ncmuseums

An occasional list of exhibits, programs, and events at North Carolina museums. Sponsored by the North Carolina Museums Council.

Monday, July 30, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… July 30, 2012


The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms are available on the NCMC web site.

1). Port Discover  Port Discover will offer week full of aviation adventure during the “Aviation Camp,” taking place from August 6 – 10 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. Campers will spend one day checking out the U. S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City! Throughout the week, they will be building gliders with local aviation scientists and pilots and learning about the physics of flight and much more!

2). Catawba County Historical Association The patriotic music of the 19th century will be heard once again when the 8th Regiment Band strikes up for a very special concert on August 11, 2012 in honor of Soldiers Reunion in downtown Newton, NC. The 8th Regiment Band will present a special Civil War Anniversary concert at the 1924 Courthouse, 30 North College Avenue, Newton, NC from 7:00 until 9:00 PM on August 11, 2012. A reception hosted by the Catawba County Historical Association will follow after the performance so that those attending can meet and talk with members of the band and see the Civil War exhibition “Soldiers and Scribes: The Civil War Letters from Catawba Soldiers.” Tickets are $10.00 per person.

3). Maria V. Howard Arts Center  presents “55th National Juried Art Show” on Oct. 6, 2012 – Jan. 20, 2013. Eligible works: all fine arts media 2D, 3D. $3300 in Awards. Best In Show becomes part of the Arts Center’s Permanent Collection. Juror: Dan Early, Creative Director Artsee Magazine. Deadline for entries: August 3, 2012. Open to US artists 18 years of age and older. Enter up to 4 works for $25 entry fee.

4). Discovery Place The campaign trail gets a little wilder this summer when Discovery Place and the EpiCentre bring a nonpartisan contest to Uptown Charlotte, offering a chance at victory for anyone willing to get in the race. Beginning July 30, a total of 24 specially-marked donkey and elephant toy animals will be hidden throughout the EpiCentre and its resident businesses. Each ‘political animal’ will be redeemable for two tickets to Discovery Place. The scavenger hunt, open to the public, offers a game-changing opportunity to get involved in the culture and excitement of Discovery Place, one of the state’s most visited and beloved educational destinations, while exploring the heart of the Democratic National Convention’s host city.

5). Museum of the Albemarle  presents “Summer Fun: School Days” on August 8, 2012, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Get ready to go back to school by taking a trip to a schoolroom of the past. In conjunction with the Museum of the Albemarle’s “Under Both Flags: Civil War in the Albemarle” and “Discover the Civil War through Photography” we will give a glimpse of a school day during the 1860s. Explore the difference between schools of the North and the South. Check out the difference between school rules of the past and your school rules today. A classroom will be set up to represent a city school in the North and will be taught by a schoolmarm. Read from McGuffey’s Readers, solve arithmetic problems on a slate and “make your manners” to the schoolmarm. Watch out, though! You might be crowned with the “dunce cap” if you’re not careful.

6). HandsOn!  Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, a children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, is excited to announce “Local Food Day” on Tuesday, August 7th from 10am to 2pm. Cost to attend is included in $5 admission and is free for museum members. “Local Food Day is co-sponsored by the Hendersonville Community Co-op and we are looking forward to learning about local food pathways through coloring sheet activities, bumper stickers, handouts and free snacking,” said Beth Bockoven, Operations Manager. Be sure to join us and learn something new!

7). Natural Science Center of Greensboro  Kick off the dog days of summer with the Natural Science Center (NSC) and The Fresh Market at the third annual “Wild Watermelon Day” on Friday, August 3 at the Science Center! Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., visitors will get to sample fresh watermelon provided by The Fresh Market, take part in watermelon-themed crafts, games and family activities and watch animals devour their own tasty, sweet watermelon treats. As visitors enjoy the fresh watermelon samples and activities, the animals in Animal Discovery will have fun sniffing, crushing, eating and playing with the all-American summer fruit. The schedule for the animals to get their treats is as follows: tigers at 11:00 a.m., lemurs at 11:30 a.m., gibbons at 12:00 p.m., tortoises and meerkats at 12:30 p.m. and the otters and farmyard animals at 1:00 p.m. All crafts, face-painting, games and activities for kids will take place throughout the two hour event in the zoo.

8). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences What would we do without trees? They grow while we sleep, and effortlessly provide us with many services essential for life on our planet – from producing oxygen, storing carbon and providing a home for numerous species, to being a reliable source of food, building materials, and even shade. Scientists and educators of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and its new wing, the Nature Research Center (NRC), invite you to join them in a celebration of trees. Beginning in August and running through the end of 2012, watch out for some amazing tree-related science as part of our “TREES R US” theme. All free.

9). N.C. Transportation Museum  The N.C. Transportation Museum puts four wheels on the ground this summer, as car shows will provide opportunities for visitors to see an incredible display of vintage and antique vehicles. This year, we're pitting Ford against GM, with back to back car shows featuring these great vehicles. Mopar cars and the annual AACA Show will round out our calendar. August 4th – “All Ford Show” - One of the museum's largest car shows, this show features a great collection of Mustangs, Thunderbirds, and Fairlanes, Lincolns, Mercurys and Model A's and T's. Ford "orphan" owners are also invited. This is a judged show, running from 9am to Noon.

10). Cape Fear Museum  presents “Dynamic Dinosaurs” on Saturdays, August 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1-4pm. Free for members or with Museum admission. Dinosaurs big and small; come meet them all! Dig for fossils that you can take home and find out what a T. rex tooth looks like up close. Discover why Wilmington’s Giant Ground Sloth and the pterodactyl are not dinosaurs. Measure some well-known dinosaurs and make an Apatosaurus model to take home.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… July 23, 2012

The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms are available on the NCMC web site.

1). Greensboro Children’s Museum presents “Culture of Color: Olympics Day!” on July 28th, 11am - 3pm. Free with Admission/Membership. It's time to go for the gold! Be your own Olympic star at the Greensboro Children's Museum during our 2012 Olympic Games! Try your hand at TaeKwonDo, participate in a mini-triathalon, and try a few tumbles or balance your body in our gymnastics challenge area. You can even help us pass the torch as you give it your best during a silly relay race.

2). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences On June 5, 2012, we lost a phenomenal American writer … Ray Bradbury. Over the years, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has featured many movies based on his work, including “Fahrenheit 451,” “It Came from Outer Space” and “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.” On First Friday, August 3 at 7pm, the Natural Horror Picture Show offers a special screening of rare films based on Bradbury’s short stories, straight from the A/V Geeks archive (not available on DVD). Join us in remembering an American legend about whom Steven Spielberg wrote, “On the world of science fiction and fantasy and imagination he is immortal.”

3). Museum of the Albemarle Bring the family to the Museum of the Albemarle for First Friday Art Walk on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. The Museum will be offering something for the entire family. Mr. Samuel Dixon will be signing his book “Stayin’ Put: Short Stories from Edenton” and Mrs. Lisa Winslow will be demonstrating the art of wool felting along with a hands-on activity.

4). Cape Fear Museum presents “Night at the Museum” on Saturday, July 28, 6-10 PM. Fee: $3 for members; $6 for non-members. Cape Fear Museum comes alive at night! Join us for Night at the Museum, a fun-filled summer evening exploring the Lower Cape Fear region after dark. Meet nocturnal animals. Examine the night sky. Be amazed as you encounter the sights and sounds of our nighttime world! Sponsored by Time Warner Cable Connect A Million Minds.

5). N.C. Museum of History presents “History à la Carte: Tango! The Song! The Dance! The Obsession!” on Wednesday, July 25, 12:10-1 p.m. Bring your lunch; beverages provided. William McNeill, North Carolina Humanities Council Road Scholar. McNeill will explore the growing popularity of tango in North Carolina and spread the joy of Argentine tango through a piano performance, lecture, and dance demonstration. Program made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

6). Reynolda House Museum of American Art will host a lecture by Margaret Supplee Smith, Harold W. Tribble Professor Emerita at Wake Forest University, on Charles Barton Keen, the architect who designed the Reynolda Estate, on Sunday July 29 at 3 p.m. Admission to the lecture is free. Charles Barton Keen (1868–1931) was hired by Katharine Smith Reynolds to design Reynolda House and many other buildings on the Reynolda estate in 1912. He was one of a group of Philadelphia architects who had earned a national reputation specializing in country estates and farms for wealthy clients eager to “retire” to the country at the end of the business day.

