Arts Agenda 

Benefit Concert Featuring Armand & Angelina. All proceeds benefit the Voices of the Children foundation. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Sat., Nov. 30, 7:15 p.m. $12 for ages 16 and up. Unity of Charlotte, 1000 Woodlawn Ave. 1-800-704-0265.

Chamber Music at St. Peter's This First Tuesday at Noon Concert will highlight Dream Steps for flute, viola and harp by Charlotte-born composer Dan Locklair. Tue., Dec. 3, 12:10 p.m. Free. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. 7th St. 704-332-7746.

Charlotte Symphony Lollipops Presents Brasstacular The brass instruments of the orchestra are spotlighted via music from the Big Band era. The Lollipops is a series of concerts designed for young listeners, ages 4-9, their parents and grandparents. Sat., Nov. 30, 11 a.m. $8-$16. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Charlotte Symphony Pops Presents Bravo Big Band A tribute to the big band style featuring vocalists Michael Maguire and Lynn Roberts. Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the performances. Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $15-$60. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Choral Concert A choral concert by 'Round Midnight. Seating is limited. Call for reservations. Sun., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. $10 per person. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont. 704-825-4490.

An Evening of Piano Music Davidson College students will present an evening of piano music including works by Paderewski, Mozart, Dohnanyi, Chopin, Gershwin, Debussy and others. Thu., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. Free. Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2177.

The Festival of Carols and the Holiday Concert The Carols and tree lighting will begin on the steps of Tillman Hall. People will walk along the illuminated sidewalk on their path to Byrnes Auditorium for the Holiday Concert. The concert will feature soloist Jerry Helton and David Lowry on the organ. Tue., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. Free. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2255.

Jazz & Classical Essentials Sunday Brunch Borders will be playing jazz and classical music from their essential catalogs. Coffee and pastry provided. Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Free. Borders, 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-6261.

Magic of Christmas The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents its annual holiday extravaganza, under the direction of Associate Conductor David Tang. Dec. 5-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 2:30 p.m. $15-64. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Messiah Handel's Messiah, in collaboration with the Charlotte Music Club with choir, orchestra and soloists. Presented by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra. Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Adults $8, seniors/students $6, families $17. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-344-0098.

Providence United Methodist Church Recital Series PUMC Chancel Choir and Brass Charlotte open the Providence Recital Series' 2002-03 season with music by Britten and Rutter. Sun., Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Free. Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd. 704-333-9536.

Singing Christmas Tree, Joy to the World Experience familiar carols as well as holiday music and dance from the USA, England, Russia, Germany, France, Mexico, Africa and the Caribbean. Visit www.carolinavoices.org. Dec. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8, 3 p.m. $10-20. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500.

Symphonic Band and University Choirs Holiday Concert The combined UNCC choirs will present 3 works featuring student soloists and percussionists. The combined UNCC choirs and band will perform "A Festival of Carols," arranged by Warren Barker and "Amazing Grace," arranged by William Himes. Fri., Dec. 6, 8 p.m. Free. University Hills Baptist Church, 1500 Suther Road. 704-687-2262.

The Olde English Madrigal Feaste An event that includes dinner and entertainment with music, jugglers, jesters, etc. with an Olde English theme. McBryde Hall. Deadline for registration is Dec. 2. Dec. 6-7 at 7pm. $28. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2399.

WDAV Benefit Concert Vocal Alchemy, a choral ensemble of 8 multi-cultural musicians, will debut at the Vermillion Winter Holiday. Their diverse musical backgrounds encompass various styles including western classical, Indian classical, jazz, religious choral, American country and opera. Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m. $10 at the door. Harvey's at Vermillion, 13700 Anthea Ln., Huntersville. 704-301-0552.

The Wonder of Christmas Presented by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus. Mon., Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Free. University City United Methodist Church, 6100 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-947-8614.

The Wonder of Christmas Presented by the North Mecklenburg Community Chorus. Mon., Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Free. Huntersville Presbyterian Church, Huntersville. 704-947-8614.

Comedy

The Perch Theatre Perch Comedy. Cheerfully offending Charlotte since 1994. Showtimes are 9pm, 11pm, on Friday and Saturday nights, and an additional show on Saturdays at 1am. The 9pm show is non-smoking. Audience Favorites Part 1: Continues through Nov. 30. Show #275: Dec. 6-14. The Talking Baby Talk Show is every Thursday at 9:30pm. Performances are rated R for verbal content. www.theperch.com. Fri., Sat. $10/$9 with students/military I.D. 1500 B. Central Ave. 704-372-7724.

