Arts & Culture

Organizers of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte are looking for the Nation's best barbeque sauce. All month long, the host committee is welcoming proposals of vinegar, tomato and mustard based sauces. The best sauce or sauces will then be sold in gift packs to help off-set the cost of the political event. Jackie Bateman is Grassroots Finance Director for the convention's host committee. She says sauce was a logical place to start.

Duke's Nasher Art Museum in Durham is combining traditional sculptures with more contemporary pieces at a new exhibit today.

Jeff Tiberii: More than a dozen mobiles from late American sculptor, Alexander Calder will be on display. His works will be complemented by contemporary sculptures from seven other artists. The Nasher's Wendy Hower Livingston says the gallery feels different.

A task force of civic, arts, and business leaders says the arts can be an economic engine for North Carolina. The panel has released recommendations as part of the SmART Initiative. It's mapping out ways for communities to use the arts to increase jobs and quality of life.

Several African-American historic sites across Durham are being considered for historic designation. Preservation officials say criteria include sites where significant events took place, buildings with architectural significance, and homes of prominent African-American families. Bob Ashley is the executive director of Preservation Durham. He says there are quite a few contenders for designation.