1). Ackland Art Museum presents a special exhibition drawn from one of the most extensive private collections of prints and posters associated with industry and labor. “At the Heart of Progress: Coal, Iron, and Steam since 1750 - Industrial Imagery from the John P. Eckblad Collection” (January 24 - May 17, 2009) includes approximately seventy-five pieces selected from the collection of Dr. John P. Eckblad.

2). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents fundraiser Oyster Roast 2009 on Saturday, January 24th, 2009, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m., at the Waterworks Visual Arts Center and the F&M Trolley Barn, Salisbury. Tickets are on sale now! Adults only - $65 in advance, $75 day of the event (unless sold out). Call 704-636-1882 for tickets.

3). Battleship North Carolina presents “Hidden Battleship” on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Tour times: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. See the Battleship like you never have before! Small groups will be taken behind-the-scenes to areas not on the regular tour from down in the brig (ship’s jail) to high up in the fire control tower to large, complex engineering spaces. The tours will last approximately three hours; the price of $45 includes admission to the Ship. Friends of the Battleship members pay $35. You must be 12 years or older to participate. Wear comfortable, warm clothing and sturdy, rubber-soled shoes; bring a camera, but no large backpacks. For more information: 910-251-5797.

4). Port Discover: Port Discover: Northeastern North Carolina’s Center for Hands-On Science, is recruiting volunteers to assist at Port Discover. Volunteer hours are available in the afternoon, both weekdays and weekends. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with children’s programs at Port Discover, greeting the visitors, and helping at occasional special events and outreach programs.

5). Cameron Art Museum presents “Forward Motion Dance Company” on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. An evening of contemporary dance featuring the 2008 interdisciplinary work “Essential Nature” with film by Justin Plakas, music by local artists Barefoot Machete and The Title Ceremony, and costumes created by Lee Wainwright of Costume Technology Integration. The performances include choreography by Tracey Varga, the FMD company dancers: Jeneen Cleare, Kate Neely, Tracie Smith, Mary Tavares, Kristin Tait, Tracey Varga, Ashely Yates, and guest artists from the YWCA modern-jazz class. Program admission is by donation.

6). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Soar into the new year with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' 19th annual ”Astronomy Days,” on Saturday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, noon to 5 p.m. Experience more than 50 exciting exhibits, hands-on activities and presentations on all four floors of the Museum and outside on Bicentennial Plaza over the course of this free, two-day event. Safely view the sun and incredible solar flares through amazing solar telescopes, meet local astronomy enthusiasts to find out how to get started yourself, and learn about live animals of the constellations.