WORDS
Our Father: Meet a new vision of George Washington as Edward Lengel, associate editor of the Papers of George Washington, presents his newly published book, General George Washington: A Military Life. Historian and mapmaker Rick Britton joins Lengel to talk about the maps he made for the book. Noon. New Dominion Bookshop. 404 E. Main St. 295-2552. See Words feature,.

DANCE CARD
Practice Swing: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts weekly practice sessions for beginners and intermediates. Singles and couples welcome. DJ takes requests. 7:30-9pm. Auditorium of the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

FAMILY
Summer Safety: Mommy & Me (& Daddies, too) celebrates Sensational Safety Day with activities about home and water safety issues. Albemarle Family's Bumble the Bee debuts to hand out free Summer Family Fun Passes. 10am-noon. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 977-4583. See Family feature.

Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can enjoy favorite storybook stories about dinosaurs at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

TUNES
Get Down: Help the Music Resource Center celebrate its 10th anniversary with music by Foul Sound, Ravi, Greg Howard, John D'earth, Darrell Rose, and MRC members. No cover, 2:30pm.

Eli Cook at Durty Nelly's. $4, 9pm.

Muelle at Coupe DeVille's. Free, 10pm.

Appetite for Destruction and Adelyn at Starr Hill. $8, 9pm.

Matty Metcalfe at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.

Greg Brown with Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman at Gravity Lounge. $28, 7pm.

Greg Howard, Matt Wyatt, and Darrell Rose at Kokopelli's. $8, 8pm.

B.C. at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.

Street Legal at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Think at Garden of Sheba. $5, 10pm.

FRIDAY, June 10
WALKABOUT
Demo Discussions: Second Fridays, a social for area Democrats, meets in the back rooms of Rapture on the Downtown Mall. 6-8 pm. $5. Info: 979-6421.

Treasure Trail?: Sign up for Geocache for Gore-Tex and find out. Competition open today through June 25. Free. Register at mountaintechs.com. See Walkabout feature.

Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.

FAMILY
It's a Mystery: Tonight is mystery night at the American Girl Book Club at Barnes & Noble. Girls ages 8-12 can discuss the new mystery series based on the American Girl characters. 7pm. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

WORDS
Bet You Knew It!: Psychic detective Noreen Renier lectures and signs copies of her new book, A Mind for Murder. 7pm. Free. Quest Bookshop. 619 W. Main St. 295-3377.

TUNES
Monticello Road and the Jangling Reinhardts at Fridays After 5.

River City High, The Points, and Terrific Kid at the Satellite Ballroom. $5, 18+, 8pm.

Calf Mountain Jam and Stone Mill Blues at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

Disappear Fear with Karmen and Julie Loyd at Gravity Lounge. $10, 8pm.

Wisen Hymer at Coupe DeVille's. 10pm.

Brian Caputo and Relocation at Fellini's #9, 10pm.

Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees in the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 10pm.

D'Jor and Rebecca at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.

Metanoia at Kokopelli's. $7, 8pm.

Sierra at the Dew Drop Inn. $3, 9:30pm.

Intense City at Garden of Sheba. $5, 9:30pm.

SATURDAY, June 11
FAMILY
Youth Summit, Celebration, Rally: Young people get together for games, activities, workshop, and brainstorming to explore how united youth can transform our town. Summit: 11am-5:30pm. Burley Middle School, Rose Hill Drive. Lunch provided. Celebration and Rally: free swim, basketball tournament, music and other performers, pizza and drinks provided. Come and bring your friends! Free and open to all teens and young adults. 5:45pm. Booker T. Washington Park on Preston Ave. Info: Alia, 296-7594.

Chicks with Sticks: Lacrosse fans have the rare opportunity to watch a world-class team in action when the USA Women's World Lacrosse Team comes to Charlottesville to work out at St. Anne's Belfield School lower school fields now through June 17. An exhibition game happens tonight at STAB, and players are available for autographs. T-shirts will be available for purchase to help support the team. 7:30pm. Free. 296-9013. cville-lax.com.

Indian Territory: Kids can learn about Native American culture at the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center and the Lewis and Clark Festival at the Barn in Darden Towe Park. Activities include drawing a story in pictographs, learning about Native American farming, and a show and tell session with Native American artwork and objects. 10am-2pm. Free. All materials provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rt. 20 north. 979-2425.

Sing a Song: Popular local children's songstress Cathy Bollinger teams up with Elly Tucker to present their new CD My Turn Your Turn: Songs for Building Social Skills. The release party includes songs, entertainment, and refreshments. 1-3pm. Free. Reservations required. ACAC Albemarle Square. 293-3500. rivannamusic.com.

At Court: Members of the public are cordially invited to join Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and her court for music, merriment, and mayhem at the Virginia Renaissance Faire at Lake Anna Winery. 10am-6pm. $5. 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania. varf.org.

Frosty Fun: Covesville Ice Cream Festival has live music (including African drummer Darrell Rose, noon-1pm), fun and games, and ice cream for the whole family. Benefits Covesville Child Care Center. 11am-4pm. Cove Presbyterian Church, 5531 Covesville Lane. 971-4096.

Conifers and Others: Inquisitive types can wander the woods and identify local trees at the Frontier Culture Museum. The one-mile guided walk is free. 8am-11am. Rt. 250 west in Staunton. 540- 332-7850.

