Sixteen firms, 60,000 cans, seven hours. Put them together, and the results are giant clocks, mermaids, even tornados – all made of canned food. After months of collecting enough cash to wipe out a grocery store’s supply of tuna or corn, 16 local architectural and design firms converge upon NorthPark Center at 6 a.m. to began building their preconceived projects. When the doors open at 10 a.m., shoppers can watch as pork and beans cans turn into a “piggy-bank” and green bean cans become the Emerald City. The best vantage point is a few feet away, because the structures have a Monet-like quality. “Up close it doesn’t look like much, but from a distance it’s pretty magnificent,” says Mary Shields, president of the Society for Design Administration, which hosts the event and includes a number of neighborhood residents. The judges choose their favorite at 2:30 p.m., and awards are also given for structural ingenuity, best use of labels and best meal. But “everybody wins,” says Shields, because each can of food will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank. The canned structures will be displayed at NorthPark through Sunday, Sept. 10. For information and to see photos of past winners, visit canstruction.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Dallas Arts District Free Monthly Stroll Saturday, Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. The hour-long, docent-led walking tour highlights architecture, tradition and history of the district. The tour begins in front of the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St. RSVP 214-953-1977, or visit artsdistrict.org.

Saturdays at Nashwood Winery Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., “Cool off with Our Summer Wine and Cheese Tasting,” free admission; Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., “Home Wine-making Extravaganza,” free; Aug. 19, 1-2 p.m., “Food Pairing Class,” limited to eight people, reservations required, $20 per person; Aug. 26, “End of Summer Harvest Celebration” wine tastings. nashwoodwinery@yahoo.com.

Tulisoma Friday, Aug. 25-Sunday Aug. 27. This community-based literary festival (tulisoma is Swahili for “we read”) promotes literacy and the arts in the South Dallas/Fair Park area, highlights nationally acclaimed authors and offers engaging programs for all ages. African American Museum, 3536 Grand Avenue, Fair Park. 214-670-7800 or tulisoma.com.

10th Annual Jewish Arts Fest Sunday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Presented by The Jewish Community Center of Dallas, festival features music, art, speakers, food, Israeli dancing, kids’ crafts, face painting, puppets and more. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora. Advance tickets on sale Aug. 1, $12 adults, $6 youth 3-15. 214-739-2737 or jccdallas.org.

Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist for the Ages Through Sunday, Sept. 3. Dallas Museum of Art exhibit features more than 120 works including selections of the artist’s classic stained-glass windows and Tiffany lamps. Free Thursdays after 5 p.m. and the first Tuesday of each month. Closed Mondays. J.E.R. Chilton Galleries at the museum, 1717 N. Harwood St., 214-922-1200 or dallasmuseumofart.org.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi exhibit Through Sunday, Sept. 10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; Noon-5 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. Presented by Meadows Museum – “Piranesi: A View of the Artist Through the Collection of Engravings of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos (Valencia, Spain),” features 23 works by the Italian artist (1720-1778). $8, children under 12 free. Free admission Thursdays after 5 p.m. SMU, Meadows School of the Arts, 5900 Bishop Blvd, 214-768-2516 or meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

Kittrell/Riffkind Featured Artists Series 2006 Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday Sept. 17. Exhibit highlights diverse images in glass by artists Greg Fidler, David Leppla, Kenny Pieper, Cathy Richardson and Nancy Tobey. 5100 Beltline. Kittrellriffkind.com.

“Modernism in American Silver: 20th-Century Design” On view through Sunday, Sept. 24. Exhibit features more than 200 works, mostly from DMA’s Jewel Stern American Silver Collection. It explores the aesthetic richness and cultural significance of modern silver design in America between 1925 and 2000. Free admission Thursdays after 5 p.m. and the first Tuesday of each month. Closed Mondays. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, 214-922-1200 or dallasmuseumofart.org.

Fridays at Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Aug. 4, Beth Wood; Aug. 11, Kimberly M’Carver; Aug. 18, Hickory Hill ($12/$15); Aug. 25, Kat Eggleston and Kate MacLeod. All shows start at 8 p.m. A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. $12 unless otherwise noted. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. 214-363-0044 or unclecalvins.org.

Arboretum After Dark Last Friday of each month through October. Sip, stroll and schmooze in the gardens after hours. Signature cocktails inspired by a blooming flower are accompanied by live music and the gorgeous gardens at twilight. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland. 214-515-6521 or dallasarboretum.org.

Songwriter’s Open Mic First and third Thursday of each month, 7-9 p.m. Local songwriters perform their material. Bring your own instrument. Free. Half Price Books, Northwest Highway at Central Expressway, 214-379-8000.

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 holidays 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. 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 a.m.-noon for party bridge. Duplicate players will need a partner. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Bill Frye, 972-247-5619.

Big-D Barbershop Harmony Chorus Meets at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Town Village North 12271 Coit. Men of all ages who love to sing are invited to participate. Experience not required. 972-247-4345.

Community

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. 214-528-2736 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.

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.

Holistic 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 Moffett, 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 Eidl, 214-350-5860

Leukemia Society Every fourth Wednesday. All patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma are invited to attend these support group programs. Free. Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400, 972-354-8303.

Library

Library Live! Tuesday, Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m. Puppet pals story time with Sandy Shrout. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Library Live! Saturday, Aug. 12, 2:30 p.m. Music Around the World with Michael Kenny. Students learn to sing, provide accompaniment for international songs, compose and perform their own original song. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-6376.

Entrepreneur Authority Monday, Aug. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This workshop educates and assists people considering self-employment, giving an in-depth understanding of franchising, why it works and how to pick a winner. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Mayor’s 2006 Summer Reading Program End-of-Summer Party Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. All Summer Reading Program participants and their families are invited for entertainment, music, refreshments and fun. City Hall Plaza, 1500 Marilla St.

Walnut Hill Library 45th Anniversary Party Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-noon. Help celebrate this happy milestone. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-6376.

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

Storytime 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.

Infant/Toddler Development Time Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Children and parents/caregivers learn fun, inexpensive ways to practice speech, motor, cognitive, and social development. Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest, 214-670-6333.

Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest, 214-670-6333.

Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3-5 and their parents/caregivers. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Toddler Time Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 18-36 months and their parents/caregivers. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Literary

Urban Engagement Book Club, Thursday, Aug. 3, Noon. Sponsored by Central Dallas Ministries, the August book is “Urban Sanctuaries: Neighborhood Organizations in the Lives and Futures of Inner City Youth” by Milbrey W. McLaughlin, Merita A. Irby and Juliet Langman. Open to the public, free admission. Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird. Contact Jeremy Gregg, 214-823-8710, ext. 127, or jgregg@centraldallasministries.org.

Seniors

Senior Connection Thursdays, Aug. 3 & 17, 10-11:30 a.m. Support group dedicated to adults age 50 and older seeking employment. Free; RSVP required. The Senior Source, 1215 Skiles. 214-823-5700, SESD@theseniorsource.org or theseniorsource.org.

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 Aerobics Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:15-9:15 a.m. A vigorous workout with less of the jumping, twisting and impact of traditional aerobics. $56 for eight classes. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Charles Plafcan, 214-954-0777.