Quirky, amusing and karmic, local artist Paul Koh's paintings take you into the world of the CatmaSutra cat where innocence and mischief go hand in hand. They are displayed together with a feline series, A Blue Beginning, by fellow artist Michelle Chang featuring a cat on a quest to rid itelf of blues.

Where: Utterly Art Exhibition Space, 229A South Bridge Road, Level 2, diagonally opposite the Ari Mariamman Temple, Pagoda Street Exit MRT: Chinatown When: Till Sun , noon - 8pm (Mon - Sat), noon - 5.30pm (Sun), closed at 5.30pm on Wed (Christmas Eve) and closed on Thu (Christmas Day) Admission: Free Tel: 6226-2605 Info: E-mail utterlyart@pacific.net.sg

Anniversary

ELVIS PRESLEY'S 74TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Fans of rock icon Elvis Presley can celebrate his 74th birthday anniversary with an eight-course Chinese dinner, performances by Singapore's own Elvis Presley, Wilson David, and core singers from the Singapore First Elvis Fan Club and catch a screening of Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert.

Where: Hotel Royal, Jade Room, 36 Newton Road

MRT: Novena When: Jan 8, 5.30 - 11pm (5.30pm: screening of Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert with dinner starting at 7pm) Admission: $40 Tel: 9686-3806 (Daniel Chan) Info: There will be lucky draws and quizzes E-mail dcelvis_meetup@yahoo.com.sg to book or visit www.elvis_meetup.com/169/about

Art

'KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE' ART EXHIBITION

This art exhibition features the works of seven up-and-coming local illustrators who showcase their personal life stories and interpretations of the concept of 'dreams'.

Where: The Arts House Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Tue , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919 Info: www.keepthedreamalive.yolo.sg

WE ARE CONTEMPORARY ART!

Showcased at this exhibition are 12 artworks by nine prominent artists from Indonesia, Korea and Singapore, each demonstrating strong elements of originality and individuality.

Where: MUSE:UM, TradeHub21, 18 Boon Lay Way 07-143 MRT: Boon Lay When: Till Tue , noon - 7pm Admission: Free Tel: 9824-2613

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Singapore landmarks, such as The Raffles Hotel, are depicted in the watercolour series of local artist Dick Lim.

Where: d'Art Studio, Blenheim Court 02 -03, 5 Westbourne Road, Wessex Estate off Portsdown Road MRT: Buona Vista When: Till Dec 31, 11. 6pm (Mon - Sat & public holidays), 1.30 - 6pm (first, second and third Sundays), closed on 4th and 5th Sundays Admission: Free Info: www.d-artstudio.com.sg

'TROPICAL ART' by SINGAPORE ARTISTS

This art exhibition by a group of Singapore artists with various artistic styles depict their rich imagination and creativity.

Where: Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, MICA Building 01 - 06, 140 Hill Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 31, 11am - 7pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6733-3822

MAN, HEROES, MYTHS & GODS

The wild and imaginative works of Thai artists Jirapat Tatsanasomboon and Kamol Tamseewan will change your view of Thai contemporary art.

Where: Mulan Gallery 02 -33, Tanglin Shopping Centre. Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Jan 8, 11am - 6.30pm (Mon - Sat), 1- 6pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6738-0810

JOEY PIZIALI IN VISIBLE LIGHT

The artworks of San Francisco artist Joey Piziali use materials, such as billboards, tape and spray paints, suggesting alternative versions of reality.

Where: Collectors Contemporary, 5 Jalan Kilang Barat 01 -03 Petro Centre MRT: Bukit Merah/Queenstown When: Till Jan 24 next year, 11am - 7pm (Tue - Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6878--0103

INSPIRATIONS FROM KAMPONG GLAM (POTTERY EXHIBITION)

Get inspired by this premier pottery exhibition featuring pottery by well-known Singapore potter Ismail Jalil, the artist-in-residence at the Malay Heritage Centre pottery studio, and other artists such as Ahmad Bakar, a lecturer at the Lasalle College of the Arts.

Where: Malay Heritage Museum (former Istana Kampung Glam), Gallery Nine, Kampong Glam MRT: Bugis When: Till Jan 31, 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sun), 2- 6pm (Mon) Admission: Free Tel: 6391-0466 Info: www.malayheritage.org.sg

Charity

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Take part in an islandwide art competition and auction on art pieces in aid of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Where: The Arts House, Gallery, Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Tue , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free Info: www.yolo.sg

LAUNCH OF GOOD LIFE RECIPE BOOK WITH A HEART

Buy any of more than 30,000 copies of the Good Life Recipe Book at any of the NTUC Fairprice supermarkets and hypermarket in Singapore and help raise more than $100,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund which helps needy schoolchilden here.

Where: All NTUC FairPrice supermarkets and hypermarkets in Singapore When: While stocks last Admission: Pay $12.80

for the book or $3.90 with purchases of $25 and above Tel: 1800-5522-722 (9am - 5pm on weekdays) Info: The book contains 16 innovative recipes by local celebrity chefs, including Violet Oon, Chan Kwok, Sam Leong, Angelo Sanelli and Chookiat Kantha who collaborated with Fairprice and Peter Knipp Holdings in this project for the needy.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

Save a precious life. Donate blood during this festive season and school holidays when there is a 10 per cent drop in blood collection. This blood donation drive is being held by the Singapore Red Cross.

