A painful medical error that resulted in a near-death experience led David Bookbinder to embrace the spirituality of mandalas about six years ago.

The psychotherapist and photographer from Beverly has found healing in turning digital images of flowers into mandalas — concentric diagrams that have spiritual significance in both the Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Bookbinder's "Flower Mandalas" exhibition, which explores the imagery of the mandala in the natural world, comes to the galleries of Newburyport's Firehouse Center for the Arts this week.

Following his medical crisis, Bookbinder returned to photography after a 22-year hiatus. He says mandalas are ritualistic geometric designs symbolic of the universe used as an aid to meditation.

"I think of mandalas as a universal symbol. They are useful, in a way, for healing," Bookbinder said in an interview with a staff reporter in 2006. "... The most powerful tool people have is to envision a healed self."

His images aim to pull viewers into the center.

"I think the mandala form, with its focus on the center, can help people reach that central place in themselves and use it to tap their healing energies," he said.

Bookbinder primarily works with artists, children and people with addictive behaviors in his psychotherapy practice. He is the author of four nonfiction books and runs a blog on the spirituality portal Beliefnet.com, where he hopes to promote the use of art as a means for healing and personal transformation — the primary purpose it has served for him.

His exhibit at the Firehouse runs through Jan. 2. A reception is planned for Saturday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more, call the Firehouse at 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Savoring some post-turkey rhythm and blues

After you've had your fill of turkey, settle in for some rhythm and blues. Amesbury Playhouse at 194 Main St. kicks off its new, weekly live entertainment nights with Motown Dave & Friends tonight from 7 to 11.

Dave Cleckley delivers the soul music of the '60s, accompanied by Assembly Line featuring Terry O'Soro. The dance floor will be open, or just sit back and enjoy the music from your table.

Motown Dave continues serving up music every Thursday night from 7 to 11. For more, call Amesbury Playhouse at 978-388-9444 or visit www.amesburyplayhouse.com.

'Nutcracker' toes up at Firehouse Center

The Methuen Ballet Ensemble brings "The Nutcracker" to the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport's Market Square this weekend.

Artistic Director Vanessa Voter Shaheen conceived the idea for a local production of the ballet about 20 years ago when she experienced the audition process for Boston Ballet's "Nutcracker." With hundreds of dancers auditioning for a few parts, she was moved by the disappointment expressed by those not chosen. Everyone who auditions for Methuen Ballet Ensemble's productions receives a part.

This year's installment features custom-designed costumes, a giant, growing Christmas tree, heavenly mist and falling snow.

Performances are Saturday at 7 p.m., preceded by a reception at 6, and Sunday at 3 p.m. Saturday's 3 p.m. performance is sold out. Tickets are $20. For reservations or information, call the Firehouse box office at 978-462-7336 or visit www.firehouse.org.

Big things in small packages at Port gallery

Bridge Gallery at 1R Water St. in downtown Newburyport unveils its holiday exhibition "Small Works" next week featuring pieces by the cooperative's 15 artists.

The exhibit, which runs through December, offers artwork sized and priced to be holiday gifts.

Bridge Gallery is open daily, except Tuesdays, from noon to 6 p.m. It will also take part in Newburyport's annual Invitation Nights on Fridays, Dec. 4 and 11, staying open until 9 p.m. Both nights will feature entertainment, with guitarist Donna Ricci performing on Dec. 4 and harpist Avanah Trudeau playing on Dec. 11. Visit www.BridgeGalleryNewburyport.com.

Floral inspirations at Walsingham Gallery

Award-winning artists Carol FitzSimonds and Aldryth Ockenga show off pieces inspired by the vibrant florals they grow in their gardens in a new exhibit opening Saturday at the Walsingham Gallery at 47 Merrimac St. in Newburyport.

FitzSimond's mixed intaglio and gold/silver leaf prints suggest a stylization recognized in Japanese screens and textiles, while Ockenga's oil paintings recall the light-filled palettes and immediacy of the French impressionists.

The show runs through Dec. 31. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays by appointment. Call 978-499-4411 or visit www.thewalsinghamgallery.com.

Holiday songs, stories at Musical Suite

The Musical Suite in The Tannery in Newburyport is hosting holiday songs and stories with vocalist Johanna Hoyt-Kimball on Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. as part of the "Kids Give Back" program at the marketplace at 50 Water St.

The program is especially geared for children ages 6 and under. Admission is free with a donation of a canned good. For more, call The Musical Suite at 978-462-8225.

Kickoff party for HOBO's Toy Drive

Hobo's Café & Lounge at 5 Broadway at Salisbury Beach launches its annual Toy Drive to support Santa's Helpers tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Anyone who drops off a new, unwrapped toy to benefit a local child can enjoy a complimentary ham dinner buffet and karaoke and dance party. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a ham raffle to benefit Santa's Helpers. Call 978-465-4626 for more.

