THURSDAY, DEC. 20 2012 >>>

1. If you don't visit any other gallery tonight, do yourself a big favor and make sure you get to Fulcrum Gallery for the opening of the Devin Reynolds' show of new works, which focuses on nature, but not watercolors of hillsides. Reynolds produces colorful compositions of water, sky and plants through chemical reactions on canvases. His "Caustic Compositions" show distorts nature in the most interesting way. Check it out during a public reception from 7-9 p.m. The show runs through Feb. 15.

2. If the Tacoma Runners was a human entity, it could run for the Position 2 seat on the Tacoma City County. The Tacoma Runners gets things done. If you haven't heard, the Tacoma Runners will host a computer timed 5K run every Saturday beginning next year. What started as seven people running to justify post beers has turned into a giant mass of people running roughly a 3K every Thursday ... to justify post beers and to be social. Yes, the Thursday runs continue with a 6:30 p.m. jaunt launching from Cork Wine Bar. Bonus: Jingle bells are encouraged.

3. Think you've got some writer's chops on ya, do ya? Think you can take the heat? Washington State History Museum is here to give you your shot - or let you kick back and listen to other people reading, if you so choose. At 6:30 p.m., the museum will host a special holiday edition of its Writer's Open Mic.

4. The burlesque troupe Gritty City Sirens will shimmy-shake its way through Tacoma bars, singing carols and spreading holiday cheer. The troupe's Caroling Pub Crawl launches at 7 p.m. inside Puget Sound Pizza, then hits The Office Bar & Grill, The Swiss, Jazzbones, Doyle's Public House on the hour, ending the shenanigans at The Mix around Midnight. This won't be the usual burlesque eye-full (though sure to tantalize) as the Sirens intend to enliven the holiday spirit with some caroling - and all for a good cause. Every dollar donated will go to Pin-Ups Against Cancer Fund. If you purchase a raffle ticket, you'll be entered to win some cool prizes.

5. There are many options for celebrating the screeching halt of the Mayan Calendar, which several dozen people think will cause the world to end this Friday. The Java Jive Appreciation Society is tossing an End of the World Party tonight at the Java Jive. Expect beer, karaoke, free buttons and world-ending celebrating.

LINK: Thursday, Dec. 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area