SIGHTS

The Prints and the Potter Gallery presents Visionary Journeys in Glass, an exhibition of new work by the renowned contemporary glass artist Josh Simpson through May 16. World renown for his goblets, vases and bowls characterized by a unique spectrum of colors and mysterious floating forms, Simpson creates his masterpieces at his studio in the Massachusetts Berkshires, using tools and furnaces of his own design. Prints and the Potter Gallery, 142 Highland St., Worcester, 508-752-2170, printsandpotter.com.

Open Studios are a great way to meet artists in your area and see some wonderful art in a relaxed setting. Experience it first hand at the Sprinkler Factory First Saturday Open Studios on Saturday, May 2. Savor this opportunity to come and explore the many resident artist’s studios, and discover a world of fine handcrafted goods from pottery to jewelry, glass to fine art. The Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow Street, Worcester. Free admission and parking. noon-4 p.m. The Sprinkler Factory, 38 Harlow St. sprinklerfactory.com.

comic

Free comic books? It’s true! On May 2 come celebrate Free Comic Book Day at That’s Entertainment! Check out artists Jeff Wamester (JeffWamester.com); Bret Heholz (freewebs.com/herbertzohl); Scott Hamilton (hamiltoons.com) and meet members of Central Mass Roller Derby (join the league!!). For a complete list of the comics being distributed check out Freecomicbookday.com. 244 Park Ave. Worcester, Thatse.com 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

HEROES

Fitchburg State College is the host for The Second Annual Special Olympics on Friday, May 1 featuring short and long distance races, the long jump, unified races, a softball throw and the shot put. Organized by a group of Fitchburg State students, members from the Kappa Delta Pi educational honor society, faculty and staff. Free — so come cheer these Olympians on! 9 a.m.-noon Fitchburg State College: Elliot Field, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Call 978-665-3511.

HELPING HAND

Get into the Derby spirit at the 5th Annual YMCA Spring for Youth Auction & Kentucky Derby Party on Friday, May 1. Don your Derby best, enjoy a mint julep, bid on some fabulous auction items, and enjoy the rich traditions of the YMCA and the Kentucky Derby. Every dollar helps the YMCA of Central Massachusetts provide scholarships to those members of our community most in need, with proceeds benefiting the 2009 Annual Strong Kids Campaign. Prizes for best Derby hat! $50. 6-11 p.m. Beechwood Hotel, Ballroom, 363 Plantation St. 508-755-6101, ext. 293, ymcaworcester.org.

Great art, great music, great food! Join the fun at Art In The City: Family Health Center’s 10th Annual Art Auction on Friday, May 1. This art auction gala benefits Family Health Center of Worcester. Bid on artworks by over 30 of Worcester’s best-loved artists. Join many of the artists and other art aficionados as they celebrate the wealth of talent in our community. Tickets available thehanovertheatre.org for $35, plus $2 restoration fee. 6-9 p.m. Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St. 508-860-7995, fhcw.org.

The Seventh Annual Worcester Walk-A-Thon to Cure Scleroderma on Sunday, May 3 is a 5K walk to benefit The New England Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation. Walk to help people with scleroderma and their families cope with the disease through support programs, physician referrals, educational information and research. Registration at 10 a.m., the walk begins at noon, rain or shine. Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive. 508-853-2640, scleroderma.org.

CRUISIN’

If you’re in need of a antique car fix, then JamnPromotions/Diamond Auto Group Wednesday Classic Car Cruise is your remedy. Kicking off May 6, this weekly Classic Car Show Cruise Night is held at Diamond Chevrolet every Wednesday evening, weather permitting, through September 16. The event benefits Nate’s Crew, which raises money for young Nathan Grenache, a 4 year old from Worcester who suffered 4 strokes approx. 2 years ago. 5-8 p.m. Diamond Chevrolet, 520 Park Ave. Call 774-242-5297, CruisinwithJamn.com.

FLIGHT

At Mass Audubon Wachusett’s Bird a Thon Kick-Off and Open House on Saturday May 2 from 1- 4 p.m., fly by and experience a range of bird related activities, such as Guided Bird Walks; Larry Keating and his Live Birds of Prey; Barry Van Dusen: artwork demonstration; Wood carving display; Activities for children; The Bird Store with birdfeeders, optics display and much more! $5M/$7NM/$2.50 Children Members/$3.50NM. Family maximum: $15/$21. Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. 978.464.2712 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , massaudubon.org/birdathon.