Artist Shyami Codippily Murphy, author of the illustrated book, Farms Never To Be Forgotten, will offer a class on modern art and artists, "Behind the Blank Canvas," from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24, at Claret Hall, 6020 Daybreak Circle.
The lecture and workshop classes are recommended for those ages 16 and older. The cost is $140 for Columbia lien payers; $145 for non-lien payers. A 10 percent discount is offered to those who register before Wednesday.
During each class session, participants will create works of art to take home.
Information: 410-489-2875.
Folly Quarter PTA to start brick garden
The Folly Quarter Middle School PTA has announced the Falcon Legacy Brick Garden, a garden of bricks engraved with student or family names, congratulatory announcements, thanks to teachers and other messages, to be installed in front of the school.
A statue of a falcon, the school's mascot, will be installed in the garden.
Bricks are for sale and cost $35 for one; $100 for three. Order forms, which can be downloaded from www.folly quarterpta.org, can be returned to the school or sent to FQMS PTA, P.O. Box 159, Glenelg 21737. Checks should be made payable to FQMS PTA.
The deadline for orders is Feb. 15.
Information: 301-854-3276.
Book club to discuss 'The Glass Castle'
The Western Howard County Seniors Book Club will discuss The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, at 10 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Glenwood library, 2350 Route 97, Cooksville.
The group of retired women welcomes new members.
The Contemporary Fiction book club will discuss The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, at 7 p.m. Feb. 5.
Registration is not needed, and books are available at the branch.
Information: 410-313-5577.
Around Town
Fruit sale -- The Glenelg High School Marching Unit is holding its citrus fruit sale fundraiser. Order forms are available at www. glenelgbands.com; click on the "Fruit Sale Web site" link, or call Danita Kinnison, 410-489-5260. Order forms are also available at the school.
Bracelet-making -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will sponsor a "Tear Drop Bracelet" class for those ages 55 and older from 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday at Glenwood Community Center. Participants will learn the basics of bracelet-making and a simple weaving pattern. The bracelet, which is easy to make, uses more than 150 small teardrop beads. Take reading glasses. The cost is $20.
A mosaics and etched-glass class for seniors will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Glenwood center. Participants will learn how to work with glass and tile to create a mosaic frame around a mirror. The glass will be precut; participants need only to glue the pieces to the frame and add grout. Etching cream will be used to make a design on a mirror for the center of the frame. The cost is $20. Take a lunch. Registration is required. 410-313-7320 or 410-313-7279.
At the library -- New at the Glenwood branch is Teen 'Zine, an online newsletter written by teens for teens. The group will meet from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. Registration is not required, and all are welcome.
Natural world -- Howard County Conservancy at Mount Pleasant Farm in Woodstock will present a talk by author Richard Louv on "The Importance of Exposing Children to the Natural World." The talk will be presented at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Centennial High School in Ellicott City. Tickets are $10. A children's activity will be offered during the program. The cost is $5 a child. Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, will explain how the healthy development of children is hampered by their limited exposure to nature. He will discuss ways to encourage play in the natural world. Reservations: 410-465-8877, or www.hcconservancy.org.
Chocolate desserts -- Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will sponsor a "Decadent Chocolate" class for those ages 55 and older to make Valentine treats, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8 at Glenwood Community Center. Participants will learn to make truffles, French silk pie and other desserts. The cost is $15. 410-313-7320 or 410-313-7279.
La Leche to meet -- La Leche League of Western Howard County, a chapter of the international organization, meets from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, 12101 Linden-Linthicum Lane, Clarksville. The group offers information, guidance and support to breastfeeding mothers. Toddlers and pregnant women are welcome. 410-864-8080 or 410-905-5208.
Principal conversations -- Carl Perkins, principal of Folly Quarter Middle School, will continue his "Coffee and Conversation" series from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Feb. 22, March 22 and May 22. 410-313- 1506.