The Gulf Coast Exploreum, in Mobile, Ala., has announced a new photo contest for children ages 6 to 14 called “See the Bigger Picture.”

For this competition, the Exploreum and Airbus have teamed up to find examples of biodiversity along the Gulf Coast. This contest is open to children in all areas along the Gulf.

Picture examples include a favorite tree or a plant; an animal or an insect; or even an entire ecosystem (from a backyard to the local creek). This photo won Honorable Mention the 2009 See the Bigger Picture contest.

Images should explain why biodiversity is important and something that needs to be preserved. Entries must be submitted as an 8” X 10” horizontal or vertical digital picture at 300 dpi that is uploaded at Exploreum.com.

All submissions must include a completed entry form which is also available at Exploreum.com. Per competition rules, only one entry per person is allowed and the child must be the photographer. Pictures may be submitted until August 22.

Join local potter Debby Orr in one of three pottery workshops sponsored by The Cultural Arts Association of Walton County. The workshops are scheduled for July 10, 17 and 24. Northwest Florida State College presents ‘Grease’

The rollicking musical “Grease” hits the stage July 14 to 17 as the summer production of the Fine and Performing Arts Division at Northwest Florida State College. Set to capture the look and sound of the 1950’s in a salute to the rock ’n’ roll era, “Grease” appears in the mainstage theater at the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Tickets are on sale now by phone, web or in-person from the box office for all performance nights for $20 for adults and $15 for youth age 18 and younger.

For tickets, contact the NWFSC Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office at 850-729-6000 or purchase tickets on-line at www.mattiekellyartscenter. org.

Cultural Arts Association of Walton County Pottery classes

The Cultural Arts Association of Walton County will present three workshops led by local potter Debby Orr on July 10, 17 and 24, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at her studio, Santa Rosa Pottery, 462 Don Bishop Road in Santa Rosa Beach. You may register for one or more of the classes.

Non-staining clay will be used for all of the workshops. Emphasis will be on craftsmanship as well as basic clay skills in forming and finishing the pieces.

All materials and tools will be available at the studio; however, you might benefit from having your own spray water bottle, an old towel, a sharpened pencil, plus six or seven "texture" items that you might have on hand and find interesting (shells, coins, leaves, sticks, old jewelry, buttons, etc.).

Cost per class is $60 plus $25 for supplies. Call the Cultural Arts Association office at 850-622-5970 to reserve your space.