Grace Martin Taylor exhibit

The Art Store, 1013 Bridge Road, opens an exhibit of Grace Martin Taylor's masterworks with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Some of the pieces have never been exhibited in West Virginia.

At 5:30 p.m. Bob Bridges, an assistant art professor at WVU and curator of the WVU Art Collection, will speak. He has a book on Taylor scheduled for publication later this year.

Call 304-345-1038 or visit www.theartstorewv.com.

Art expo and craft fair

The free Sweetheart Expo & Craft Fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Women's Club of South Charleston, 214 D St. Local artisans will display wares including stained glass, jewelry, candles, handbags and soaps. Visit www.facebook.com/sweetheartexpocraftfair.

Sesquicentennial commemorative coin event

In honor of West Virginia's sesquicentennial this year, the Division of Culture and History has a commemorative coin series tied to monthly programs at the West Virginia State Museum in the Culture Center. Visitors earn a coin emblazoned with a symbol relating to West Virginia for each month they participate.

Spring programs are "At Home: Victorian Life in the City" Saturday, which includes a coin featuring the state bird (cardinal); "Pre-Statehood: Victorian Life in the Country" March 9, with a coin featuring the state insect (honey bee) and "The History of West Virginia's State Symbols" April 27, with a coin featuring the state seal.

Programs run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the museum's Education Center. They feature a display of artifacts, videos, documentaries and hands-on projects. Call Nancy Herholdt at 304-558-0220.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. tickets

On April 6, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will perform a benefit concert for the Community Music Association and Junior Achievement of West Virginia at the Municipal Auditorium. The concert will feature new and old tunes from Murphy, as well as an appearance by the Charleston Ballet.

Tickets are $25, $35 and $40 and go on sale Tuesday. Get them at the Civic Center Box Office, by calling 800-745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Blues competition

The 21st annual River City Blues Competition will be held at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta, Ohio, on Feb. 15-16. Of the 16 participating bands, four are from West Virginia, including Teays Valley's Chaz Humley and the Effects.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Friday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15 Friday, $20 Saturday afternoon (12:30 to 6 p.m.), $25 Saturday evening or $55 for a weekend pass.

Call Mary Ann at 304-422-2944 or Peggy at 740-376-0222 for tickets.

Drum workshop

Jim Donovan, formerly of the Pittsburgh-based jam band Rusted Root, will bring his Drum & Chant Workshop to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 520 Kanawha Blvd. W., from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 16.

The class is for drummers of all skill levels ages 17 and up. Drums are provided.

Discover how to energize your brain and clear your mind; lessen resistance, fear and apathy; create deep relaxation and stress relief; expand conscious awareness; unblock energetic and emotional congestion; and open creative thinking and expression. You'll learn about ecstatic drumming rhythms, vocal toning and mantra, rejuvenating breathing exercises, visualization and more.

Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Cost is $35. If spots are still available the day of the workshop, the cost is $45. Call Chris Higgins, at 304-881-7037, or register online at www.jimdonovandrums.com.