7). Waterworks Visual Arts Center WVAC is seeking submissions from artists who express their personal relationships to their faiths through art, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity. Deadline for submission is August 30. This winter exhibition concludes Waterworks’ series “Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance.” Exhibition date is November 26, 2012 through February 9, 2013 with a public opening reception on Friday, November 30 from 5-8pm.

8). Tryon Palace presents “Monotype Workshop” on Thursday, July 26 ~ 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fee, including materials - $15. Participants in this workshop will learn the technique of monotype printing - a simple process that can yield surprisingly delicate tonal effects. They will also have the opportunity to print their finished image on an authentic Civil War-era portable printing press. Be inspired by our selection of images from the Tryon Palace gardens and collections, or bring your own sketch or photograph to inspire your design.

9). Asheville Art Museum The Museum is pleased to present the exhibition “Mel Chin: High, Low and In Between”, opening to the public on Friday, July 27, with an opening reception on Friday, August 3 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (free with Membership or Museum Admission). This exhibition is generously sponsored by an anonymous donor with additional support provided by Chatsworth Art & Antiques. The exhibition is organized and curated by the Asheville Art Museum. Visitors to the exhibition will enjoy a special installation, “The Funk & Wag from A to Z”, shown alongside recent works representing the artist’s meditations on war, religion and politics.

10). House in the Horseshoe Revolutionary War re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4-5, at the House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site. While the event is free, donations are gratefully accepted. The battle re-enactment at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday will recreate the events of July 29, 1781, when British loyalist Col. David Fanning attacked the home of patriot Revolutionary Col. Philip Alston. Visitors can see large bullet holes from the battle that marks the house to this day. Militia demonstrations and periodic firings of a replica 18th century cannon are scheduled throughout the day, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blacksmithing, gun engraving, weaving, and other period crafts also will be presented. Children can enjoy period games while parents peruse handmade pottery on display. Several suttlers (traders) will sell 18th century replica goods.

Monday, July 16, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… July 16, 2012


The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms are available on the NCMC web site.

1). Yalik’s Modern Art Yalik's Modern Art presents a documentary exhibit recounting former High Point resident John Coltrane's uneasy relationship with jazz critics during the tumultuous Civil Rights period. The exhibit titled, “John Coltrane vs. the Jazz Critics: 1961-1966”, coincides with the 2012 John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival, Saturday, September 1st. Through an examination of photographs, letters, record reviews, commentaries, musical examples, and artifacts, Coltrane and the Jazz Critics details the strategies Coltrane employed to weather a concerted campaign by Down Beat magazine to discredit his musical experiments in the years before Coltrane produced his most original and enduring recordings.

2). Weatherspoon Art Museum announces two performances by Invisible, Greensboro's experimental multimedia performance collective featuring Mark Dixon, Bart Trotman, Jodi Staley, Jonathan Henderson and secretly Fred Snider, will offer two presentations of their current production, The New Obsolete, at the Weatherspoon Art Museum on Friday, July 20 at 7pm and Thursday, July 26 at 6pm. All performances are free and open to the public. Visitors may view the “set” of The New Obsolete which will be installed in the Museum’s atrium from July 17 through July 26 during regular museum hours.

3). Asheville Art Museum The Museum welcomes the return of pianist Teresa Sumpter who will perform a recital including compositions by Beethoven, Schubert, Debussy and Schoenberg. Dr. Sumpter has performed in venues across the U.S. and currently teaches piano and music theory at Mars Hill College. This summer’s Pianoforte recital will take place on Sunday, July 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Museum’s newly renovated East Wing (upper level). Tickets to Pianoforte Concerts are $6 for Museum Members and $8 plus Museum Admission for non-Members.

