November Calendar for the Design Minded, Part 2

Landry & Arcari

Boston Home Decor Show

Painting in Four Takes

November 15, 2015–April 3, 2016

The exhibit features the work of Steve DiBenedetto, Hayal Pozanti, Julia Rommel, and Ruth Root. A reception celebrating the four exhibitions is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.–5 p.m., and will include family activities, guided museum tours, and food for purchase. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, (203) 438-4519, href=”http://Aldrichart.org” target=”_blank”>Aldrichart.org

ABX 2015

November 17–19

ArchitectureBoston Expo (ABX) is one of the largest architecture, design, and construction events in the United States. Fortunately for us, it’s located right here in New England. The three-day event features exhibitors and a wide variety of educational programs. Take the opportunity to learn and connect with others in the industry. Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–4 p.m., pricing varies, Boston Convention Center, abexpo.com

Boston Home Decor Show

November 19–22

In its inaugural year, the Boston Home Decor Show is designed to reflect the way people live and decorate today, with a mix of decor styles. The show will include a range of historic, modern, and contemporary home furnishings, fine art, decorative arts, and home decor. The event will kick off with a gala preview party benefiting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. There will be a series of lectures throughout the event, including a panel of designers sharing insider information titled “What They Don’t—or Won’t—Usually Tell You.” Gala Thursday 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Friday 1 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., $15, The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, Boston,  (617) 363-0405, bostonhomedecorshow.com

All Paintings Great and Small

The Cooley Gallery

November 29 – January 9, 2016

Featuring a wide variety of art from contemporary artists. Perhaps you will be able to find the a gift of art for the holidays?  Old Lyme, (860) 434-8807, cooleygallery.com

SMFA Art Sale

November 20–22

This annual art sale benefiting the School of the Museum of Fine Arts is a great opportunity to start an art collection or add to your existing one. Students, alumni, faculty, and affiliated artists donate their works to support the school. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, (617) 369-3626, smfa.edu

Beginning Orchid Growing

November 21

Learn the essentials for growing elegant orchids. You might be surprised to find it’s easier than you think. Hosted at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses, among the oldest greenhouses in the United States. 10 a.m.–noon, $20 Historic New England members, $25 non-members. Waltham, Mass., (617) 994-5913, historicnewengland.org

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

November 21, 2015–January 3, 2016

Indulge in the beauty of the holiday season by touring three of Newport’s historic mansions bedecked for Christmas. The Breakers, the Elms, and Marble House will be decorated for the holidays, including a display of twenty-four Christmas trees. The Breakers opens daily at 9 a.m., the Elms and Marble House open at 10 a.m. The last tour admission at all three houses is at 4 p.m., and the houses and grounds close at 5 p.m. Admission to all three houses, $29.49 for adults; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas with a 3 p.m. closing on December 24. The Preservation Society of Newport County, (401) 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Portland’s Victoria Mansion

November 27, 2015–January 3, 2016

Portland’s Victoria Mansion will open its doors so visitors can enjoy the historic home in all its holiday splendor. This year the mansion will be decorated from top to bottom by a dozen area designers. You can also enjoy this holiday decor at the annual Victoria Mansion Christmas Gala on December 2. Open on Monday at 11 a.m., with last admission at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m., last admission at 4:30 p.m., (207) 772-4841, victoriamansion.org

Meet the Makers: Simon & Andrew Pearce at their Flagship Shop

November 28

Meet Simon Pearce, artisan, master glassblower and founder of revered handcrafted Simon Pearce glass and pottery.  Simon will be joined by his son Andrew who creates hand-crafted wooden bowls. Kevin and Andrew Pearce will also be a the event, the two co-founded the LoveYourBrain Foundation after Kevin had a nearly fatal snowboarding accident in 2009.  11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Simon Pearce, Quechee, Vermont, simonpearce.com

In the mood for some holiday shopping? Take a look at the great pop-up shops that have opened in Boston.