Seeing Stars: Aspiring astronomers can get the stellar scoop when Science Museum of Virginia Astronomy Director Ken Wilson presents "How to Use a Telescope." 8am-noon. $20. Registration recommended. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.

WALKABOUT
Living History: Re-live the Civil War with speakers, activities, games, exhibits and more at an annual Living History Weekend. Re-enactors will be encamped on the property all weekend for hands-on history. Civil War Museum at the Exchange Hotel, Gordonsville. 10am-4pm. Info: hgiexchange.org.

Polo Match: Join the Piedmont Polo Club (formerly Piedmont Women's Polo Club but now all-inclusive) for a night of polo action in the rolling hills of Albemarle. 6:30pm. Forest Lodge Road, off Old Lynchburg Road. 977-POLO or .

Yoga Against AIDS: Twist, bend, and stretch with Nataraja, a certified Integral Yoga instructor in support of people living with HIV/AIDS. Free. 11am each Saturday through August 12 at The Community Space, 1117 E. Market St. 969-3121 x177 or thecommunityspace.com.

VIA 5k: Help raise money for the Virginia Institute of Autism while racing along a fun, challenging 5k course near Rugby Avenue. 8am start. Fee. 293-3367 for registration information.

Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.

Go Botanical: Learn to observe, sketch, and create a botanical watercolor painting with Lara Call Gastinger, illustrator with the Flora of Virginia project. You'll learn color mixing, dry brush techniques, and leave with a finished botanical painting. All supplies included. 9am. Register at 325-8169.

Trails Workday: Help the Rivanna Trails Foundation in its ongoing effort to build a trail network around Charlottesville, and get dirty in the process! 8:45am. 923-9022 or rivannatrails.org.

WALKABOUT AND WORDS
Tree Hugging: Peter Hatch, director of gardens and grounds at Monticello, introduces the trees that grow on the little mountaintop, as dear to TJ as his flowers and vines. Hatch leads a two-hour walk through the Monticello grounds, identifying 50 different species and discussing their ornamental, cultural, and historical features. $10, advance reservations required, meet at Monticello Garden Shop. Route 53, 984-9822.

TUNES
Sun Shines: The winner of the 2005 national Chopin competition in Warsaw, Mei-Ting Sun, performs a solo recital at the Barboursville Vineyards today, followed by a champagne reception. 5:30pm. $75 per person (black tie; reception included). 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville. 540-661-1350.

Bella Morte, In Tenebris, and This Means You at the Satellite Ballroom. $10/$8, 18+, 9pm.

Small Town Workers at the Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.

William Walter's Acoustic Trio at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 10pm.

Matt Horn and the Funk Factory at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.

The D.R.D. (formerly the Flat Duo Jets). Free, 11pm.

Melanie ("I've got a pair of brand new&") and Jan and Nick Glennie-Smith at Gravity Lounge. $35/$30, 7pm.

Corey Harris CD Release Party at Garden of Sheba. $5, 6pm.

Groove Train at Fat Daddy's, no cover, 21+, 9:30

SUNDAY, June 12
ART
Flame Bilyue's "Flowers, Fairies, and Flutterbies," a "lighthearted, whimsical approach to spiritual themes," opens today at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church. Artist's reception, 12:30pm. 717 Rugby Road. 977-5411.

FAMILY
Toddlers on the Farm: Maymont invites kids up to age 5 to come and play on the farm. Includes stories, crafts, and visits with Maymont animals. Child must be accompanied by an adult. 9:30am or 10:30am. $20 per parent/child pair. Registration required. Corner of Spottswood and Shirley Roads, Richmond. 804-358-7166, ext. 324.

WALKABOUT
Fiddle in an Hour: Master fiddle teacher Mary Hardy makes it happen at Humpback Rocks' "Fiddlin' and Frolics" event today. Learn the basics, then play some 19th century farm family games. 2-4pm at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center, Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. 295-8097.

Pink Ribbon Polo: The first-ever Pink Ribbon Polo Cup pits international polo players in a world-class setting. Even if you don't like polo or a good cause (all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to fight breast cancer), the area's new field is a wonder. Part of the King Family Vineyards, it nestles against the Blue Ridge near Crozet-- wall to wall mountains on three sides. $20 advance, $25 at the gate, children under 10 free. Gates open at 11am; match begins at 2pm. 977-4361 kingfamilyvineyards.com.

DANCE CARD
Sunday Salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice salsa and other dances in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8pm. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-midnight. $3-5. cvillesalsaclub.com or 979-7211.

Mountain Morning: Join a Wintergreen Nature Foundation naturalist for an interpretive hike through the mountains of Wintergreen. Moderate difficulty. $3 members, $6 non-members. 10am. 325-8169.

TUNES
Sing for Swings: Charlottesville Women's Choir members pour out their voices and hearts in a concert to benefit the Mt. Zion African Baptist Church playground and learning center. Tickets at the door, suggested donation $7 adults, $2 children above 6. Concert at 3pm at the TJ Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. 717 Rugby Rd., 975-9008.

Ultra Dolphins, Order of the Dying Orchids, Pink Razors, and Black Castle at the Satellite Ballroom. $5, 18+, 8pm.

Matty Metcalfe at Fellini's #9, 6:30pm.

