Annapolis residents are treated again to art and fun this week. Let art combat the dreariness of winter and bring inspiration to your life. Or, you can get endorphins pumping by taking a walk in one of the many parks surrounding Annapolis. What’s great about the events this week is that most are family-centered, and some can even include your dog(s)! Get out of the norm and enjoy something new!

Already Artists Studio starts their ten-week program on January 9th that offers art classes for kids the ages of 7-12. The classes are on Mondays and end March 12. The studio starts another set of classes for the 5-7 age group on Tuesday, January 10th that ends on March 13th, and classes for the 3-5 age group on Wednesday, January 11th that ends on March 14th. All the classes take place from 4:15 to 5:15. After the classes, there is an art exhibit to show off the beautiful, unique designs made by the talented children of Annapolis. Parents must sign their kids up; email info@alreadyartists.com for registration and questions. What can be better than letting your kids have fun and make an arty mess somewhere other than your home? Nothing!

History and art combine on January 14th. The William Paca House in Annapolis (186 Prince George Street) offers the public an opportunity to explore some of the Paca House rooms and paint their own interpretations of the house. Not a seasoned artist? Jean Brinton Jaecks, a watercolorist, will be there to conduct this event and help out bring out your inner artist. There are a limited number of seats available, so reserve your spot now. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $75 for the public and $70 for members of Historic Annapolis Foundation and volunteers. Check out http://www.annapolis.org/ and follow the “learn more” link to register online.

Have a history enthusiast in your family but never quite know what to buy them? Visit the antiques show put on by The National Guard Armory that features pieces from the 18 and 20th centuries. On the 14th, shoppers can peruse from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, the show will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is an entrance fee of $10. Check out www.dfshows.com for more information. The show will take place at 18 Willow Street in Annapolis—the National Guard Armory.

Live Arts Maryland offers a free concert on January 19th at 6 p.m. The concert is sure to be delightful not only because it’s free, but because it features local musicians. Call (410) 263-1906 for more information. The organization offers another musical event on January 21st, this time at one of the hotels in Annapolis, Maryland called Loews. It’s the annual gala that includes dancing, drinks and food, singing, music, and a silent auction. Food will be prepared by Loews’ award-winning chef. Though the ticket price is steep ($125), all proceeds go to programs sponsored by Live Arts Maryland. Essentially, your dancing and fun goes to ensuring Annapolis citizens will continue to enjoy culture and arts. Mark your calendars for the 21st at 6:30 and head over to the Loews Hotel in your dancing shoes.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts begins their Annual AIR Exhibition on January 13th. It runs until February 20th and takes place at the Chaney Gallery on the second floor. During this exhibit, the gallery will show the work of brilliant artists of the Maryland Hall. The event is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m.—the perfect amount of time to indulge in the arts then to indulge in dinner afterward. On this same night, Brenda Giegerich shows off her work in the Martino Gallery, on the second floor. The gallery that features Giegerich is set for the same time. Visit marylandhall.org for examples of the artists work and questions on the event.

If you feel like braving the elements this week, the Annapolis area offers plenty of parks and trails for your walking or jogging pleasure. Lots of parks are dog-friendly, so grab Fido and take a hike! For a complete list of parks in Annapolis, check out this website: http://www.annapolis.gov/Government/Departments/Recreation/Parks/ParkTrailFac.aspx Or, if you feel like venturing out further, Anne Arundel County offers a plethora of places to sightsee, walk, and run. If you’re the adventurous type, check it out: http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/index.cfm. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary has a winter program on January 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where kids can learn about insect life cycles and search for those insects throughout Jug Bay. This event is for kids older than 10 and is $10 per person. Bundle up and learn!