PRELUDE IN THE KNOW NOVEMBER 2005

1. Art on a High
Atlanta’s art scene just got bigger, as the much-anticipated expansion of the premier arts institution, the High Museum of Art, is finally completed. The grand opening of the massive 177,000-square-foot space, divided into two new galleries—the Sue and John Wieland Pavilion and the Anne Cox Chambers Wing—takes place on November 12 and 13. The extension, designed by acclaimed Italian architect Renzo Piano, features eye-catching scoop-shaped skylights on the roof, which create better natural light for viewing. The first exhibition spotlights the work of contemporary realist Andrew Wyeth and is entitled Memory and Magic (until February 26, 2006). Entry is free during the two-day opening period. www.high.org. Jonathan Hillyer

2. A Face in the Crowd
Admit it—traditional city fountains can be pretty dull. In reality, these old-fashioned basins with underdressed stone figurines in over-dramatic poses have only ever been appealing to dusty birds and over-heated children. But the city of Chicago has put an end to that by commissioning a giant contemporary water feature for the southwest corner of Millennium Park that’s far from boring. The quirky Crown Fountain, designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, includes two 50-foot-high glass blocks positioned at each end of a shallow reflecting pool. Each tower displays videos of the faces of a cross section of Chicagoans, and outlets in the glass walls are positioned in such a way as to give the illusion that water is pouring out of the people’s mouths. The fountain will flow until the chill sets in, while the video images will remain all year round. www.millenniumpark.org

3. Break in the Ice
If you think a winter break in Florida involves a minimum temperature of 70°F, think again. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL, is holding the ICE Festival, which will plunge visitors to the normally sunny state into a chilly 9°F environment. The festival—involving 40 artisans from Harbin, China, two-million pounds of ice and an 18,000-square-foot refrigerator—will feature a massive exhibition of ice sculptures and rideable ice slides, making it the most chilled out holiday this season. So, put away your sarong and flip-flops, pull on a complimentary parka and marvel at the life-size nativity and Christmas castle carved entirely from crystal-clear ice. From November 19 through January 2, 2006. www.gaylordhotels.com

4. See the Light
Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX, is a far cry from being the kind of place its name suggests. In fact, it is positively glowing with cheerfulness this fall. The fourth annual Festival of Lights kicks off in spectacular fashion on November 19, with Santa Claus parachuting in through the night sky to switch on the million-or-so twinkling Christmas lights that will illuminate the gardens until January 7. There’s a chance to skate around the outdoor ice rink to a song from the local choir, get into the holiday spirit with music from a local band or catch a flick at the IMAX movie theater. The transformation of these lush gardens into a winter wonderland is quite a sight, drawing more than 60,000 people a year. Go join the enlightened. www.moodygardens.com