Dave Bartok at Jaberwoke. Free, 21+, 9:30pm.

Brian Vander Ark at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

Hogwaller Ramblers at Escafé. No cover.

MONDAY, June 13
WORDS
Hasten Thither: "Learning to Read and Write in Colonial America" is the title of E. Jennifer Monaghan's presentation at UVA's "rare book school" in Room 201 of Clemons Library. 6pm.

WALKABOUT
Attention, Stoners: Stone masonry workshop begins today and runs through June 18. Hands-on structural and landscape lessons. If you build it, summer will come. $600. Charles McRaven. 973-4859.

All Aboard: The National Railway Historical Society's Rivanna Chapter convenes at Golden Corral on U.S. 29 for their monthly meeting, featuring a documentary film about Appalachian coal traffic titled "Railroads and Coal." Pay-as-you-go dinner/social at 6pm, followed by the program at 7pm. Visitors welcome.

Paws To Ponder: Caring For Creatures presents a free community lecture series designed to enhance your relationship with the animals in your life. 7pm. No fee (except for dinner, or course). At Wild Greens Restaurant, Barracks Road. Info: 591-6113 or caringforcreatures.com.

NAACP Meeting: The local chapter of the NAACP meets tonight and the second Monday of each month. 7pm. Tonsler Park Community Center; Cherry Avenue near Fifth Street. 293-4044.

TUNES
George Melvin at the South Street Brewery. No cover, 7pm.

TUESDAY, June 14
WALKABOUT
It's a Snap: The Charlottesville camera club meets to discuss photographic successes and tips, this month with a focus on landscape patterns. Visitors welcome. 6:30pm. Westminster Canterbury, 250 Pantops Mountain Road. 973-4856.

FAMILY
Film Festival: The seats are first come, first served at Regal Cinema's Family Film Festival today featuring Peter Pan and Polar Express. 10am. Free. Seminole Square (behind K-mart). 980-3333.

TUNES
Aimee Mann and Ben Lee at the Paramount Theater. $29.50/$26.50/$23.50, 8pm.

Adelyn at the Starr Hill Cocktail Lounge. Free, 9pm.

Joseph Mills at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 9pm.

Travis Elliott at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.

Man Mountain Jr. at the Satellite Ballroom. $3, 9:30pm.

Blake Hunter, Body For Karate, and Troubled Hubble at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, June 15
ART
Planet Art: McGuffey artists offer free workshops for children today through June 30. One-time classes in sculpture, collage, papier maché, stained glass, dance, poetry and more for children ages 7-16. Free. 201 Second St. NW. mcguffeyartcenter.com or 434-295-7973 to register. Space limited.

DANCE CARD
Country Dance: Couples and line dancing at Fry's Spring Beach Club. Lesson, 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm. $7, students $4. (students $2 every fourth Wednesday). 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. 977-0491.

Street Salsa: Salsa Dura Dance Company offers beginner classes with Caroline Davis, intermediate with Tiffany Sanchez. No partner necessary. Second and fourth Wednesdays. 8pm. $8 adults/ $6 students. Municipal Arts Center, 1119 Fifth St. SW. 510-681-8255.

FAMILY
More Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd (and their fathers and grandfathers too) can enjoy favorite storybook stories about dads at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.

Film Festival: See Tuesday, June 14.

WORDS
Link Legacy: A special panel discussion and presentation by residents from Vesuvius who share their memories of working with O. Winston Link and the N&W Railway in the 1950s. Some presenters appear in Link's photographs. This program corresponds with the development of the new Heritage Gallery that re-creates the 1950s Vesuvius Country Store. 3:30 & 6:30pm. Hotel Roanoke, 101 Shenandoah Ave. 295-7973.

TUNES
Beat It: Kevin Munro offers a summer session of West African drum classes every Wednesday night, 6-7pm, through July 20 for beginner and intermediate-level drummers. Technique, building rhythms, and playing as a group are the focus of a fun and relaxed musical offering. $70; rental drums are available. Register at 977-1499 or .

George Melvin at Fellini's #9. No cover, 6:30pm.

The Butterhouse Band at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.

Karaoke at Jaberwoke. Free, 21+, 10pm.

The Pearls at Atomic Burrito. Free, 11pm.

Open Jam at Rapunzel's. 7pm.

THURSDAY, June 16
ART
Outsider: McGuffey's "Spotlight" series presents an open discussion, "Folk/Visionary/ Outsider Art," with John Lancaster. Open to the public. Free. 7pm in the Main Gallery. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

WORDS
Those Shifting Paradigms: Loved What the Bleep? Get together with simpatico souls to talk about the issues it raises: why are we here? what about paradigm shifts, quantum reality, consciousness, altered states, the thing with feathers? Every third Thursday, 7-9pm, starting tonight. Registration required, $5. Info: Denise Horton 296-2930. noetic.org.

Never-ending Story: Bloomsday is today. Gather with members of the Irish American Society to celebrate the publication of Ulysses with the annual cover-to-cover reading, 4-8pm. Buffet 5-7pm. $12. Irish music by King Golden Banshee. Dress up in honor of the master, who always dressed up, as we know. Gravity Lounge. 103 S. First St. 977-5590.

