Check out these local hot spots which have ongoing events on their websites:


Art In The Shop - community calendar events for the entire region!
Caldwell County events are in Green. Other counties' events are in blue.
MARCH
Through March 21 - Faces & Places will be on display at the Lenoir Public Library. Smiling, working or thoughtful faces are among the images in the “Celebrate North Carolina: Faces and Places” Photography Exhibit. “Celebrate North Carolina” is an initiative of the Office of First Gentleman Bob Eaves (www.celebrate.nc.gov). Arranged in cooperation with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (www.ncculture.com), this exhibit of 30 images from professional and amateur photographers, with a sample from the State Archives collections, will be shown in Lenoir at the Caldwell County Public Library through March 21. The Celebrate North Carolina Initiative of First Gentleman Eaves looks at North Carolina’s past and to her future. “It is a way for us to explore the many gifts our state has to offer,” says Eaves. “The Faces and Places exhibit celebrates our energetic and industrious people.” Hard at work and hard at play, high-steppin’ and flying through space, the moments that reflect who we are have been captured by North Carolina photographers. A rushing waterfall, serene mountain lake and active cityscapes are among the captivating settings on display.
Through end of March - “Black Americans of Distinction,” from Leatrice’s Pearsons collection of pictures, books, and new items of African-Americans who have made a name for themselves in politics, letters, business, entertainment, sports, and other fields of endeavor is on display at the Caldwell Heritage Museum until the end of March. The Museum is located at 112 Vaiden Street SW in downtown Lenoir behind Davenport School. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no admission charge, but donations for the operation of the Museum are appreciated.
March 2, 4, 6 - Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care will hold its next adult volunteer training sessions on Tuesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Training topics will include the hospice philosophy and standards of care, the history of Caldwell Hospice, family dynamics when someone is dying, communication and safety procedures, best responses to dying patients’ wishes and the wishes of their families, and other practical subjects. Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care always needs adult volunteers. We work with all new volunteers to discover their best way to serve: one-on-one patient care, clerical work, special events, etc. Caldwell Hospice will provide lunch for the Saturday session, and all sessions will be held in the Wilson Meeting Room at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, in Lenoir. Volunteering with Caldwell Hospice can be a truly rewarding way to serve your community. For more information or to register for the March 2010 adult volunteer training sessions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Dawn Cannon at 828.754.0101.
March 4 - Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, downtown Hickory 8th annual Aroma of Art silent art auction closing reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Bidding will end at 6:30 PM. The funds that ALFA and Humane Society of Catawba County receive from AOA support a variety of needs in Western North Carolina and directly benefit our community. Proceeds from the month-long silent auction will benefit AIDS Leadership Foothills area Alliance (ALFA) and Humane Society of Catawba County. "We are happy to be able to benefit two very distinct and different non-profit groups with Aroma of Art," stated DW Bentley who along with Edgar Hernandez created the event. The silent auction includes beautiful artwork, photography, pottery, woven pieces, jewelry and much more from local artists and will be on display at the Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse throughout the month of February. Over 50 artists have currently donated over 100 items to be auctioned. During the Holiday Pottery Show & Sale at Taste Full Beans in December, Jason Outlaw asked the attending potters to throw pieces of pottery on his wheel for demonstration during the show. Each potter donated those pieces for the Aroma of Art fundraiser. The pieces were glazed and fired by Outlaw Pottery for the event. Those potters include Roger Corn of County Line Jug Shop (Lula, GA), Amanda Dobbins of Rosylou Pottery (Hickory, NC), Jesse Rivera and his 12-year old son, Cesar Rivera (Lincolnton, NC).
March 5 - "On Agate Hill," the one-woman play featuring Barbara Bates Smith, and adapted by her from the Lee Smith novel, will be presented at the Caldwell County Public Library in Lenoir. Musical accompaniment is by Jeff Sebens. In a tale of passion, humor and drama, Molly Petree, orphaned by the Civil War, is “a spitfire and a burden” who risks everything to hold on to her own nature and to true love. This one-hour performance is free and open to the public. “The two Smiths seem made for each other. Barbara is a marvel as she seamlessly slips from character to character,” cites the Asheville Citizen-Times. Lee Smith has said, “I am Barbara’s most avid fan and groupie.” Barbara is noted for her adaptation and Off-Broadway performance of “Ivy Rowe” from Lee Smith’s Fair and Tender Ladies, a show celebrating its twentieth year in 2010. She has presented other touring adaptations of Lee Smith’s novels. A Southeastern Theatre “Best Actress” award winner, Barbara has recently played featured roles in regional productions of “Wit,” “Hamlet,” and “Doubt.” The musical accompaniment of Jeff Sebens enhances the performance. This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Caldwell County Public Library, will take place in Meeting Room 6 on the lower level of the library. The performance is free, but will be limited to the first 125 persons. Doors open at 6:30 PM; performance at 7:00PM.
