“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”—Pablo Picasso

Art brings winter to life this weekend with two art exhibit receptions at City Hall, an Icelandic film at the Scandinavian Cultural Center, and some Celtic fiddle music to cap it off on Sunday.

Here are five things to do in Newton this weekend.

Friday, Jan. 9

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., there will be a reception for Kristen Freitas’s art exhibit, “The Language of Color,” which explores the expressive power of blue as a form of communication, at Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue. Through painting and collage, the work investigates how color can hold memory, emotion and atmosphere.

From 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a reception for Ryan Horton’s art showcase, “Continuum II, which focuses on the power of social connection. The show runs through Jan. 25 at Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave.

Saturday, Jan. 10

At 1 p.m., there will be a screening of Top 10 Must, a 2024 Icelandic film about a prison escapee trying to reach her daughter and a disillusioned artist trying to fulfill her bucket list, at the Scandinavian Cultural Center at 206 Waltham St. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Sunday, Jan. 11

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., Family Access Early Learning Center will have an open house showcasing this community for young learners (3 months to 5 years), and families can meet staff as well.

From 2 to 3 p.m., Isabel Oliart and her band will play Celtic fiddle music at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St.

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You can find more events or submit your own on our Events Page.

And the city has an ongoing list of arts-related events on the Newton Arts Calendar.