The Matthews Opera House and Arts Center and the City of Spearfish kick-off the Big Read celebration of “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett, with six events starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9. The Big Read in Spearfish, SD is presented in partnership with The Matthews, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Black Hills State University, Spearfish Zonta Foundation, South Dakota Arts Council, and Spearfish Foundation of Public Education. Along with these events, The Matthews and the library will be distributing free copies of The Maltese Falcon.

The kick-off features in time-of-day order:

Speakeasy Photo Booth, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Grace Balloch Memorial Library
625 N. Fifth St., Spearfish
Patrons will select from an assortment of period accessories and have their photo taken.

Treasured: A Community Collective on Value ART PROJECT, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The start of a two-month community art project begins with patrons being invited to write what they believe is of value to them on pieces of multi-colored paper. These “value words” are then applied to a large paper mache Maltese Falcon statue. The grand unveiling is March 4.

Movie Poster Coloring art project, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The art gallery has large vintage, black and white, detective movie posters available all day to color. Fun for all ages.

Unveiling of Origami Falcon Art Piece, 11 a.m.- Noon. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
Justin Fossum, an 11-year-old local origami artist, will unveil his origami hanging art piece in the Art Gallery. Created with almost 600 origami falcons, this inspiring piece of art will be on display throughout our Big Read. Justin will also conduct an origami folding demonstration.

Mystery Detective Community Scavenger Hunt, Noon – 5 p.m., throughout downtown Spearfish
There is a mystery in Spearfish. During the day of the kick-off, The Matthews Art Gallery is handing out crime scenarios in the gallery based on a detective story based in Spearfish. Those participating will be the detectives. Participating businesses will decorate and dress in the 1920’s detective theme and offer clues that will help the individuals participating solve the crime mystery. Everyone who successfully solves the mystery will be put into a drawing for free tickets to the “Maltese Falcon Radio Show.” The first three drawn will win. The first 50 families to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a free copy of the children’s book, “The Malted Falcon: A Chet Gecko Mystery” by Bruce Hale. Another feature of the hunt is that our participating scavenger hunters will get to vote for the business that had the best costumes/display/involvement. The winning business will be offered free tickets to the show.

Downtown businesses Involved are:
Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N. Fifth St.
The Junk Drawer, 611 N. Main St.
Pink 629, 629 N. Main St.
Wild Rose, 616 N. Main St.
Kathleen’s Boutique, 622 N. Main St.
Good Earth Natural Foods, 638 N. Main St.
Hudson and Main, 544 N. Main St.
The Jacket Zone, 616 N. Main St.
Leone’s Creamery, 722 N. Main St.
Reruns for Small Ones, 648 N. Main St.
Sole Perfection, 635 N. Main St.
Common Grounds, 111 E. Hudson St.

Tomáš Kubínek – Miracle Man Live Entertainment, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in The Matthews Art Gallery, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish
The one and only Dr. Professor Kubinek is a comic genius, virtuoso vaudevillian, certified lunatic, and all-round charmer, who gives audiences an utterly joyous and hilarious experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. This event is for all ages. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 youth (18 years and under)

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.