Jun Kaneko and Opera Omaha join forces for a talk and behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Kaneko’s latest operatic design opus, The Magic Flute. Jun Kaneko, in a personal account, will address what he describes as a most difficult challenge, “to find a way to shrink the distance between the music and the visual elements and to conceive visuals that fuse the music and design as one experience.” Kaneko’s talk will be accompanied by a performance by soprano Monica Yunus, performing with Opera Omaha this February in the role of Pamina in The Magic Flute. KANEKO Bow Truss, 1111 Jones St., Nov. 29, 6:30 pm, wine and cheese reception, 7 pm, program begins, FREE, no reservations required, www.thekaneko.org
Omaha Clay Works, a community clay center founded in 2000 in the historic Old Market, is having their Annual Holiday Open House. The Omaha Clay Works Gallery, featuring the wares of 14 ceramic artists, welcomes all to this annual event. OCW is located in the alley entrance off 12th street between Jackson & Jones streets, 1114 Jones St. Studio C, Nov.30, 6-10 pm Open House Reception, Dec.1, 10 am – 8 pm Studio Open, Dec. 2, Noon – 5pm Studio Open. Call 402.346.0560 or visit www.omahaclayworks.com
The Hot Shops Art Center is having their 12th Annual Winter Open House. Come down to the Hot Shops and meet some of the most creative people in town. It is their biggest event of the year, with almost every artist in the building having studio doors open to the public. The Winter Open House is family-friendly, with informative art demonstrations for people of all ages. It’s a good opportunity to buy unique, one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade by local artisans. Feel heat from a glass furnace. Watch molten metal pour from a crucible. See clay come to life on a potter’s wheel. This is a chance to experience the artistic process, which is as much entertainment as it is educational. Glass blowing, iron forging, and bronze pouring are just a few of the processes to see. Artists of many creative disciplines are represented. Hot Shops Art Center’s Annual Winter Open House, 1301 Nicholas, one block north of TD Ameritrade Park on 13th Street, Dec. 1, noon – 8 pm, Dec. 2, noon – 5 pm; Regular hours, Mon – Fri, 9 am – 6 pm, Weekends, 11 am – 5 pm. www.HotShopsArtCenter.com