NCMC Events From Around the State… December 26, 2011

1). Tryon Palace presents “Twelfth Night with the Stanlys” on January 5th at 6, 7, and 8pm at the Stanly House at Tryon Palace. The Stanly family cordially invites you to attend their grand Twelfth Night party - January 5th, 1803. Join in the festivities with traditional entertainments in the historic Stanly home, including light refreshments. Who knows, you may even be crowned King and Queen of the evening! To make your reservation, call 252-639-3524.

2). N.C. Museum of History presents “History à la Carte: The War of 1812 in North Carolina” on Wednesday, Jan. 11th, 12:10-1 p.m, with speaker James Greathouse, Transportation and Local History Museum, Fayetteville.. Bring your lunch; beverages provided. Discover North Carolina’s role in “America’s Second War for Independence.” Greathouse will discuss prominent individuals such as Otway Burns, Johnston Blakeley, Dolley Madison and Benjamin Forsyth.

3). Guilford College Art Gallery presents “Esse Quam Videri: Self Portraits by Bahraini Muslims”, from January 9-February 29, 2012. Opening reception: Wednesday, January 11, 5-7 pm; comments by Todd Drake, artist/collaborator, 5:30 pm. An exhibition featuring 24 portraits collaboratively created by Muslims living in Bahrain and artist Todd Drake, and resulting from a Fulbright-Hayes Grant and support from the U.S. State Department.

4). Fort Fisher State Historic Site As part of the state’s observance of the NC Civil War Sesquicentennial, Fort Fisher State Historic Site will host “The Lights of the Great Armada: the 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher” on January 21-22, 2012. This two-day event will highlight the largest amphibious assault of the Civil War with a Navy and Marine living history program that will include small arms and artillery demonstrations throughout the weekend, a period torpedo exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January, 1865.

5). Weatherspoon Art Museum presents Noon @ the 'Spoon Tour: "Altered States & Visions" on Tuesday, Jan 10, 12 noon. Noon @ the 'Spoon features a 20-minute docent-led tour of a new exhibition. Offered every second Tuesday of the month. Free.

6). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a behind the scenes tour of unrestored areas of the Battleship on Saturday, January 14, 2012.The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. The tour is limited to ages 12 and older and limited to 40 participants per time slot. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, January 12th.

7). HandsOn! On Wednesday, January 4th, Hands On!, the children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville, will be hosting a program in honor of Braille Literacy Week. Children can come to the museum all day and learn how to write their name in Braille. They will learn a little bit about the history of Braille and leave with their name on a card written in Braille. This program is designed for all ages.

8). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to present “Traditions in Cherokee Basket Making” on Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Museum’s Holden Community Gallery (first floor of the Museum). Cherokee storyteller Davy Arch will share stories of the Eastern Cherokee’s history and culture during this special event, followed by a live artist demonstration of traditional Cherokee basket making techniques.

9). Cameron Art Museum presents a lecture with artist Charlie Brouwer on Thurs. Jan. 12th from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Program admission: CAM Members: Free, Non-members: $5.00. Charlie Brouwer is an artist from Floyd County, Virginia. Ladders have often occurred in his sculptures and installations. “Rise Up Wilmington” will be the latest in a series of temporary public art projects he has been creating with communities. These projects are designed to bring the art and artist into closer contact with his audience – especially new audiences.

10). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Aquarist Apprentice” on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Check out a dirty job you’re sure to love. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live, and how to care for them. Then, assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Pre-registration required.

NCMC Events From Around the State… December 19, 2011

1). Greensboro Children’s Museum presents New Years Rockin’ Eve “Eve Party” with Big Bang Boom on Friday, December 30th, 11:45am. Let's romp and stomp with some creative noise makers in creation station, parade down GCM's Main Street and rock out with Big Bang Boom! We will countdown to "Noon" Year's Eve Eve! Don't miss this last chance to party in 2011 at the Museum!

2). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Give yourself and your little elves a holiday break at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. “Holiday Elf Camp” offers children ages 5-12 years old the opportunity to become Santa’s little helpers and learn, too. Campers will make gifts, wrap them, meet other elves and create memories at the Aquarium. Each day features a different animal theme. Children may be registered for one, two or three days of camp. The program fee of $50 per day includes Aquarium admission, pizza lunch, snacks, crafts, holiday gift-wrap and instruction. Camp dates are Dec. 21, 22, and 23.

3). N.C. Museum of History presents “History Corner: Scots-Irish” on Wednesday, January 4th from 10-11am, ages 6-9 with adult, $1 per person. Who are the Scots-Irish? Find out where they settled and the traditions they introduced to North Carolina. This hands-on program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library.