Psychotic Pooch Live Sketch Comedy and Improv. Comedy rated NC-17 for situations and content. Large group rates available. Call for reservations, directions or more info. DJ after-party every Saturday. Fri., Sat., 11 p.m. Continues through Jan. 8. 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

The Comedy Zone College Night and "SIN" (Service Industry Workers) Night. Get free admission for the 8pm show and with your Comedy Zone ticket, get in free to Have a Nice Day Cafe. Wednesdays. James Gregory. Nov. 29-30. Hypnotist, Mike Harvey. Dec. 4-7; Dec. 11-14. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Dance

The Carolinas Latin Dance Company The Charlotte-based Carolinas Latin Dance Company presents dances from Spain, Central and South America and new Latin dance traditions developed in the US. Sun., Dec. 1, 1:30-4 p.m. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $17 family. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Christmas Oratorio Dance Central, of the CPCC Arts and Communications Department will present the Christmas Oratorio. Dance Central is the only company in the world that stages an annual production of this classic dance work. Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m. $12. Pease Auditorium, 1200 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

The Nutcracker The Nutcracker is a great holiday tradition in Matthews and the production is for people of all ages. Tickets may be purchased in advance. Call for more information. Nov. 30, 7 p.m.; Dec. 1, 3 p.m. $3 children, $4 students and $5 adults. Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews. 704-321-7275.

Senior Dance Showcase The theme this year is "innovative works" so the concert will consist of new movement ideas. There are 13 senior choreographers and the dance styles include ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern and liturgical. Johnson Theatre. Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite & American Freedom Bell Celtic Traditions Festival. Celebrate the rich Celtic heritage of this region with dance, music, crafts and a discussion of Piedmont's Celtic roots. Sat., Dec. 7, 12- 4 p.m. Free with regular museum admission. Highways & Byways of Our State. A photographic road trip of eclectic NC sites and scenes, all viewed from the state's Highways and Byways, using archival images from Our State: North Carolina magazine. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 12. Native American Plant Remedies. An exhibit of drawings, paintings, pastels and watercolors of flora and fauna used by early Native Americans as effective cures, accompanies the Native American Gardens on the Museum's grounds. Nov. 21-Dec. 3. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Multimedia exhibit in the Millennium Gallery tells the personal stories of war as shared through the written and recorded war-time correspondence of soldiers from the region. A Charlotte Shout event. Continues through Sept. 30, 2003. Regular Museum admission. 3500 Shamrock Dr., Between Eastway and Sharon Amity. 704-568-1774.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History Carolinas Textile Exhibit- The Ties That Bind. Interactive displays, engaging scale models, authentic artifacts and photos detail how the textile industry transformed the economy, technology and communities of the new south. Tue.-Sun. Holiday Open House. Become a part of historic holiday traditions while enjoying caroling, Victorian traditions and crafts, musical performances, holiday cookie decorating and more. Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m. Free. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

