Friday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Paint Like Degas: Demonstration and Book Launch. Artist Damian Callan will talk about and demonstrate some of Degas’s techniques that feature in his new book Paint Like Degas. These will include the use of chalk pastels on tracing paper and the ‘scraping down’ of oil paint layers on canvas. 12.45-1.30pm, Clore Education Centre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed, but please note places are limited.

All The Leaves Are Brown And The Sky Is Grey: a new exhibition of photography by Barbara Anderson, a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. This collection is an impression of the vibrant and intoxicating atmosphere of California in line, colour and detail;’ an attempt to document the reality of one of America’s most iconic states in fleeting moments of detail.’ Bubbles and nibbles supplied! 7pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street.

Storytelling: for ages 4+. 2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Free, no booking required.

Reducing Inequality: has the University eradicated sexism? This Ethics Forum lunchtime session will examine gender inequality and explore the ways in which universities are working to reduce this in academia, and in their institutions more broadly. There will be short talks by Dr Elinor Mason and Professor Jane Norman, followed by a Q & A session and discussion. All welcome: personal experiences will not be solicited as all sessions are filmed and made available in the public domain. 1-2.30pm, Chrystal Macmillan Building (seminar rooms 1 and 2), University of Edinburgh, George Square. Places should be booked via eventbrite.

City Music Cafe: for ages 12-17. 1-4pm, Canongate Youth, South Bridge Resource Centre, Infirmary Street. £1 per session. For more information call Canongate Youth on 0131 556 9389 or see Facebook page.

Stan Douglas: Douglas is a Canadian artist who came to prominence in the mid-90s, when his film installation Der Sandmann was one of the highlights of Documenta X in 1997. He has been at the forefront of the international art scene ever since. This exhibition will present a selection of Douglas’s films and photographs, ranging from Der Sandmann to the just-completed The Second Hotel, Vancouver. Artist’s talk (free) 5-6pm today – book here, exhibition 11am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon-5pm Sundays, Fruitmarket Gallery, 45 Market Street. Exhibition ends 15th February 2015.

Gorgie Farm Spinning and Woolcraft Group: drop in to see spinning in action and maybe have a go yourself, or join the group for longer term hints, tutoring and sharing. 10am-12 noon, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £2 per week.

Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Paul Seawright, Professor of Photography and Head of Belfast School of Art at the University of Ulster, introduces his new book Things Left Unsaid, which looks at the reporting of conflict in the USA.  11.30am-1pm, Main Lecture Theatre (Room E22), Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.

Fort Kids Disco: a fundraiser for next Easter’s holiday activities. Tuck shop available.  P4-P6 must be signed in by a parent/guardian, P7-S2 must bring with them the contact number of a parent/guardian. P4-P6: 4-6pm, P7, S1 & S2: 7.30-9.30pm, Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street. £2 per person.

Lunchtime Concert: String Quartet. Roderick Long (violin), Fiona Bryce-Murdoch (violin), Joanna Galbraith (viola), Lindsay Martindale (cello) and Rosie Townhill (cello) will perform Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major D956. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

Union Gallery: Christmas 2014. The Gallery’s annual extravaganza, showcasing a mixture of its finest artists. 10.30am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10.30am-5.30pm Saturdays, 12 noon – 6pm Sundays, Union Gallery, 45 Broughton Street. Exhibition closes 31st January 2015.

Hear Me Move: the’endearing and highly entertaining’ story of Muzi, the son of an amazing pantsula dancer, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in order to learn the truth about his father’s death and come to terms with his own identity. For ages 16+. The screening will be followed by the closing party for the Edinburgh part of the festival; live performance from afro-percussion and dance group Ayawara followed by dancing to afro-centric beat sets from Swank ‘n’ Jams – everyone is welcome in the Township Cafe! Film: 7-8.30pm, party from 9pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Film tickets £5: book online or call Summerhall on 0131 560 1581. Party: free entry. Part of Africa in Motion: Scotland African Film Festival 2014.

Chloe Dewe Mathews: Shot At Dawn. A new body of work by British photographer Chloe Dewe Mathews, focusing on sites at which British, French and Belgian troops were executed for cowardice and desertion between 1914 and 1918. Today there seems little doubt that many of the men were suffering from psychiatric illnesses brought on by the horrors of trench warfare. ‘A  lesson in compassion.’ Artist’s talk 5pm (fully booked), preview 6-8pm, then 11am-6pm daily until 25th January 2015, Stills, 23 Cockburn Street.

Quartermile Market: street food, local designers, makers and artists. 11am-6pm, Lister Square, Quartermile.

The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh: Dr Ross Archibald – Physiology and Health in Space. 8pm, Church Centre, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge.  All welcome: free. The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh was founded in 1924.

Some of Its Parts: a new exhibition of paintings from Edinburgh-based artist Ian Healy. Some of Its Parts is an exploration of the familial portrait, employing elements of the surreal and abstract to create a powerful interplay of the familiar and unfamiliar. ‘The everyday reworked and reimagined.’ Open preview tonight, 6.30-8.30pm, then 12 noon-5.30pm until 19th November 2014, Patriothall Gallery, 1d Patriothall, off Hamilton Row, Stockbridge.

Edinburgh Printmakers: No Fixed Abode. An exhibition in collaboration with The Big Issue, examining the significance of home as a concept, and the realities and challenges of homelessness. No Fixed Abode highlights misconceptions and attitudes towards the homeless and vulnerably housed at a time of year that is often associated with generosity and kindness. This project hopes to raise awareness and to bring tangible benefits to those affected. Preview 6-8pm today, then 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday until 23rd December 2014, Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street.