1). Asheville Art Museum : The Asheville Art Museum’s “smArt speak: Distinguished Artist Series” proudly presents Faith Ringgold: “More Than 50 Years” on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. As part of its 60th Anniversary Celebration, the Asheville Art Museum brings multi-faceted artist Faith Ringgold to Western North Carolina audiences. “Personal Narrative” is the theme of the constellation of programs for Ringgold. Her work as a painter, textile artist and children’s book author explores the African-American experience both personally and in a more universal way.

2). Port Discover: Port Discover presents “A Star Party,” a special family evening of starlight and enlightenment, on Friday evening, November 7, at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to Port Discover members. Program cost for non-members is $10 per family. Guests will be treated to the use of telescopes and tours of the skies, guided by Billy Younger, instructor of physics and astronomy at the College of the Albemarle. Also at Port Discover: Learn the basics of the scientific method with Dr. Maille Lyons, postdoctoral research scientist at Old Dominion University. How do I make a hypothesis? What is the control? Why is it necessary to repeat my experiment? Find out how to choose, design, and execute an experiment for a successful science fair project. Programs are set for Saturday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Reservations are requested.

3). Federation of N.C. Historical Societies presents at their Fall Workshop - “Hands-On History: Object-Based Learning and Craft Activities” on Saturday, November 8, 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the North Carolina Museum of History. Discover how to engage visitors through activities based on artifacts in your collection during the Federation’s workshop. Object-based learning builds on that interest by giving people the tools to investigate an artifact and find how it connects to themselves as well as the larger world.

4). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is proud to announce the successful birth of six guitarfish, born October 10. An x-ray the previous week confirmed the mother was pregnant. Hap Fatzinger, aquarium curator said, “Because of challenges x-raying other cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays, we were excited when our pregnancy suspicions were confirmed.”

5). Davidson College Visual Art Center presents “Beloved Daughters: The Photographs of Fazal Sheikh Exhibition” running from October 17-December 10, 2008. The exhibit features the photographs of Fazal Sheikh's Moksha (Heaven, 2005) and Ladli (Beloved Daughters, 2007).

6). Museum of the Albemarle will hold “Pre-Schooler Time” on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Participants must be between the ages of 3 to 5 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-schoolers will discover how the Native Americans made clay pots, they’ll read a book and participate in a creative activity. For more information, contact Lori Meads at 252-335-1453. Also at Museum of the Albemarle: “Lightships: Floating Lighthouses of the Mid-Atlantic,” a lecture and book signing by author Wayne Kirklin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. Mr. Kirklin is an Associate Historian with the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation.

7). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Is it dead or alive? Human or inhuman? Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh and you'll know, you'll see, you'll feel the awful creeping crawling terror that stands your hair on end and brings a scream to your lips. Aauugghh!! Watch in horror as Boris Karloff brings "The Mummy" to life for this month's Natural Horror Picture Show on Friday, November 7 at 7 p.m. Free.

8). Cameron Art Museum: “Bob DeYoung: installation {phantasm}” opens to the public at the Cameron Art Museum Friday, November 7 and will remain on view through April 26, 2009. A public reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 7-9 p.m. (museum members 6-7 p.m.). Contemporary artist Bob DeYoung has created his site-specific installation in a 1440 square foot gallery of the Cameron Art Museum. DeYoung works and lives in Europe, Japan and the United States, and maintains a residence and studio in Wilmington. De Young’s work ranges from objects to performance art and room installations.