“Element House, architecture for a new ecology” opens with a reception 5 to 9 p.m. April 10 at the Museum of Outdoor Arts’ indoor gallery, Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway. The exhibit, which runs until Aug. 14, presents models and drawings for a revolutionary new “off the grid” multi-component modular green home, designed by the internationally-known MOS Architects, Michael Meredith and Hillary Sample, who will speak at 4:30 p.m. on April 10 preceding the reception. The modular homes, 1,500 square feet or less, will be designed for pre-fabrication, using strict LEED design criteria and are inspired by the Fibonacci sequence. (Leonardo Fibonacci was a 13th century Italian mathematician who is credited with introducing Arabic numerals to Europe.) Admission is free. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. 303-806-0444, moaonline.org. A catalog is available for $16.

“A Night of Sensational Music” is presented at 7:30 p.m. April 15 by the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation at the Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., DU, Denver. An important aspect of treatment for the disorder is Listening Therapy. Music processing techniques are used as a complement to Occupational Therapy, so a concert is an appropriate fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. Featured soloists include:

cellist Jurgen deLemos, former Principal Cellist with the Colorado Symphony and conductor of the Littleton Symphony;

pianist Katy Mahan, a Colorado native who performs solo and with orchestra internationally (recently in Englewood and Littleton)

guitarist Masakazu Ito, an international performer who teaches at DU’s Lamont School of Music. Members of the Littleton Symphony, Cherry Creek Chorale and Young Voices of Colorado will also perform. A silent auction is planned. General admission tickets cost $50. Ticketmaster, 1-800-982-ARTS, ticketmaster.com, or local outlets.

High School student musicians and 2010 graduates are invited to audition for the 2010 Youth Swing Band from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 at Littleton Community Music Association, 6574 S. Broadway, Littleton. The South Suburban swing band class is combined with a swing dance class. through the summer, with three performances in August (perhaps more). Vocalists, reeds, brass and rhythm included. Must have own instrument. For information, Chuck Florian, 303-797-6995, chuck@littletonmusic.org. Fee: $250 sspr district/$275 non-district. Register at above # or www.sspr.org/Teen Swing Band, Class#409126.

Nominations are invited for the 2010 Historic Preservation Awards, to be presented May 20 by the Littleton Historic Preservation Board and Historic Littleton Inc. Awards are given to individuals and designated Littleton Historic Landmarks and structures listed as Buildings of Merit. Lists of the two latter buildings are available on the City of Littleton Web site, www.littletongov.org/history, as are nomination forms. Or, forms can be picked up at the Littleton Museum and the Littleton Community Development office. The deadline is April 23 for forms, to be submitted to Historic Littleton Inc., PO. Box 1004, Littleton CO 80160. For information, contact Andrea Mimnaugh, Historic Preservation Planner, City of Littleton, 303-795-3719. (Past award winners are listed on the nomination form and are not eligible).

Kathryn Spuhler was sworn in on March 25 as Douglas County’s representative to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Board of Directors. She served on the county’s Cultural Council for 10 years, helping to form a cultural plan. As an arts educator, she was involved in the original formation of the SCFD, which uses voter-approved sales tax funds in the seven metro counties to support art, music, theater, dance, natural sciences and cultural history. She was Executive Director of the Denver Chapter of Young Audiences, Inc. for 14 years

The High School Continental League Art Show, which includes Arapaho and Douglas County schools, will be held April 19-29 at the Castle Rock Outlet Malls, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd. #160, with a reception on the closing day, April 29. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Highlands Ranch High School’s drama department, with a cast of 44, will present six performances of “Big,” a musical based on the Tom Hanks movie of 1988. Performances: 7 p.m. April 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Tickets; $10/$9/$8, online or at the door. Information, 303-387-2651.

A free Winter Concert will be performed by members of the Colorado Chamber Players at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. The trio will include Daniel Silver, clarinet; Barbara Hamilton-Primus, viola and Andrew Cooperstock, piano, playing works by Schumann, Mozart and Bruch. Tickets are free at the Museum desk. Seating is limited and tends to fill in advance. 303-795-3950.

“Saving Stuff — How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms and other Prize Possessions” will be Smithsonian Senior Furniture Conservator Don Williams’ topic at 7 p.m. April 22 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Tickets are on sale: $4, Friends of the Littleton Library/ Museum members; $5, others. Williams will also conduct a preservation clinic from 2 to 4 p.m. (first come, first served). Bring in one item only per person for advice on its care. 303-795-3950.

Magician Arthur Trace will appear at 7:30 p.m. April 9 and 10 at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Reservations, 303-660-6799. Tickets, $20 plus tax.

Doors Open Denver, a free event celebrating architecture and design, will be held April 17 and 18. Event headquarters is Union Station in Denver and notable buildings, not usually accessible, are open across the city. Some walking tours are available, with pre-registration on tour day. Instructions for dozens of self-guided tours, including theme-related Urban Adventures, are available. Visit www.denvergov.org/EventInformation (or Google Doors Open Denver).

The Parker Artists Guild Spring Art Show will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17 and 18 at the Parker Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet. A silent auction will raise money for art supplies for children at the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora. 303-805-7728.

The Paint Box Guild of Littleton has an art show through April 29 at the Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle. It includes acrylics, oils, watercolors and mixed media paintings. The longstanding guild has 40 active members who meet weekly to paint and attend workshops monthly.

New location for a local tradition: “Magic Moments” will be produced April 8 through 11 at Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E. Union Ave., Englewood. “The Child” challenges the audience to choose between fame and fortune and love and hope. Centennial Elementary student Kate Lubotsky will play the Child; Leonard Barrett, the Veteran; Traci Kern, the Angel; Drew Frady, the Devil and Billy Baldwin, the Prophet. Music from many famous sources, large cast, directed by the amazing KQ. Donna Debreceni is music director. The annual production includes disabled actors and raises money for organizations serving that community. Performances: 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 10; 2 p.m. April 10, 11. Tickets are only available online-print out your tickets and bring them: $20/ $17.50, magicmoments.org.

Love to sing? The newly-formed Parker Chorale seeks members, according to organizer Alicia Pope. Director will be John J. Polinski, who brings 40 years’ experience with choirs, choral groups and musical theater. The chorale will offer outreach to Parker schools. Rehearsals begin in mid-April. Contact Pope, 303-840-7757, info@parkerchorale.org.