Free painting for seniors, winter's farmers market and more

Time to get inspired on the home front? The Minneapolis Home and Garden show is coming, Feb. 27-March 3, featuring the latest home-related products and trends, plus hundreds of exhibitors.

Highlights this year include a "woman-centered home" created by Michael Lee Inc., furnished by Hom furniture, with landscaping by Heins Nursery and interior design by Rachel Kate, a contestant last year on "Design Star."

This year's theme gardens, presented by the Star Tribune, will focus on "Classic TV" shows.

The Kitchen Stage will feature live cooking demonstrations by local chefs, media personalities and an appearance by Chris Crary from Bravo TV's "Top Chef: Texas."

The Lifestyle Stage will offer presentations on remodeling, interior design and landscaping, featuring Nicole Curtis of "Rehab Addict," Sasha Andreev of "Decorating Cents" and "Curb Appeal," and Christopher Straub, former contestant on "Project Runway."

Show hours will be noon-9 p.m. Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. March 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. March 2 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 3, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls. Tickets are $13 for adults ($11 when purchased online), $4 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and under. For more information and to purchase discounted tickets, visit www.homeandgarden show.com.

If you've been missing your favorite farmers market during the winter months, here's a cold-weather alternative. Bachman's, which started in 1885 as a fresh vegetable stand, is hosting its second winter farmers market in its flagship store's greenhouse on Saturday.

Hours for this Saturday's market are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bachman's on Lyndale, 6101 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.

Do you know a low-income senior or person with a disability who has a house in need of a paint job? Metro Paint-A-Thon is accepting applications from qualified homeowners to receive free help with exterior painting.

Every August, thousands of volunteers scrape, prime and paint homes at no cost to the homeowner. Deadline to apply for this summer's painting is April 12.

To qualify, homeowners must own and occupy a single-family home in need of paint (but not major repairs), must live in the seven-county metro area, be age 60 or older or, if under 60, must have a permanent physical disability, and must meet income guidelines.

If that sounds like you, or a neighbor or relative, call 612-276-1579 to request an application. Or download an application at www.paintathon.gmcc.org.