Nov. 2-Dec. 18: Art in the Arboretum, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: The art quilts of Jill Jensen combine surface fabric paintings, printing inks, pastels and colored pencil; the quilts consist of three layers, a top image-bearing fabric, quilt batting and a hand-painted backing fabric stitched or embroidered by hand; for information, contact the arboretum at (540) 568-3194 or visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Nov. 2-30: Arboretum Art Exhibit, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: JMU alumnus Phillip Ungar's hand-crafted pottery blends beauty and functionality; the earthenware collection includes stand-alone artworks as well as paired pieces that are safe for culinary use; the exhibit runs alongside the quilted works of Jill Jensen all month; for more information, contact the arboretum at (540) 568-3194 or visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum.

Nov. 9-Dec. 4: Sawhill Gallery Exhibition, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Duke Hall: The School of Art and Art History has selected Dr. Howard Risatti, Emeritus Professor of Contemporary Art and Critical Theory in the Department of Art History at Virginia Commonwealth University, as a recipient of the 2009-10 Wampler Professorship; in using the word "craft," Risatti refers specifically to handmade functional work, made of traditional craft materials, such as ceramic, metal, glass, fiber and wood; for information, call (540) 568-6407; free.

Nov. 11-30: Holiday Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Frances Plecker Education Center, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: The arboretum offers high-quality, locally grown winter varieties including poinsettias, gardenia, cyclamen, Christmas cactus and Norfolk Island pine; prices vary and all proceeds go to fund arboretum events; sales are also available by mail, Web site or phone and on a limited walkup basis during the Moonlight Holiday Festival Dec. 5; orders may be picked up at the education center Dec. 8-11; for more information, visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum or call (540) 568-3194.

Nov. 18: Guest Speaker, 7 p.m., Room 404, Taylor Hall: LaShawnna Stanley, founder of Ethnicity Models in Miami who teaches women to appreciate their physical features but not be exploited by them, presents "SExploitation of Women in Hip Hop"; sponsored by the Black Student Alliance; free.

Nov. 18: JMU Orff/Kodaly Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m., Room 108, Music Building: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Nov. 18: Guest Artists Concert, 8 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Langley Air Force Woodwind Quintet; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Nov. 19: JMU Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m., Room 108, Music Building: Admission is $2 at the door; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes.

Nov. 19: Destino, 7:30 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: The trio of classically trained Canadian vocalists is fast becoming a classical crossover sensation, returning from an exclusive performance engagement at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and performing at some of Canada's renowned summer music festivals; tickets are $12, $20 and $25; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Nov. 19: JMU Faculty Recital, 8 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Amadi Azikiwe, viola; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Nov. 20: JMU Philosophy Colloquium, 3:30 p.m., Room 117, Cleveland Hall: Professor Christopher Bartel of the Department of Philosophy at Appalachian State University presents "Historical Inaccuracy and Aesthetic Relevance"; free.

Nov. 20: JMU Brass Band Concert, 7 p.m., Park View Mennonite Church: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Nov. 21-29: Thanksgiving Vacation. Residence halls close at 10 a.m. Nov. 21.

Nov. 23: "With Good Reason" Public Radio Program,7 p.m., WMRA 90.7FM: JMU Professor Maria Papadakis of the Department of Integrated Science and Technology visits an energy-efficient turkey farm in the Shenandoah Valley to showcase ways that farmers can save money while doing their part to conserve natural resources.

Nov. 24: Mercury Thermometer Roundup, 9-11 a.m., Grace Street Modular Building shed, behind the University Services Building parking lot: JMU's Housekeeping and Recycling offers the opportunity for community members to drop off intact mercury-containing thermometers that have been placed in plastic bags for proper disposal; for more information, contact Tony Smith at smith2tr@jmu.edu or Marcella Mullenax at mullenmr@jmu.edu.

Nov. 25: University closes at noon.

Nov. 26-27: University Holidays. University closed.

Nov. 28: Residence Halls open at 4 p.m. and Dining Services opens at 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 30: Classes resume.

