The Eno Gallery in Hillsborough presents the paintings of Marlise Newman through April 19. Newman uses oils to bring out energy and movement in landscapes.

Gallery A in Raleigh hosts the first solo showing of Raleigh oil painter Catherine Connolly Hudson on April 23.

The 2015 Spring Craft Fair takes place April 25 at the Artscenter in Carrboro. The event, an indoor arts and crafts market, is organized by Jesse Hollars, Ashley Clay, Heather Gerni, Jillian Rose Lea and Phaedra Kelly.

The Village Art Circle Gallery in Cary featured the paintings of Kimberly Alvis and Bettina Lewicki last month. Alvis' paintings were inspired by her trip to Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, while Lewicki showed naturalistic paintings.

Local Color Gallery in Raleigh announced:

• The works of Rebecca Toy and Keanna Artis are in an exhibit called "Coalescence." The show, which displays pieces that combine elements of everyday life with abstract geometric shapes and designs, runs through April 25.
• The art of Bekah Haslett, an oil-on-linen painter, and Allison Dahle, a metalsmith jeweler, were displayed at the "Glimpse of Spring" exhibit last month.

The Frankie G. Weems Art Gallery presents "The Fifteenth: Enter In" at Meredith College in Raleigh starting April 12. The exhibit features the work of:

• Beverly Mecum, an art education major
• Morgan Mathieu and Leanna Pai, studio art majors
• Sara Anne Averett, Laura Esposito, Liz Fox, Jordan Godwin, Sarah Johnson, Stef Kuhn, Kate Leidheiser, Stephanie Livesay, Bryn Robbins, Laura Schramm and Chandler Snipe, graphic design majors.

The Frank Gallery in Chapel Hill featured the mixed-media art of Carol Retsch-Bogart last month. Retsch-Bogart uses bits and pieces that she finds to add visual interest to her art.

Lynne Albert of Chapel Hill contributed a painting to "Through Women's Eyes, By Women's Hands" last month. The art show benefited the Compass Center for Women and Families in Chapel Hill. Several of Albert's paintings are currently on display at Sage Cafe in Chapel Hill.

Gayle Greene, Ph.D., was named executive vice president of Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. Greene joined Wake Tech in 2002 as dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Judith Cone, interim vice chancellor of commercialization and economic development of UNC-Chapel Hill, received a Nourish International Impact Award. The honor is given by Nourish International, a nonprofit founded by UNC to recognize key individuals in the fields of international development, higher education and social entrepreneurship.

N.C. State University in Raleigh announced the creation of the "Our Three Winners" scholarship endowment to honor three members of the Wolfpack family whose lives were cut tragically short. Yusor Abu-Salha graduated from N.C. State last fall with a bachelor's in biological sciences and had recently been accepted into UNC-Chapel Hill's dentistry program. Her husband, Deah Bakarat, graduated with honors from N.C. State in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and was a dentistry student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, was in the College of Design at N.C. State.

Sarah Cooley, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, is a recipient of the 2015 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, which is awarded to a student based on academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others. The scholarship covers all expenses of graduate studies at Cambridge University in England. Cooley is currently a Morehead-Cain scholar at UNC.

Wake Education Partnership, a nonprofit committed to improving public education, announced its rebranding as WakeEd, which helps connect businesses with the Wake County Public School System. "When businesses partner with schools it leads to stronger communities and a stronger economy," said Caroline McCullen, chairwoman of the nonprofit.

S. Jakelin Bonilla is a recipient of the 2015 Luce Scholars Program fellowship, which provides stipends, language training and individualized professional placement in Asia. Bonilla graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in global studies focused in international politics and Latin American studies and a minor in entrepreneurship.

The Southern Women's Show, celebrating its 30th anniversary in Raleigh, takes place April 24 to 26. Attendees can see celebrity guests, cooking demonstrations and fashion shows.

Moon and Lola, a North Carolina-based jewelry, accessory and lifestyle brand, opened a store in Raleigh's Cameron Village. Kelly Shatat, the founder and CEO of Moon and Lola, said it has always been her dream to have a boutique there.

TRIumph Gymnastics, a facility for children and adults in Cary, opened last month. Theresa Whitehurst is a co-owner of the business.

Laura Suchoski was named social media director at McKinney, an advertising agency in Durham.

The N.C. Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve honored Master Rondy McKee, owner of White Tiger Taekwondo and Martial Arts Center in Cary, with the "Above and Beyond Award." It recognizes outstanding support of the National Guard and Reserve.

Phoebe Lawless of Durham's Scratch Bakery was named a semifinalist for outstanding pastry chef by the James Beard Foundation.

Chez Moi, a bakery in Durham, was selected as a winner of the American Small Business Championship hosted by SCORE. The award recognizes people in small firms who have made sacrifices for the success of their businesses. Rhonda L. Jones is the owner of the bakery.

The Leesville Tap Room in Raleigh is under new ownership. Marilyn Allard and her husband, who purchased the restaurant and bar, said they want to create an atmosphere in which families can dine together comfortably and friends can come to hang out.

The Shore Grief Center, which provides support groups for people who've experienced the death of a loved one, hosted the Comfort Food Cook Off. The nonprofit was founded by Carolyn Zahnow. Participating Wake Forest and North Raleigh restaurants included:

• 215 Smokehouse in Louisburg
• My Place Restaurant in Wake Forest
• The Fire Pit in Wake Forest
• Big Al's BBQ in Rolesville
• LaForesta Italian Café and Pizzeria in Wake Forest
• Angus Barn in Raleigh

Elaine Marshall, N.C. secretary of state, was selected to serve as president of the National Association of Secretaries. The group is the nation's oldest, nonpartisan professional organization for public officials. Members come from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa. 

