From staff reports

H.C. Porter exhibit will be postponed

The Jackson display of a post-Hurricane Katrina exhibit by a Vicksburg artist will be postponed until spring 2010.

Backyards & Beyond, a collection of paintings inspired by photos and audio collected by H.C. Porter and Karole Sessums after the Aug. 29, 2005, storm were to be on display at the Arts Center of Mississippi. The show was to mark the fourth anniversary of the storm, which is Saturday.

The delay is due to renovations going on at the center.

Porter operates the H.C. Porter Gallery on Washington Street.

Convention center needs teddy bears

The Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium is collecting teddy bears for its “Teddy Makes It ‘Bear’able” campaign.

Needed are stuffed bears to distribute to the Vicksburg police and fire departments, who, in turn, give the teddy bears to children who are victims of wrecks, fires or other traumatic events.

Bears can be brought to the VCC. They will also be collected during the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Heroes event, during which those who have helped bring business to the convention center and auditorium will be honored. The event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10.

For information, call 601-636-3620 or visit www.venuworks.com.

Birds, spiders head to area nature center

The Clinton Community Nature Center has announced September programs. All will be at the nature center, 617 Dunton Road. Events are free for members, but donations will be accepted. For information, call 601-926-1104 or visit www.clintonnaturecenter.org.

• 10 a.m. Sept. 5 — Amazing Arachnids: Spiders & Scorpions.

• 10 a.m. Sept. 12 — Snakes Alive.

• 9 a.m. Sept. 19 — Breakfast with the Birds.

• 10 a.m. Sept. 26 — Family Scavenger Hunt.

O’Jays to perform at Choctaw resort

Pearl River Resort will present a concert by the O’Jays at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Silver Star Convention Center.

The O’Jays’ hits during their 40-year career have included “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money.”

Tickets are $35 to $45, and individuals must be 21 to attend.

The resort is located off Mississippi 16 East in Choctaw. For information, call 866-44PEARL or visit www.pearlriverresort.com.