Dec. 1: JMU Faculty Ensemble Concert, 6:30 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: The Rittenhouse String Quartet performs; Max Rabinovitsj, violin, Wanchi Huang, violin, Amadi Azikiwe, viola, and Carl Donakowski, cello; admission is $2 at the door; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes.

Dec. 1: Cherish The Ladies Celtic Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Taking its name from a traditional Irish jig, Cherish The Ladies initially won recognition as the first and only all-women traditional Irish band. With its unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and puts it forth in an immensely humorous and entertaining package; tickets are $12, $25 and $30; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Dec. 1: JMU Percussion Chamber Ensembles Concert, 8 p.m., Room 108, Music Building: Admission is $2 at the door. Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes.

Dec. 2-Feb. 26: The Gallery @ Festival Exhibition, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Room 2104, Festival Conference and Student Center: "The Inheritance of Rome: Returning to the Eternal City" features paintings, sculpture and prints that document artists', collectors' and travelers' responses to Rome and its art; most of the artworks come from the collection of Dr. John A. Sawhill, a classics professor who taught at JMU from 1927 to 1957; nicknamed the "Eternal City" because of its long history of global influence, Rome has been a magnet for tourists and inspiration for artists since the Renaissance; Dr. Kathleen G. Arthur and students in the School of Art and Art History Museum Studies Exhibition Seminar organized the exhibition and wrote the catalog; opening reception, Dec. 2 from 2 to 5:30 p.m.; for more information, see the Madison Art Collection exhibition schedule at http://web.jmu.edu/mars/gallery_at_festival.htm; free.

Dec. 2: JMU Steel Band Concert, 12:20 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Dec. 2: JMU Flute Studio Recital, 7 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Dec. 2: JMU Jazz Chamber Ensembles, 7-9 p.m., Artful Dodger, downtown Harrisonburg: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Dec. 2: JMU Student Ensembles Concert, 8 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Features the Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus and Treble Chamber Choir; admission is $2 at the door; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes.

Dec. 3-5: Virginia Repertory Dance Company, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, Duke Hall: Under the direction of artistic director Shane O'Hara, this principal ensemble of top student dancers performs new choreography by JMU faculty members and guest artists; this year's guest roster includes Derrick Alfonso Evans of New York City, Daniel Burkholder of Washington, D.C., and Laurie Eisenhower, the company director of Detroit-based Eisenhower Dance Ensemble; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Dec. 3: JMU Student Ensembles Concert, 8 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Features the JMU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band; admission is $2 at the door; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes.

Dec. 4: Last Day of Classes.

Dec. 4: Harrisonburg Christmas Parade with the Marching Royal Dukes, 7 p.m., downtown Harrisonburg: Following the parade, JMU's renowned marching band performs a concert on Court Square; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Dec. 5: JMU Group Voice Class Recital, 3 p.m., Room 142, Music Building: Check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; free.

Dec. 5: Moonlight Holiday Festival, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Carriage rides with "Harrisonburg's favorite horses," Sonny and Cher, are available; individual rides are $10 for adults, $7 for children younger than 8; parties or couples may book a private carriage ride for $58; for information, visit www.jmu.edu/arboretum or call 568-3194; check the Web site in case of inclement weather.

Dec. 5: Fifth Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, prelude begins at 7:50 p.m., Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, Harrisonburg: Features the Madison Singers, JMU Treble Concert Choir and JMU Brass Ensemble; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and time changes; donations accepted,

Dec. 6: Holidayfest, 4 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: The 41st annual concert features the JMU Chorale, Symphony Orchestra and Brass Band in a delightful performance that marks the beginning of the holiday season; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Dec. 7-11: Final Examinations.

Dec. 7-12: Sawhill Gallery Exhibition, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Duke Hall: "MFA Exhibition by Aimee George"; reception, Dec. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.; for information, call (540) 568-6407; free.

Dec. 12: Commencement, 10 a.m., Convocation Center.

Dec. 24-31: University Holidays. University closed.

Jan. 1: University Holiday. University closed.

