NCMC Events From Around the State… June 27, 2011

1). Turchin Center for the Visual Arts presents "Halpert Biennial Juror Talk" and afternoon tea reception on Sunday, July 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Juror Steven Matijcio, Curator of Contemporary Art at SECCA in Winston-Salem will share his perspective of the Halpert Biennial entries and announce the competition award winners.

2). Joel Lane Museum House The Joel Lane Museum House, “The Birthplace of Raleigh,” will sponsor its annual “Independence Day Open House” on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On the grounds, re-enactors will demonstrate various aspects of colonial life, and visitors will be able to participate in chores such as churning butter and carrying water in buckets. There will be old-fashioned crafts and games for the children and lemonade for all. The garden in its full summer glory will be on view, and herbs from the garden will be for sale. Local author, Suzanne Adair, will be here to sign and sell her historical novels. Authentically costumed volunteer interpreters from Historical Interpretations will add flavor.

3). Hands On! Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, a children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, is excited to announce a new volunteer program. Hands On! is fortunate to have Junior Volunteers, ages rising 5th grade and above, to act as “Playologists” this summer. Interested children can join trainings for this program until June 30th.

4). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Join popular science writer Rob Dunn for a lecture based on his new book, “The Wild Life of Our Bodies: Predators, Parasites, and Partners That Shape Who We Are Today” (HarperCollins, 2011), in which he uses the principles of evolutionary ecology to illustrate how humans have become increasingly disconnected from nature and are sicker because of it. The lecture, as well as a book sale and signing, will be held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Thursday, June 30, 7-9pm.

5). N.C. State Capitol Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs and your blankets, and enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend by attending this annual patriotic celebration on Monday, July 4. The North Carolina State Capitol will sponsor this free fun-filled family event that has become a downtown Raleigh tradition. For the second year, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for approximately 30 new citizens will take place at noon on the Capitol steps. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the event will offer the public a variety of musical performances, historical and military displays, carriage rides, and several hands-on and play activities for children to enjoy.

6). Museum of the Albemarle Join the Museum of the Albemarle and the Museum Gift Shop on Friday, July 1, for First Friday Art Walk. The Museum of the Albemarle will be open late from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with Elizabeth City’s First Friday. Start your Independence Celebration early by viewing the Museum’s “Our Story” colonial Section. View a Liberty Pole and shoe buckles of James Iredell, one of the first justices of the United States Supreme Court. . Enjoy the creative expressions of pottery in the “Formed, Fired, and Finished: North Carolina Art Pottery” exhibit. And, take a walk through the history of the U.S. Coast Guard in the “Out of the Blue: Coast Guard Aviation” gallery. Be sure to stop by the Museum Gift Shop and register for door prizes, (you don’t have to be present to win) and enjoy some light refreshments.

7). Weatherspoon Art Museum Marking the sixth year anniversary of the devastation that swept through New Orleans, the Weatherspoon presents a video installation, “A Man Screaming Is Not a Dancing Bear” (2008) by Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla. The artistic duo creates metaphors for political and social issues through alternative interpretations of cultural materials, particularly music and musical instruments. “A Man Screaming Is Not a Dancing Bear” integrates film footage shot by the artists in New Orleans and the Mississippi delta, where hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in 2005, with the rhythmic drumming of jazz. Through Sept. 18th.

8). Marbles Kids Museum presents First Friday at Marbles and Family GLEE! with NC Theatre – “Hairspray Dance Party!” on Friday, July 1 from 6:30pm-7:30pm - Museum open until 8:00pm. Join North Carolina Theatre as they present a blast of a dance party for the whole family! Watch a performance by NCT’s best HAIRSPRAY DANCERS and learn to groove as they teach you some cool ‘60’s dance moves. You can even make your own ‘60’s bouffant hair style with the help of Team Marbles! Kick off your 4th of July holiday celebration with NCT, MARBLES and HAIRSPRAY!

9). The Bascom On Thursday evening, July 7, enjoy a preview of the “Frank Stella: American Master” exhibition and the Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival Flower Show from 6-8 pm at The Bascom. The preview reception allows the first peek at the exciting Stella exhibition and the award-winning floral, horticultural and photography exhibitions that comprise the Flower Show. This will be a wonderful prelude to other Mountains in Boom events taking place from July 8-10 Tickets are $50 per person.

10). Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum presents “Muster 1861” on July 5, 10:30—11:30 a.m. Children’s programs focusing on aspects of the Civil War on Hatteras Island. Learn soldier slang in ‘Talk Like a Reb or a Yank’ and try your hand at Checkers or Pigs in a Pen. In ‘T-mail Not E-mail’ hear how the telegraph was used in the 1860s and use Morse code to make a name bracelet. Ages 6 and up.