Salisbury Point Ghost Trail cleanup

Salisbury Coastal Trails is having a morning cleanup along the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail on Saturday morning. Volunteers will meet at Lions Park at 9 a.m. and should be finished by noon.

Work will include blowing and raking leaves off the trail, clearing deadwood and mowing trail edges. Bring gloves and a leaf rake as well as a portable leaf blower if you have one.

Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. The rain date is Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Register by e-mailing Jerry Klima at jerryklima@hotmail.com.

'A Whimsical Journey' with local artist

Joyce Wetherbee takes center stage as the featured artist for December and January for the Newburyport Art Association's Wings Exhibit at Chase & Lunt Insurance, 47 State St., Newburyport.

Wetherbee started her art career painting still life scenes in watercolor. She gradually evolved into abstract images using acrylics over the last nine years. Color and design are her main emphasis these days. She enjoys taking an object or location that interests her and transforming it into something or someplace whimsical. She also approaches the same subject from different angles, creating numerous paintings of a single image until she has exhausted the possibilities.

Many of Wetherbee's paintings incorporate collage, primarily featuring rice paper and newspaper. She often hides small phrases into the collages that reveal how she is feeling at the time she is creating the piece.

A member of the Newburyport Art Association since 1996, Wetherbee has received an honorable mention award at the Windsor-Newton National Watercolor competition.

About 20 of Wetherbee's paintings will be featured in "A Whimsical Journey" at Chase & Lunt. The exhibit opens Tuesday, Dec. 1, and runs through Jan. 29. A reception takes place Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Amesbury Restaurant Showcase on menu

The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Foundation welcome the holiday season at their 12th annual Holiday Restaurant Showcase on Wednesday, Dec. 2, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Amesbury Playhouse Dinner Theater, 194 Main St., Amesbury.

Guests will be treated to cuisine from several of Amesbury's restaurants, including Amesbury Playhouse, Amesbury Sports Park, Barking Dog, Davis Jack's, Flatbread Co,, Mad River Tavern, Ovedia Artisan Chocolate, Phat Cats Bistro, Powow River Grille and Ristorante Molise, as well as Atria Merrimack Place in Newburyport. Parker Wheeler & Friends will supply the music.

Executive director Stefanie McCowan and members of the board of directors will be on hand to share upcoming events and plans. A $5 donation is suggested. Call the chamber at 978-388-3178 for more.

Lighthouse Trio welcomes the holidays

The female a cappella quartet Girl Treble returns to Hobo's Café & Lounge at 5 Broadway at Salisbury Beach next Wednesday, Dec. 2, to perform as part of the Lighthouse Trio's final Nostalgia Night of the year.

The ensemble featuring Robin Moore of Merrimac, Robin Lawson of Byfield, Sue Ellen Creed of Salisbury and arranger Chris Reif of Ipswich will entertain with some holiday favorites as well as jazzy arrangements of pop tunes, swing and ballads during the half-time portion of the show.

Trumpet player Gordy Bowman, best known as a music educator in the Newburyport schools, will be the night's guest soloist, sitting in with the Lighthouse Trio for the main part of the show highlighting popular songs from the '30s, '40s and '50s. The trio features George Blodgett on bass, Lou Masiello on drums, and Bob Allison on piano and vocals.

Other musicians expected to make guest appearances include blues man "Little Malcolm" Carnwath, Topsfield-based vocalist Elle Gutowski and Newburyport's Barron Brissett, who will contribute a soulful "Motown Moment."

The music goes from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but donations to support the vintage music program are welcome. A special holiday buffet will be available for $5. Call 978-465-4626.

Holiday concert with Charlie Thomas' Drifters

Charlie Thomas' The Drifters takes the stage next Friday, Dec. 4, for a holiday concert to benefit multiple sclerosis at the Rupert A. Nock Middle School at 70 Low St. in Newburyport.

The show will feature favorite Drifters hits, including "Under the Boardwalk," "Stand by Me," "This Magic Moment," "Save the Last Dance for Me" and more.

DD Martin will make a guest appearance to salute Dinah Washington, Tina Turner, The Shirelles and other female vocalists.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6:30. General admission tickets are $35 and available at Dyno Records and New England Wine & Spirits in Newburyport and Ipswich Music in Ipswich.

Yankee Homecoming 2010 planning begins

Don Walters, general chairman of the 2010 Yankee Homecoming celebration in Newburyport, is hosting a holiday kickoff meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. upstairs at Starboard Galley on Water Street in downtown Newburyport.

In keeping with the theme of the 2010 Homecoming, "Come Together," the meeting will offer a chance for interested volunteers and supports to meet Walters and his committee chairmen, as well as others who lend their time to the annual summer event. Next year's Yankee Homecoming will be held July 25 through Aug. 1.

The Yankee Homecoming Web site at www.yankeehomecoming.com is currently under reconstruction. Anyone who is interested in volunteering, but is unable to attend the meeting should e-mail Walters at yh2010@comcast.net.

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