ncmuseums

An occasional list of exhibits, programs, and events at North Carolina museums. Sponsored by the North Carolina Museums Council.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

1). Fort Fisher State Historic Site will commemorate the 143th anniversary of the second Civil War battle of Fort Fisher with special events on Saturday, January 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours focused on this battle will be offered at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.; muskets and field artillery will be fired at scheduled times, as will the 32-pound cannon; and other events will be presented, along with a temporary exhibit.

2). Coming up at the Asheville Art Museum: Scholastic Art Drop Off for Teachers, from 3-5 p.m. on January 8, 9 and 10; film screening of "Inspirations," at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13 (free with museum admission or membership); a tour -- "Art Adventurers: Collections & Obsessions," from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13 ($60 for members, $70 for non-members) -- reserve early with Nancy Sokolove at (828) 253-3227 ext. 120, or e-mail nsokolove@ashevilleart.org; and the final day of "Lasting Gifts IV: Recent Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection" is also on the 13th, open 1-5 p.m.

3). The Museum of the Waxhaws, Waxhaw will offer "History Alive! -- Anne Jackson, wife of Stonewall Jackson," performed by Nora Brooks (call 704-843-1832 for reservations and prices) on January 12, and local fiber artist Deborah Neuhs is presenting a "Sheep to Shawl" workshop on January 19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($45, class size 20 - call number above for details, or check website).

4). The Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art, Greensboro, with printmaker Bill Fick, have curated a comprehensive exhibition of N.C. print and book artists. "PRINTED: Contemporary Prints & Books by North Carolina Artists" will open to the public with a free reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 18; the exhibit remains through February 29, 2008. Lunch lectures related to the exhibit will be held on January 23, February 6 and 20 at 12:30 p.m. - check the website for details. Drive-by-Press will also hold a printing workshop during Family Night from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27.

5). The Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington has several events upcoming, including a Literary Lecture: Women at War, by Kirsten Holmstedt, at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 4; a Gallery Talk with Susan Kranyik at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 6; Music by Painted Man from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, January 11; and music by the Music School of Wilmington Faculty at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 -- admission to each event is by donation.

6). The High Point Museum's park will be closed Jan. 5-6 for a staff retreat, but will offer "Afternoon at the Palladium" at 4 p.m. on the 6th -- for $20 per ticket, movie admission, a goodie bag and other items are included in the fun. Candle Dipping is the activity in the Historical Park on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 19-20; Blacksmithing on Jan. 26-27; and a Revolutionary War reenactment group will also be on site on the 26th and 27th.

7). The Joel Lane Museum House, Raleigh, will be closed to walk-in visitors through February 29, 2008. E-mail joellane@bellsouth.net for details.

8). The Craven Arts Council's Bank of the Arts in New Bern will open "Discover Craft NC" on January 8th, remaining through February 16th. The exhibit features 23 North Carolina craftspeople.

9). The current exhibit at The Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City is "Quilts: Patches of Time," on display through February 29, 2008.

10). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem is offering a special behind-the-scenes "Hearthside Tour" of the house, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 and Sunday, January 27. Special admission fee is $15, or $10 for members and students.

11). Upcoming at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Behind the Scenes Tours on January 3 (11:30 a.m.), January 6 (1 p.m.), January 10 (11:30 a.m.), January 17 (11:30 a.m.), January 20 (1 p.m.), January 24 (11:30 a.m.) and January 31 (11:30 a.m.). Early January also includes Children's Discovery Time events at 10 a.m. -- on January 3, "Sharks"; on January 8, "Octopus and Friends"; and on January 10, "Reptiles."

12). At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Beaufort: Repository Tours on Thursdays ($5/$2, call 252-728-7317 for reservations by noon on Wednesdays); January 3, 2 p.m., documentaries with theme "Victory at Sea" (additional documentaries at 2 p.m. on January 10, 17, 24 and 31); and a video and guided tour of the N.C. State Port at Morehead City, 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 8th ($5; reservations required).

13). The Evening Lecture at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach on January 8 is Andy Wood on "Living with Wildlife."

14). A Viewing and Symposium on the documentary "This Side of the River" will be held on January 12 in the auditorium of the N.C Museum of History, organized by the North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh, followed by the opening of the Capitol's exhibit, "With All Our Rights: North Carolina's First African American Legislators." The exhibit remains through February 29, 2008. E-mail state.capitol@ncmail.net for details.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

2008 Annual Meeting info is now online

The plans for sessions, workshops, field trips and general gatherings -- covering a host of topics, educational subjects and networking opportunities -- have all been put together and detailed. So now it's time for you to take a look and make YOUR plans for the 2008 N.C. Museums Council's Annual Meeting, "Challenges of the New Century," starting in the evening of March 4 and ending on March 7 in Fayetteville.

