NCMC Events From Around the State… July 11, 2011

1). SECCA Get ready for a soul-satisfying night of funk and R&B music as the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts (SECCA) and Foothills Brewing present “Crossroads @ SECCA #002”, the second installment of its brand new Crossroads concert series launched earlier this year. “Crossroads @ SECCA #002” will take place on Saturday, July 23, from 7-10 p.m. at the McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium, SECCA’s intimate 300-seat venue. Headlining the concert will be Charles Walker & The Dynamites, a Nashville-based nine-piece fronted by Walker, a soul veteran who opened for James Brown at the Apollo Theater and shared bills with Jackie Wilson, Etta James and Wilson Pickett, among many more.

2). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Visitors to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher this summer will find a new exhibit in the Exotic Aquatics Gallery. Aquarium staff has added white-spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) to its collection. The Exotic Aquatics Gallery traditionally features non-native marine species. Guests can learn more about the life cycle of a jellyfish while viewing these beautiful animals. This exhibit furthers the Aquarium’s objective to educate the public on the importance of well-balanced ecosystems.

3). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is honored to welcome back renowned pianist John Cobb, who will once again perform at a very special Pianoforte recital on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the Museum’s Gallery 6. Tickets to this event are $6 for Museum Members and students and $8 + Museum admission for Non-Members. His performance is part of the Museum’s distinguished Pianoforte Concert series.

4). Weatherspoon Art Museum presents exhibition: "Henri Matisse: In Two and Three Dimensions (Jul 2 - Oct 2, 2011). An artist whose radical style left a lasting mark on modern art, Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954) was attracted to the female human body and used it as one of the primary themes in his work. In paintings, works on paper, and sculptures, the artist created figures that are emotionally powerful without necessarily being anatomically detailed or accurate. This exhibition presents side-by-side displays of two- and three-dimensional work by Matisse to showcase how the artist linked themes, imagery, and processes over the course of his career.

5). Transylvania Heritage Museum presents “4th Friday Gallery Walk at the Museum” on July 22, -- Music by "Main Street Mary and The Honky Tonk Boys". Handcrafts on the Lawn: Local crafters demonstrate & sell. Check out the latest exhibits in the Museum. Heritage Gifts shop will also be open offering many locally made items. Suggested donation $5 adults, $2 children.

6). Maria V. Howard Arts Center at the Imperial Centre Rocky Mount photographer Charlie Killebrew spent 55 years photographing events, disasters, and everyday life. Selections from the Braswell Memorial Library Killebrew Collection are on display at the Maria V. Howard Arts Center in downtown Rocky Mount now through September 11, 2011. The exhibit samples an extraordinary visual documentation of the latter half of the 20th century in North Carolina’s twin counties.

7). The Bascom presents “Grounded in Nature: Paper”, a three-dimensional handcrafted sculpture by Charleston based paper artist Jocelyn Chateauvert that runs through September 4. During a visit to the exhibition, visitors are invited to enter the artist’s wonderful creative world and make your own sculpture. Paper samples will be provided. This exhibition in the Loft Gallery, is sponsored by Frances Bunzl.

8). Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Join one of the Turchin Center’s volunteer docents for a 30–45 minute tour of a current exhibition every Saturday during the month of July at 2pm. These free “mini tours” will focus on different aspects or components of an exhibition or artist. Topics include: Girls, Derangements and Distortions, Selections from the Turchin Center Permanent Collection, Chromata: Laura Berman, and An Appalachian Vision.

9). Port Discover Spend the morning in our “Kids Grow” garden exploring the basic needs of plants. We’ll get your hands dirty and then enjoy yummy snacks made from the garden during “Chef Me,” Port Discover’s Toddler Time program, on Thursday, July 14 at 10:00 am. Remember your sunblock! Programs in “Kids Grow” garden is made possible by a grant from AgCarolina Financial. Toddler Time is a special science program just for preschoolers, ages 3 – 5. Cost for the program is $5 per family and reservations are required. Parents or guardians must accompany the child.