Arts Agenda 

Christmas at St. Mary's Tomm Lorenzin returns as narrator. Medieval and Renaissance music, readings and carols. Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. $12 regular admission, $6 students/seniors. St. Mary's Chapel, 1129 E. 3rd St. 704-334-3468.

From Rags to Rap A series of musical sessions that reflect how black music has evolved during the 20th century. Each date will focus on one influence. The December date spotlights spiritual, blues, gospel & ragtime music. Fri., Dec. 13. $10 AACC members, $12 non-members. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Holiday Music with Emile Pandolfi The Wingate University Dinner Theatre Series will present An Evening with Emile Pandolfi (pianist) in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre of the George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center. Dinner will begin at 6pm. The performance begins at 7:30pm. Mon., Dec. 16. Dinner and performance, $35. Performance only, $15. Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

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.

Messiah Celebrate the season with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. Wed., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. $20. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. 704-972-2000.

Rejoice! With Brass and Voice Presented by the Charlotte Children's Choir and Youth Ensembles along with special guest Carolina Brass. Sat., Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $12 adults, $10 students/seniors. Myers Park Presbyterian Church. 704-374-1892.

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. Show #275: Dec. 6-14. Audience Favorites Part 2: Dec. 20- Jan. 4. 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.

The Comedy Zone Hypnotist, Mike Harvey. Dec. 11-14. 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. 516 N. College St., Wed. & Thurs.- 8pm, Fri. & Sat.- 8pm, 10:15pm. 704-348-4242.

Dance

Nutcracker Clover School District Auditorium presents Columbia City Ballet's Nutcracker. Tue., Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available by phone and at the door. Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover. 803-222-8018.

The Nutcracker North Carolina Dance Theatre will present Salvatore Aiello's The Nutcracker this holiday season. The Charlotte Symphony will accompany the production. Presented in the Belk Theater. Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m.; Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 2 p.m. $17-55. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000.

The Nutcracker The Union County tradition of The Nutcracker will come to life in the Hannah Covington McGee Theatre of the George A. Batte. Jr. Fine Arts Center. Presented by the Union County Youth Ballet. Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Dec. 12, $10 per person; Dec. 14 & 15 matinee, $10 regular admission, $9 seniors/children; Dec. 14 evening performance, $12. Wingate University. 704-289-8300.

The Nutcracker Performed by the Charlotte Youth Ballet. The Dec. 13 performance is a student/senior showing. A Nutcracker Tea Party will be held before the show on Dec. 14 at 4pm. Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m.,11:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, 6 p.m. $10-20 adults, $6-16 children. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-522-6500 or 704-335-3100.

The Nutcracker Brave toy soldiers, an evil rat king and a handsome prince to save the day. Once again GDT will bring this classic tradition to life. Presented in the Pamela Kimbrell-Warlick Performing Arts Center on the campus of Gaston Day School. Dec. 13, 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Children 12 & under $5 for the morning performance on Dec. 14 only. Gaston Dance Theatre, 201 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-865-5943.

The Nutcracker Choreographed by Anne Blackwell. Presented in Johnson Theatre. Dec. 13, 8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 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 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. 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. 131 W. Main St., Dallas. 704-852-6025.

Levine Museum of the New South 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. Dec. 8-Jan. 20. 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 1930's 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. Dec. 8-Jan. 26. 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.

North Carolina Museum of History Flashback to the 60's. A collection of memorablila that significantly defines a period of profound social and cultural change in America. Continues through Sept. 28, 2003. 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-715-0200.

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.

Jackson's Java Poetry Open Mic. Hosted by Jonathan Rice. Thu., Dec. 12, 8 p.m. 8544 University City Blvd. 704-595-9526.

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 Ballad of King Windowglass Presented by the Forest Pointe Players. This is a holiday presentation for the entire family. Tickets are available online at www.forestpointe.org or by mail at P.O. Box 550186, Gastonia, NC 28055. Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. $5 (mail orders please include a $1 handling fee). Haid Theatre, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd., Belmont. 704-394-4787.

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.

Play Auditions for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc., P.O. Box 1187, Concord. 704-788-2405.

Shakespeare's R & J Chickspeare, Charlotte's all female Shakespeare company, announces its fall production adapted by Joe Calarco. Dec. 18 is pay-what-you-can-night. Dec. 12-14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 18-21, 8 p.m. $12 adults, $10 students/seniors. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-344-4546.

