IT’S NOT JUST THE SCULPTURES DOTTING THE NASHER GARDEN that warrant lingering gazes – the building itself is considered a work of art. And the mastermind behind it, Renzo Piano, is the focus of a traveling exhibition making its last U.S. stop at the Nasher. Designed as though a visitor has just walked into Piano’s studio, the exhibition features sketches, models, drawings, dossiers, photographs, blueprints, notes and films from the Pritzker prize-winning architect’s projects around the globe. Among his structures are the Pompidou in Paris, the Menil in Houston, and the mile-long Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and free for children 12 and under. For information: 214-242-5100 or nashersculpturecenter.org.

arts & entertainment

SMU’s Meadows Museum Exhibit Thursday, Through Sunday, May 28. “Juan Van Der Harnen Y Leon and the Court of Madrid.” Billed as the first exhibit in the U.S. dedicated to Golden Age painters. $8. 5900 Bishop Blvd. Call 214-768-2516 or visit meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

Oil Painting Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 a lesson with ID card. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. Contact Mary Ann, 214-352-7366.

One-Act Play Ages 5-8 on Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. Ages 9 and up on Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Young children of all ages will perform in seasonal holiday plays. Participants will learn how to memorize lines and create costumes. Each play is performed in a dinner theater setting. Participation is free, reservations for shows are $6. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Carol Burris, 214-670-6477.

Ramblin’ Round Dance Lessons Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. Come enjoy this beautiful form of dancing in the round with cues given by a professional. $50 per couple per quarter. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Christine Hixon at 972-270-7292.

Duplicate and Party Bridge Thursdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for duplicate bridge and Tuesdays and Fridays 9-12 noon for party bridge. Duplicate players will need a partner. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Bill Frye, 972-247-5619.

community

Honoring Our Heroes Sunday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. The Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew is honoring the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Fire and Rescue. It is these public servants who protect our community and families. RSVP by calling the cathedral office at 214-823-8134.

May Luncheon Tuesday, May 9, 11:30-noon. Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson will speak and sign copies of his recently published autobiography “Hail Mary.” His book will be available for purchase. Tickets $25. Reservation required. Maggiano’s Little Italy at Northpark, 205 Northpark. 214-828-1400.

Celebrating the Wisdom Mom Left Behind Saturday, May 13, noon. Third annual Remembering Mom Luncheon Celebration for adult women who have experienced the loss of their mothers. Various activities will take place that will allow women to share memories. Guest speaker: Allison Gilbert. An annual scholarship will be offered to a young adult femal who has experienced this loss. $40 each seat or $36 if paid by May 1. The Cooper Guest Lodge Hotel, 12230 Preston. 214-403-5181 or 972-291-1116.

Exploring the Way: An Introduction to Spiritual Formation Mondays, starting March 20, 9:30-11 a.m. Six-week course focusing on Christian faith. Cost $15. University Park United Methodist Church, 4024 Caruth Blvd. Call Rev. Susan Bryan at 214-368-1435, Ext. 113 or sbryan@upumc.org.

Dallas Shambhala Meditation Center Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Instruction in meditative practices of Shambhala, a secular tradition based on the wisdom of the Buddhist teachings, to increase awareness and compassion. Free. First Unitarian Church, 4015 Normandy. 214-528-2376 or shambhala.org/centers/dallas.

family

Storytime Saturday Saturdays, 11 a.m. Parents and children are invited to participate together as storyteller Jill Peters leads interactive storytelling, improvisational comedy routines and sing-a-longs. Children’s Play Place, Level 3 (near Saks Fifth Avenue), Dallas Galleria, 13350 Dallas Parkway. 972-702-7100 or galleriadallas.com.

for kids

After School Program Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. A fun and safe place for first- through fifth-graders. Special activities and lessons will keep everyone coming back for more. $35 per week. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill.

Alert Child of Texas Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. for ages 4-7 and 10-11 a.m. for ages 8 and up. Self-defense and anti-kidnapping classes brought to you by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. $8 per class with a $12 registration fee. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. 972-578-7555.

health & fitness

Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 per session for JCC members; $15 for non-members. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. jcohn@jccdallas.com.

Tennis League Mondays, 6 p.m. Free. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. Talk to Ken courtside.

Hillside Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-7 p.m. This class focuses on the mind/body connection while increasing flexibility, strength and balance. $85 a month or $10 per class. Churchill Recreation Center 6906 Churchill. Contact Greg Moltell, 214-769-3889.

Tai Chi Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. Gentle movements release stress by relaxing and rejuvenating the body while refreshing the mind. Participants of all ages and physical conditions can do the 20 simple movements. $6 per class. $5 for those 60 and over. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Sister Bernice Eidt, 214-350-5860.

library

Library Live! Viva Mexico! With Omar Angeles Tuesday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. Students learn and perform energetic folklorico dances dressed in colorful skirts, bandanas and sombreros. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-6376.

Library Live! Latin American Ethnic Music Saturday, May 13, 2:30 p.m. Discover rhythms of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans while exploring Latin American indigenous instruments with Jacco Velarde. Walnut Hill Library, 6495 Marsh, 214-670-7128.

Hispanic Heritage: A Children’s Drawing Contest Through Saturday, May 13. Create a scene illustrating your thoughts and feelings regarding the Hispanic heritage, music, food and history. Entry forms available at all Dallas Public Library locations for two age categories: 7-11 and 11-18. 214-670-1671.

Kindermusik Storytime with Miss Lisa Friday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. Singing, playing, listening and laughing for your children with Shiny Dinah. For ages newborn-7 years. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-6376.

Computer Classes Mondays (except May 29), 5 p.m. and Thursdays, 6 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Story Time at the Library Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for children ages 18 months to 5 years. A parent or caregiver must accompany children. Free. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

literary

Crane Book Club First Friday of the month through May at 10 a.m. The Crane Book Club invites you to come and be its guest alongside professional reviewers, including Rose-Mary Rumbley, Jerry Haynes, Ann Shelton, Steve Blow, and others. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. For more information call 214-363-0575 or 214-3850-5098.

seniors

Exercise for Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven, aangorina@jccdallas.org.

Senior Activities Thursdays, April 6 through May 25, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Morning activities include Pilates, armchair exercises, tai chi and intermediate line dancing followed by a panel discussion. Programs feature speakers, book reviews and travelogues. Bring a brown bag lunch; coffee is provided. Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas is a group of interfaith, 55+ senior citizens eager to remain mentally and physically active. Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Innwood, 214-350-0465.