The Joy Factor: How Fun Fuels Your Mental and Physical Well-Being

Engaging in enjoyable activities can stimulate cognitive function, reduce stress and regulate mood, according to research.

Start the New Year with enjoyable activities

On Jan. 3, enjoy an evening brimming with music, laughter, and merriment at the inaugural karaoke night offered by the Occidental Center for the Arts. Guests of all ages are invited, and snacks and beverages will be for sale at this free event. Karaoke will continue every first Friday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. The doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Explore www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org for further information.

Tune into Living Room Laura

Listen to Living Room Laura every Friday at 5 p.m. on KOWS 92.5 FM. Spontaneous dance gatherings are highly encouraged during this diverse show, which includes music, engaging discussions, and an array of topics intended to entertain, educate, inspire, and energize listeners. Check out kows92-5.org or download the app to listen live.

Become a member of the West County Ukulele Club

The West County Ukulele Club gathers on every third Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Share melodies, create music, and enjoy the time. Please bring your own instrument to the auditorium of the Occidental Center for the Arts and connect with fellow members. For further information, reach out to group leader Jerri Miller at jerico2520@gmail.com.

Occidental Community Choir announces auditions

Following their winter concert series, Radical Love, the Occidental Community Choir will commence preparations for their spring concert series, Turning the World Around. Auditions will take place in January. While prior choral experience and music reading skills are beneficial, the choir places value on a passion for singing, the capacity to harmonize with others, and keen listening skills. For more information, contact program director Crystal McDougall-Purdy at occprogramcomm@gmail.com.

Get inventive with clay

The mixed-level handbuilding class at Clayfolk Studio commences on Jan. 8, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. The six-week program costs $315 and features projects like lanterns, hanging pendant crafts, and larger handbuilt sculptures. To register, visit www.clayfolkstudio.com.

OCA Gallery presents a Black History exhibition

The OCA Gallery will feature Black History: Get Up, Stand Up. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 7, 2025, with the exhibition scheduled from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15. An artist reception will occur on Jan. 25. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and during event intermissions. For further details, visit www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Unwind and rejuvenate with a sound bath

Join a sound bath on Jan. 14, 2025, with Laura Benson at the studio of the Occidental Center for the Arts. Laura will lead participants through a soothing meditation, followed by the sound bath experience. The event is held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and costs between $25 and $35 on a sliding scale. Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket. For more information, visit www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Master drawing fundamentals

Switch off your analytical mind and learn to sketch what you observe in the Drawing Basics Course led by watercolor artist Patrick Fanning. This six-week program is ideal for novices seeking to enhance their artistic abilities.