NCMC Events From Around the State… June 30, 2009

1). Mint Museum of Art presents Passionate Journey: The Grice Collection of Native American Art – an exhibition on view at the Mint Museum of Art July 18 – October 17, 2009. The depth and breadth of modern Native American art is featured in “Passionate Journey: The Grice Collection of Native American Art”. From Alaska to Guatemala, the exhibition highlights personal expressions in ceramics, basketry, textiles and performance masks. These distinctive works are the outward expressions of personal and religious ideologies, commentaries on social and political conditions, and the material manifestation of cultural survival.

2). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is proud to present Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, December 6, 2009. The public is invited to an opening reception for the exhibition with artists on Friday, July 10, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. “Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed” will examine different aspects of late 20th and early 21st century Cherokee carving. The exhibition will include both stone and wood carvings and focuses on artists working in Western North Carolina today.

3). Roanoke Island Festival Park in partnership with the Town of Manteo and Musical Theatre students from Western Carolina University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts will perform as part of the America Celebrates program on July 4th at 8:00 p.m. at Roanoke Island Festival Park. The performance and fireworks, provided by the Town of Manteo, will be held at the park’s Outdoor Pavilion. The program is free and open to the public, and handicapped parking will be available at the park.

4). Museum of the Albemarle Join the Museum of the Albemarle on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm for a high-seas adventure in a one day camp. Participants will discover the pirates that sailed the coast of North Carolina, the ships that were sailed and weapons used. Enjoy creative activities centered on pirate lore, legend and history. Snacks and box lunch will be provided. Limited space and registration required. Fee for program if registered by Friday, July 10, 2009: $20.00 per person or $18.00 for FOMOA Members. After Friday, July 10, 2009: $25.00 per person or $22.00 for FOMOA Members.

5). The Bascom Festival goers will have the chance to enjoy on-site creation by 16 different artists in the garden during The Bascom's annual Mountains in Bloom. Set for July 7-11, the festival features a Highlands garden tour, a flower show and photography competition, a home and garden shop, a Giverny in Highlands Patrons Party and lectures by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Chip Callaway and Margie Shambaugh. The garden tour is a major highlight of Mountains in Bloom, featuring expansive mountain vistas with woodland trails, elaborate cottage gardens full of wonder and delight, and access to the majestic Highlands Falls waterfall.

6). Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens presents African American Lecture, guest speakers include Dr. Reginald Watson “New Bern Literary Read In” on Saturday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come learn about the historical legacy of African American writers in North Carolina. Meet historians and present day authors, hear their stories and purchase their works in this recitation, reception and book fair. This event is co-sponsored by Shelia Peele-Miller, author.

7). Onslow County Museum Onslow County Museum is pleased to announce that it has opened its summer children's discovery gallery Fun and Games IV: Fossils. This interactive prehistoric adventure and discovery gallery includes an indoor fossil hunt. The discovery gallery will be open through October. A special family fun pass is available for $15.00 per household and is good for unlimited visits to the museum throughout the duration of the exhibit.

8). Historic Halifax State Historic Site To celebrate the 233rd anniversary of our nation’s independence, Historic Halifax is presenting a day of patriotic and family-friendly activities at both the state historic site and throughout the colonial-era town on July 4th. From 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., visitors may enjoy historic building tours, colonial toys and games, a parachutist jump, rock music, a traditional fireworks display and even a lawn dance. Entrance to this public July 4th celebration is free.

9). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA proudly presents the 2009 4th of July Celebration featuring the 440th North Carolina Army National Guard Band and the “Battleship Blast” brought to you by the City of Wilmington, US Cellular, Food Lion, WECT TV-6, and 102.7 WGNI. So head Downtown to Water Street for the Street Fair which includes fun, food, music and fireworks. The entertainment schedule at Riverfront Park in front of the Federal Building includes will begin at 5:00, so come early to enjoy all the festivities. At 9:05pm the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA hosts the 13th Annual “Battleship Blast” fireworks spectacular.

10). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Spend summer on the water with the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Aquarium offers a canoeing program that takes participants on a three-hour exploration of the Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve, considered to be one of the most unusual areas of the North Carolina coasts. Common animals seen while touring the salt marsh include pelicans, seagulls, egrets, herons, ibis, sea turtles, and dolphins. Upcoming canoeing classes are Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 9:00am and Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 2:00 pm.