Arts briefs: Ready to take the Polar Bear Plunge?

The annual Polar Bear Plunge, one of 16 events statewide to raise funds for Special Olympics, will start at noon Saturday, Jan. 26, at Ramsey Beach, 5050 Lake Av. N. in White Bear Lake.

Minnesotans from around the state plunge into frozen water to raise funds, and pledges are being collected now. In 2012, more than 14,000 participants statewide took the icy dip and raised more than $2.85 million for Special Olympics Minnesota.

Coordinated by law enforcement, the Polar Bear Plunge provides fun-loving adrenaline junkies an opportunity to be "freezin' for a reason."

For more information, call 612-604-1257 or go to www.plungemn.org/location/whitebearlake.

Adult snowshoe hike offered by candlelightA snowshoe hike for adults by candlelight is being offered at 7 p.m. next Friday at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S. in Hastings. After the hike, popcorn and hot apple cider will be available. Snowshoes will be provided or bring your own; dress appropriately for the weather. Call 651-437-4359 for reservations. Program is $8 per person, or $6 for members.

Class mixes wine with painting"Love," an event that combines the pleasures of wine and dining while learning to paint from instructors at Wine & Canvas in Minneapolis, is being offered at 6 p.m. Monday at Swirl Wine Club, 3291 S. St. Croix Trail in Afton. Cost is $35. To register, call 651-436-2010.

St. Paul writer to discuss her workSt. Paul writer Julie Schumacher will discuss her work as part of ArtReach St. Croix's "Writers on Writing" series at 7 p.m. Thursday at ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St.

In her most recent novel, "The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls," Schumacher reintroduces Jane Haus from "The Body Is Water" 16 years later.

Author to discuss, sign mystery bookGlenn Ickler, author of "A Carnival of Killing," will talk about his mystery novel and sign copies from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St. N. in Stillwater.

The story involves a killing during the St. Paul Winter Carnival that leads to multiple suspects, multiple motives and the question: How do you get an ID when everyone's wearing a mask?

Children can learn all about dinosaursThe Stillwater Public Library will host Dino Dig, part of the Minnesota Children's Museum's Museum-To-Go program, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Space is limited, so call ahead to register.

10th annual ski festival set for parkThe 10th annual Washington County Parks Cross Country Ski Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Nordic Center in Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Av. N.

One-hour lessons will be given at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required. Free classic ski equipment will be provided by Joe's Ski Shop. Skate ski equipment must be provided by the user.

A recommended $10 donation will help pay for lighted ski trails at the park reserve. Minnesota ski permits and county park passes are required and available for purchase at the park contact station.

More information and registration: www.rideandglide.org.

Mountain bike race coming soonThe second annual Cold Catfish Cup winter mountain biking race will be held at noon Jan. 27 at Carver Lake Park. It will take place along the Carver Lake off-road bike trail, and the Catfish Cup will be awarded to the overall fastest racer.