Where: Mount Alvernia Hospital, Lecture Room @n Khoo Block, Level 1, 820 Thomson Road MRT: Novena/Braddell When:

Tue , 9am - 1pm Where: Qian Hu Fish Farm, 71 Jalan Lekar, Sungei Tengah MRT: Choa Chu Kang When:

Sat , 11am - 3pm Tel: 6220-0183 Info: You can also donate blood at the Bloodbank @ HSA, 11 Outram Road MRT: Outram.

Info: www.donorweb.org

AN EN-DEERING GREEN CHRISTMAS

Save the planet and celebrate a green Christmas at the Night Safari. Donate books and toys to children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Night Safari's Green Hut, and catch musical performances by percussion players using recycled materials.

Where: Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road MRT: Choa Chu Kang/Yishun When: Till Sat , 7pm - midnight Admission: $22 (adults) & $11 (children aged three to 12)

Tel: 6269-3411

BEAR A BEAR, BLESS A LIFE

Adopt a limited-edition charity bear or bunny from Spinelli for $39.90. All proceeds will go to Mustard Seeds, a non-profit organisation for needy children and the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. You will also receive a $5 Spinelli Coffee beverage voucher.

Where: All 27 Spinelli outlets islandwide When: Till Sun , usual store opening hours Tel: 6339-7538 Info: The

charity bear or rabbit comes with a costume and for an extra $8, your furry friend will get a passport and a gift

box. Visit www.spinellicoffee.com

TREE OF JOY & LUV BY LEE HWA JEWELLERY

Share your love with sick children this Christmas. Buy a Destinee Joy & Luv charm from Lee Hwa Jewellery at Bugis Junction's Malay Street and five per cent of sale proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Foundation. Replicas of the charms are displayed at a designer Tree of Joy & Luv there.

Where: Bugis Junction, Malay Street, Level 1, in front of InterContinental Singapore MRT: Bugis When: Till Jan 4: 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6557-6557

WILL THE BULL CHARGE IN THE YEAR OF THE OX?

Get insights from Hong Kong's Feng Shui Grand Master Raymond Lo on the coming Chinese Year of the Ox. For each premium ticket sold for this session, Singapore Pools will donate $50 to the President's Challenge, which helps more than 40 charities, including the needy and the disabled.

Where: Singapore Conference Hall, Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Jan 8, 7.30 - 9.15pm Admission: $20 (standard ticket) & $68 (premium ticket) Tel: 6786-6688 Info The premium ticket includes a special pre-event dinner, a private group interaction session with Raymond Lo and a goodie bag. Visit www.singaporepools.com.sg

Christmas

CHRISTMAS @ NGEE ANN CITY

Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Orchard Road. Catch musical and arts performances by schools and groups, including hip hop dance, modern dances, a cappella choir, carolling, brass bands and more.

Where: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset/Orchard When: Till Wed , 7pm (7.30 - 8pm: appearance by Santa Claus and Santarina: have a souvenir photo taken with them and take home this special gift costing $7) Admission: Free Tel: 6733-0337

HE SATISFIES: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

This musical features three stories depicting the lives of three individuals who journey in life to seek God. By the Singapore Charismatic Church.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed , 7.30pm, Thu , 4pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919

CHRISTMAS CAROLLING IN STORES

Get into the spirit of Christmas at the Kinokuniya Bookstore with Christmas evergreens performed by the award-winning a cappella group TAS Youth Voices with singers aged from 13 to 18.

Where: Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store, Takashimaya shopping centre, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset/Orchard

When: Wed, 5 - 5.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6737-5021

CHESTNUTS FOR A MERRY GOOD CAUSE

'Tis the season for sharing. Give a voluntary donation to the Thian Leng Old Folks Home at Traders Hotel and the hotel will give you free warm roasted chestnuts in the spirit of giving.

Where: Traders Hotel, Singapore, 1A Cuscaden Road MRt: orchard When: Till Thu , 5.15 - 7.15pm Admision: donate to charity Info: www.shangri-la.com

Class

BITESIZE

Learn how a cappella groups perform without musical instruments and try it out yourself at this two-hour workshop by Angelina Choo, director of the a cappella group, Youth Voices, and the newly-set up TAS Children's Pop Choir.

Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sat, 2 - 4pm Admission: $16 Tel: Sun (6348-5555

Club

'KING OF SWING' JEREMY MONTEIRO WITH GREG FISHMAN

Singapore King of Swing Jeremy Monteiro will perform with Greg Fishman, a saxophonist from Chicago, with a passion for Brazilian music.