March 5-6 - News Release – Show Held Over by Popular Demand - Foothills Performing Arts presents “Don’t Dress for Dinner” held over by popular demand for two performances. Show dates are March 5 & 6, 2010. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00pm. A frenetic case of mistaken identity with more twists than a corkscrew. When Jacqueline decides to visit her mother for a few days, her husband Bernard sees an opportunity for a cozy weekend with his new mistress. His bachelor pal Robert calls to announce his return from Hong Kong, so Bernard invites him along as his alibi, also hiring a Cordon Bleu-level cook to cater a delicious dinner. But when Jacqueline realizes Robert is coming for a visit everything changes, and the high speed farce begins—one impossible situation leads to another! Written by Marc Camoletti, and adapted by Robin Hawdon, this comedy is published by Samuel French Inc. John Hogan, a veteran from Valdese, is Artistic Director of this production with Todd Raby returning as Technical Director. The cast of miscreants include Marshall Goff, our misbehaving husband Bernard and his wife, Jacqueline, played by Christy Branch. Their best friend, Robert, who drops by for a visit is played by George Stamatoukos. Added in is Lori Franklin, as Suzanne - Bernard’s mistress. To add the spice is Suzette, the Cordon Blue chef and her husband George. They are played by Chrystal Hass and Thurman Roe. Caleb Sigmon is the Light and Sound designer and Adrian Smith is the Stage Manager. The Box Office opens 1 hour before each show. Ticket Prices: Adult- $10.00, Seniors (55 and older) - $8.00, and Students and Children are $6.00. Foothills Performing Arts is located in “B” Bldg. on the campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, NC. For reservations or information, please call 828-726-2318 or visit our website www.foothillsperformingarts.org.
March 6 - 12th Annual Caldwell County Traditional Musicians Showcase, performing music from Fresh Tracks. 7:30pm at JE Broyhill Civic Center.
March 19 - 
March 19 - Support the mission of Helping Hands - Caldwell County's non-profit, free clinic, providing healthcare and prescription medication to low-income, uninsured residents. The Pot o' Gold Celebration will be held March 19 at the JE Broyhill Civic Center 6pm until 8pm and includes a catered dinner, entertainment, silent auction and raffle. To purchase dinner/event tickets ($50 per person) contact Debra Philyaw at 754-8459 or debra@helpinghandsclinic.org. Raffle tickets are available at Helping Hands, Bank of Granite-Lenoir, Gold Mine-Hudson, CCC&TI Bookstore, BBQ Man, Venti's Casa and the Chamber of Commerce. $10 EACH OR 6 FOR $50. Grand prize is $5,000 cash; 2nd prize is jewelry from the Gold Mine valued at $2,500; 3rd prize to be announced. Do not have to be present to win. March 23 - The Ninth Annual Diversity Celebration at Appalachian State University -- Want to feel like a citizen of the world? Come to the Ninth Annual Diversity Celebration Appalachian State University in Boone, NC! On March 23, between 3-9 pm, Plemmons Student Union will reverberate with the rhythms of African drums, Native American tribal dance, belly dance and salsa. Children of all ages will enjoy crafts and game of other cultures, from India to Appalachia. Folk artists will weave and spin and make toys and churn butter. Musicians, storytellers, and dancers will fill every room with dynamic performances that will bring you to your feet. And professional chefs will present an array of delicious foods from across the globe. The Diversity Celebration is a family friendly event. Everything is free. Everyone is invited. For information and a performance schedule, go to www.celebration.appstate.edu or call 828-262-2144. APRIL
April 17 - May 9 - The Rape Crisis Center of Catawba County is once again hosting their JEANS FOR JUSTICE: Art Exhibition * Gala Auction * Fashion Show at the Hickory Museum of Art. The exhibit will run April 17 through May 9 at the Museum. The Gala Auction & Fashion Show will be Saturday, May 1 from 6 until 8 PM. Proceeds from the Gala and Auction benefit the Rape Crisis Center of Catawba County.The Jeans for Justice movement grew out of an Italian court decision in 1999 to overturn the conviction of a 45-year-old driving instructor convicted of raping an 18-year-old student. The high court based its decision on what the teen was wearing, ruling that it is impossible to take off tight pants such as jeans without the cooperation of the person wearing them. Following the ruling, a group of female Italian lawmakers wore jeans to parliament, prompting women all over the country to join in a skirt strike. In the years since, the protest has since spread across the globe in the form of Jeans for Justice.
April 8 - The Fourth Annual Cycle To Serve Bicycle Challenge is a major fundraiser for the Lenoir Rotary Club which serves special needs in our community. Go to www.CycleToServe.com for more information and to register.
April 25 - The Keowee Trio will perform in concert at the Chapel of Rest in Happy Valley at 4pm. This trio features Kate Steinbeck (flute), Simon Ertz (cello) and Jacqueline Bartlett (harp), and is part of our ongoing spring and fall "Concerts at the Chapel - 25 years of concerts!" A reception with the musicians will follow the concert. Admission is $8. Visit their website at www.chapelofrest.org.
MAY
May 22 - (11:00am-7:00pm) - Festival In The Park - Something For Everyone! The Lenoir Parks & Recreation Department plans to offer a Festival at the JE Broyhill Park on Ridge Street, featuring a bit of everything that is available here in Caldwell County. Musicians and bands of most every genre will play throughout the day, food vendors and other activities will be available, artists will display and demo their art, cloggers and dance troupes will perform. Spend the day and see what all Caldwell County has to offer! The goal of this event is to showcase the Lenoir Parks & Recreation; this will be their open house & all three facilities will have information booths with their summer programs and events. Local artists are invited to participate and set up all through the park wherever they would like. There is no charge for this event. Artists can stay all day, or just for a couple of hours; (if selling items there is a $50 vendor fee-but we may be able to sell together under one fee). Contact Cathy McCoy 754-2486 or info@caldwellarts.com
JUNE
June 12 - Foothills Walk for Wellness, 8am-12noon Lenoir Greenway (rain or shine) - this walk is to raise funds to provide effective but low cost personal training and nutrition counseling.
JULY
July 16-17 - Porch Sale at Caldwell Arts Council - Original art at bargain prices, artists clean out their studios to make room for fresh new work. This supports both artists and the Caldwell Arts Council!
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
mid-December drawing - Caldwell Senior Center is Raffling this blue "Twisted Bargello" quilt, made by Georgianna Bland, by raffle ticket sale. $1 for one ticket, $5 for six tickets. Raffle tickets on sale all year, with drawing in mid-December.

