ncmuseums

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

Monday, January 26, 2009

1). Asheville Art Museum: The Asheville Art Museum’s “smArt speak: Distinguished Artist Series” is pleased to offer Patron tickets to “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Works in Progress with Q+A” on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Patron tickets include admission to the event, preferred seating and a special dinner with the artists that evening! Patron tickets are $100 and are available by calling the Asheville Art Museum at (828) 253-3227.

2). Reynolda House Museum of American Art presents “African American Read-In” on Monday, February 2, at 11 a.m. Join a community of more than one million readers across the world observing the 19th annual African American Read-In Chain. The event is held in recognition of Black History Month, and the public is invited to the Museum to share favorite passages from the writings of contemporary and historical black authors.

3). Core Sound Waterfowl Museum presents a class on “Bird Photography” on February 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come discover techniques to improve your bird photography with award-winning photographer, Mark Buckler. Through a presentation and in-the-field instruction, we will explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to capture compelling images. We will plan to visit a near-by waterfowl area to practice some techniques, so please dress accordingly and bring your camera. If time permits, we will also review some of the images that were taken during the field trip portion of the class. All classes begin at the Museum. Registration is required – call the museum at 728-1500.

4). Cameron Art Museum presents “Gallery Talk: CM O’Neal, painter” on Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. Program admission is by donation. Explore exhibitions from an area artist's point of view in this informal tour and discussion with painter Cynthia Marie O’Neal.

5). N.C. Museum of History presents its Eighth Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Feel the spirit and energy of the state’s African American culture and heritage during one of the year’s largest events. The celebration offers something for all ages: musical performances, step dancing, storytelling, craft and cooking demonstrations, art displays, hands-on activities, and more. Come experience this exciting festival filled with firsthand opportunities to learn about the state’s African Americans, past and present. Stay for lunch and purchase foods from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza, directly outside the museum.

6). Gregg Museum of Art and Design: The Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NC State University is pleased to present “Thomas Sayre: New Work” from January 22 – May 10, 2009. Sayre will also speak about his work as a part of our Artists & Objects lecture series. The lecture will be at the Gregg Museum on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

1). Ackland Art Museum presents a special exhibition drawn from one of the most extensive private collections of prints and posters associated with industry and labor. “At the Heart of Progress: Coal, Iron, and Steam since 1750 - Industrial Imagery from the John P. Eckblad Collection” (January 24 - May 17, 2009) includes approximately seventy-five pieces selected from the collection of Dr. John P. Eckblad.

2). Waterworks Visual Arts Center presents fundraiser Oyster Roast 2009 on Saturday, January 24th, 2009, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m., at the Waterworks Visual Arts Center and the F&M Trolley Barn, Salisbury. Tickets are on sale now! Adults only - $65 in advance, $75 day of the event (unless sold out). Call 704-636-1882 for tickets.

3). Battleship North Carolina presents “Hidden Battleship” on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Tour times: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. See the Battleship like you never have before! Small groups will be taken behind-the-scenes to areas not on the regular tour from down in the brig (ship’s jail) to high up in the fire control tower to large, complex engineering spaces. The tours will last approximately three hours; the price of $45 includes admission to the Ship. Friends of the Battleship members pay $35. You must be 12 years or older to participate. Wear comfortable, warm clothing and sturdy, rubber-soled shoes; bring a camera, but no large backpacks. For more information: 910-251-5797.

4). Port Discover: Port Discover: Northeastern North Carolina’s Center for Hands-On Science, is recruiting volunteers to assist at Port Discover. Volunteer hours are available in the afternoon, both weekdays and weekends. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with children’s programs at Port Discover, greeting the visitors, and helping at occasional special events and outreach programs.

5). Cameron Art Museum presents “Forward Motion Dance Company” on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. An evening of contemporary dance featuring the 2008 interdisciplinary work “Essential Nature” with film by Justin Plakas, music by local artists Barefoot Machete and The Title Ceremony, and costumes created by Lee Wainwright of Costume Technology Integration. The performances include choreography by Tracey Varga, the FMD company dancers: Jeneen Cleare, Kate Neely, Tracie Smith, Mary Tavares, Kristin Tait, Tracey Varga, Ashely Yates, and guest artists from the YWCA modern-jazz class. Program admission is by donation.

6). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: Soar into the new year with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' 19th annual ”Astronomy Days,” on Saturday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, noon to 5 p.m. Experience more than 50 exciting exhibits, hands-on activities and presentations on all four floors of the Museum and outside on Bicentennial Plaza over the course of this free, two-day event. Safely view the sun and incredible solar flares through amazing solar telescopes, meet local astronomy enthusiasts to find out how to get started yourself, and learn about live animals of the constellations.

Monday, January 12, 2009

1). Gregg Museum of Art and Design: The GREGG Museum of Art & Design at NC State University is pleased to present “Thomas Sayre: New Work” from January 22 – May 10, 2009. There will be a reception on January 22, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m. Sayre will also speak about his work as a part of our Artists & Objects lecture series. The lecture will be at the Gregg Museum on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7 p.m.

