

WHERE: Breakthrough Healing Arts, 4330 Cass Street (corner of Grand Avenue), Pacific Beach. 619-822-8842; breakthroughealing.org/