Levine Museum of the New South African-American History Tour. Explore the main exhibit, Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, and discover the first African-American textile mill owner, Good Samaritan Hospital's Chapel and the roots of the sit-in movement. Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Free with museum admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, students and children over 6. Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. An exhibition presenting an intimate portrait of the Latino community through the work of 30 prize-winning photographers. The museum will also feature oral histories and artifacts from the Charlotte-area Latino community. Nov. 21-Jan. 20. The Carolinas Latin Dance Company. The Charlotte-based Carolinas Latin Dance Company presents dances from Spain, Central and South America and new Latin dance traditions developed in the US. Sun., Dec. 1, 1:30-4 p.m. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $17 family. The New South's Love Affair with the Car. The exhibit explores four aspects of the South's relationship with the car. Vintage local photos, racing history, and more. Tue.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 31. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art Celebrating the Legacy of Romare Bearden. A juried exhibition co-sponsored with McColl Center for Visual Art. North and South Carolina artists' works were selected by David C. Driskell and reflect the inspiration of Romare Bearden. The exhibition is in two parts: one half at the Mint Museum of Art and one half at Spirit Square. Continues through Feb. 23, 2003. Colonial Williamsburg Collection. Since the 1930s Colonial Williamsburg has amassed the nation's largest collection of Southern furniture. Fifty-two examples of the cabinetmaker's trade illustrate the cultural diversity of the early South. Nov. 23-Jan. 26. Every-man's Gold. English lustreware from the Collection of John Elsley. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 1. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000 or 704-333-MINT.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design Coming of Age. Traces the evolution of the museum's collection (1937 to the present), illustrating the work of some of the 20th and 21st century's craftspeople and designers. Tue.-Sun. Continues through April 6. Currents In Craft. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. Point of View: Public and Private Collecting Part I. Point of View demonstrates how materials, techniques and themes guide collectors on their quest to shape meaningful collections. Continues through Feb. 23. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County All About Cats. This exhibit features many of the world's cats including the well-known lion, tiger, jaguar, panther, and leopard, as well as the lesser known species. Continues through Sept. 14, 2003. An Historical Look at Visual Communication: Illustrators of the 20th Century. Visitors can view over 50 works from past and current members of the Society of Illustrators. Continues through Jan. 3. Gatherin' Together: Scotch-Irish Lifeways in the Carolina Piedmont. Explore the origins of customs, traditions and lifeways of the Scotch-Irish through their language, music, folklore, religion, politics, industry, and decorative arts. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Feb. 2. Illustrator Vernon Grant: A Century of American Whimsy. This exhibit examines Grant's career that spanned seven decades. He produced gnomes, caricatures and nursery rhyme renderings, while his advertising icons sold a multitude of products. Continues through Oct. 5, 2003. The Nick of Time: New Classics from Old. This exhibit will present a new Christmas line produced by Department 56 and the original Vernon Grant illustrations from which it was based. Continues through Jan. 5. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

Club Myxx Organik Funk. Hip-Hop, Spoken Word open mic. Sundays, 9 p.m. $3 members, $5 non-members. 3110 S. Tryon St. 704-623-0058.

Crystal on the Plaza Reggae Club Wisdom Wednesdays. Open Mic, Spoken Word, Poetry and other conscious thoughts and expressions. Word, Sound & Power...Roots, Culture & Knowledge. Hosted by Aquiyla and Nina, MC by Filmore, Musical Innervisions by DJ DR and DJ Justice. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. 3018 The Plaza. 704-376-3799.

Swing 1000 Rhythm Theory Tuesdays. Enjoy open mic poetry, music, and dancing. Doors open at 6pm. Poetry begins at 7:30pm. Tuesdays. Free before 7:15pm. 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

Theater: Openings

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Herdman kids are probably the meanest, nastiest kids in the history of the world...so who decided to cast them in the annual church Christmas pageant? The Herdmans meet the Christmas story in one of the most popular shows for Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. $10 general admission, $15 special reserved. Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Clover Community Theatre will present its production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, funded in part by the Arts Council of Rock Hill and York County. Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 3 p.m.; Dec. 13, 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 p.m. $7 adults, $5 students (K-12) and seniors. Griggs Road Elementary School, Clover, 100 Griggs Rd., Clover. 803-831-1048.

A Christmas Carol- The Musical Bring the family and celebrate the season with Charles Dickens' Yuletide classic- the timeless tale of Scrooge and his magical, musical change of heart. Belk Theater. Sun., Dec. 1, 2 p.m. $14-32. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Dangling in the Tournefortia- The Bukowski Experience Get up front and personal with alcoholic, womanizer, abuser and genius Charles Bukowski. The beat generation lives on. Presented in the Warehouse Theatre inside the gallery. Dec. 5-21, 8 p.m. $15. Hart-Witzen Gallery, 611 W. 5th St. 704-455-8542.

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic The 20th Disney on Ice production features the largest cast ever with Mickey, Minnie, Pinocchio, the Mouseketeers, Buzz and Woody, and moments from Mulan, A Bug's Life and The Lion King. Visit www.disneyonice.com for more information. Dec. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. $11-$35. Charlotte Coliseum, 100 Paul Buck Blvd. 704-357-4700.

Fall One-Act Play Festival A set of 6 plays directed by senior students including The Zoo Story, Not My Fault, Arabian Knights, and Speed the Play. Johnson Studio Theatre. Dec. 7, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. $3 w/ Winthrop ID, $7 general admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

The Gin Game Generations Theatre Group presents D.L. Coburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Directed by Lon Bumgarner and starring Ann Owens and Gene Kusterer. Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 3 p.m.; Dec. 12, 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 p.m. $15 general admission, $12 students and seniors. Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. 704-366-5007.