Jan. 11: Classes meet as scheduled.

Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes do not meet.

Jan. 22: JMU Faculty Recital, 8 p.m., Anthony-Seeger Auditorium: Carrie Stevens, mezzo-soprano; check the School of Music's Concert Hotline at (540) 568-3481 for venue and times changes; free.

Jan. 25-June 18: PRISM Gallery Exhibition, open during normal building hours, lower level of Festival Conference and Student Center: "Florence Through Our Eyes n New Takes by JMU Students in Florence, Curated by Angel Elza" offers a different view of the city artists have celebrated in paintings and photographs for centuries; Semester in Florence students present their photographic images from summer and fall 2009; free.

Jan. 25-Feb. 13: New Image Gallery Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 131 Grace St.: The contemporary photography gallery presents the work of sculptor Gary Pohl, who uses kinetic systems to illustrate social concepts; opening reception, Jan. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.; for information, call (540) 568-7175; free.

Jan. 31: River North Chicago Dance Company, 7:30 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Founded in 1989 by four visionary dancers and choreographers, River North Chicago has established itself as one of Chicago's leading dance companies, receiving critical acclaim on national and international levels; tickets are $12, $25 and $30; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Feb. 12: JMU Jazz Ensemble, 8 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: The ensemble lights up the concert hall with an exciting concert of big band jazz; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Feb. 15-March 27: Public Sculpture Invitational Exhibition, Duke Sculpture Garden, between Duke Hall and the Music Building: A sculpture installation by Dalya Luttwak features an example of her linear organic creations that are welded metal sculptures made of steel; Luttwak was born in Israel's Northern Galilee, where three tributaries join to form the Jordan River; her family roots and the hardships they endured play an important role in her sculpture; for information, call (540) 568-6407; free.

Feb. 15: Sawhill Gallery Lecture, 5 p.m., Duke Hall: Sculptor Dalya Luttwak discusses her art; a reception follows from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; for information, call (540) 568-6407; free.

Feb. 16: Student Assessment/Faculty Assistance. No classes meet 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; evening classes after 4 p.m. meet as scheduled.

Feb. 18: Cirque D'Or, 7:30 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Presented by the Golden Dragon Acrobats, who represent the best of the longest running folk art form in history; the acrobats mix traditional dance, spectacular costumes and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques in a breathtaking presentation of skill and beauty; tickets are $12, $25 and $30; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

Feb. 23-28: JMU Theatre, "Oklahoma!" 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, Duke Hall: Rodgers' and Hammerstein's popular musical delights audiences with its many memorable tunes, including "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," "People Will Say We're in Love" and the rousing "Oklahoma!"; tickets are $8 and $12; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

March 8-12: Spring Break. Classes do not meet.

March 15: Classes Resume.

March 17: James Madison Day.

March 17-June 18: The Gallery @ Festival Exhibition, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Room 2104, Festival Conference and Student Center: Opening March 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., "Life and Death in Ancient Egypt" is an interactive, fun and child-friendly exhibit for anyone who ever wanted to be Indiana Jones or Laura Croft; objects drawn from the Madison Art Collection and even a tomb for exploration are part of the exhibit; learn about how Western life today is strongly influenced by the Greeks and Romans; free.

March 19: Imani Winds Wind Quintet, 7:30 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: Since 1997, the Grammy-nominated ensemble has taken a unique path, carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world with its dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming and genre-blurring collaborations; tickets are $10, $15 and $20; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

March 25-27: The Contemporary Dance Ensemble, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, Duke Hall: The final dance concert of the season showcases new work by JMU dance students, faculty members and up-and-coming guest artist Faye Driscoll from New York City; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

April 25: Honors Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m., Wilson Hall Auditorium: A newcomer to the Masterpiece Season, the Honors Symphony is an orchestra that features winners of the JMU School of Music Concerto Competition; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

April 27-May 1: JMU Theatre, "bobrauschenbergamerica," p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, Duke Hall: Charles L. Mee's vision of what 'growing up Bob Rauschenberg' might have been like presents an assemblage of core American values expressed in a most unusual way; recommended for mature audiences; tickets are $8 and $10; call the Masterpiece Season box office at (540) 568-7000 or (877) 201-7543 (toll free) for reservations. Visit the Masterpiece web site.

