SEWN UP: In a colorful antidote to these rather chilly times, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum hosts its second annual Quilt Show and Contest, and proudly debuts the first-ever juried Botanical Quilt Contest. This ever-expanding competition has inspired top-notch stitchers from around the state to craft floral themes into their work, resulting in a bevy of stunning masterpieces. And a Queen-size tulip quilt, created by the hard-working Picket Post Mountain Quilters, will also be raffled off. The cozy art will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 10, through Sunday, January 12, at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located two hours north of Tucson on Highway 79. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids ages five to 12, and free for children under age five. Call (520) 689-2811 for details. BARGAIN BINDINGS: Okay, so maybe you never considered El Con the hub of human enlightenment. Time to redefine those sensibilities, as the mall hosts a gigantic used book sale. A fundraiser for Brandeis University in Massachusetts, the sale offers a massive selection at bargain-basement rates, says spokeswoman Fern Feder. "We get them donated all year long from members of the Brandeis National Women's Committee, and from others in the community," she says. "The funds we raise go towards scholarships and helping the Brandeis library purchase books." Prices will range from 25 cents to $5, she says. They'll be half-price on Saturday, January 18, and you can buy a bag o' books for one thin quarter on Sunday, January 19. Sale runs from Thursday, January 9, to Sunday, January 19, in the northeast corner of El Con, near the food court. Admission is $2 the first day, and free for following days. For information, call 299-4001. REAL MAGIC: Sirrkka Liisa Smith's paintings tap formal elements that "include the intricate and deliberate use of pattern, coupled with brilliantly colored symbols, motifs and icons," says Jerre Johnston of Etherton's Temple Gallery. The pieces meld the commonplace with the magic of imagination, turning everyday things like plants, furniture and animals into narratives of "the familiar made strange." Exhibit is on display through February 26 at the Temple Gallery, located in the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., with an opening reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 17. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 624-7370 for information.

		© 1995-97 Tucson Weekly . Info Booth