ncmuseums

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

Monday, December 22, 2008

March 2009 Conference details available

All the pieces are coming together for the 2009 combined NCMC – SCFM Conference, to be held chiefly in Rock Hill, S.C. from March 3-6, 2009. Though there will be some minor changes and adjustments to come, you can now get a pretty clear idea of the conference plans and related matters by visiting THE NCMC WEBSITE. Click on Conference in the top bar or look for links in the right-hand column of the front page of the web site.

You can now review the entire line-up of sessions in the CONFERENCE BROCHURE (though there may be one more session to come – if it does get added, we will update the BROCHURE PDF). You can review or even fill out the REGISTRATION FORM. And there is other information – such as the deadline for early registration discounted fees and hotels – on the main conference page.

You will also find some scholarship opportunities, as we all know that budgets are tight for March 2009.

We have just announced – and the application form is posted on the main Conference page – that the Council had an adjustment in its budget that made it possible to offer four (4) scholarships of $150 each, which will cover the registration fee for the conference (hotel and transportation costs are not included). The deadline to apply, however, is January 16, 2009, which is only a few weeks away.

Also, if you are a history section member and have not already learned of it, review the information (also in the right-hand column on the web site) about scholarship applications being accepted -- also due by January 16, 2009. Also, note that nominations for new section committee members are being sought.

We hope to add a few more details very soon – including phone numbers and web addresses for the host hotels, and possibly a new payment option for conference registration fees. But a great deal about what’s happening in March is readily available now. Take a little time to check it out!

1). Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Sunday, January 4, 2009, 2–4 p.m. – “Family First Workshop” - Reynolda House Museum of American Art invites elementary school-aged children accompanied by an adult to a Family First Paper Sculpture Workshop. Children will discover sculpture in the museum and then construct their own three-dimensional masterpieces using different paper sculpture techniques. For information and to make the required reservation, please call 336.758.5389. Admission is $7 per person.

2). Cameron Art Museum presents “Class: Hand and Wheel Pottery Techniques” from January 5 - February 25, 2009 on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Cost: $250. Hiroshi Sueyoshi teaches participants hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, and finishing techniques. Class held twice weekly, size is limited; open to all skill levels, ages 16+. To register call 910-395-5999, ext. 1000 or email ckilian@cameronartmuseum.com.

3). Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce it has received $40,000 in grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the development and presentation of the exciting upcoming exhibition “Ruth Asawa: Drawing in Space,” opening September 18, 2009 on view through January 3, 2010. The Asheville Art Museum was the only art museum in North Carolina to receive an Access to Artistic excellence grant this year.

4). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Get a close-up look at amphibians without even lifting a lily pad at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Aquarium recently debuted the “Year of the Frog” Art Exhibit, featuring the work of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI), Carolinas Chapter. Part of the Aquarium’s larger “Year of the Frog” campaign, the exhibit strives to increase awareness about the plight of the world’s rapidly diminishing amphibian species. The display includes watercolor, colored-pencil, egg tempera and paper sculpture works that showcase the breadth and beauty of North Carolina’s native amphibians, from tiger salamanders to bullfrogs.

5). Rowan Museum is sponsoring its 24th annual German Christmas Celebration at the Old Stone House (1766) on Stone House Road in Granite Quarry on Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, and 12 – 4 p.m. Sunday. The house is closed during November through March, but will open for the holiday celebration the weekend just following Christmas. The Old Stone House will be decorated as it would have been during pre-Revolutionary days…very simply with natural greenery, herbs, fruits and berries.

6). Mint Museum: The Mint Museum is pleased to announce that Fleur Bresler, a longtime supporter of the Mint Museum of Craft + Design and a Founders’ Circle member, has received two awards in recognition of her service to the craft art field. The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County in Silver Spring, Md., and the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia recently honored Bresler for her contributions to the arts at separate events.

7). Museum of the Albemarle: The infamous steamer Annie L. Vansciver is now sailing at the Museum of the Albemarle! A detailed scale model of the Annie L. is on display at MOA and the accompanying graphics tell her story. Also featured is a portrait of its last captain, Gabriel F. Johnson, Sr. in its original frame and glass. Built in 1905 in Camden, New Jersey, the Annie L. eventually became a familiar sight to Elizabeth City citizens as she is best remembered for her Sunday beach excursions from the city to Nags Head.

8). Kings Mountain Historical Museum is proud to announce the opening of the Sixth Annual “Trains, Trains, Trains Exhibit,” running through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The Piedmont Division of the Atlantic Coast 'S' Gaugers will have their interactive trains running for everyone to enjoy. Several train collectors from the area will exhibit their prized possessions along with great railroad memorabilia.

