1). The Gregg Museum of Art & Design, N.C. State, Raleigh, will host a gallery talk by Dan Bartlett, "The Missing Link: Evolution of the Sock Monkey," at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 6. The exhibit remains at the Museum through December 20.

2). The Orchid Conservatory, which will complete the next phase in a 50-year master plan, is scheduled to open its doors to the public on January 19, 2008, at noon at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont.

3). The Rosenzweig Gallery and the Jewish Heritage Foundation of N.C., Durham, are calling for submissions for the Sixth Annual Juried Art Exhibition -- the theme for the show will be "L'Chayim ... To Life." The call for submissions can be downloaded at www.jhfnc.org. Digital images of entries must be received by 5 p.m. on March 3, 2008.

4). The N.C. Museum of Forestry, Whiteville, recently unveiled its master plan for the creation of a wholly "green" addition to the existing museum and conversion of the current building to match the green concept of a projected $20 million structure.

5). "The Polar Express: The IMAX Experience" is arriving at Discovery Place, Charlotte on Friday, December 7th, and can be seen there through Thursday, January 17, 2008.

6). The Health Adventure, Asheville will hold Origami Workshops for children ages 6 and up on Saturday, December 8 -- beginners, from 11 a.m. to noon, and intermediate/advanced from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (free for members or included with museum admission). Other origami pieces can also be seen on the holiday tree on display through December 31.

7). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem will host the Children's Festival of Giving and Light on Friday, December 14, with a program starting at 4 p.m. (optional holiday art activity at 3:30 p.m.) for children, who must be accompanied by an adult; recommended age range is 4-12. Free. Holiday Parties for Older Adults are set for 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11; also free. Finally, a holiday concert by Carolina Brass will be held on December 20 at 8 p.m. ($12; $8 for members and students - call 336-758-5150 for info and tickets).