Where: The Regent Singapore, The Bar, 1 Cuscaden Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Fri , 9.30pm -12.25am Admission: Free (pay for drinks) Tel: 6733-8888 Info: www.fourseasons.com

Contest

NUTCRACKER DREAM CASTLE

Guess the weight of the chocolate and number of nuts used to create Orchard Hotel's giant Nutcracker Dream Castle and you mught win a weekend stay for two in the hotel's luxurious Signature Club room. The castle is made up of 5,000 assorted nuts, 150kg of dark chocolate, 2300 eggs and 385kg of icing sugar among other ingredients.

Where: Orchard Hotel Lobby, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When, Till Thu , 11am - 9pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6734-7766 Info: The Festive Castle houses Christmas goodies such as christmas stollen, cakes, roast turkey and hampers. You can snap a photo of the castle and the four life-sized Nutcracker Soldiers in the background. Visit www.orchardhotel.com.sg

THE LITTLE RED DRESS FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

This is a contest for budding fashion photographers, who stand to win mentorships with renowned photographers Geoff Ang, Ivanho Harlim and Lance Lee. The 'Little Red Dress' is an international symbol for women's fight against heart diseases and stroke.

Info: Submit entries by Sun ). To download a competition brief and for details, visit www myheart.org.sg.

This inaugural competition is organised by the Singapore Heart Foundation to kick off its annual Go Red for Women campaign.

'KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE' ART COMPETITION

Create artworks showcasing your dreams in this art competition and you might take home prizes such as design software worth $3,300, art courses for children worth $200, book vouchers of as much as $250 in this competition. You have to buy an art competition kit at $15 each, with part of the proceeds going to the Business Times Budding Artists Fund which gives artistically gifted children a chance to explore artistic programmes. Open to children and those above 13. Organised by boutique design agency, Yellow Octopus Pte Ltd.

Info: The competition is divided into three categories - a Children's Category 1 for children aged four to eight, Children's Category 2 for those aged nine to 12 and an Open Category for those aged 13 and above. Buy the art competition kits at The Arts House and Basheer Graphic Books store at 04-19 Bras Basah Complex, Closing date: submit entries by Feb 14 to Yellow Octopus Pte Ltd, 85A Owen Road, Singapore 218899 Tel: 6298-9920 Info: www.keepthedream alive.yolo.sg and the Budding Artists Fund website, www.baf.sg

Gig

A VACANT AFFAIR

Local band A Vacant Affair perform music from their new CD. Part of the Esplanade's Late Night programme.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall

When: Fri, 9.30pm Admission: $28 Tel: 6348-5555

Holidays

ESCAPE TO AFRICA AT JURONG BIRDPARK

Have an African adventure right here in Singapore. Groove to the rhythm of African contemporary drum performances by Rhythm Masala and West African djembe ensemble Lila Drums, and dance with the Authentic Tribal Dancers from Nigeria.

Where: Jurong BirdPark, 2 Jurong Hill MRT: Chinese Garden When: Till Dec 31, 8.30am - 6pm daily (Sat & Sun,

Christmas Day & New Year's Eve, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Authentic Tribal Dancers from Nigeria at Pool Amphitheatre; every Sat only, 10.45am and 2.45pm, Lila Drums at African Waterfall Aviary; every Sun, 11.30am, Rhythm Masala at Main Station and Entrance Plaza) Admission: $18 (adults), $9 (children & senior citizens aged 60 and above) Tel: 6265-0022

,b>Show

FROM ART TO HEART (A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY)

This international photographic exhibition by leading photographers tells the story and struggles of more than 2,000 children from more than 30 countries who have been helped by Israeli doctors and nurses from Save A Child's Heart (SACH), an Israeli-based international humanitarian project which provides life saving surgery and follow-up care for children from developing countries.

Where: The National Library, Promenade, level 8, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis When: Till Dec 29, 10am - 9pm

Admission: Free Tel: 6834-9262

WEARABLE ART EXHIBITION

View more than 40 wearable art pieces including interactive paintings featuring wildlife-inspired designs. They were fashioned from various materials such as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, spices, feathers, industrial scraps and more.

Where: Night Safari, Entrance Plaza, 80 Mandai Lake Road MRT: Choa Chu Kang/Yishun When: Till Jan 4: 7pm - midnight

Admission: Free Tel: 6269-3411 Info: The designs were created by the designer consultant for the CDC Public Contingent for Chingay 2009. Visit http://www.nightsafari.com.sg

Theatre

TEOCHEW OPERA EXCERPTS

Catch Teochew opera excerpts at this performance by the Er Woo Amateur Musical & Dramatic Association.

Where: Victoria Theatre, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Tue ,

7.45pm admission: Free Tel: 6223-9448

Tour

SINGLES' CONNECT NIGHT BUS TOUR

Singles can come attired in red, green or gold and join this bus tour to make new friends.

Where: meet at Newton Hawker Centre for this bus tour to places, such as Mount Faber and Henderson Waves bridge at Henderson Road MRT: Newton When: Fri , 8pm - 12.30am Admission: $20 with a snack pack Tel: 9823-2289 Info: E-mail singlesconnectevent@yahoo.com.sg or visit singlesconnect.org.sg

Web

THE REAL SINGAPORE

Want to know the real Singapore? Go to Singapore Seen for local content that affects you.

Info: Visit singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/index.jsp

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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