Events

This special exhibition will tell the stories of one of Newport News’ finest industries – shipbuilding. Highlighting this exhibition are the paintings of Thomas Skinner, as well as early photographs of the Newport News Shipyard (Northrop Grumman Newport News) and artifacts from the shipbuilding industry. The exhibition also features interactive activities and videos examining the art of shipbuilding. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.  Included in regular admission. Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13; seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8.

Explore this magical and secret land in a special exhibition focusing on The Mariners’ most noted relationships with Antarctica: the explorations of former Museum Director Rear Admiral George Dufek and current Museum Conservator Susanne Grieve. Opening weekend activities (February 7-8) include a screening of the 1948 Oscar-winning documentary The Secret Land, a polar music performance by Bob Zentz, family craft and environmental activities and displays from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. One of a series of special events celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Mariners’ Museum. Included in regular admission.  Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13; seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. Closing date to be announced.

Composed of objects used at sea and inspired by things maritime, this exhibition features a range of glass artifacts from the museum’s collection. Included are the York River Bottles, comprised of bottles recovered from the “sunken British fleet” at Yorktown, decorative panels from the famous steamship SS United States; a commemorative goblet from Admiral Lord Nelson’s funeral; a sixth-order Fresnel lighthouse lens; a 19th century captain’s liquor chest and glassware recovered from the ironclad USS Monitor. Sea Glass, Pieces from the Collection is part of Art of Glass 2, a regional collaborative effort among Hampton Roads museums to celebrate the very best in contemporary art glass. Included in regular admission. Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13;seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

It’s estimated that each year 14 billion pounds of trash and over 230 million plastic bottles are dumped into the world’s oceans. The special exhibition, which features the compelling photographs of  Andy Hughes and Chris Jordan, will examine the phenomenon of American consumerism and its environmental impact. The large, dramatic images, most taken on beaches in California and Great Britain, show trash as oddly beautiful, yet serve as reminders of the need to clean our waterways and protect the environment. Sculptures created by artist Elaine Viel and students from the College of William and Mary’s sculpture department will also be featured. Included in regular admission. Adults, $14; AAA members, military, students, $13; seniors, $12; children (6-12), $8. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

The Hampton Roads Bird Club has monitored the bird population of Newport News Park since 1965. Join club volunteers in the Picnic Area I parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month for some early morning birding. Be prepared to car pool to several areas in the park. Beginners are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. Free. First and third Sunday each month.

Members of the Virginia Peninsula Astronomy/Stargazers (VPAS) will be on-site to share their knowledge of the evening skies. Drop by just after sunset for a glimpse of the night sky (weather permitting). Second and fourth Friday of each month. Free.

Enjoy a changing array of live music and activities. Light hors d’oeuvres. Included in regular admission. Adults, $7.50; seniors, students and active-duty military, AAA members, $6; children (6-12), $4. Third Thursday each month.

One of Hampton Roads most talented celebrities – architect, sculptor and artist. This exhibition will survey several decades of his extraordinary work. Included in regular admission. Adults, $7.50; seniors, students and active-duty military, AAA members, $6; children (6-12), $4. Free admission Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Will we have six more weeks of winter or will spring soon be here? Enjoy a special evening filled with winter and spring activities, including a visit from the whistle pig (a.k.a the groundhog), plus treats, children’s activities and maybe even learn a little more about this groundhog tradition. Members, $4 (adults) and $2 (children 3-12); non-members, $8 (adults) and $6 (children 3-12).

Women of a New Tribe is a stunning national exhibition from noted award-winning photographer Jerry Taliaferro. The exhibit celebrates the physical and inner beauty of African- American women, presented in 1930s to 1940s fine art black-and-white glamour photography styles. In an effort to honor Peninsula African-American women, 24 local women were picked to be an addition to his normal exhibit. These women are celebrated for making a difference in the community. Tickets are available for purchase at the gallery on the day of admittance. Adults, $5; children, $3. Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Taste fine wines from around the world and fabulous food selections prepared by area restaurants, plus live entertainment and a great silent auction, all in one night, for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Virginia Living Museum. Ticket prices to be announced.

Members of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American fighter and support squadrons, will be available to discuss artifacts on display from noon until 1 p.m. The movie, The Tuskegee Airmen, will be shown in the museum theatre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. After the movie, guest speakers will relate their experiences while serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Included in regular admission. Adults, $6; seniors (62+) and active duty military, $5; students (7-18), $4; children under 7, free.

Museum guests will participate in a guided tour of The Newsome House and will experience several scenes taken from black history, i.e.; slavery, Mary McCloud Bethune’s classroom and the Cotton Club in Harlem, to name a few. Tours will occur every 45 minutes. Presented by members of Living Waters Way of The Cross Church of Christ Temple. Produced and written by Ms. Ashley Pair, a student attending Thomas Nelson Community College. Free; donations encouraged.

Founded in 1978, the Moscow State Radio Orchestra was created to fill a need for the broadcast of performances of 18th, 19th and 20th century symphonic repertoire throughout Russia. Moscow State will celebrate the works of the great Russian composer, Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, including the much loved Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, Piano Concerto No. 1, in B flat minor, Op., 23, and the “Overture” from Romeo and Juliet. A not-to-be missed evening featuring this superb orchestra performing these beloved works! $27 to $67.

Enjoy three days of native and exotic reptiles. Meet a Burmese python, Galapagos tortoise and a cobra, plus other venomous and nonvenomous reptiles. See live animal programs. Crafts and other activities for the kids, plus plantetarium programs. Included in regular admission. Adults, $15; children (3-12), $12. Saturday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

The museum will host a film festival during the month of February featuring films with African-American themes. Featured films are: the documentary Men of Bronze (February 13); Glory, starring Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick (February 20) and the documentary Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II, narrated by Denzel Washington and Louis Gossett, Jr. (February 27). Included in regular admission. Adults, $6; seniors (62+) and active duty military, $5; students (7-18), $4; children under 7 free.

Adults, $3 suggested donation; children (13-17), seniors and military, $2 suggested donation; children under 13, free.

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first part of Miguel de Cervantes novel Don Quixote de la Mancha, The Israel Ballet presents the ballet Don Quixote. This production is an exciting explosion of classical dance, accompanied by rousing music and with colorful costumes all set against a video enhanced back drop. A world-class company with thirty-five professional dancers (native Israelis as well as immigrants from Russia, Europe and the United States), the Israel Ballet is the only company in Israel performing the great classical and neo-classical ballets of the international repertoire. $32 to $52.

Adults, $3 suggested donation; children (13-17), seniors and military, $2 suggested donation; children under 13, free.

Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock ‘n’ roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized ‘50s setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, Smokey Joe’s Café  isn't just great pop music – it's compelling musical theatre. Musical numbers include: “Stand By Me,” “On Broadway,” “Under The Boardwalk,” “Kansas City,” “Don Juan,” “Yakety Yak,” “Poison Ivy,” “Little Egypt,” “Spanish Harlem” and “I’m a Woman.” $15. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

View works by modern American artist Charley Harper (1922-2007) whose life-long love of nature inspired his work. This exhibit, curated by the Virginia Living Museum, showcases a variety of Harper’s highly stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations. He called his style “minimal realism,” capturing the essence of his subjects with the fewest possible visual elements. Using graphic shapes and bold colors, Harper distilled and simplified complex elements. He used many media in his artwork, though he is best known for his serigraph prints. During his career, Harper illustrated numerous books, notably The Golden Book of Biology. He created works for many nature-based organizations, including the National Park Service and Cincinnati Zoo. Included in regular admission. Adults, $15; children (3-12), $12. Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.