The planning committee has put all the information together, and you can find it on the NCMC website. Just go to www.ncmuseums.org, then click on Conference in the top bar or on the item at the top of the right-hand column.

Four pages detailing the schedule and session descriptions are available as individual pdf pages -- and a separate page includes a registration form and reservation information for the host hotel, the Hilton Doubletree.

Keep in mind that qualifying for the Early Bird Discount requires that your registration form and fee(s) be received by February 1, 2008, so don't hesitate to make your commitment as soon as you can. Early Bird, Regular and On-Site fees are outlined on the registration form.

Looking forward to seeing YOU and your co-workers in Fayetteville in March!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Student submissions being sought

Peter Koch and Jennifer Litzelman, heads of the N.C. Museums Council student committee, are still actively seeking proposal submissions from students relevant to the "Poster Session" planned for the upcoming Council Annual Meeting & Conference in Fayetteville, March 4-7, 2008.

The deadline for submissions has been extended to JANUARY 15, 2008.

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT: please visit here (or go to the main www.ncmuseums.org front page and click on Students in the top bar, then take the link to the Poster Session page). Consider whether you would like to participate in this manner, and if so, create your submission by January 15th. If you have any questions, e-mail student@ncmuseums.org for more information.

IF YOU ARE A MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL: do you have any students working for you who might be considering an involvement? Can you encourage them to make that commitment? Or do you know of any students in North Carolina colleges or universities who might be interested, to whom you could forward this message? Please consider how you might encourage further student involvement with the Council.

The students who have been involved with the Museums Council are often the future of our industry, and often become involved with North Carolina institutions. If there is a way you can help expand this year's Poster Session, please do!

Best of the holidays to everyone.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Upcoming class: The Greensboro Historical Museum is offering a ten-session class, "The Civil War: The Times, The Places, The People," with Ned Harrison. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m., beginning February 12, 2008. Class size is limited to 50, so prospective students are encouraged to enroll quickly. Harrison has taught military history classes at Guilford College, GTCC, Alamance Community College, and the Historical Museum during 2007. He writes the "About Veterans" column for the Greensboro News & Record, and a monthly Civil War column for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. Course fee ($65 for non-museum members, $60 for members) covers 30 hours of class instruction, an a text manual with maps, data and explanatory text. Call 336-373-2043 to charge registration by phone, or send payment to Greensboro Historical Museum, 130 Summit Ave., Greensboro NC 27401.

In event news:
1). The Onslow County Museum, Richlands will open its new exhibit, "Connections: History + Genealogy = A lasting legacy," from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15 (free). The exhibit will remain at the museum through May 2008.

2). The Greensboro Children's Museum will have Active Story Time on the theme of "Kwanzaa" at 10:30 to 11 and 3:00-3:30 on December 27; Kwanzaa Colors Bracelets from 9 to 5 on December 28; 4th Friday Cultural Night/Africa from 5-8 p.m. on the 28th; and the Kuumba African Dance Company performing from 11-11:45 a.m. on the 29th. The Museum's New Year's Eve Party is from 2-3 p.m. on December 30.

3). Santa Claus is scheduled to visit the Kings Mountain Historical Museum from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. The Fifth Annual Trains, Trains, Trains Exhibit will remain on view through January 5.

4). On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 14-16, free admission is offered to residents of Haywood, Jackson, Buncombe and Swain counties at the Wheels Through Time Museum, Maggie Valley to view the new "Merry Motorcycle: A Photographic History of the Joyous Sport" exhibit, which will be on view through April 1, 2008. Other visitors are welcome to view the exhibit anytime at regular admission and operating hours.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

NCMC award entries sought

Everyone appreciates a pat on the back and a certificate on the wall!

As part of its annual meeting each year, the North Carolina Museums Council (NCMC) recognizes excellence in the museum profession, honors volunteer contributions made to museums, encourages students to pursue museum careers, and stimulates seasoned professionals to continue outstanding work. We want to recognize the individuals who have made a significant difference in your institution--a volunteer, an organization, or a coworker. Review the Professional and Service Award criteria on the NCMC website and nominate someone today!

Additionally, NCMC recognizes the Best of the Best in print and multi-media produced by North Carolina's cultural institutions. Collect your best work for the year (2007) and submit entries in categories from brochures and invitations to catalogs and websites. All of the categories are outlined on the NCMC website.

To learn more about the Professional and Service Awards and the Multi-Media Awards, go to www.ncmuseums.org, then click on "NCMC Awards 2007/2008" in the right-hand column of the front page. From this page, you can also click on Criteria as well as Nomination and Entry Forms.