Monday, December 15, 2008

1). Museum of the Albemarle will hold “History Tales: Make It, Take It” on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Elementary students accompanied by an adult will discover how Christmas tree lights evolved over the years, read a story and participate in a creative activity.

2). Reynolda House Museum of American Art will present Carolina Brass in concert on Saturday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. This concert of seasonal favorites has become a holiday tradition for music lovers and families in the Triad. Formed in 1997, Carolina Brass performs a wide range of music, including Medieval and Renaissance selections and contemporary, Big Band, and Pops.

3). Asheville Art Museum invites you to tour the exhibition “Life’s Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight” from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2008. The Asheville Art Museum is delighted to present works from all eight artists: Robert Henri, George Luks, William Glackens, John Sloan, Everett Shinn, Maurice Prendergast, Ernest Lawson and Arthur Bowen Davies, celebrating the centennial anniversary of the 1908 show at the Macbeth Gallery,

4). Marbles Kids Museum presents Camp Fun Days for Preschoolers on Monday, December 22 and 29, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum offers one-day camps for those days when your kids have the day off but you don’t. Camp Fun Days are filled with museum adventure for your kids! This is a one-day camp for preschoolers. Pre-registration required; for more information visit our website, call our camps coordinator at 919.857.1040 or email camps@marbleskidsmuseum.org.

5). Mint Museum of Art : The Mint Museum opens its winter season with two new exhibitions this month. The exhibition “Andy Warhol: Cowboys & Indians” will be on display at the Mint Museum of Art from December 20, 2008 through May 9, 2009. Well known for his portrayal of celebrities and consumer goods, later in his career Andy Warhol became fascinated by the stories, myths and legends of the American West. Just one year before his death in 1987, he created the suite “Cowboys and Indians”. This suite accompanies the special exhibition “Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends,” on display through February 15, 2009.

6). Port Discover: What happens to the world around us during the winter months? Toddlers will learn about animal adaptations and the changes in the winter during the Toddler Time, Wonderful Winter, Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m. Children will get to be amateur archeologists on a frozen treasure hunt and conduct experiments with snow and ice. A fee of $5 per family and reservations are required. Program is for 3 – 5 year-olds and parents or guardians must accompany the child.

7). Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens presents “Christmas Candlelight Tour and Grand Illumination” on Saturday, December 20, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Step back in time to December 1770 and join royal Governor and Mrs. Tryon in their exciting celebration of the opening of the Palace and the birthday of King George III. Music and entertainment abound with costumed dancers, musicians, and dynamic performers giving shows of acrobatics, juggling, and sword swallowing. There will be plenty of activity outside the Palace gates as the Fife & Drum Corps parades from George Street to the Palace and be prepared to join in a Jonkonnu celebration of lively West African/American songs and dances from the 18th and 19th centuries. At the end of tha evening a Grand Illumination of fireworks takes place on the Palace grounds.

Monday, December 08, 2008

1). Cape Fear Museum presents “OCEAN Perspectives: North Carolina’s Endangered Whales” on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. Why are marine mammal strandings common events along our beaches? UNC-Wilmington researchers and marine mammal experts Ann Pabst and Bill McLellan explore whale migration and discuss why our coastal waters are a critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. “North Carolina’s Endangered Whales” is offered in partnership with NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Seating is limited. Call 910.798.4362 for reservations.

2). Mint Museum of Art: This winter, Andy Warhol’s famous “Campbell’s Soup Cans” won’t be the only food items on view at The Mint Museum. Through February 15, 2009, visitors to the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design will receive $1 off admission when they bring in a canned good or other non-perishable food item. The food drive will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

3). Greensboro Children’s Museum: Santa Claus visits GCM on Friday, December 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Ho! Ho! Ho! We have exciting holiday news! Jolly ol ’Santa will be making a special appearance at the Greensboro Children’s Museum this year! Parents and children of all ages are invited to the Museum on Friday night to see Santa, give him hugs, sit on his lap, and take pictures with him in our Big Red Chair! Please bring your own camera for pictures. Cost is $3 for admission; free for GCM Members.

4). Museum of the Albemarle will hold “Pre-Schooler Time” on Thursday, December 11, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Participants must be between the ages of 3 to 5 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-Schoolers will discover how Christmas tree lights have evolved over the years, read a story and participate in a creative activity.

