1). Asheville Art Museum: The Asheville Art Museum’s “smArt speak: Distinguished Artist Series” is pleased to offer Patron tickets to “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Works in Progress with Q+A” on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Patron tickets include admission to the event, preferred seating and a special dinner with the artists that evening! Patron tickets are $100 and are available by calling the Asheville Art Museum at (828) 253-3227.

2). Reynolda House Museum of American Art presents “African American Read-In” on Monday, February 2, at 11 a.m. Join a community of more than one million readers across the world observing the 19th annual African American Read-In Chain. The event is held in recognition of Black History Month, and the public is invited to the Museum to share favorite passages from the writings of contemporary and historical black authors.

3). Core Sound Waterfowl Museum presents a class on “Bird Photography” on February 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come discover techniques to improve your bird photography with award-winning photographer, Mark Buckler. Through a presentation and in-the-field instruction, we will explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to capture compelling images. We will plan to visit a near-by waterfowl area to practice some techniques, so please dress accordingly and bring your camera. If time permits, we will also review some of the images that were taken during the field trip portion of the class. All classes begin at the Museum. Registration is required – call the museum at 728-1500.

4). Cameron Art Museum presents “Gallery Talk: CM O’Neal, painter” on Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. Program admission is by donation. Explore exhibitions from an area artist's point of view in this informal tour and discussion with painter Cynthia Marie O’Neal.

5). N.C. Museum of History presents its Eighth Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Feel the spirit and energy of the state’s African American culture and heritage during one of the year’s largest events. The celebration offers something for all ages: musical performances, step dancing, storytelling, craft and cooking demonstrations, art displays, hands-on activities, and more. Come experience this exciting festival filled with firsthand opportunities to learn about the state’s African Americans, past and present. Stay for lunch and purchase foods from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza, directly outside the museum.

6). Gregg Museum of Art and Design: The Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NC State University is pleased to present “Thomas Sayre: New Work” from January 22 – May 10, 2009. Sayre will also speak about his work as a part of our Artists & Objects lecture series. The lecture will be at the Gregg Museum on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7 p.m.