4). Tryon Palace presents African-American Lecture: “Differing Views, NC Women on the Homefront 1860 – 1865” on Thursday, July 19, 7:00 p.m. Guest Speaker: LeRae Umfleet at the North Carolina History Center, Cullman Performance Hall…Free admission. Learn about the various experiences of NC women during the Civil War by hearing the stories of coastal NC women in comparison to the experiences of their piedmont and mountain counterparts. The experiences of African American women such as Elizabeth Keckly and Mary Jane and Sarah Connor of New Bern will be highlighted.

5). Museum of the Albemarle  Join the Museum of the Albemarle in celebrating the region’s environment and explore the natural world through interactive songs with “Pamlico Joe and Clean Water Flow” on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. Pamlico Joe and Clean Water Flow will perform at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. However, either before or after the concerts, there will be a variety of activities set-up throughout the Museum. One can visit a fish tank and talk with a fisheries biologist from North Carolina Inland Fisheries, visit with the Edenton National Fish Hatchery that was established in 1898, discover what is in the water through Port Discover’s “Water Quality” educational program and visit with “Coastie” and learn how to be safe while on or around the water.

6). High Point Museum  Museum is hosting two upcoming programs related to the second phase of our North Carolina Schools of Longrifles exhibit which will be open until August 25. On Saturday, July 21 from 3 pm to 6 pm will be an antique longrifle identification event. If you own an old longrifle, here's your chance to learn more about its history and value. Specialists, Joe Byerly and John Aderholdt, will be on hand to evaluate antique rifles. Weapons must be secured and not loaded. The cost is $5 per item for High Point Historical Society members and $10 per item for nonmembers. Then on Saturday, August 11 from 10 am to 2 pm will be the second longrifle seminar. The focus will be Jamestown Rifles and local expert and author Michael Briggs will lead the discussion. Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. Registration required please.

7). HandsOn! Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville is excited to announce our Let’s Go Fly! Mini-camp on Thursday, July 26th from 10:30am-12:30pm. This program is sponsored by the Asheville Regional Airport! The cost is $15 for non-members and $9 for members. Reserve your spot today—space is limited! Create 4 different paper airplanes and test their flying skills.

8). N.C. Department of Cultural Resources During World War II, the arrival of the North Carolina Civil Air Patrol (CAP) dramatically reduced the German sinking of American vessels off the North Carolina coast. In recognition of the valuable service the Civil Air Patrol provided, a N.C. Highway Historical Marker will be dedicated on Saturday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m., in Manteo at the Dare County Airport, the former CAP base.

9). Blowing Rock Art & History Museum As part of its recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host special guest Elliot Engel as its Third Thursday speaker at 4 p.m. on July 19. Engel, who draws crowds for his literary and historical talks across the country, will present “Scarlett Fever: The Greatness of Gone with the Wind,” revealing the background of the book and how it reflects the story of author Margaret Mitchell’s life.

10). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s newest installation in the Spadefish Gallery combines elements of fire and water in “Ocean Pyrography: The Art of Mary Jane Mumpower.” The new exhibit, which opened July 1 and runs through the end of September, features images of aquatic animals and marine environments fluidly seared into wood. Through pyrography, or wood burning techniques, artist Mary Jane Mumpower creates detailed scenes with varied textures and patterns making her art visual and tactile.

Friday, July 13, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… July 9, 2012


The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms are available on the NCMC web site.

1). Fort Fisher State Historic Site  Ever wonder how so many people could suffer—and perish—during the Civil War? Find out on Saturday, July 14, 2012 when Fort Fisher State Historic Site presents “Wounds, Fevers and Diseases: Healthcare in the Cape Fear during the Civil War.” Period medical equipment will be on display and discussions will include fatal battlefield injuries, the 1862 Wilmington Yellow Fever epidemic, devastating infections and disease, and the limited medical care available to 19th century soldiers, sailors, and civilians. The fort’s 32-lb rifled and banded cannon will be fired throughout the day and costumed tours of the remaining earthworks will be given at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 pm.