Jerusalem in Lights Christmas scenes, songs and a visit from Santa. After the intermission the amphitheater will come to life with thousands of Christmas lights as Narro Way Productions recreates The Real Christmas Story. Visit www.narroway.net for more information. Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m.; Dec. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m. Adult $6, children (7-12) $3, children 6 and under free. King's Arena, Fort Mill, 2175 Gethsemane Ct., Fort Mill. 803-802-2300.

Living in Grace Written and directed by senior Teresa J. Hess. A story of a young girl's battle with cancer and her struggle to accept life's challenges. Performances will be held in the Suzanne Little recital hall in the E.H. Little Fine Arts Building. Dec. 8, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $3 students, $5 general admission. Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2213.

The Man Who Came to Dinner By Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Radio celebrity Sheridan Whitesides accepts a dinner invitation from the Stanleys, an ordinary family. But when Whitesides slips on the ice and breaks his hip, he must move into their home to recuperate. His eccentric lifestyle and odd-ball friends bring mayhem into the Stanley's orderly life. Dec. 5-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 12-14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m. $12 adults, $8 children under 12. Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc., P.O. Box 1187, Concord. 704-788-2405.

A Thurber Carnival Winner of a special Tony Award, this revue depicts American life at its most ridiculous. Sketches include "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and other familiar comedy. Fri.-Sat. at 7:30pm, Sun. at 2:30pm. Nov. 29-Dec. 1. $7. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-334-9128.

Theater: Ongoing

A Taste of Broadway an ongoing musical theatre revue that will combine fine food with the flavor of Broadway. Sundays, 5-9 p.m. $10 per person for show only. Food costs extra. Swing 1000, 1000 Central Ave. 704-334-4443.

A Tuna Christmas Come spend Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with all its eccentric citizens. Directed by Terry Loughlin. Nov. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m.; Dec. 1, 2 p.m.; Dec. 4-5, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11-12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $26-$35. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

Visual Arts: Openings

Afro-American Cultural Center From Rags to Rap. This multimedia exhibit will attempt to address cultural nuances in the early 20th century when ragtime was a strong musical influence. This exhibit will trace the music's evolution to the components of hip-hop culture through an art form known as grafitti. An opening reception will be held on Dec. 6 at 6pm. Dec. 6-March 2. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Student Show- Recent Projects. Showcasing recent projects by Art Institute of Charlotte students. Dec. 7-31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

ArtMakers Gallery and Studios Holiday Art Open House. Stocking stuffers and original art works in oils, acrylics and watercolors. Featuring the artwork of Nancy Couick and Kelley Sanford. Thu., Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 515 Fenton Pl. 704-916-0140.

Charlotte Art League Small Works. Featuring art no larger than 11x17 inches, created by numerous Charlotte Art League members. Artists' reception will be from 6-9pm on Dec. 6 during the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Dec. 4-28. Holiday Art Sale. 50 artists will be on hand to show and sell works of various media. Art Sale begins during the First Friday Gallery Crawl from 6-9pm and continues through Sat. from 10am-4pm. Dec. 6-7. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Foust Studio Small Works Show. Artwork by Foust, LaCroix, Strouth, Lowery, and Boyd pottery. Fri., Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Jan. 1. 5200 Park Rd., Suite 115. 704-525-7989.

Gallery W.D.O. December. Featuring John Goodheart's recent ceramics, Joel Urruty's wood sculpture and Object of Desire: Toys for the Adult Collector. An opening reception will be held on Dec. 6 from 6-8pm. Dec. 3-Jan. 18. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Gaston County Public Library 3-D Garbage Art. Original three-dimensional artworks created by area students from recyclable and discarded materials. Sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, under the direction of Carol Maxwell. Call for more information about other current or upcoming library exhibits. Dec. 2-31. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

Gonzales Studio Home is Where the Art Is. A 2-day art show and sale with original artwork by Francisco Gonzales, Charlotte Foust and Linda LaCroix in the Raintree Community. Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3023 Shallowood Ln. 704-341-5645.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Photography. Photos by Elizabeth Matheson. Opening reception: Dec. 6 from 6-8pm. Dec. 6-Feb. 1. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Paul Martyka & Reed Elliott. Acrylic paintings and drawings. Dec. 5-Jan. 24. Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Gastonia. 704-922-6215.

