Tues, Feb 9, 9-3pm: Nonprofit 101, a comprehensive workshop for people working in and with nonprofit agencies at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.  The main presenters will be Kim McGuire from WNC Nonprofit Pathways and Beth Maczda from the Comm Foundation of WNC.  They will be assisted by AMY Reg Library Dir Dr. Dan Barron and MainPRO organizer Susan Larson.  Topics to be covered include planning, board basics, financial management, communications, fund development, and evaluation.  In addition, self-assessment tools will be shared to help organizations evaluate their infrastructure and effectiveness, and participants will gain information on how to pursue additional resources and assistance.  McGuire and Maczda will present an overview of the new Common Grant Approach, which is being implemented in 2010 by United Ways and the Community Foundation of WNC, two major funding sources in WNC.
Sam Center on the MCC Main Campus, 3 mi east of Spruce Pine on 19E.  Registration opens at 8:30am. with a coffee and snacks provided, and lunch is included in the registration fee of $30.  Every registrant will also receive a comprehensive notebook of information on each of the topics presented. Advance registration advised; please go to www.amyregionallibrary.org/MainPRO. Questions, contact to Susan Larson at susielarson@earthlink.net or 828-765-2652.

ArtsCentered is now accepting enrollment for spring semester. Eight-week courses available. Ongoing classes for adults and children. For more info, contact Jann Welch at 688-9192 or Mayland Comm College at 765-7351, x241.

Fri-Sun, Feb 19-21, 11-4pm: Meet the Maker - Lee Badger, the owner and chief talent of Anvil Works. He specializes in decorative and functional metal design and the creation of hand-crafted metal work for the home and garden. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, 828-253-7651

Fri, Feb 19, 6-9pm: Clay Date Night. You are sure to have a great night learning some slippery moves at this monthly event. Bring a date, come with friends, or meet someone new on a Fri night. Our instructors will walk you through a few simple projects, or you can impress your date with your own creations. $25 per person/$45 for two. Odyssey Ctr for Ceramic Arts, 828-285-0210

Mon, Feb 15, 6-8pm: HandMade in America Technology & Marketing Class, Ashe County Arts Council, Jefferson, NC. Come learn about extremely cost-effective ways to grow your business and find more creative outlets! Discover tips and tricks to grad publicity and market your art and brand. Free. Contact Megan Williams at mwilliams@handmadeinamerica.org

Sat, Feb 13, 10-4pm: Sand Casting with Junk. Join John Richards of Yummy Mud Puddle as he teaches a hands on workshop at Textures on Main in Waynesville. This will be a fun filled day created sand plaster sculptures from the junk provided! All materials included in class fee; children welcome.Textures on Main, 142 N Main St, Waynesville, NC, 828-452-0058

The 2nd Saturday Artist Market will begin the 2010 season in Mar in its new location inside the Rocket Club on Haywood Rd. 11-5pm monthly. Artists may apply for one or multiple months-space available for tables up to 6′ long plus space for chairs or other narrow display (artists must provide all display/tables). May share space. Table space fee is $25/month for single artist, $15 each/month if sharing space. App/info at www.2ndSaturday.blogspot.com

Assoc Artists of Southport, the Franklin Square Gallery Spring Art Show, Mar 1-27. Deadline Feb 12. $25 entry fee for 2 works. All eligible entries will be exhibited. www.FranklinSquareGallery.com