Stage and screen students from Western Carolina University will perform the classic drama “Rashomon” onstage Wednesday, Feb. 20, through Saturday, Feb. 23, as part of the 2012-13 Mainstage season.

Showtime each night is 7:30 p.m. in Hoey Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and WCU faculty and staff; and $7 (in advance) and $10 (day of show) for students.

Western Carolina University astronomy professor Paul A. Heckert combines ancient constellation mythology and modern astrophysics in his recently released book, “The Hunter and the Scorpion.”

A WCU faculty member for 24 years, Heckert has written a series of five tutorials – short publications that require 30 to 45 minutes of reading time – in recent years that address specific aspects of astronomy and physics and that are aimed at a student audience. “The Hunter and the Scorpion,” a fulllength book available on Amazon Kindle, was written with a popular audience in mind.

In mythological lore, Scorpius, the Scorpion, pursues Orion, the Hunter, as they roam across the night sky. Heckert said his book begins with the tale of those constellations and then transitions to the science behind the life cycle of the stars. “Eventually, I build up to the idea that the atoms in our bodies were manufactured by stars,” he said. “Everything around us that’s not hydrogen or helium had to be manufactured in the stars.”

Special exhibition now through March 31

Thirteen local arts groups — a record number — are participating in The Bascom’s annual exhibition, Regional Arts Organizations: Selected Works. On view now through March 31, this show includes a variety of innovative works from these members. These arts organizations not only support their artists and foster excellence and professionalism, but also increase the public value of arts in the community. The Bascom recognizes these regional artists through this annual exhibition, in keeping with its mission to enhance the quality of life through dynamic, inspirational and transformational art experiences.

A course in “Creating Stained Glass” will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education on Thursdays beginning Feb. 21 and continuing through March 28.

The course was originally scheduled to run Feb. 7 through March 14, but has been rescheduled. Classes will be held in the south lobby of the Cordelia Camp Building from 6 to 9 p.m.

Participants will learn about the Tiffany method of stained glass, which involves each piece of glass being wrapped in copper foil and soldered. The course also will cover safety, proper cutting techniques, foiling and soldering techniques, and simple metal framing, as well as types of glass, solders and copper foils.