Give Peace a Chance: Annual meeting of the Charlottesville Center for Peace and Justice begins at 5:30pm. Potluck dinner at 6pm; bring a dish to share with 8-10 people. Meeting at 7pm. Open to the public. Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Corner of Thomson Road and Emmet St. 540-456-6930, .

Border Patrol: Peter Brimelow, president of the Center for American Unity, considers "Is Immigration a Problem? Are the Minute Men the Answer?" Brimelow argues that the current U.S. immigration policy "makes absolutely no sense economically," and that the nation is "getting nothing out of the immigrant influx." 5:30pm. Miller Center. 2201 Old Ivy Road. 924-7236.

DANCE CARD
Practice Swing: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts weekly practice sessions for beginners and intermediates. Singles and couples welcome. DJ takes requests. 7:30-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.

FAMILY
That Yo-Yo Guy: Yo-yo professional Dick Stohr comes to Scottsville Library for a cool and captivating demonstration of this clever device in "Yo-Yo Fun and the Science of Spin." For kids in grades 3 and up. 2-3pm. Free. No registration required. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

Kapow!: Northside Library kicks off the summer reading season with a bang as the reading program "Superheros Powered by Books" gets off and running. Kids of all ages can enjoy stories, crafts, games, and a heroic special guest or two. 3pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

More Tales for Tots: See Wednesday, June 15.

TUNES
Jubeus at Coupe's. Free, 10pm.

Stabones at the Outback Lodge. $5, 10pm.

Bob Bennetta at Fellini's #9. 6pm.

Karaoke at Fat Daddy's. No cover, 8:30pm.

Banty Rooster. Free, 11pm.

David M. Bailey with Donny Holcombe and Scuffletown at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.

Open Mic Night at Kokopelli's. No cover, 8pm.

Upcoming and Ongoing
ART
Seeking Artists: The deadline for artists to submit proposals to the sculpture competition for ArtInPlace is July 1 for the October 2005 through September 2006 show. Applications and information: artinplace.org or email questions to .

WORDS
Song of Himself: An exhibition of UVA's remarkable collection of Walt Whitman's papers, publications, and memorabilia, including photos of the poet himself, continues in UVA's Harrison Small first-floor gallery until June 30. 924-6040.

South American Transformation: Artifacts from before, during, and after the first contacts of Europe with South America form the student-initiated exhibit at UVA's Harrison Small Library titled "South America's Gran Columbia: From Native Empires to Independent Nations," on view until August 16. 924-6040.

FAMILY
Passport, Please: Charlottesville/Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau gives folks an incentive to have fun. Visit six participating sites (two each from Arts & Entertainment, Heritage/Museum, and Restaurant/Retail/Accommodations categories), get your passport stamped, and win a free t-shirt. Passports available at either visitor center location. Free. Good through the end of the year. In the Monticello Visitors Center building (Rt. 20 S.) or at 100 Fifth Street NE, in the Market St. parking garage. 293-6789. soveryVirginia.org/passport.

Circus: Kids don't need to run away to join the circus this summer, because the circus has come to them. It's the current Back Gallery exhibit at Virginia Discovery Museum, and kids are the stars of the show. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.

Tavern Tour for Kids: Family is the focus of Michie Tavern's living history tours available through Labor Day. Throughout the summer, kids can participate in Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt (the prize is a sack of gold coins-- well, ok, there's chocolate inside), dress up in 18th century clothes, make herb sachets to take home, write with a quill pen, dancing a Colonial reel, and more. Offered daily 11am-3:30pm. Free to local residents or included in general admission. Rt. 53. 977-1234.

TJ for Children: Monticello offers Tours for Children and their Families on weekends through June 12. Throughout the summer they happen every day. Families should request this special tour at the admission desk. 1 and 3pm. Included in the price of general admission. Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Rt. 53. 984-9822.

WALKABOUT
Woods Walk: Tour the 250-yeard-old wonder of James Madison's Landmark Forest at Montpelier. Guided tours every Sunday at 2pm. Included in general admission fee. 540-672-2728.

Humpback Rocks: Stroll through a re-created 19th century Appalachian farm, complete with traditional music, on your way up to the breathtaking view from the Humpback Rocks overlook. Visitor's Center open every day 10am-5pm. Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 5.8. (540) 943-4716.

Downtown Tours: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society offers walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville every Saturday at 10am. Tours leave from the McIntire Building across from Lee Park and cover over 250 years of community history in one hour. $3 suggested donation. 296-1492.

Glassy Classes: Try your hand at a one-day glass blowing class-- create a paperweight, ornament, or a hand-blown vase. Class times and themes vary, as do fees. 202 S. Lewis St. in Staunton near the old train station. Registration info: 540-885-0678 or .

Italy on Main: Going to Italy in the near future? Ecco Italy's full-day cultural and linguistic immersion course, "Italy on Main" could be the ticket. Travel to Italy-on-Main-Street (the "Italian wing" of the Main Street Market) for a fun day of language practice (greetings, ordering, shopping), cultural exploration (mini-lectures on history, current events, cuisine), and numerous tastings (espresso, gelato, wine). Friday, June 17, 9:30am-5:30pm. $115 includes lunch and wine tasting. Info: ecco/italy/.com or 825-4390.

Parkway Nature Walks: Monticello offers guided walking tours of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the linear park along the Route 53 entrance to Jefferson's estate, every Sunday morning through November. 9:30am. No fee. Meet at Kemper Park at the base of the Parkway, a quarter-mile east of the intersection of Routes 53 and 20. 984-9822.

