Things to do in Hamilton on Nov. 22

Steeltown Speakeasy

Thursday night will see the debut of a new literary soirée in Hamilton, the Steeltown Speakeasy series at the Baltimore House (43 King William St.). The basic concept: Local(-ish) writers will deliver 10-minute readings of their respective works, then mingle with literature fans and fellow wordsmiths. The inaugural event will feature appearances by authors Krista Foss, Dorothy Ellen Palmer and Lee McIlmoyle.

Organizer Amanda Leduc — who's also a novelist — said she hopes the event will become a monthly affair.

“I really just want to facilitate and encourage a literary community in Hamilton,” she said. “There's a great writers' community in Hamilton already, but there's just so many more people to get involved.”

Thursday's do starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

McMaster Museum of Art talk

Toronto-based artist Nicole Collins will be speaking at the McMaster Museum of Art on Thursday about Breaking Black, the exhibit she's curated for the gallery. Running until Jan. 15, the collection features paintings by several artists, rustic, textured mixed-media works — including Collins's own — and a 1600-year-old clay pot. Why did she display these items together? Attend the event to find out.

Admission is pay-what-you-can (the suggested donation is $2) and the talk begins at 6 p.m. For more information, go to Mcmaster.ca/museum/.

Children's charity auction

The REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington is holding a charity auction in support of the CHML/Y108 Children's Fund. Up for grabs are vacations, electronics, tickets for concerts and sporting events, appliances and more. The auction will take place at Michelangelo Event Venue & Conference Centre (1555 Upper Ottawa St.) on Thursday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include hors d'oeuvres. For more information, call 905-529-8101 ext. 234.