JS Pottery Open House. Raku artist Ben Davidson will demonstrate and explain the process on Nov. 30 from 9:30am-1pm. Raku available. Nov. 29-Dec. 24. Free. 27 South Main Street, Belmont. 704-829-0360.

McColl Center for Visual Art Release. An exhibition of work by Shaun Cassidy, McColl Center for Visual Art Affiliate Artist. Opening reception: Dec. 6 from 6-8pm. Dec. 6-Jan. 11. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

Pope's Gallery Various Artists. The Arboretum and Myers Park locations will be exhibiting an assorted selection of original art works by Pope's family of artists. Dec. 1-31. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Queens University Art Gallery Rick Crown Pottery Show. Crown will display his functional ware: bowls, platters, mugs, pitchers, vases, covered jars and bottles. Opening: Dec. 8 at 2pm. Dec. 8-16. 1900 Selwyn Avenue. 704-337-2286.

RASi Gallery Bernadette Kalinowski. A contemporary combination of surrealism and impressionism. The paintings are done in acrylics, ink and watercolor. The sculpture is done in polymer clay, plastics and stone. A reception will be held on Dec. 13 from 6-9pm. Dec. 1-31. 1989 Gold Hill Rd., Fort Mill. 803-547-0957.

Sandy Buffie's Studio The 3rd Annual Lint Lady Holiday Open Studio. In addition to Sandy Buffie's dryer lint art, 6 guest artists will show their work. Featuring paintings, pottery, sewn novelties, jewelry, photography and weavings. All proceeds from lint art will go to charity. Dec. 6, 6 p.m.; Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 8, 1-5 p.m. 6530 Buggy Whip Ln., Waxhaw. 704-243-2797.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center Eros Negras: Encountering the Black Female Body. An exhibition that explores the sexuality, sensuality and eroticism of black women from a socio-political perspective in a contemporary world. Continues through Nov. 30. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Charlotte Quilters Guild Show. The Charlotte Quilter's Guild seeks to provide charitable and educational opportunities for its members. Continues through Nov. 30. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Blue Pony Gallery & Press A Journey. New monotypes by Mary Lou Sussman. Also paintings and mixed media work by Jan Kinslowe, Liisa Salosaari Jasinski, Bruce Shores and Linda Vista. NoDa Gallery Crawls 1st and 3rd Fridays from 6-9pm. Continues through Nov. 30. 3202A N. Davidson St. 704-334-9390.

Center of the Earth Gallery Maggie Taylor: Looking Back. Taylor creates symbolic images using photography as well as computer generated imagery, often appropriating Victorian photographs. Continues through Dec. 28. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Seven Ways to Light: A Journey to Commonality. A collection of 7 artists' individual approaches to photography as a creative medium. Nov. 21-30. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Charlotte Public Library Celebrating 75 years of Theatre Charlotte. The exhibit features programs, cast photos and other memorabilia from three-quarters of a century of theatrical productions. Carolina Room, third floor. Continues through Jan. 5. Block Party: Original Art from "What Do Animals Do On The Weekend?". An exhibit of original artwork from NFP's first children's book by writer and illustrator, Lauren Faulkenberry. Carnegie Gallery, third floor. Continues through Jan. 5. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Christa Faut Gallery Illumination- The Brilliance of Artistic Fine Jewelry. Precious Metals to wear by national metalsmiths, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. Also on exhibition: paintings, drawings, lithographs, clay sculptures and glass by Gallery artists. Fri., Sat. Continues through Dec. 31. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Coffey & Thompson Gallery Latin American Contemporary Art Show. An exhibit of contemporary paintings and metal sculpture by Leandro Manzo, Barbara Rueda, Adriana Gomez, and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Continues through Nov. 30. 1423 E. 4th St. 704-375-7232.

CPCC Art Gallery Divergence: Two Approaches to Organic Form. Jill Allen and Mary Mason. Both artists question the notion, so common in Western culture, that art and use are mutually exclusive. However, their specific sources of imagery are quite different and they have chosen artistic genre that are often thought to be diametrically opposed. Continues through Dec. 8. P.O. Box 35009. 704-330-6480.

Davidson College New Works by Jimmy O'Neal. O'Neal's exhibition, "Speculum," will be on display in the William Van Every Gallery. These metaphysical works are peripheral evidence of the worlds that lay beyond our conscious mind and perception. Continues through Dec. 4. Davidson. 704-894-2244.