ART LIST
For June, the McGuffey Art Center presents "Gentle Africa," an exhibition of Gloria Mitchell's acrylic paintings and small collages, in the main gallery. The downstairs hall galleries feature two painting shows: "Distant Cousins, Paintings from My Family Album" by Reba Peck, and "Mayibuye i Afrika. (Come Back Africa)" by Lindsay Michie Eades. Upstairs, August Rolin displays a variety of his latest work. Charles Hall also has glasswork on view. All shows run through June 26. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973. See Art feature.

The University of Virginia Art Museum features "loose leafs," an exhibition of work by Monica Angle, through July 17. And be sure not to miss "The Naked and the Clothed: Photographs from the Collection, which hangs through June 19. Also on view: "After Collage," a show of mixed-element work by contemporary artists, including John Baldessari, Katherine Porter, and Frank Stella, through August 27. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3592.

During June, the McIntire Department of Art presents paintings by Susanne McDougall Carmack and stained glass sculptures by Mimi Tawes at The Dell Gallery. Dell 2 Studio Building, Bonnycastle Drive. 924-6123.

Second Street Gallery presents "Constant Battles: Installation by Anne Kesler Shields," through August 13. 115 Second St. SE in City Center for Contemporary Arts. 977-7284.

During June, Les Yeux du Monde features bronze work by Steven Strumlauf downstairs and oil paintings by Sonia Fox upstairs. Both shows run through July 9. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.

For its June show, The 302 features models, photographs, and multi-images from Dan George's Greenbrier and Pocahontas Central-Model Railroad. Photography by Mark Chase. 300 W. Main St., Suite 302 (next to the Lewis & Clark statue). 924-5405.

The Main Street Market Galleria displays the colorful abstract paintings of Andrew Acosta during June. 416 W. Main St. 244-7800.

Aaron Farrington shows his photographs at the Gallery at Starr Hill during June. 705 W. Main St. 409-0745.

Marco & Luca's Noodle Shop presents a photography exhibition honoring refugees who have re-settled in the Charlottesville community through the efforts of the International Rescue Committee. On view through June 20, International Refugee Day. York Place on the Downtown Mall. 979-7772.

During June, local fave Monty Montgomery offers his latest pop-art-inspired acrylics at Café Cubano in a show entitled "Situations." York Place on the Downtown Mall. 242-4212.

Transient Crafters presents "Candle Art: Floral Designs in Wax," featuring the waxy work of Donita Hoyer, during June. 118 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.

New Dominion Bookshop features "Returning to Italy," watercolors by Alice Cannon, on its mezzanine level during June. 404 W. Main St. 295-2552.

During June, The Charlottesville Community Design Center presents "Holding Up for the Long Term: An Exhibit of Strawbale Walls, Building and Architecture," sponsored by Abrahamse & Company. 101 E. Main St. 984-2232. See Photophile.

During June, the C&O Gallery features "To Bed Without Supper: Odd Bits of Watercolor," a show of work by Sandy McAdams. All proceeds go to the Blue Ridge Food Bank. 511 E. Water St. (next to the C&O Restaurant). 971-7044.

Nature Visionary Art displays new work by multiple artists during June. 110 Fourth St. NE. 296-8482.

During June, Marta Sánchez presents "The Angel Series," a show "depicting calm earthly and heavenly women of color to raise awareness about sexual violence," at the Garden of Sheba. 609 E. Market St. 977-7336.

The new Elements Art Gallery (formerly the Dave Moore Studio) presents a group art show featuring work by Will May, Jen Poe, Jen Santos, Andrew Groner, Rob Grachus, Nicole Truxlo, and Andy Acquaro. 414 E. Main St. (under the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar). 566-2841.

During June. the 5th Floor Gallery at Keller Williams displays watercolors by Mercedes Lopez, abstracts by Caroline Cobb, mosaics by Danielle Dorsett, and acrylics by Elaine Colletti. Ten percent of proceeds from artwork sold goes to Habitat for Humanity. Suite 500, Citizens Commonwealth Building (UVA Credit Union), 300 Preston Ave. 220-2200.

Angelo displays "Glimpses," landscape monotypes and etchings by Tim Michel, on view through June. 220 E. Main St. 971-9256.

The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art presents "Seeing the Other: The Human Image by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Artists," on display through August 13. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place (off Route 250 East at Pantops). 244-0234.

For its June show, The Gallery @ 5th & Water offers "Juicy Harvest," oil paintings by Ann Friend Clark. Located in the upstairs foyer of Henderson & Everett, P.C. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.

Sage Moon Gallery's June show is an exhibition of oil paintings by contemporary American Impressionist Adel Sansur, predominately landscapes, beach and garden scenes. 420 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.

View "Facts and Fancy," an exhibition of watercolors by Eloise Giles and Lois Kannensohn, during June at Art Upstairs. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.

The Laughing Lion Gallery offers a June show of Terrence Pratt's graphite portraits on paper.103 E. Water St. (above Londons). 984-4000.

During June, BozArt Gallery features oil paintings in an expressionistic style by Kris Bowmaster. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.

Asha Greer's "feet and pigs" plus Greg Kelly and Bill Duford's assemblage are on view at the Mudhouse during June. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.

