The Holmes Student Center Gallery will be opening two separate photo exibits Sunday, Oct. 8. Sherry Lerche, an NIU student, has produced what she calls “alternative photos,” using 19th Century processing. In the gallery’s lounge area, NIU student Katherine Seckman will exibit a collection of her black and white photography.

The Swen Parson Gallery is presenting “Craft Media 1: The Artist’s Perspective.” Included in the exibit are Vivian Wright’s french-knit embroidery titled, “Old Snapshot series” and Sandra Kessler’s bright and eye-catching “Raspberry Dessert” produced with fiber reactive dyes on silk. Also in Swen Parson is a collection of hand-tinted infrared photographs from New Youk artist Jill Enfield called “Quiet Drama.” Both shows run until Nov. 12.

The Northern Illinois University Gallery, 212 W. Superior St., Chicago, is presenting a 20-year retrospective of Robert Lostutter and his water colors and oil paintings thru Oct. 21. Call (312) 642-6010.

The Egyptian Theatre in Downtown DeKalb is featuring the Robin Ried Puppets this Sunday in “Pinnochio.” Tickets for the 2 p.m. show are available at the door only. Call 758-1215.

DeKalb’s Day’s Inn Hotel, 1212 W. Lincoln Hwy., is beginning a Wednesday night Comedy Night. A four dollar cover charge allows customers to enjoy three professional comedians in the hotel’s Paradise Club. Show time is at 8:30 p.m. and you must be 21 years of age.

The DeKalb League of Women Voters will present the candidates for all contested City Council positions on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The forum, held at DeKalb High School, will begin at 7 p.m. in the school’s South Commons.

The DeKalb Park District, beginning its Fall season, is featuring events such as Judo sessions, tennis lessons and gymnastics. For Schedules and prices call 758-6663.

NIU Cine Club will sponsor the showing of “Diary of a Shinjuku Thief” Thursday October 5 in Cole Hall. Using a romantic storyline, this film explores into the world of the young Japanese radicals of 1968. The Cine Club will also sponsor the showing of “Elevator to the Gallows,” a pioneer new wave film about a “perfect crime” that goes spectacularly awry, on Friday October 6, also in Cole Hall.

The Ellwood House will hold its “Fall Festival” this Sunday, October 8. Hours are from noon to 5 p.m. The festival will include live entertainment, food and refreshment booths, hand-crafted items sales, and a used book sale. The museum is located at 509 N. First and Augusta in DeKalb.