Come to the Cornelius Arts Center Gallery this Friday for the opening reception of Home Grown, the annual non-juried showcase of local artwork. The program seeks to share the diverse range of artists and media in our area. Many pieces will be available for sale. On Monday, start your day with coffee and convo with local officials at the first in a series of monthly informal events. Email Town Manager Anthony Roberts with questions for Mayor Woody Washam or members of the Town Board. Breakfast will be available for purchase. It all happens at Harvey’s in Cornelius.

This class will concentrate on mixing colors and using transparent washes to create vibrant watercolor paintings. All skill levels welcome. Ages 18 and up. 1-3 p.m. at Davidson Parks and Rec.

Annual winter juried art exhibition will be open through March 1 at the Mooresville Arts Gallery.

Davidson Community Players’ Connie Company presents an updated version of the classic story, unveiling the villain’s perspective, from her tragic childhood to her quest for revenge. Jan. 26-Feb. 4 at the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

Annual local art showcase featuring a variety of works by more than 125 artists from Cornelius and surrounding areas. Opening reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cornelius Arts Center Gallery.

Monthly showcase of the area’s best comics. Featured performer is Jacques Belliveau. 8-10 p.m. at Studio 13 in Cornelius.

Learn the basics of self defense, situational awareness and how to exploit an attacker’s weaknesses using techniques that work regardless of your size and skill. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Davidson Parks and Rec.

The Shoppes at Home, Heart and Soul will celebrate two years in business with one-day-only specials and refreshments for guests. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Shoppes at Home, Heart and Soul in Cornelius.

Bring out your inner geek and share your fandom with DC-themed crafts, snacks, and activities. Ages 12-18. 2-3 p.m. at the Cornelius Branch Library.

Writer, feminist and social commentator Daisy Hernandez will read and sign copies of her books. 5-6 p.m. at Main Street Books in Davidson.

9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson.

Join a ranger for an enjoyable hike while discussing the variety of animal and plant species that live along the trail. 10-11 a.m. at Lake Norman State Park.

Mayor Woody Washam and the Town Board of Commissioners will be available for coffee, questions and conversation during this new monthly event. 8:30 a.m. at Harvey’s in Cornelius.

St. Patrick’s Preschool in Mooresville is now accepting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year. Options for 5-day, 3-day and 2-day programs are available for children ages 2-4. The fall program begins Sept. 4.

A bass and percussion section will be ready to accompany your music. 7:30-10 p.m. at Old Town Public House in Cornelius.

Parents and students invited to “College 101: Writing the Personal Essay.” Learn the three most important things to consider before writing the personal essay. 6 p.m. at the Cornelius Branch Library.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius will host a screening of “Malcolm X” at 6:30 p.m.

Free outdoor screening of “Nature Matters” plus hot chocolate, popcorn and nature crafts. 6-8 p.m. at The Bradford Store in Huntersville.

6 p.m. at Cornelius Town Hall.

Through large-scale watercolor paintings and sculpture, Jen Ray’s “Surrounded by Wolves” explores female rebellion and the shifting nature of a woman’s identity. An opening reception and performance will be held at 7 p.m. at the Van Every Gallery at Davidson College. The exhibit is open through March 3.

Improve your Spanish reading, speaking, listening and grammar skills in a relaxed group setting. 9:30 a.m. at the Cornelius Branch Library.

Michael Conner, grandson of John Conner, will perform his self-directed “The Foreshadowing of a People: Reflections from the Past.” 6 p.m. Feb. 9-10 and 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Old Town Public House in Cornelius.

Leisurely two-mile hike through Robbins Park trail system. Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists will provide information about natural features. No strollers or pets, please. 10 a.m.-noon at Robbins Park in Cornelius.

All ages are welcome at the annual free “heART pARTy” with card making, crafts and refreshments. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Cornelius Arts Center.

Games, crafts, storytelling, food trucks, more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Latta Plantation Nature Center in Huntersville.

Free ticket voucher for donors. 2-5 p.m. at Regal Theaters Birkdale 16 in Huntersville.

Alan Michael Parker, professor of English at Davidson College and author of several books, will read and sign copies of his work. 4-5 p.m. at Main Street Books in Davidson.

Enjoy food, dancing and raffles. Proceeds support Hope House, which provides transitional housing and support services to homeless women and children in the Lake Norman area. 6-11 p.m. at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville.

Killer brunch grub, adult beverages and a solid gold old school playlist. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at The Cork and Cask in Cornelius.

Join a ranger for a presentation on common fish of Lake Norman. Noon-1 p.m. at the Lake Norman State Park Visitor Center.

Clarinetist Allan Ware will perform at 3 p.m. at Tyler-Tallman Hall at Davidson College.