Sidetracks (formerly Spencer's 206) presents "Light," watercolors by Lee Alter, during June. 128 Water St. 295-3080.

Glo is currently showing paintings by Christian Peri. 225 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-7432.

Sunspots Studios in Charlottesville features work by Daniel Scogna during June. Meadowbrook Shopping Center (behind Anderson's Foods). 977-5531.

Blue Ridge Beads & Glass displays new paintings and art glass by Jerry O'Dell. 1724 Allied St. 434.293.2876.

L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon, Malcolm Hughes, and Christian Peri. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.

Radar

Richmond's Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents "Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist and Realist Paintings from the McGlothian Collection." The exhibition of 35 noteworthy works includes pieces by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer, among others. Also on view: "The Council: Serving VMFA since 1955," a display of objects supported by the Council's gifts. Both shows run through September 18. 200 N. Boulevard. 804-204-2704.

Virtuoso woodworker Sam Forrest shows 25 new works at LaDifférence. The exhibition benefits conservation and education by the FishAmerica Foundation. 125 S. 14th St., Richmond. 866-452-3433.

The Artisans Center of Virginia presents "Nature's Designs," fiber art by Renee Harris, on view through June 30. The Center also displays "Sacred Icons: A Collective Vision of Symbolic & Ritual Objects," a juried exhibition that will remain on view through June 29. 601 Shenandoah Dr. (Exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.

Crozet's Kokopelli's Café features "Form and Shadow," an exhibition of black and white photographs by UVA professor John Bunch. The show remains on view through June 30. 5793 The Square. 823-5645.

The Arts Center in Orange features "The Art of Motorcycle Design, which will be on view through July 23. 149 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.

Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center features "Rebellion Held in Compassion," an exhibition of pastel paintings by Cynthia Haney, on display through July 13. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-8315.

Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.

Other

McGuffey Art Center artists will offers free workshops in sculpture, collage, papier mache, stained glass, dance, poetry, and more, for children ages 7-16 during Planet Art 2005, June 15-30. Call 295-7973 to register.

ArtinPlace invites artists to submit proposals for its annual sculpture competition leading to the October 2005-September 2006 show around Charlottesville. Deadline: July 1. Applications and information are available at artinplace.org.

The Virginia Poverty Law Center invites entries for its 2005 juried photography exhibition, "Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia." Submissions for consideration will be accepted through June 30. The kick-off for the touring public display of finalists and an awards ceremony are scheduled for October 14. Find contest rules and the entry form at pvlc.org. 700 E. Franklin St., Suite 14T1, Richmond. 804-782-9430.

The University of Virginia Art Museum announces "Summer Arts @ the Ix," its creative programs for 4th-12th grade students. First session: July 18-22. Second Session: July 25-29. Students' art will be displayed August 16-24. Tuition: $220 for members; $255 for nonmembers. A limited number of full scholarships are available for students with financial needs. For more information, contact Lili Grabbi at 434-243-6830 or .

FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Autobiography: Rolin's scratchy details
BY LAURA PARSONS
August T. Rolin just can't stop himself.

Prior to the opening of his current McGuffey Art Center exhibition of pen-and-ink drawings and white-on-black glazed pots, Rolin felt compelled to embellish his name placard with an array of his iconic, graffiti-like doodles. Then, in a moment of self-deprecating good humor, beneath the official "August T. Rollin," he wrote in tiny letters, "is an insufferable pr*ck."

He shakes his head as he recounts how McGuffey powers-that-be asked him to take it down. Frankly, I'm sorry because it's that combustible exuberance that gives Rolin's work its high-octane energy.

Although he says he has always drawn, Rolin's formal training is in ceramics. "Clay was something I could not do at all," he explains. "It was the first time I had to work toward something and was successful."

Initially, he focused on more traditional pot-making, specializing in wood-fired techniques. But he grew dissatisfied because "I wanted to be the finish on the pots." So he undertook the challenge of trying to create a continuum between his self-expressive drawings and his ceramics.

The drawings in Rolin's show feature centrally placed, fine-lined yet cartoonish characters that seem to straddle the earthly and supernatural worlds. In "My best friend&to the bitter end," a thick-trunked human-like figure on the left appears to have his arm around a human-like figure with a chicken for a head on the right. Closer examination, however, reveals the two are actually conjoined at the shoulder.

Rolin foregoes simple crosshatching in favor of inked-in numbers, letters, spirals, and designs, adding tattooed dimensions to his not-quite-humans and animals. Occasionally, he spits in a few tiny marks of red. It all feels like a fascinating, secret language Rolin is using to create his own mythos.

Carrying this vision into clay, Rolin first throws pots on the wheel and then molds them into more organic, lumpen shapes. On top of a black glaze, he adds a slip, which he scratches through to create designs mimicking his drawings. Repeated patterns around their mouths and bases give his vessels a ceremonial, tribal feel-- even if Rolin's tribe is a tribe of one.

"This is as much of a self-portrait as I have to say," he declares, standing amid his drawings and pots. A little while later, though, he suddenly spouts, "One thing that bothers me is I don't know why I do it."

Let's just be glad he does.

August T. Rolin's recent work is on view in the upstairs hall gallery of the McGuffey Art Center through June 26. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.