Teen Winter Showcase The AACC's Teen Dance and Drama Ensembles offer this program. Visit www.aacc-charlotte.org for more information. Dec. 13-14, 7 p.m. $5. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

'Tis the Season Compiled by the Tarradiddle Players. A collection of wintry and holiday tales from around the world. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 11 a.m.,1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 21, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; Dec. 22, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. $10 center, $8 side. Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

Theater: Ongoing

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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 Tuna Christmas Come spend Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with all its eccentric citizens. Directed by Terry Loughlin. 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

Beatties Ford Road Library Modern Art by Danny Williams. Williams creates sculptured art pieces using paper, wire, metal and cloth. A native Charlottean, his works have been exhibited locally for several years. Continues through Jan. 31. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd. 704-432-6706.

Charlotte Convention Center American Craft Council Craft Show. A 3-day exposition of contemporary American craft by 240 artists in a variety of craft media. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $6 per person. $10 for a 2-day pass. Children under 12 and ACC members admitted free. 704-331-8187.

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.

Gallery L Apron Strings: Ties to the Past. Featuring 100 vintage and contemporary examples, this exhibit reviews the apron's role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today. Dec. 15-Jan. 19. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Shain Fine Art Originals Playing With The Mystery. Paintings by Amy Dobbs and David Ballew. An opening reception will be held on Dec. 13 from 6-9pm. Dec. 13-Jan. 31. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Theatre Charlotte The Designer Craft Show. Craft collectors and gift buyers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and an opportunity to visit with the artists. Dec. 13, 12-8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 501 Queens Rd. 704-365-2074.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

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. 8-March 2. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art 1 Gallery Shaping Space: Perspectives in Culture. Featuring Chad Nichols and David Pollard. Continues through Dec. 31. Holiday Gallery. A 3-week celebration of small arts and crafts for sale by regional artists that are made available at Art 1 Gallery. Special prices and original gift ideas, artworks and greeting cards will be made available. Continues through Dec. 28. 170 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. 704-854-8800.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Student Show- Recent Projects. Showcasing recent projects by Art Institute of Charlotte students. Dec. 8-31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

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 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. 8-28. 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.

Elder Art Gallery The Artful Door. Showcasing paintings, sculptures and mixed media work by approximately 15 American artists. The exhibit will represent the artists' interpretations of the holiday "Artful Door." All work available for immediate purchase. A reception will be held on Dec. 6 from 6-9pm. Dec. 8-31. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

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. 8-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. 8-31. 1555 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia. 704-868-2167.

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

Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Gaston College Paul Martyka & Reed Elliott. Acrylic paintings and drawings. Dec. 8-Jan. 24. Rauch Science and Fine Arts Bldg., Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Gastonia. 704-922-6215.

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- Immersed. Continues through Dec. 31. 318 E 9th. 704-373-1464.

JS Pottery Open House. Raku artist Ben Davidson will demonstrate and explain the process on Nov. 30 from 9:30am-1pm. Raku available. Dec. 8-24. Free. 27 South Main Street, Belmont. 704-829-0360.

The Light Factory Byron Baldwin: The First Thirty Years, Simmons Jones: The New York Years. Continues through Jan. 18. 809 W. Hill St. 704-333-9755.

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. 8-Jan. 11. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

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. Throughout December; Celebrating Nature works in clay by Alex and Mary Miller and Karen Kammer. Extended holiday hours: Mon.-Wed. from 11am-7pm, Thurs.-Fri. from 11am-9pm, Sat. from 9am-5pm and Sun. from 1-5pm. Daily. 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 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. 8-31. 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. 8-31. 1989 Gold Hill Rd., Fort Mill. 803-547-0957.

Rock Hill Arts Council Rock Hill A to Z. The range of topics is broad- from Anderson Motor Company to Zip Code. This exhibit presents themes in Rock Hill history to illustrate all 26 letters of the alphabet. Continues through Dec. 31. 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill. 803-328-2787.

Rock Hill City Hall Seven Ways to Light: A Journey to Commonality. A collection of 7 artists' individual approaches to photography as a creative medium. Dec. 8-31. 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill. 803-328-1694.

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.

Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art Yoko Ono: En Trance. Yoko Ono will present the large, room-like minimalist sculpture En Trance in SECCA's Potter Gallery. En Trance is an interactive work that allows the audience to investigate its numerous openings. Continues through Jan. 12. 750 Marguerite Dr., Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904.

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.

Winthrop University Galleries Art and Design Faculty Exhibition Three. This year's exhibition includes the works of Jim Connell, the team of Mark Guilbeau and Rian Kerrane, David Stokes and Jerry Walden. Located in the Rutledge and Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Galleries of the historic Rutledge Building. Continues through Jan. 26. 107 McLaurin, Rock Hill. 803-323-2493. christmas laughs Michael Edwards returns to Charlotte Repertory Theatre for "A Tuna Christmas" by Jaston Edwards, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, at Booth Playhouse, through Dec. 15, 2002.