5). Bellamy Mansion Museum: The Holiday Belles, an organization dedicated to support the historic Bellamy Mansion in its preservation efforts, will host a Girl’s Night Out on Thursday, December 11, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Lavish Salon and Spa, located at 1051 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington. Proceeds from this year’s event will help assist with the renovation of the Bellamy’s Slave Quarters. The original brick slave quarters is one of three existing urban slave quarters in the United States that is available to the public.

6). Robeson County History Museum will sponsor its annual Christmas Home Tour on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will feature five homes, a church as well as the museum.

7). N.C. Transportation Museum: Santa Claus gives Donner, Blitzen, and all his reindeer a break each December weekend before Christmas. Instead of a sled, Santa will ride the rails at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Santa Train runs on December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 (Saturdays and Sundays). Ride Times: 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m., 1, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15 p.m. Santa Train tickets are $7 person or $6 per person with the donation of an unwrapped gift for needy children. Children who are younger than 3 and will sit on a guardian's lap for the length of the train ride are free and do not need a ticket to ride the train. Santa Train tickets can be purchased only at the N.C. Transportation Museum on the day of the event.

8). Weatherspoon Art Museum presents “Noon @ the 'Spoon - Art on Paper 2008” on Tuesday, December 9, 12 noon. You provide the brown bag lunch, we’ll take care of the rest! Join us for a 20-minute staff or docent-led gallery tour, complimentary beverage and baked goods (kindly donated by Tate Street Coffee)—all sponsored by the Weatherspoon Association Board. Noon @ the ‘Spoon tours begin at 12 noon each second Tuesday of the month. The social gathering will take place in the Association Room on the first floor, following the gallery tour. No RSVP required, but we welcome your call for planning purposes.

9). N.C. State Capitol: Continuing a decades-long tradition at the North Carolina’s Capitol, Gov. Mike Easley and First Lady Mary Easley will light the colorfully decorated state Christmas tree Wednesday, Dec. 10. Sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh and the N.C. State Capitol staff, this free, public celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with luminaries being lit on Capitol Square and holiday music being sung by the St. Mary’s School of Raleigh Chorale. At 6:15 p.m., the governor and first lady will hang wreaths on the Capitol’s west door and light the state tree afterwards.

10). Reynolda House Museum of American Art : A holiday tradition returns to Reynolda House Museum of American Art in December. Robin Voiers will appear in “A Christmas Memory” on Saturday, December 13 at 5 p.m. A favorite with families, the play is recommended for children age 10 and above.

11). Historic Halifax State Historic Site: The ways Revolutionary War soldiers and civilians celebrated the holiday season will be recalled at Historic Halifax State Historic Site Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fun family event will feature colorful living history demonstrations, military drills presented by the 5th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line re-enactors, historic buildings decorated like they would have been during the War for Independence, a heritage crafts show and sale, and much more.

12). Duke Homestead State Historic Site: Remember how people in North Carolina’s Piedmont celebrated the holidays 140 years ago at the Duke Homestead State Historic Site on Friday, Dec. 12. from 7-9 p.m. The old Duke family homestead will literally glow during the free “Christmas by Candlelight” program, which evokes a typical Christmas in the 1870s. Both nights, visitors can tour the Duke family’s 19th-century farmhouse by candlelight, gather in the parlor to sing carols, enjoy apple cider and sugar cookies, and sample popcorn cooked the old-fashioned way over a roaring bonfire.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Make your nominations for 2009 NCMC Awards!

It's nomination time in North Carolina

What? You thought the election was over for a few years! Not so. This is your opportunity to give (or receive) that well-deserved pat on the back.

Yes, it’s time to prepare for the 2009 North Carolina Museums Council’s Professional & Multi-Media Awards.

Nominations and creative entries will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009.

Have questions? Here are five ‘W’s and an ‘H’ to get you started.

Who can you nominate?
Professionals and Volunteers: NCMC recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence and leadership within an institution and within the museum profession. Take a few moments to consider your hard-working friends, colleagues, and mentors who have provided exemplary service to North Carolina’s museum community during the year or over a lifetime.

What can you submit?
Promotional Material: Multi-media awards encompass all forms of creativity: print in a multitude of categories, electronic media, and audio/video production. Because creativity runs rampant in the museum profession, NCMC recognizes annually the Best of the Best. Entries must have been produced in 2008. Review the criteria and compile your entries— time is running out!

When is it due? Deadline for entries is Friday, January 16, 2009. No exceptions.

How can you submit entries?
Three Easy Steps (yes, they’re multi-part steps, but you’ve got time!)
1. Review the nomination / entry criteria on the NCMC website (www.ncmuseums.org).
2. Gather the documentation and materials.
3. Complete the form.

