The Eudora Welty House
Home to famous Mississippi author Eudora Welty for 76 years, this private home was built in 1925 and has only recently been opened to the public. The Tudor Revival-style house has been named a National Historic Landmark and also features restored gardens. Open Wed.-Fri., with regular tours at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.,
and 3 p.m. Reservations required. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children. For more information: 601-353-7762.

The Jackson Zoo: Wetlands Abound! and Reptile Rendezvous
Wetlands Abound! explores the swamps and marshes of
Mississippi and the creatures that call them home. Al the Alligator
guides visitors through this informative exhibit about the wetlands habitat. Reptile Rendezvous allows visitors to get an up close and personal look at snakes, lizards and other interesting reptiles. Johnie, the reptile wrangler, will give presentations about the cold-blooded creatures, and the Wildlife Theatre will perform puppet
shows by appointment. All other zoo attractions will also be open. Open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission: $5.30 adults, $2.70 children. Parking: $1. For more information: 601-352-2581.

May 9 – September 9: Manship House Museum: Summer Dress
The Manship House Museum, built in 1857 by decorative painter and Civil War mayor Charles Henry Manship, is a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in the South. The house, which exhibits Manship’s masterful graining and marbling throughout, offers a rare
glimpse of middle-class family life in 1888. In Summer Dress, the Manship House Museum exhibits the Victorian practice of preparing the home for the heat, insects and dirt of the summer months. In addition, the museum will host a summer crafting workshop for children on July 10. Open Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. For information: 601-961-4724.

June 1-30: Russell C. Davis Planetarium
Enjoy large-format films shot in IMAX® and multimedia sky features on a 60-foot dome screen – the largest in Mississippi! Get “closer than you’d ever want to be” to volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes in the film “Forces of Nature,” then soar over Baja California and dive into the Sea of Cortes in the film “Ocean Oasis.”
Search for water on other worlds in the sky feature “Oceans in Space,” then take your children on a Solar System Adventure. The Planetarium is just off Lamar Street at 201 E. Pascagoula St. –west of the Mississippi Arts Center and less than five minutes’ walk from Thalia Mara Hall. Admission: $5.50-$6.50 adults, $3-$4 children.
For more information and show times: 601-960-1550.

June 1–July 31: Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center: Classic Black
The USA IBC partners with the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center to present Classic Black, an exhibition that illustrates the experiences of black ballet dancers performing in the mid-1900s. The exhibition is offered for tour by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and will be on display at the museum throughout the competition. This exhibit is sponsored by the City of Jackson. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; limited hours Sat.-Sun. Admission: $4.50 adults, $1.50 children. For more information: 601-960-1457.

June 17: USA IBC Opening Ceremony
The Gertrude C. Ford Opening Ceremony will feature a sizzling performance by Ballet Hispanico, America's foremost dance interpreter of Hispanic culture. In addition, performances by former USA IBC medalists Joseph Phillips, Adrienne Canterna, Rolando Sarabia and Danny Tidwell will also be presented. These artists are sponsored by Pointe, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher magazines. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Thalia Mara Hall. Admission: $25-$50. For more information: 601-973-9249.

June 17-July 2: USA IBC Sculpture Exhibit
A collection of dance-related sculpture will transform the lobby of Thalia Mara Hall for this summer's USA IBC. Featured works in bronze, wood and metal will be displayed. Artists represented include Robert Crowell, Suzanne Vertel and Gary Martin. Admission: Free. For more information: 601-355-9853.

June 17–Sept. 10: Mississippi Museum of Art: From the Fire - Contemporary Korean Ceramics
From the Fire - Contemporary Korean Ceramics is a compelling traveling exhibition that brings the finest of contemporary Korean ceramics in the largest survey of works to come to North America. The exhibit assembles the work of 54 contemporary Korean ceramic artists in a dazzling display of 108 items. Pieces incorporate traditional techniques with new influences and methods
to create both functional and sculptural works.
Also showing: the art of costume design is explored through the work of costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee of Charleston, Miss., known largely for her work in the regional theater circuit. Her working sketches are shown alongside fabric swatches, production photographs and finished costumes that represent a portfolio spanning three decades. This exhibition is presented in honor of the USA International Ballet Competition. An illustrated gallery guide accompanies the exhibition. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays noon-5 p.m. Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors. For more information: 601-960-1515.