2). Weatherspoon Art Museum presents “Summer of Love - Animated Film Series @ WAM” on Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, 7pm. What's not to love about animated films? This summer we feature three recent films that deal with love (and animation) in a myriad of forms. From the love of a beloved stuffed toy to love unrequited, these films are a feast for the eyes and the heart. Films are unrated and parental guidance is suggested for children under 13. Seating is limited and doors open 30 minutes prior. Free!

3). Museum of the Albemarle Visit the Museum of the Albemarle Saturday, July 14 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for July’s 2nd Saturday’s program. This month’s theme is the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 and the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. At 11:00 am Dr. Wade Dudley Department of History, East Carolina University will present “North Carolina and the War of 1812.” From 10:00 am until 2:00 pm enjoy patriotic inspired hands-on activities led by Junior Docents. Celebrate the 100 th anniversary of the Girl Scouts and view the exhibit: Girl Scouts: A Hundred Years of Cookies, Brownies . . . And Much More! Out on the Green children can take a pony ride from Circle S Ranch for $3.00, and everyone can ride the Carolina Carriages for $5.00.

4). Reynolda House Museum of American Art  will offer visitors insight into “Mystical Visions, Divine Revelations: Religion and Spirituality in 19th-Century Art” in gallery talks on July 12 and July 19 at noon. Managing Curator Allison Slaby will lead the discussions of a small, focused exhibition of works from the museum’s collection that illustrates a portrait of American religion and spirituality during a dynamic period in the nation’s history. Cost of the gallery talks is free for museum members and students, included in the price of admission for non-members.

5). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA presents “Battleship 101: 2nd Saturdays Programs” on Saturday, July 14, 2012, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Battleship 101 visitors engage with ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship as they create dialogue on specific subjects relative to daily shipboard life including gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley and engineering areas. A unique opportunity to talk one on one of what life was like aboard a WWII Battleship in the time of combat. Free with paid admission.

6). CSS Neuse State Historic Site presents “2nd Saturdays: The Other Voices: African American’s Role in the Civil War” on July 14 at 2 p.m. at Lenoir Community College’s Administration Auditorium located at 231 Hwy 58 South; Kinston, NC 28502. We will have guest speaker Michelle Lanier give a talk on “A War with Many Voices: African American Memory and the Civil War.”

7). Port Discover Everyone uses soap in one form or another. Learn how to create your own during “Suds and Science,” at Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science program, on Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 am! Follow Kim Wilkerson as she teaches and demonstrates the process of soap making. It might be messy, but it’ll leave you squeaky clean! Second Saturday Science is free.

8). Asheville Art Museum  The Asheville Art Museum welcomes filmmaker and multimedia artist Joel Tauber on Sunday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. for a special screening of his highly acclaimed film, “Sick-Amour” (2010), followed by a question and answer session with the artist. Film screenings at the Museum are held monthly and are free with Membership or Museum Admission. Filmed over the course of five years, Sick-Amour chronicles Tauber’s five-year love affair with a once-beautiful sycamore tree in the parking lot of the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and his quest to revive and protect the tree.

9). Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum will showcase authentic North Carolina culture and heritage on Saturday, July 14 in the second installment of the popular three-part summer program “2nd Saturdays.” The theme for July at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras is “Pirates.” The Museum will offer crafts for young pirates, and photo ops with Captain Black Button. Artists and vendors include: artists Joe and Kris Caroppolli, and musician Chuck Conlogue. Food will be provided for a small price.

10). Tryon Palace  presents “Tryon’s Tales for Tots: To Be a Patriot” on Wednesday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the North Carolina History Center, Education Classroom. Cost is $6 per child with one accompanying adult free; additional adults $6. Included with regular admission. Ages 3-5, with parental accompaniment. You’re never too young for history! Pre-schoolers and parents will learn about America’s independence by visiting the Stanly House, home of one of New Bern’s patriots. Preschoolers will also get to do a patriotic craft that they can take home with them.

Monday, July 02, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… July 2, 2012


The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the November 7-9 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg, Virginia will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms are available on the NCMC web site.

