Capital Life: What's on in Canberra's arts scene from March 4

As the eye follows the tangled thread, looping repeatedly, the pattern gives the illusion of a continuous line. Derived from an initial spontaneous scribble each drawing follows the same interlocking system." Over & Over, by Clare Thackway, is showing at Canberra Contemporary Art Space City, Canberra City Framing, corner of Hobart Place and London Circuit, until April 9. And in Manuka, Joel Arthur is showing paintings that use line and pattern to create an "optical event".

"Opposed to the flat, precise delivery of '60s Op Art, these works are more painterly, physical, gestural with a range of spatial situations. The drive of this body of work is hand of the maker being present while delivering a perceptually charged experience." All Line Up, by Joel Arthur, is showing at Canberra Contemporary Art Space Manuka, 19 Furneaux Street, Manuka, until March 13.

Jennifer Hawkins is an artist preoccupied with stars – or rather, with the physics of the universe. In a show that contrasts man-made material with fragile feathers and bones, she explores the matter that connects us all. "Physicists tell us that matter and energy are two forms of the same thing and that they are the raw material of everything in the universe. That raw material doesn't go away, it just changes form. That foundation of physics seems to me to link evolution and extinction, to complete the circle, and to address the big questions: Where do we come from? Where do we go? As the stuff of stars we are all connected – to each other, to the earth, to the universe." Hawkins will conduct a workshop on working with acrylic sheet on Saturday, March 19, from 10am-3pm – "a day for experimentation; you will cut, snap, file, sand, polish, clean; drill, glue, weld, stich, screw, bolt; soften, mould, bend, twist, emboss; engrave, burn, paint and print." Cost $90, with materials provided. Bookings essential. Visit belconnenartscentre.com.au for more information.

Next door, a group of artists has explored the notion of coveting things – desiring an object that is not theirs. "The fascinating thing about this theme is that it not only implicates objects but social relationships. As well, notions of self-control and self-regulation are necessary to avoid acting upon yearnings. There is the facet of danger, risk or, in the past, an ingredient of sinfulness. Coveting could lead to criminal behaviour." There will be a conversation with the artists, led by Dr Sharon Peoples, on Sunday, March 6, at 2pm.

And finally, Jen Fullerton is continuing her ongoing examination of human-digital interactions. "Through the physicality of the sculptural object, Jen considers today's constant engagement with, and reliance upon, a virtual, digital environment. Non-representational book and paper sculptures form the core of Jen's recent practice, exploring the tension created when palpable, physical objects are juxtaposed with the ethereal, virtual world of the internet and social media."

We are Made of Star Stuff –Carl Sagan, by Jennifer Hawkins, Covet, by Networks and False Readings, by Jen Fullerton, are showing at Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, until March 28.

While undergoing major refurbishments, the Drill Hall Gallery (scheduled to reopen mid-year equipped with state-of-the-art climate control, insulation and lighting) is running a series of Sunday afternoon lectures throughout autumn, to be held from 3pm-4.30pm at the School of Art. The series kicks off March 6 with gallery director Terence Maloon discussing 19th-century Paris, the City of Spectacle. On Sunday, April 3, Mary Eagle will talk about Augustus Earle in a Darwinian detective story, and on May 8, Ian McLean will discuss How Aborigines invented the idea of Contemporary Art. Tickets at the door, $10/$5, or free for Friends of the Drill Hall Gallery.

The highest court in the land is continuing its popular free Sunday concert series this year with a recital by the internationally acclaimed Chatterton-McCright Duo on flute and piano, who will present a lively repertoire of contemporary works. "The duo, Chatterton on flute and McCright on piano, is renowned for engaging listeners with understated technical prowess that results in enthralling and intelligent performances." Chatterton-McCright Duo will perform at the High Court of Australia in Parkes on Sunday, March 13, at 1.30pm. Entry is free but bookings are advisable. Visit hcourt.gov.au/about/concerts for more details.

Over in Deakin, Beaver Galleries has opened two new shows this week. Rona Green has hand-coloured linocuts, monotypes and drawings that "explore the creation of identity through non-verbal communication such as body language, adornment and decoration. By transforming familiar domestic pets with tattoos, clothing and accessories, Rona creates human-like thugs and punks reflecting underground, suburban street culture." And Shannon Garson is showing hand-thrown porcelain vessels that are "hand-painted with imagery of the infinite variety of nature's patterns, from eucalyptus leaves to an owl's plumage". While the going is good, by Rona Green and Infinite variety, by Shannon Garson, are showing until March 20 at Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin.

Applications are now open for Playing Field Studio's 2016 Community Arts Residency Program, with sessions open in the second half of the year. "We are looking for Canberra-based individuals or community groups who want to explore or develop work using film, music, performing arts, photography, visual art, digital media or art therapies," says the studio. The residencies include unlimited access to a studio space for seven days or a term block, and a budget of up to $500 for materials and equipment. Email playingfieldstudio@gmail.com or call 0468 749 711 for an application form and more information. Submissions close 5pm, Friday, May 2.

We loved this show when it first came to Canberra – the story of an aging former Queen of the Demi-Monde in 1930s Paris. Chrissie Shaw, who wrote the show, just owns the ravaged Bijou who, "shocked by a perceived insult, unleashes a string of intimate, colourful memories, taking us backwards in time to the shadows of her youth. Through seductions, wars, betrayal and loss, Madame Bijou survives by constantly reinventing herself. She's the Madam of a high-class brothel, the wife of a German General, a semi-naked beauty on a Parisian stage, a wealthy courtesan, the young lover of a symbolist poet, and more besides." The Famous Spiegeltent is the perfect place for Bijou's reappearance. Bijou, A Cabaret of Secrets and Seduction by Chrissie Shaw, with Alan Hicks on piano, is at the Famous Spiegeltent, Civic Square, Canberra, on Tuesday, March 8, at 6.30pm. Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au, or 6275 2700.