The City of Durham Human Relations Commission recognized those who've contributed time and talent to promoting good human relations in the Bull City, including:
• Wanda Boone, who received the Carlie B. Sessoms Award
• Brenda Howerton, who received the Human Rights Award
• Vernondo Garcia-Carroll and Sary Lili Martinez, who received Human Rights Youth Awards

Durham Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Durham Bike Co-op to lease several buildings in Duke Park. Rhonda B. Parker, director of Durham Parks and Recreation, said, "We are excited about this partnership because it affords us the opportunity to provide a resource to a community-based organization whose mission is to help residents recreate and play more."

The League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham and Chatham counties sponsors a coal ash discussion April 15 at the Sitar Indian Cuisine restaurant in Durham. The conversation is led by Brooks Rainey Pearson, an associate attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

The 2015 Triangle Walk to Cure Arthritis will take place May 2. The event funds research that provides improved treatments for arthritis and helps people with the disease gain better access to medications.

The Lucy Daniels Center and the Lucy Daniels School in Cary will host their second annual Inside Out 5K Run/Walk race on May 2. Deborah Mugno is the director of education and operations of the organization.

The Wake Forest Garden Club will host the Mad Hatter's Tea and Garden Tour May 9 at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. Deb Ludas, president of the Garden Club, said the event provides something for everyone to enjoy – from a garden market to a classic car show.

The Exchange Family Center, a nonprofit that helps prevent child abuse and neglect, hosts Pinwheels for Prevention in Durham on April 19. The event includes go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf and a fun run. Lauren Ettson is the volunteer coordinator and development manager of Pinwheels for Prevention. 

Christina Motley was selected to serve as the campaign manager and chief marketing officer for the YOLO (You Only Live Once) campaign of the N.C. Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Cary. The fundraising event runs through May 16. 

The Animal Protection Society of Durham announced that the 2015 Walk for the Animals will be held May 16 on Duke University's East Campus. The event raises awareness about homeless and neglected animals in the community. Shafonda Davis is the executive director of the organization.

EMC Corp. in Apex is sponsoring the construction of a community produce garden at one of Housing for New Hope's developments. The executive director of the organization, which works to prevent homelessness in the Triangle, is Gretchen Senez.

Fill Your Bucket List Foundation, a nonprofit in Cary, hosted a fundraiser last month to grant wishes for adult cancer patients. Peggy Carroll, founder of the organization, was inspired to create it after her father was diagnosed with cancer.

Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, based in Raleigh, presented four residents of the state with awards recognizing their outstanding commitment to advancing child well-being. The honorees included:

• Shamieka Thornton, who received the Parent Leadership Award
• Elizabeth Hudgins, who received the Donna Stone Memorial Award
• Marilyn Avila and Tamara Barringer, who received Legislative Leadership Awards

The Raleigh Triangle chapter of the Executive Women's Golf Association teamed up with a local charity to bring more women and youth to the game of golf. The event benefitted the Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network, a nonprofit that provides meals, shelter and educational services to the homeless.

Raleigh Little Theater announced:

• "Sleeping Beauty," directed by Judy Dove, opens April 3.
• Kathleen Rudolph directed "The Velveteen Rabbit" last month. The play starred Patsy Clarke, Julia Ryan, Carolina Farmer, Marleigh Purgar-McDonald and Hannah Levison.

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents the Indigo Girls with the N.C. Symphony on April 13.

The Carolina Ballet stages "Swan Lake" at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh from April 16 to 19. Lilyan Vigo Ellis, Margaret Severin-Hansen and Lara O'Brien perform in the ballet.

A study led by Rebecca S. Williams, MHS, Ph.D., a researcher at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, found that teens can easily buy electronic cigarettes online, despite a North Carolina law banning their purchase by minors. The study showed that only five out of 98 attempts by teenagers to purchase e-cigarettes on the web were blocked by online vendors.

Researchers from Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill are working together on projects through grants from the N.C. Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute and the Duke University Translational Medical Institute to explore problems that impact human health. Martina Gentzsch of UNC and Dawn Bowles of Duke are combining their knowledge to examine how cystic fibrosis affects lungs and, in turn, how that affects the heart.

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, a group of public health leaders committed to elevating osteoarthritis as a national health priority, is now based at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center in the UNC School of Medicine. Leigh F. Callahan, Ph.D., is director of the organization.

Dr. Nzingha White joined the practice of family practitioners at Chapel Hill Primary Care.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, owned by Ann Goodnight, offers three new services: Valmont facial, Jurlique brightening vitamin C facial and Decleor red island ritual body treatment.

Kristy Woodson Harvey, a UNC-Chapel Hill alumna, will release her first novel, "Dear Carolina," in May. The book, to be published by Penguin, is the story of two mothers: one biological and one adoptive.

Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh, owned by Lisa Poole, announced its author events for this month, including:

• April 1 - Marianne Gingher, "Amazing Place"
• April 15 - Lauren Winner, "Wearing God"
• April 17 - Ann Ross, "Miss Julia Lays Down the Law" and Abigail Thomas, "What Comes Next and How to Like It"
• April 25 - Shelia Moses, "Dark Girls" and Ritu Sharma, "Teach a Woman to Fish"

Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, owned by Jamie Fiocco, announced its author and director events for this month, including:

• April 7 - Kate Medley, "Counter Histories: Durham's Royal Ice Cream Sit-Ins"
• April 9 – Judy Hogan, Flyleaf Second Thursday Poetry Reading
• April 11 - Nancy Peacock, free prompt writing class
• April 18 - Cat Warren, "What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs"
• April 22 - Courtney Maum, "I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You"