1). High Point Museum presents “Guilford Militia Encampment” on Saturday, July 7, 10 am to 4 pm. This Revolutionary War Reenactment group returns to the historical park. Come learn about the life of a Revolutionary War soldier. All ages welcome. FREE. Drop-in.

2). Tryon Palace  presents “The Glorious Fourth” on Wednesday, July 4th. In 1783, North Carolina Governor Alexander Martin became the first American Governor to issue a State order for celebrating the 4th of July. Step back in time and attend one of our earliest celebrations of the glorious Fourth! On the Governor’s Palace South Lawn, join a gathering of the local militia in celebration of the end of the Revolutionary War and talk to the soldiers about their equipment and camp life. Throughout the day, the militia will perform firing demonstrations of their muskets and a light cannon. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Palace grounds, enjoy 18th-century music and country dancing, games of townball, and historic kids crafts which will include making a historic toy, signing their own copy of the Declaration of Independence with a quill pen, and 18th-century costume dress-up!

3). Preservation Society of Chapel Hill The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill will celebrate an Old Fashioned Fourth of July at the historic Horace Williams House on July 4th from 1-3pm. Enjoy patriotic music by Carrboro's Village Band, sip lemonade, enjoy Maple View ice cream, and say hello to Uncle Sam! Bring a blanket or bag chair, picnics are welcome. Free and open to the public.

4). Asheville Art Museum In conjunction with the Brevard Music Center’s beloved Summer Festival (now in its 76th season), the Asheville Art Museum is honored to partner with the organization to bring Museum Members and guests a delightful summertime series of three special performances on June 26, July 10 and July 17. Each beginning at 7:00 p.m., the three performances will take place in the Museum’s newly renovated Art works PRIMED East Wing upstairs gallery. Tickets are $6 for Museum Members and $10 for non-Members.

5). Greensboro Children’s Museum presents “Silly Saturday: Christmas in July” on July 7th, 10am - 3pm. Free with Admission/Membership. Is the Summer heat bringing you down? Join us this Silly Saturday for a beachy, snowy holiday as we celebrate Christmas in July! Visit with Santa on the beach or enjoy a seasonal story in the snow. We will go on a musical parade and make ornaments. You will even have a chance to send Santa a postcard. Merry Christmas to all, and to all...in July!!!

6). SECCA  presents “Film @ SECCA: Chihuly: River of Glass” on Saturday, July 14, 7 p.m. Over a two-year period in the mid-1990s, Dale Chihuly worked with his glass blowing team and other artisans in Finland, Ireland, Mexico and Italy and in his Boathouse studio in Seattle to accomplish a bold public art project. Watch as Chihuly's Chandeliers arrive in Venice and the artist directs their installation in such places as the Doge's apartment at the Palazzo Ducale and the Rialto Fish Market. FREE.

7). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Aquarist Apprentice” on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 2 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 and pre-registration is required.

8). Cape Fear Museum presents “Play!” on Saturday, July 7, 14, 21, 1-4 PM. Free for members or with Museum admission. Hopscotch your way to the finish line and explore games that pirates played. Play the oldest known game and compete in Museum Bingo. Compare modern and historic toys. Investigate the inventive process by creating your own toys and games to take home.

9). Reynolda House Museum of American Art  presents the Peppercorn Children’s Theatre in a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Wilde Comedy for Not-So-Serious People” on Saturdays, July 7 and 14 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and on Sundays, July 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, cash only. For more information, please call 336.758.5150 or visit reynoldahouse.org. Performed in the museum’s front garden by current and former drama students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, this new adaptation, written and directed by Harry Poster, is appropriate for the young (ages 4–12) and the young at heart.

10). Greenville Museum of Art The Greenville Museum of Art announces a call for entries for the Greenville Museum of Art Annual Juried Art exhibition to be held Friday September 7, through Sunday, October, 2012. The call is open to artists 18 years and older working in fine art and craft media and who reside in eastern North Carolina as will as the triangle communities of Wake, Orange and Durham. Cash prizes will be awarded. Entry fee applies. Deadline: July 19.