The Hopkinton Center for the Arts presents Artful Connections, a social justice-lensed open mic-style event, on Thursday, April 17, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Artists offer music, poetry, readings and spoken word that is relevant to a monthly theme. This month’s host is Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines Jr., a citizen of the Nipmuc people. This is a free event. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org/events.