June 17-Sept. 10: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science: Giant Insects exhibit
Experience Mississippi’s living heritage through a visit to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. A 100,000 gallon aquarium system, home to more than 200 species of native fish, reptiles and amphibians, tells the ecological story of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes and the Mississippi Sound. Located in the 300-acre nature area of LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the Museum features exhibits on fossils, endangered and extinct species, trees, birds, insects, nature trails and much more! Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children. For more information: 601-354-7303

June 17 and 24: Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild: Craft Demonstrations and Displays
Artist Susan Clark will be featured in a demonstration of ceramics and clay sculpture on June 17, and Ed Wozinak will display his copper work June 24. Both exhibitions will take place at the Chimneyville Crafts Gallery on Lakeland Drive. Free. For details, call 601-981-0019.

June 17 and 24, July 1: Greater Belhaven Market
The Greater Belhaven Market, a local open-air producer’s market, offers a variety of items, from specialty foodstuffs to Mississippi art. Baked goods, handmade candies, seasonal produce, fine soaps and crafts created by Mississippians can be purchased here. The market, located onFortification Street in downtown Jackson, also features live entertainment. Open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information: 601-352-8850.

June 17–July 2: Art Exhibit - P. Sanders McNeal, Official Poster Artist of the 2006 USA IBC
The work of accomplished local artist P. Sanders McNeal, the official artist for the 2006 USA IBC, will be featured in a solo exhibit on the mezzanine level of Thalia Mara Hall throughout the competition. McNeal and the 2006 commemorative poster are sponsored by Chevron. Admission: Free. For more information: 601-355-9853.

June 21-22: Garth Fagan Dance
Garth Fagan Dance, a world-renowned modern dance company, will be featured in a two-day residency during the competition. Fagan, the choreographer of Disney’s Broadway show “The Lion King,” founded the company in 1970 and continues to serve as its artistic director.
Lecture/Demonstration – This event, held at 4 p.m. on June 21, will take place at the Belhaven Center for the Arts. Free and open to the public. For more information: 601-355-9853.
Master Class - On June 21, the company will conduct a private master class for advanced and professional dancers at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum at 1 p.m. Class fee: $20. For more information: 601-355- 9853.
Performance - An evening performance will be held June 22 at 8 p.m. in Thalia Mara Hall. Admission: $5. This residency is made possible by the Southern Arts Federation, the Greater Jackson Arts Council and Dermatopathology Associates. For more information: 601-973-9249.

June 20, 22, 26 and 29: Lunch with the IBC
Throughout the two weeks of the competition, luncheons will be held featuring speakers on a variety of dance related topics. Planned programs include a panel of members of the original Ballet Russes, officials from Regional Dance America and a display of classical ballet tutus along with a discussion on their careful construction. Luncheons will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Mississippi Museum of Art’s Palette Restaurant. For more information: 601-355-9853.

June 24-26: Pilates Workshop
Learn the exercises dancers have used for almost 60 years to strengthen their bodies and prevent injuries. Two classes per day, held at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., will be conducted at the Edison Walthall Hotel. Admission: Free. (Private sessions may also be arranged for a fee.) For more information: 601-355-9853.

June 25: Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase
The Edward Stierle Contemporary Showcase is a first-time event for the USA IBC in which competitors eliminated in Round I have a venue to perform again for the USA IBC audience. Dancers will have the opportunity to present contemporary pieces prepared for Rounds II and III of the competition in a matinee performance, held at 2 p.m. in the Belhaven Center for the Arts. Admission: Free. This event is sponsored by Bill and Rose Stierle and Travis and Karlen Bain.

June 26: Ballets Russes screening
Directed by Dayna Goldfine and Dan Geller, this film tells the story of the legendary Ballet Russe of Monte Carlo. Delving into the lives of the company's stars and productions, Ballets Russes also explores the power games, rivalries and tribulations that marked its turbulent history. This film is presented in partnership with Crossroads Film Festival. Screenings will be hosted at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Edison Walthall Hotel. Admission: Free. For more information: 601-355-9853.

June 29: Regional Dance America Performance
All five RDA regions will be represented in this matinee performance, which will include three integrated ballets from the Southwest, the Mid-States, and the Pacific regions created especially for the USA IBC. Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique and Atlanta Ballet Center Theatre will represent the Southeast region, and Pennsylvania Regional Ballet will represent the Northeast region. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in Thalia Mara Hall. Admission: $10. For more information: 601-973- 9249.

July 4: Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry
Museum/National Agricultural Aviation Museum:
Independence Day Festival
Discover Mississippi’s proud agricultural legacy with a step back in time. Museum exhibits featuring dioramas, retired agricultural planes and the recreation of Small Town, Mississippi, reveal how agriculture and forestry molded the history and heritage of the state. A 4th of July Festival will also feature live entertainment, carnival games, face painting, pony rides and a carousel. Open
Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5p.m. Admission: $4 adults, $2 children. For more information: 601-713-3365.