Three Japanese artists currently in residence at Davidson, as part of a broader project in North and South Carolina, will be the focus of a reception on Thursday, October 12, from 7-9 p.m. in the Belk Visual Arts Center. Their installations will be on exhibit in the Smith and Van Every Galleries, Davidson College, from October 13 to December 6. Visit the Forces of Nature website for more information.

The Asheville Art Museum will offer its annual Museum Shop Holiday Market from October 31 through November 5, with a special event from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, November 3, including refreshments and free gift wrapping at the Pack Place Front Gallery.

The North Carolina Collection Gallery will open a major exhibition on North Carolina maps on October 19, and host a conference in November to include presentations by map experts from multiple locations. The Defining A State: A Selection of Maps of North Carolina, 1776-1860 exhibit will remain through January 31, 2007. The conference (Nov. 3-4) will be held in the Louis Round Wilson Library. For more information, visit their website or call (919) 962-1172.

The Light Factory, Charlotte will honor Jonathan Taplin, movie producer and entertainment investment expert, with a Power of Image Award on October 25th, and Herman Stone, C.E.O of Consolidated Theatres, with the inaugural Pillar of Image Award. Current exhibits include (Id) An Exhibit of Self-Portraiture and Mexico: Between Life and Death.

Discovery Place, Charlotte, is holding the IMAX Festival through November 19, featuring Everest, Deep Sea, Forces of Nature and Lost Worlds: Life in the Balance. Visit their website for details.

The Third Thursday Family Fun Night (October 19) at Gaston County Museum, Dallas, will be a Victorian Halloween Party. Check their website or call (704) 922-7681 for more info.

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is planning its Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea event from 5-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 26 -- ticket sales end at 7:45 p.m. the family friendly event special admission fee is $6; numerous special activities are planned. (910) 458-8257 for information.

Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee, will wrap its 2006 season on Sunday, October 22. The replica of a 1700s-era village will reopen in May. Visitor details: call toll-free 866-554-4557; for general area information, visit their website.

The McColl Center for Visual Art will open the Design Made in Africa exhibit on November 17; it remains open through January 6, 2007. The opening reception and open house is set for November 17, 6-9 p.m. See their website or call (704) 332-5535 for more details.