It's a weekend for multitaskers on the arts scene, with a variety of must-go showcase events for gallery hoppers.

Let's start with Arts Dundas this weekend. Dundas enjoys a special place in the Hamilton area art profile. We can speculate as to why the beautiful valley town is such a well-spring of local creativity (perhaps it is simply that - it is a beautiful valley town whose very geography acts as a muse to excite the painterly passions).

Whatever the reasons, Dundas, with its 20,000 residents boasts more artists per capita than any community I can think of.

There are, of course, all the artisans and potters up in Greensville. But beyond that are two member-run institutions, twin pillars of the Dundas arts, which cast an influence far beyond the town. I refer, of course, to the Dundas Valley School Of Art and the Carnegie Gallery.

I recently sat down with Arthur Greenblatt, director the DVSA, and Nancy Grey of the Carnegie to discuss all things Dundas, vis-a-vis the arts, and I will report on elements of that conversation as they come up in the course of this column's continuing coverage of area arts.

But suffice to say, for the purposes of this entry, that Grey and Greenblatt remind us that Dundas is even more vibrant than ever, with new ventures such as theatrical productions at the DVSA.

Much attention has been devoted of late to the art surge on James Street North, which is great. This weekend, say Greenblatt and Grey, is an ideal time for everyone to revisit what Dundas has to offer.

The Arts Dundas events, tomorrow to Sunday, are far-ranging, everything from copper foil stained glass demonstrations and a new Dundas Little Theatre play to the Designer Craft Juried Exhibition, opening Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Carnegie Gallery, 10 King St. W., Dundas, with The Pearl Company's Art Bus ferrying visitors in from Hamilton.

Another high point of the Arts Dundas weekend is The Potters' Guild display and sale at the Dundas Community Centre. The works of 60 potters will be featured with a spotlight on Barbara Murphy.

There'll be an open house at the DVSA, 21 Ogilvie St., and artisan displays at the Dundas Museum.

For a complete schedule and locations, consult the Carnegie Gallery's website (carnegiegallery.org) or phone the gallery at 905-627-4265.

The Women's Art Association of Hamilton (WAAH) is presenting A Night To Remember: The Capolong Purchase, Saturday, Nov. 8.

The WAAH has purchased Composition With Urn, Quince and Pence, which it will donate to the Art Gallery of Hamilton's permanent collection to mark the association's ongoing support of art and artists in the community. The WAAH honoured Capolongo in 1994 with its Tuition Scholarship which helped launch him on a successful art career.

A Night To Remember runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Conservatory For The Arts, 126 James St. S. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. The evening will also feature the opening of an art exhibition of original work by Capolongo and artists from the WAAH. Capolongo will give an artist's talk at 7 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Hamilton is holding its annual art sale, beginning tomorrow to Sunday. Free admission. Works by dozens of artists, covering a wide range of media. There will be talks and workshops on such matters as how to purchase art (tomorrow, 7:30 p.m.) and how to use original art in your home (Friday, 7:30 p.m.).

Check AGH's website (artgalleryofhamilton.com) for complete schedule and details.

Last chance to check out Collage Education, works by Kathy Renwald, Evelyn Kelch and Thomas Monte, at you me gallery, 330 James St. N., to Nov. 9.

jmahoney@thespec.com

905-526-3306