1). The Hickory Museum of Art and Catawba Science Center will kick off the shopping season with a Holiday Open House in their shops, on Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors a 10% discount on all non-consigned merchandise, and an additional 10% discount for members. Also, John Coffey will give a Gallery Talk at HMA on Sunday, Nov. 18th at 2:30 p.m. in the Shuford Gallery.

2). At the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington: a Gallery Talk with Mark Flood, Friday, November 16 at 7 p.m.; a Lecture, "Collectors on Collecting: Illuminated Manuscripts," on Sunday, November 18 at 3 p.m.; and Film, "Paintings from Miniature to Large Scale," at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 25.

3). The "11-Month Affiliate Artists Exhibition" opens November 16 at the McColl Center for Visual Art, Charlotte, and remains through January 19, 2008, featuring the work of three artists.

4). The Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum, Sedalia, celebrated its 20th anniversary with special events on November 7.

5). The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Wilmington will offer its Learning Center program on Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, on the subject of "The Science of Toys," open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. each day. Free with museum admission; parental participation required. Also, Sunday, December 2 is a Residents Free Day for New Hanover County residents (1-5 p.m.).

6). The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh will hold a special presentation by Dale Russell, "Parenthood and Life's Hazards for Dinosaurs," at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 7, in conjunction with First Friday, when the museum will be open until 9 p.m. Live music and a movie are also on tap for First Friday.

7). The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is supporting the 88th Annual Children's Book Week (Nov. 12-18) with public readings for children at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, in support of childhood literacy.

8). The Asheville Art Museum's Holiday Market will be held Tuesday, November 13 through Sunday, November 18 during regular museum hours.

9). The State Archives Search Room, Raleigh, has reopened after its renovation and is open for business on its normal operating schedule: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed noon to 1 p.m.

10). J. Myrick Howard of Preservation North Carolina will speak on his recently released book, "Buying Time for Heritage: How to Save an Endangered Historic Property" at the New Hanover County Main Library, Wilmington, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, sponsored by the Friends of New Hanover Library, the Historic Wilmington Foundation and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.

11). "Wordplay: Text and Modern Art" is the new special exhibition opening at Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem on Tuesday, November 13, and remaining through May 4, 2008. The exhibit will be in the house's West Bedroom Gallery.