Art history series will focus on German painter

Art historian Rebecca Albiani will give a talk on the German still-life painter, naturalist and scientific illustrator Maria Sibylla Merian at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Methodist church.

Merian began observing caterpillars as a teenager and then braved the tropics to produce her major work “1705 insects of Surinam.”

Tickets are $14 for VAA members and seniors or $18 for general audience and are available at vashonalliedarts.org and at the Blue Heron.

Band will play original tunes on Friday

Longtime Vashon rock band The FieldHands will play original music beginning at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Red Bike.

The group’s music blends some of the best traits of rock, alternative country and Americana present in the music of Wilco, Son Volt, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams and others. Multiple harmonies and soaring lead instrumentals punctuate good stories and strong melodies.

According to Pete Welch of Vashon Events, the band incorporates local flavor and imagery into its lyrics.

“They write songs about love, friendship, journeys, the road beneath their feet and the water that surrounds us,” he said.

The FieldHands’ new CD will be available at the free show. All ages are welcome unitl 11 p.m., then only 21 and older.