May 3-7: Final Examinations.

May 8: Commencement, 8:30 a.m., Bridgeforth Stadium.

May 31: Memorial Day. Classes do not meet.

July 5: University Holiday. Classes do not meet.

Through Nov. 6: The Gallery @ Festival Exhibition, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Room 2104, Festival Conference and Student Center, "The World of the Ancient Greeks and Romans" is an interactive, fun and child-friendly exhibit that encourages exploration of classical Mediterranean culture through objects drawn from the Madison Art Collection; learn about how Western life today is strongly influenced by the Greeks and Romans; free.

Through Nov. 14: artWorks Gallery Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 131 Grace St.: "Spectrum" features black and white, color, digital and alternative processes showing the range of work and types of assignments JMU photography students undertake; for information, call (540) 568-7175; free.

Through Dec. 2: New Image Gallery Exhibition, noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 131 Grace St.: The contemporary photography gallery presents the works of James Crable, JMU professor emeritus of art and art history; for information, call (540) 568-7175; free.

Through Dec. 15: PRISM Gallery Exhibition, open during normal building hours, lower level of Festival Conference and Student Center: Opening Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m., "Looking Out on Thirty Years of Study Abroad at JMU, 1979-2009" traces the development of JMU's study abroad program since its beginnings in London; the program continues to flourish and now sends more than 1,000 students each year to nearly 40 programs around the world; enjoy the sights and sounds of other cultures as captured by students and faculty whose lives international education has transformed; free.

Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, open daily dawn to dusk, off University Boulevard: Contains a wide variety of trees and plants native to Virginia; call 568-3194 for tours; free.

Through December 2009: Annual Area Youth Art Exhibition, during regular building hours, first floor hallway, Memorial Hall: The JMU College of Education, with support from the Office of the Dean, sponsors the exhibition, which features over 60 pieces of K-12 student work from area public and private schools as well as home schooling groups; for more information, call 568-6572; free.

Through December 2010: Carrier Library Exhibition, during regular library hours, lobby in the 1939 wing of the building: "Dressing for Education: JMU Fashions Weather the Thirties and Forties" features clothing worn during the era as well as images and ephemera from JMU Libraries' Special Collections; the exhibition highlights several parallels between the current campus and its situation in the 1930s and 1940s, including the grand opening of Wilson Hall and its auditorium as a state-of-the-art performing arts venue in 1931, the opening of a new Madison Memorial Library in 1939, the campus response to World War II and the economic effects of the Great Depression on an increasingly diversified study body; free.

JMU Meteorite Collection, open daily, first- and second-floor hallways, Physics and Chemistry Building: Features fragments of meteoroids that survived passage through the atmosphere to fall to the earth's surface as masses of metal or stone; includes specimens from Diablo Canyon, Ariz., the Sahara Desert and the Central European Strewn Field; free.

JMU Mineral Museum, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Room 6139, Memorial Hall: The Department of Geology and Environmental Science opens its collection of over 550 crystals and gemstones from around the world to the public; for information, call 568-6130; free.

Madison Art Resource Site, 1-4 p.m. Friday and by appointment, Room 2102, Festival Conference and Student Center: The gallery and study center houses the 3,000-piece Madison Art Collection of artifacts and art objects from the Neolithic period to the 20th century; for information, call 568-6934; free.

John C. Wells Planetarium Shows, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, through April: Shows are free, with tickets required due to limited seating; tickets may be obtained by calling the Warren Hall Box Office at 568-7960 until 4 p.m. the day before the show and may be picked up at the Warren Hall Box Office; each show is followed by a 25-minute "star talk" that provides visitors with updates about the night sky, including constellations, planets and any comets that might be visible; school groups may make reservations by e-mailing planetarium@jmu.edu.

Last updated: 11/18/09