All award entries are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2008. If you have questions, contact Jenean Todd, NCMC Awards Chair, at 910.798.4385 or jtodd@nhcgov.com.

The NCMC Annual Meeting & Conference will be held in Fayetteville, March 4-7, 2008, with awards being presented on March 6th.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

1). Call for submissions: "Handcrafted Exhibition": January 25-May 25, 2008. Artists are encouraged to enter traditional or non-traditional craft media for the Rocky Mount Arts Center's national juried Handcrafted Exhibition. Juror is Allie Farlowe, Assistant Curator of the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in Charlotte, NC. The exhibition is open, but not limited to, the following: ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood or any combination of any craft media. Four entries may be submitted for $25 by December 10, 2007. 35mm slides and digital images on CD are accepted. A full exhibition prospectus and entry form can be obtained from the Rocky Mount Arts Center website under Artist Opportunities (Handcrafted) or by contacting Catherine Coulter, Arts Program Coordinator, at the Arts Center at (252) 972-1175.

2). Coming up at the Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington: the Wilmington Choral Society, from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, December 14, and the film, Monumental Art Works: The Art of Richard Serra and James Turrell, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 16.

3). The McColl Center for Visual Art has announced its schedule of Winter and Spring Workshops, running from January 19 into April, including one-day, two-day and longer sessions. Fees and subjects vary; for more information, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.mccollcenter.org, e-mail education@mccollcenter.org, or call (704) 332-5535.

4). Tickets are available from the New Bern Historical Society for a return engagement by Ed Bearss, a renowned historian and Civil War battlefield guide who will speak on "North Carolina at the First Day of Gettysburg: The Beginning of a Decisive Battle." Tickets are $10 each. He will speak on January 13 at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Theater.

5). At the N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh, upcoming events include "History a la Carte: Film and Fashion" (Wednesday, December 12 at 12:10 p.m.); "First Night Raleigh 2008" (Monday, Dec. 31, 2-6 p.m. for children, and 7-11 p.m. for nighttime events - First Night button required); "History Corner: We Can Do It!" (ages 5-9 with adult, call 919-807-7992 to register for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2); and "History a la Carte: Saving Yates Mill" (Wednesday, January 9, at 12:10 p.m.).

6). The current exhibits at the Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, include "The Lost Colony" through January 6; "Toys on Parade" through December 31, and "Quilts of Many Colors" through February 24.

7). Current exhibits at The History Museum of Burke County, Morganton, include "Find Your Way Home, Again!, a Genealogy of the Diversity of the Mountain People," remaining through October 2008; "Gifts from the Past - Hand Made with Love," a holiday exhibit, through January 31; and an exhibit, "On the Job," will focus on post-Civil War occupations of Burke County's African-Americans, on display during February.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

1). The Gregg Museum of Art & Design, N.C. State, Raleigh, will host a gallery talk by Dan Bartlett, "The Missing Link: Evolution of the Sock Monkey," at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 6. The exhibit remains at the Museum through December 20.

2). The Orchid Conservatory, which will complete the next phase in a 50-year master plan, is scheduled to open its doors to the public on January 19, 2008, at noon at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont.

3). The Rosenzweig Gallery and the Jewish Heritage Foundation of N.C., Durham, are calling for submissions for the Sixth Annual Juried Art Exhibition -- the theme for the show will be "L'Chayim ... To Life." The call for submissions can be downloaded at www.jhfnc.org. Digital images of entries must be received by 5 p.m. on March 3, 2008.

4). The N.C. Museum of Forestry, Whiteville, recently unveiled its master plan for the creation of a wholly "green" addition to the existing museum and conversion of the current building to match the green concept of a projected $20 million structure.

5). "The Polar Express: The IMAX Experience" is arriving at Discovery Place, Charlotte on Friday, December 7th, and can be seen there through Thursday, January 17, 2008.

6). The Health Adventure, Asheville will hold Origami Workshops for children ages 6 and up on Saturday, December 8 -- beginners, from 11 a.m. to noon, and intermediate/advanced from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (free for members or included with museum admission). Other origami pieces can also be seen on the holiday tree on display through December 31.

7). Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem will host the Children's Festival of Giving and Light on Friday, December 14, with a program starting at 4 p.m. (optional holiday art activity at 3:30 p.m.) for children, who must be accompanied by an adult; recommended age range is 4-12. Free. Holiday Parties for Older Adults are set for 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11; also free. Finally, a holiday concert by Carolina Brass will be held on December 20 at 8 p.m. ($12; $8 for members and students - call 336-758-5150 for info and tickets).