Elder Art Gallery Recent Paintings and Sculptures by Wayne Trapp. Oil paintings, drawings and sculptures. Continues through Nov. 30. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gallery L Feelin' Groovy: Rock n' Roll Graphics, 1966-70. This exhibit explores the vivid colors, obtuse lettering and imagery of rock n' roll posters, while tracing the development of the psychedelic style. Continues through Nov. 30. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Gallery W.D.O. November Exhibit. Hoss Haley- Steel and Concrete Sculpture. Byron Temple- A Tribute to Fifty Years. After a series of debilitating strokes, Byron Temple passed away on April 14th at the age of 68. The November show is a tribute to and celebration of Byron's life and work. Continues through Nov. 30. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Tom Berg New Paintings. The gallery is pleased to announce their first solo exhibition for Tom Berg. Running currently with this exhibition will be a group show featuring new works by 11 gallery artists including Eric Aho, Arless Day, David Kroll and Phillip Geiger. Continues through Dec. 21. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Raymond Chorneau and Tony Griffin. Two painters from North Carolina who enjoy the tactile sense of oil paint on the canvas, though the imagery of each artist stems from opposing points of view. Continues through Dec. 28. Portraits. An exhibition of photographs by Carolyn Demeritt. Continues through Nov. 30. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Wolf Kahn at Seventy-Five. In honor of the artist's 75th birthday, the gallery will feature a solo exhibition of both oil and pastel paintings by Wolf Kahn. Continues through Jan. 4. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Shaun Cassidy- new works. Continues through Dec. 31. Fragments. Maja Godlewska. A one woman show, playing with abstraction and figurativism, spirituality and humanity. Tue.-Sat. Continues through Nov. 30. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

The Light Factory Recycled Realities. John Willis. Still-life images found in bales of paper scraps create commentary on mass culture and communication. Members' Portfolio Gallery: Fast Food Dining Rooms, photographs by Ruth Dusseault. Records of utilitarian designs that go unnoticed in the urban fabric. Continues through Nov. 30. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.

Microcosm Gallery Group Exhibition. European and American artists. On view artworks by Agnes Manganelli, Dariusz Orszulik, Irina Ilyina, John Haskins, Kulka, Daniel Sztyber and Stephen Thompson. Continues through January, 2003. 300 N. College St. #101. 704-641-4256.

Myersart Gallery Works by Local Artists. Featuring functional and decorative works in clay by more than 35 local artists. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,11 a.m.-5 p.m. & 11 a.m.-7 p.m. November. Mary Mason's realistically detailed clay fruits and vegetables. Continues through Nov. 30. 1510 Camden Road. 704-790-2529.

Noel Gallery Cedric Smith "Once Upon a Time". Smith celebrates color and the proportion of scale that children often use in emphasizing subjects. Continues through Dec. 29. Transamerica Square, 401 N. Tryon St. 704-343-0050.

Pope's Gallery Sheila Hamilton. Exhibiting lively oil paintings of still lifes as well as beach scenes including children and mother and child (Arboretum). Continues through Nov. 30. Denise Nelson. Featuring photo-realistic oil paintings of regional wildlife and mountain-scapes (Myers Park). Continues through Nov. 30. 8016-900 Providence Rd. and 1035 Providence Rd. 704-541-3199 or 704-342-1774.

Queen's Gallery & Art Center Expressions of Self, Expressions of Place. Paintings and assemblages by CPCC art students of Elizabeth Ross. Continues through Dec. 6. 1212 The Plaza. 704-372-2993.

S. Lampke Fine Art and Design Collection of Works. featuring oils and pastels. Also showing oil floorcloths, painted "Cottage" furniture, and a collection of hand knotted Persian Carpets. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1517 Camden Road, Studio #5. 704-362-1033.

Shain Fine Art Originals William Jameson. Jameson has shared his insight into the wonders of the natural world in shows from California to New York to Bologna, Italy. Continues through Nov. 30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Spirit Square falleg malverk. An exhibition of paintings by Peggy Rivers, McColl Center for Visual Art Affiliate Artist. Mon.-Sun. Continues through Jan. 5. 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Thomas Thoune Gallery Children's Portraits. Second floor of Looby Loo. The portraits can be viewed by appointment only. Continues through Nov. 30. 228 East Blvd. 704-334-9087.

UNC-Charlotte We All Fall Down; Dance of Death. The Rowe Arts Main Gallery exhibits the works of David Voros. Continues through Dec. 6. 704-687-3315.