FAMILY
Free for all: Fun pass makes summer cool
BY LINDA KOBERT

It's a good thing school is over. All that homework and attending classes was getting in the way of my son's social calendar. His activity card is already so full it makes my head swim. With soccer camp, white water rafting, pool parties, a ceramics class, drum lessons, and trips to Vermont and Florida, this summer at our house he'll have no time to kick back and relax.

The only thing better than having a summer full of fun things to do is getting a bargain while you're at it. That's why the folks at AlbemarleFamily have cooked up a deal that makes all those warm weather amusements even more affordable. With their Summer Family Fun Pass 2005, kids can get discounts and freebees at more than 30 area businesses.

The pass includes free admission to popular spots such as the Virginia Discovery Museum and the Science Museum of Virginia, and tourist sites including Shenandoah Caverns, Montpelier, and the Natural Bridge Zoo.

Local restaurants and entertainment venues like Chaps, Amigos, Glaze N Blaze, The Little Gym, Regal Cinema, Putt Putt Golf, Glass Palette, and the Ice Park offer free treats or activities, too. Other shops and services offer discounts and buy-one-get-one free bargains that last all summer long.

This Thursday, fans of AF's Bumble the Bee get a special treat. The real live costumed character makes his debut at Mommy & Me (& Daddies, too!) event. This monthly play date at the Barracks Road Shopping Center features activities and discounts for young folks and their caregivers at many participating shops. AlbemarleFamily has a juggler at their booth near the fountain, and Bumble will be handing out Family Fun Passes along with other prizes.

With over $250 in treats, the AF Summer Family Fun Pass makes it that much easier for kids to fill up their summer with great times.

The AlbemarleFamily Summer Family Fun Pass 2005, valid through August 31, is available by mail or at 12 locations around town including Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Dips & Sips, Glass Palette, Huntington Learning Center, Glaze N Blaze, Hot Cakes, Imaginations Toy & Furniture Store, The Little Gym, Rattle & Roll, Kids Kaboodle, New Fitness Gym, and Volvo of Charlottesville. "Mommy & Me (& Daddies, Too!)" takes place Thursday, June 9, 10am-noon at Barracks Road Shopping Center. albemarlefamily.com.

WORDS
Father maps best: Washington: soldier and scribe
BY SUSAN TYLER HITCHCOCK

Edward Lengel gets up every morning and goes to work in the past. Each day, Lengel and 19 other UVA researchers have been delving into the papers of George Washington since 1969. They began with the publication of six volumes representing the great man's diaries, then turned to his letters.

In 2002 the number of volumes of Washington's papers hit the 50-mark. By now, 52 are on the shelves, and more cry out for editing. The man of action wrote a lot, turns out, and left more paper records than most founders-- including maps and drawings as well as letters and documents. Projected publication date of all the words and images George Washington committed to paper: 2020. Projected number of volumes it will take to contain all those words: 90.

You get to know a guy pretty well when you're handling the very pieces of paper he handled, studying his handwriting down to the literal p's and q's, and discerning the message well enough that you can copy it over and make sense of it for readers in ages to come. Many an article, book, museum exhibition, and website depends on the work done in offices on the fifth floor of Alderman Library.

The newest such book is Lengel's General George Washington: A Military Life, just issued by Random House. Publishers Weekly admired this 450-page volume so much they starred the review-- a coveted honor-- and called it an "outstanding work" that does "justice" to its subject. Lengel's is not a paean to an invincible hero. He recognizes and exposes the blemishes. Washington started as an average soldier and grew into a remarkable military and political leader.

One of Washington's strengths in battle was a topographer's eye. To celebrate and highlight this feature of his subject, Lengel included maps drawn by Charlottesville writer and mapmaker Rick Britton. While Britton is best known as a local history writer, he wields a pen with a flourish and adapts his mapmaking style to the historical period. He and Lengel and the others on the Washington Papers staff have replicated the spirit and the letter of revolutionary times.

To reintroduce George Washington, military leader and surveyor, to his Charlottesville public, author Edward Lengel and mapmker Rick Britton speak on the new book, General George Washington, at New Dominion Bookshop Thursday, June 9, at noon. 404 E. Main St., 295-2552.

PERFORMANCE
Playwright Readings: Live Arts presents the final staged readings of plays developed in its Playwrights Lab workshop series. Enjoy original works and support local artists. 8pm. Pay what you will. " June 10-11. Rehearsal Room A, Live Arts, 123, E. Water St. 977-4177

Offstage Theater: Enter the most private quarters of life in the "Bedroom Plays," short plays held in a retail store. Seating is limited, so arrive early. 8:30pm. $8 " Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, June 9-25. Lush Life, 309 E. Water St. 244-8432

Tom Jones at Live Arts: Tom Jones and Sophie Western make their way through a thicket of coincidences in the classic Henry Fielding story with one of those names. $10-17. " June 10-11 and June 15-25 at 8pm (no performance June 20, and Thursday shows begin at 7:30pm). 1pm on June 19. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177 x100.

Off the Cuff: Whole World Theater presents live improv comedy at Garden of Sheba. 8pm. $6 (or free with dinner). " Every Thursday. 609 E. Market St. 466-9574.

June at Shenandoah Shakespeare (American Shakespeare Center)

Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $14-28. 540-851-1733.