Where should you send the information?
Mail the complete package to:
Jenean Todd
Cape Fear Museum
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401.4731

Questions: jtodd@nhcgov.com or awards@ncmuseums.org. or 910.798.4385.

Why should you acknowledge exemplary work by colleagues and volunteers and show your multi-media creativity throughout NCMC?
Well, why not?

Monday, December 01, 2008

1). Reynolda House Museum of American Art presents a Gallery Talk on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 5:30–6:30 p.m. The talk, titled “The He-Pope and She-Pope of Greenwich Village,” will be given by Reynolda House Director of Public Programs Phil Archer. Archer narrates the lives of two famous New York City tavern keepers, Romany Marie and John McSorley, as Reynolda House continues to study the subject matter of its current exhibition “Seeing the City: Sloan’s New York.” A cash bar reception follows the talk. Admission is $5.

2). High Point Museum presents their 25th Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event has become a tradition with local families. Come for a day of special reenactments, music, demonstrations, refreshments and hands-on activities like candle dipping. Fun for all ages. FREE. No reservations required.

3). Hickory Museum of Art: The Hickory Museum of Art Guild invites you to the 34th Annual Angels of the Arts Holiday Brunch and Auction -- Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Lake Hickory Country Club. Take this opportunity to enjoy holiday shopping, delicious food, great prizes, and socialize with others who support the arts. Ladies: if you bring a gentleman friend or spouse you receive a free cocktail! Reserve your seats by calling the Museum at 828-327-8576. Individuals are $30 a piece or reserve a table for eight for $200.

4). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents “Atmospheres: Formed and Formless” by Natalie Bork and Maja Godlewska in the Woodson and Osborne Galleries. Natalie Bork’s abstract oil paintings find relationships between chaos and control, whereas Maja Godlewska’s shaped canvases use cloud imagery to examine form and formlessness, creation and deterioration. Exhibition runs from November 21, 2008 to February 7, 2009.

5). Museum of the Albemarle will host “Designers’ Workshop: Deck Those Halls” on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Catch the Christmas spirit! Enjoy a day at the Museum constructing your own holiday decorations. This year you can construct a Williamsburg style “Della Robia” apple cone with faux fruit and greenery that can be used year after year. All supplies will be provided in the workshop fee that includes a delicious catered lunch. This workshop is designed for adults and is suitable for clubs or groups on an alternate date. Registrations are limited, so please register early.

6). Cape Fear Museum presents “Winter Jazz: Jim Felds Quartet with Sarah Parker” on Friday, December 5th at 6 p.m. Winter Jazz is “on the move.” Warm up with the Jim Fields Quartet in the New Hanover County Government Center (formerly Marketplace Mall). The quartet will be joined by singer Sarah Parker. Bring your own chairs, pack a picnic, and enjoy evening jazz in its new venue. Presented by Cape Fear Museum, in partnership with Cape Fear Jazz Appreciation Society.

7). Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site: Leave the hustle and bustle of modern holidays behind and travel back to a simpler place and time at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site’s Christmas living history program. On Saturday, December 6, drop by to help decorate a 1860s-style Christmas tree, spend time with Confederate soldiers around the campfire, sip cider with civilian living historians and tour the circa 1855 Harper House. This holiday program, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public.

8). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been celebrating our slimy friends all year, and you only have one more chance, on December 4, to join us for the final “Frogs on the 4’s”. Frogs on the 4’s was designed to support the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s 2008 Year of the Frog initiative by providing one day each month specifically focused on amphibians. All programs, films, activities, feedings and crafts are themed towards our slimy stars. Two interactive auditorium programs will be presented, a “Creature Feature” at 11:30 a.m. and a “Wetland Odyssey” at 1:30 p.m.

9). Kings Mountain Historical Museum is proud to announce the opening of the “Sixth Annual Trains, Trains, Trains Exhibit” on Tuesday, December 2 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The Piedmont Division of the Atlantic Coast 'S' Gaugers will have their interactive trains running for everyone to enjoy. Several train collectors from the area will exhibit their prized possessions along with great railroad memorabilia. The Trains will be running at the Museum before and after the Kings Mountain Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 6th and during Mountaineer Christmas on Friday night, December 12th, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Come see all the lights! The Barber House will be open for candlelight tours and the Log Cabin String Band will be playing around the bonfire from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

10). Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site: Help us celebrate the season at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic Site during our Colonial Christmas Open House on Saturday December 6, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. View our Colonial Williamsburg inspired Christmas decorations and learn how to make one yourself! Costumed interpreters will be serving hot cider and colonial inspired cookies. Children can make a colonial ornament to hang on the tree and see how we decorate with natural materials.