Jan. 25 • 6:30-11 p.m.

January 25 marks the 15th year of Shuckin’ for the Arts at the Oyster Roast inside the F&M Trolley Barn. Waterworks throws this extravaganza each January, with generous help from local, individual and business sponsors who believe in Waterworks’ mission to provide outstanding visual arts exhibitions, education, and outreach.

Act fast to save $10 per ticket through Jan. 10. After that, tickets will be $90 per person for all you can eat, drink and dance, plus a silent auction.

Steam billowing from the oyster wagons just outside the F&MTrolley Barn will provide the perfect ambiance for the evening’s festivities. At 6:30 p.m. Waterworks will welcome guests at 123 East Liberty Street, through the galleries and into the Trolley Barn where the oyster shucking and shrimp peeling can begin.

Additionally there will be North Carolina-style barbeque, side dishes, wine, local ales, soft drinks, and dessert. Guests can stroll through the galleries and dance to deejay music all evening long.

Tickets are available at http://waterworks.org/specialevents/oysterroast.html, or in person at 123 East Liberty St., Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 110 a.m.-2 p.m. The Oyster Roast is a major annual fundraiser for Waterworks, which benefits educational and outreach programs at Waterworks Visual Arts Center.

The silent auction features items donated by local individuals and businesses.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center began in 1959 when 26 local artists joined to form the Rowan Art Guild. Nineteen years later the Guild finally occupied its first permanent home, a building at 310 West Kerr St. that had previously served as the city’s water department, City Hall and police headquarters. Waterworks Visual Arts Center became the official name of the organization, marking its emergence as a regional arts center. Waterworks relocated to its present address in the old McCanless Motor Company building in 2004.