Twelfth Night: This Shakespeare classic creates comedy at every elevation, from low slapstick to high irony, offering a feast of language and a stage full of memorable characters such as the lovesick Viola and ale-sick Toby Belch. " June 9, 7:30pm. Final performance June 11, 7:30pm.

Measure for Measure: Shakespeare explores the arrogance of power in a play that hovers tantalizingly between comedy and tragedy. Isabella, a nun in training and the play's heroine, must decide whether to ransom her brother from death by giving her body to the hypocritical bureaucrat who put him in jail. " Final performance June 11, 2pm

She Stoops to Conquer: Playwright Oliver Goldsmith penned this hilarious comedy of the late 18th century, and now Shenandoah Shakespeare brings a comic jewel back to life, lampooning the quirks and customs of old England. " 7:30pm, June 10. Final performance June 12, 2pm.

Comedy of Errors Shakespeare's shortest play concerns twins-- both named Dromio-- and another set-- both named Antipholus. The twin Dromios are slaves, employed to look after the Antipholus two, but then there's a shipwreck, a ransom, much falling in love and escaping to convents. Hence the name of the play. As expected, at the end everyone is saved, rescued, or married. " Previews (pay what you will): June 15-16, 7:30pm. Opening night: June 17, 7:30pm. June 18, 2 & 7:30pm. June 19, 2pm. June 25, 7:30pm.

The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan heads for Paris with an old horse, his father's letter of recommendation to the head of the King's Musketeers, and a recipe for a miracle wound-healing salve. Although he loses the letter and sells the horse, he's allowed entrance into the Musketeers and is accepted into Athos, Porthos and Aramis' ranks. The story follows the four friends' heroism in saving an Englishman (Buckingham) and acting valiantly at every opportunity until we learn whether D'Artagnan will become a true musketeer. " Previews (pay what you will): June 22-23, 7:30pm. Opening night: June 24, 7:30pm. June 26, 2pm.

Hamlet: Anyone who needs to read a description of what this play's about definitely needs to get on over to Staunton and check it out. Prince of Denmark, Ophelia in the stream, Laertes, and Alas, poor Yorick! It's all here. " Previews (pay what you will) June 29-30, 7:30pm.

June at Heritage Repertory Theater

Prices vary. Culbreth Road. 924-3376.

Damn Yankees: Heritage Repertory Theater opens the 2005 summer series by celebrating the return of professional baseball to D.C. with this Faustian tale of home runs, hellfire and "heart." A middle-aged baseball fan sells his soul to the Devil for the chance to lead his beloved Washington Senators to victory in the pennant race against the Yankees. But will Joe win the game, save his soul, and beat the Devil? " Opens June 23. Culbreth Theater.

Rounding Third: Two little-league coaches. One wants to win at all costs. One wants the kids to have fun. It's gonna be a long season! The play features Heritage Rep veterans and real-life little league coaches Martin Beekman and Richard Warner. " Opens June 22. Helms Theatre.

WALKABOUT
Geocaching: Where in town is&?
BY TIM SPRINKLE
Look up the word "fun" in the dictionary, and you'll likely find mention of a scavenger hunt in there somewhere. It doesn't matter if you're 8 or 80, there's just something about hidden treasure and mysterious clues that appeals to everyone.

That's one of the reasons that geocaching has become such a hit. Geocaching?

It's a techno-rich activity that involves tracking down hidden goodies (the "cache" in "geocache") using a pair of map coordinates and a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. Ever since GPS emerged as a backcountry navigation tool in the mid-1990s, folks have been finding new and interesting ways to use it to have fun, whether tracking down obscure points on the globe or creating large-scale maps for others to follow.

"Geocaching is basically just a great way to get outside and have some fun," explains Jason Capelle, organizer of this week's local geocache event. "I got into it maybe eight or nice months ago and have had a blast with it. My kids love it too, so it's also a family-oriented thing to do."

Starting this week, geocaching novices and old pros can put their problem-solving skills to the test with Geocaching for Gore-Tex, a free, two-week treasure hunt designed to take participants all over the greater Charlottesville area competing for a variety of Gore-Tex-related prizes.

"To me, one of the beauties of geocaching is that you can do it at your leisure," Capelle explains, "so rather than cram it all into a one-day event, we decided to spread it out. That way, no one will be rushed."

But he promises that participants will be entertained. Once you register at mountaintechs.com, you'll get a set of starting coordinates to begin your hunt; find the location with your GPS and answer some questions on your clue sheet to reveal the next destination. It's as simple as that.

Not only is it a fun way to pass a couple of humid summer days, but Capelle's route is designed to encourage exploration right here in our own backyard, taking participants up, over, and through some of the area's least-visited corners.

"We wanted to send people to some neat places around Charlottesville that they might not know about," he says. "All the caches are virtual caches-- meaning the clue is a landmark or feature that they use to find the next cache-- and they're all pretty simple to get to."

So what are you waiting for? Dial in those coordinates and hit the road, because starting this Friday, the hunt is on.

Geocaching for Gore-Tex happens June 10-25. It's free as long as you have a GPS receiver and a sense of adventure, and you're welcome to sign up and compete at any point between June 10 and 25. Once you complete the geocache route, you can enter your name in a drawing for a Gore-Tex jacket and other prizes. Register at mountaintechs.com.