NCMC Events From Around the State… December 12, 2011

1). SECCA The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts (SECCA and Foothills Brewing are proud to present “Crossroads @ SECCA #003”, the third and final installment of the new concert series’ inaugural season. “Crossroads @ SECCA #003” will take place on Saturday, December 16, from 5-9 p.m. at the McChesney Scott Dunn Auditorium, SECCA’s intimate 300-seat venue. Headlining the night will be the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the legendary Crescent City institution that’s called the French Quarter home for the past 50-plus years.

2). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents the newest installation in the Aquarium’s Spadefish Gallery, entitled “A Walk in the Woods: North Carolina’s Maritime Forests,” showcases the artistry of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA). On display from now to March 1, the creative works celebrate the rich animal and plant diversity of maritime forests along our coast. These unique ecosystems have adapted to the effects of salt spray and wind because of their proximity to the ocean. All pieces in the show are original and while other medium, such as watercolor or pastels, can be used, these pieces are at least 75 percent colored pencil.

3). HandsOn! the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, on Thursday, December 15th from 2:30-4:30 pm and make a dreidel. Learn how to make a dreidel and play the dreidel game. This game is a part of the Jewish holiday of Hannukkah which begins at sundown on December 20th. This drop-in activity is suited to a variety of ages and is free with $5.00 admission and free for members.

4). N.C. Museum of Forestry presents a special exhibit, Prehistoric Giants Ancient Fossil Discoveries, November 3 through July 8, 2012. Journey into the exciting world of dinosaurs now uncovered at the NC Museum of Forestry. Activate your imagination. Broaden your knowledge. Experience ancient fossil discoveries. Make rubbings of dinosaur footprints, unearth real fossils in the Fossil Dig Pit.

5). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents winter exhibition “Art of Faiths: Religions of the World: Tolerance and Diversity” – through February 11, 2012. A multi-year series exploring the diversity of faiths practiced worldwide and in our community. This year, we look at Christianity through the works of artists Ed Byers (Asheville, NC), Robert Doares (posthumously), and Michele Wood (Atlanta, GA). Using personal beliefs and experiences, each artist has created a body of work that conveys their exploration of Christianity. In the upcoming years, we will view the art of Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.

6). Hunter Library at Western Carolina University has released “Travel WNC” a new digital collection. The online exhibit includes images and commentary about 27 towns and communities in western North Carolina over five decades. Visitors can follow a route along footpaths and wagon trails in the 1890s, take a train ride in the 1910s, and drive by car along mountain roads in the 1930s. This digital resource makes rare and unique research materials images from Hunter Library’s Special Collections accessible to students, researchers, teachers, and the viewing public. Photographs and documents can be accessed from a searchable database.

7). Port Discover Preschoolers will learn all about liquids, solids, gases, solutions and mixtures during “Mix It Up,” Port Discover’s Toddler Time program, on Thursday, December 15 at 10:00 am. Children will make a salt bath solution to take home. The handmade bath salts can make a wonderful holiday gift from your child! Toddler Time is a special science program just for preschoolers, ages 3 – 5. Cost for the program is $5 per child and reservations are required. Parents or guardians must accompany the child.

8). The Mint Museum presents “Styling Competition: The New Modern Woman of Charlotte” on Tuesday, December 13th at 7pm. Students from The Art Institute of Charlotte have studied the museum's collection featured in the exhibition “Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman”. Five student teams, comprised of students from both the fashion and photography programs, researched Coco Chanel's fashion designs, held fashion shoots in the museum's galleries, and now they're unveiling to the public their interpretations for the new modern woman of Charlotte.

9). Reynolda House Museum will present the one-woman play “A Christmas Memory” on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. This year’s performance will mark the museum’s 25th anniversary of the play, adapted from the Truman Capote story. Admission is $8 for members and students, $12 for non-members. There’s a reason Reynolda House has presented “A Christmas Memory” for 25 years. This humble autobiographical story written by Capote never fails to stir personal memories and nostalgia for the real joys of the holiday season and remind us of the importance of spending time with family and loved ones, carrying on our own traditions.

10). Town Creek Indian Mound Stars have always been objects of wonder and provided guidance for travelers, as the Nativity Story reminds us at this time of year. Take a moment during the busy holiday season to gaze up at the beauty of the night sky at the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources' Town Creek Indian Mound on Saturday, Dec. 17. Beginning at 6 p.m., participants will have an opportunity to view not only the stars, but learn about various constellations in the night sky.