4). HandsOn! Come into Hands On!- A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, on Thursday, December 22nd and Friday, December 23rd from 10:00 am -5:00 pm and make your own Christmas ornament. Materials will be available in our Party Room to create delightful Christmas ornaments for you to take home or decorate the Hands On! Christmas tree. This drop-in activity is suited to a variety of ages and is free with $5.00 admission and free for members. Girl scouts will be helpful elves and assist children with their creations.

5). Museum of the Albemarle The Museum of the Albemarle will be open on Christmas Eve from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. During your visit to the museum you may enjoy the Victorian-style decorations in the lobby and visit our galleries. There will be a matinee viewing of the holiday movie “Mr. Christmas” at 1:00 pm and 2:30. “Mr. Christmas” is a period film set in 1941 just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

6). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA In the middle of May, 2011, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, began work on hull repairs to the Starboard Bow. On Friday, November 29, 2011, the State of North Carolina and Battleship accepted completion of the bow repair project. Taylor Brothers Marine Construction, a NC based company, completed the project within the contract time frame and under budget. As completion of one project comes to closure, a new project is being undertaken by Taylor Brothers to repair the main and forward mast.

7). Reynolda House Reynolda House Museum of American Art opened “Domestic Bliss: Art at Home in Britain and America, 1780–1840,” a small, focused exhibition on Dec. 17, 2011. The exhibition will be on view in the West Bedroom Gallery of the historic house through May 20, 2012. Admission to this exhibition, as well as “Modern Masters from the Smithsonian American Art Museum,” on view through Dec. 31, is included in the price of admission to Reynolda House.

8). Natural Science Center of Greensboro On December 21, 2011 at 1pm, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro (NSC) will unveil its newest exhibit for its oldest new resident, Bone-Crusher, a 92 year old alligator snapping turtle. Alligator snappers are the largest freshwater turtles in North America growing up to 250 lbs. with unsubstantiated reports of specimens exceeding 400 lbs. With a spiked shell (averaging two feet long), beaklike jaws, and a thick, scaled tail, this species is often referred to as the "dinosaur of the turtle world." Though exact life expectancy is unknown, it is believed that their lifespan rivals that of giant land tortoises and can exceed 150 years.

9). Guilford College Art Gallery presents “Esse Quam Videri: Self Portraits by Bahraini Muslims”, from January 9-February 29, 2012. Opening reception: Wednesday, January 11, 5-7 pm; comments by Todd Drake, artist/collaborator, 5:30 pm. An exhibition featuring 24 portraits collaboratively created by Muslims living in Bahrain and artist Todd Drake, and resulting from a Fulbright-Hayes Grant and support from the U.S. State Department.

10). Museum of the Albemarle will hold “Pre-Schooler Time” on Thursday, January 12, 2012 and Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:00 am. Participants must be between the ages of 3 to 5 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-Schoolers will discover how people in the Albemarle Region have enjoyed music by viewing various instruments from the Museum’s collection, read a book, and participate in a hands-on activity. This is a free family program.

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.

NCMC Events From Around the State… December 5, 2011

1). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Santa spends a festive evening at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher and you’re invited to join him. “Santa’s SEAcret Supper” features a kid-friendly dinner with Saint Nick from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. SEAcret Supper guests will enjoy a SEAcret Scavenger hunt, holiday crafts, cookie-decorating, touch-tank fun, and, of course, dinner with the Jolly Old Elf himself. As a highlight of the evening, Santa will dive with sharks, stingrays and green moray eels inside the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit. Tickets will be $12 per person, but children 2 and younger are free. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Reservations are required and will be taken until December 11.

2). Cape Fear Museum launched a series of four community conversations entitled “Making Choices, Taking Sides: Life in North Carolina during the Civil War and Reconstruction” in October. The next part of the series is “The Combatants” on Tuesday, December 13th, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Dr. Joseph Glatthaar, author and professor at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and Dr. Chris Fonvielle, author and professor at University of North Carolina Wilmington, discuss how Southerners of both races made the choice to fight, and what their experiences were in the Confederate Army and in the U.S. Army.

3). Textile Heritage Museum presents “A Mill Village Christmas” on Saturday December 10, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Instead of being a fund-raiser, the Textile Heritage Museum is open for a FREE tour as a holiday gift to you. Refreshments will be served at the museum, and we’ll have a special exhibit for you to enjoy. Ann Hobgood will have her house on tour, decked out with LOTS of decorations, vintage wreaths, and trees – even a new one! She is creating lots of art these days, so you will be able to see the latest and tour her studio and working areas.

4). Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Fifty soldiers of the Royal Colony of North Carolina arrived on a hilltop near present-day Statesville in 1755. By the next spring, they had completed a three-story log barracks that would be known as Fort Dobbs. Visit Fort Dobbs on Dec. 10 for a glimpse into the daily lives of the provincial soldiers as they prepare for the first winter at their new post. Living history interpreters will present musket and cannon firing demonstrations, as well as on-going demonstrations of 18th-century military camp life. Free programs run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5). Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Cookies and caroling will be among the delights of the first annual “Christmas Open House” on Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon until 4 p.m. Vintage Santa Claus displays, twinkling lights and a holiday village will make for festive times at the free family-friendly event. Even the animatronic dog and bear and a snowman or two will be part of the fun. Children will enjoy making nautical bracelets and stencils. A variety of homemade soups will warm the soul, and door prizes will be given. All donations brought for the food bank will earn a 5-percent discount in the gift shop and also a special holiday bag.

6). Tryon Palace presents “Christmas Candlelight” on Saturdays, December 10th and 17th from 5-9pm. Experience an 18th-century candlelit Christmas celebration! The evening program includes a tour through the Palace (and perhaps a word or two with the Governor), performances by Tryon Palace's Fife and Drum Corps and Jonkonnu, and a variety of 18th-century entertainments. The evening ends with a grand illumination over the South Lawn. Call 252-639-3524 for reservations and group bookings.

7). Cameron Art Museum presents Wilmington Choral Society: “Christmas @ CAM V” on Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 11, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. CAM Members and Students: $5.00 Non-Members: $10.00. Ring in the season with family and friends and enjoy holiday music with the Wilmington Choral Society. This popular seasonal concert is in its fifth year at CAM and continues to delight and play to large audiences for each of the two performances. Ensure you have your seats, purchase on CAM’s website.

8). Asheville Art Museum presents Film Screenings @ the Museum: “Women In Boxes” on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 (2:00 p.m. daily). Free with Membership or Museum Admission. The magic world’s silent partners—magicians’ assistants—speak up in this candid documentary revealing that while they may be mute onstage, they are brimming with opinions after the curtain falls. Much like the art of Josef Albers, which often creates optical illusions and conveys a sense of containment, magician assistants’ work relies entirely on their ability to create visually perceived images that do not exist in reality, often utilizing boxes and other forms of containment on stage. Held in conjunction with the exhibition “Homage2”.

9). SciWorks presents “SciWorks Annual Holiday Open House!” on Friday, December 9th from 4-8pm. Join us for a "warm and toasty" evening at SciWorks! Santa promised to stop by! Holiday laser shows in the Planetarium, make an ornament for SciWorks' tree - and make one to take home! Take a stroll to the barnyard on the path lit with luminaries! (Barnyard open until 7pm.) Enjoy live holiday music with the Winston-Salem Suzuki Guitar Ensemble and the Twin City Tuba Band! Light refreshments will be served! Bring friends – free admission for all!

10). Bennett Place State Historic Site The smells and tastes of seasonal delights of smoked ham, potato and sausage soup, biscuits, mincemeat pie, and other period pleasures will greet you at the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources' Bennett Place State Historic Site. The “Christmas in the Carolinas During the Civil War” program on Saturday, Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will showcase a traditional Christmas observance of North Carolina farm families in the 1860s.

11). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Sunday December 11: Free Holiday Open House 1 – 4pm Tour four floors of museum exhibits, view our themed Christmas trees, shop for holiday gifts, plus enjoy light refreshments and holiday music provided by Almost Irish. This event is Free to the public.

12). Fort Fisher State Historic Site Tap into the Christmas spirit and share holiday cheer as Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach sponsors its “Holiday Open House” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day!

13). Hickory Museum of Art presents a gallery talk on Sunday, December 11 at 2 PM by Sandy Rusak, Director of Education at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). Learn more about “Rembrandt in America”, currently on exhibit at NCMA. Also on December 11, the Museum welcomes doll-maker Louis Nunnery at 3 PM. Louis will share a few words about his work which is currently on exhibit at the Museum. Light refreshments will be served.

14). N.C. Maritime Museum at Beaufort presents Civil War Lecture Series: “One Good Port: Beaufort Harbor, 1862-1865” on December 10th 3:00 pm. Historian Dan Blair will outline the Union Navy’s development and use of the Beaufort Harbor during the war, describing normal operations in Beaufort and how the area was tied into the broader war effort.