2). Asheville Art Museum: The Asheville Art Museum invites you to experience the innovative works of internationally acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the exhibition titled “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects” opening Friday, January 16, 2009 with an opening reception from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. This event is free with Museum Membership or admission.

3). Port Discover: Port Discover science educators and local scientists will be at Port Discover for Science Fair 101 Help Sessions beginning Thursday, January 8 and continuing each Thursday afternoon through January 29. The help sessions will offer students one-on-one assistance with science fair projects and are scheduled for 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Students are encouraged to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

4). SciWorks: Throughout this country and the world, African-Americans have made significant contributions in the fields of science and technology. The “African-American Scientists and Inventors” exhibit, opening Jan. 17, shows familiar items from our homes, communities, and offices that have been influenced by the patented inventions of African-American individuals. This exhibit will be at SciWorks through August 29, 2009.

5). Hope Plantation: Come escape the post-holiday blues with a festive Midwinter Feast at Historic Hope Plantation on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Arrive at the Roanoke-Chowan Heritage Center at 6:00 p.m. and be welcomed by Governor David Stone, builder of Hope Plantation, and his wife, Hannah Turner Stone. Traditional 18th and 19th century fare will be served by costumed servants as the Stones their lives at Hope Plantation in the early 19th century. After dinner, guests will tour Hope Mansion while enjoying a cup of wassail. Tickets are $60 per person; space is limited. Call 252-794-3140 or email hopeplantation@coastalnet.com.

6). Fort Fisher State Historic Site: If one were anywhere near Wilmington 144 years ago, the sights and sounds of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War must have been overwhelming. Now known as the Second Battle of Ft. Fisher, this “explosive” confrontation between Union and Confederate forces will be recalled Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ft. Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach. “Ft. Fisher Then and Now” will examine the fort’s history through the lens of Civil War photography. The program will feature a special 3-D show of famous Civil War photographs and rare, recently discovered wartime images. The 3-D show will take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

7). Museum of the Albemarle: Alex Leary of Camden County will present “The Annie L. Vansciver” at the Museum of the Albemarle on Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gaither Auditorium as part of the Albemarle Historic Roundtable. The “Annie L. Vansciver” was the most beloved of many passenger and freight steamers that plied the Albemarle region when watercraft were the primary means of transportation. The steamer was well known for transporting passengers on Sundays for a day trip to the Outer Banks.

8). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences: View 31 amazing images of North Carolina and get a fresh perspective on our state when the Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh exhibits winning entries of the Wildlife in North Carolina 2008 Photo Competition, beginning Friday, January 9, 2009. Jared Lloyd, of Kitty Hawk, won the grand prize with his image of Tulls Creek in Currituck County at dawn, which currently graces the January cover of "Wildlife in North Carolina" magazine.

9). Cameron Art Museum will host Educators' Night for all area teachers and educators on January 22, 2009 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the museum. This special reception will include an overview of the museum's educational programs, as well as an opportunity to view current exhibitions, “Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton,”Toy Crazy, Bob DeYoung: installation {phantasm”}, and “Bearden to Ruscha: Contemporary Art from the North Carolina Museum of Art.” Please RSVP to Georgia Mastroieni, Curator of Education, at 910-395-5999 by January 15, 2009.

10). Core Sound Waterfowl Museum presents class “Winter Waterfowl” on January 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Down East Carteret County is home to one of the major wintering waterfowl areas on the east coast of the United States. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum will offer a day in the field to observe these birds. After a short indoor presentation, we will explore areas around the Museum to identify ducks and geese, as well as other waterfowl, and discuss issues involving these birds. All classes begin at the museum. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - please call the museum at 728-1500.

Please note that full details on the 2009 combined NCMC/SCFM Conference to be held in March in Rock Hill, S.C. can now be reviewed on our website, along with reservation and registration information!

Monday, January 05, 2009

First event news of 2009

1). Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 3 p.m. – “Prospective Volunteer Orientation.” Reynolda House Museum of American Art hosts a tea for people interested in becoming a volunteer or simply learning more about the American art collection. Members of the education department, new volunteers, and other museum staff will be on hand to discuss the American Arts Discovery course and volunteer opportunities at the museum. For more information, please call 336.758.5389. Free.

2). High Point Museum presents Blacksmithing Demonstration in the Historical Park on Saturday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, January 18, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Come watch our costumed blacksmith in action as he crafts various iron pieces. All ages welcome; free.

3). Asheville Art Museum invites you to take a free, self-guided tour of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Community Poster Installation on view Thursday, January 15th through Sunday, February 15th, 2009 in business windows around town. As part of its 60th Anniversary Celebration, the Asheville Art Museum brings internationally acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to Western North Carolina audiences on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The artistic team is known for temporary works of art that reflect and reinterpret their surroundings. Posters of these works will be on view for self-guided tours around town.

4). Gregg Museum of Art and Design: The GREGG Museum of Art & Design at NC State University is pleased to present “Norm Schulman: A Life in Clay” from January 22 – March 29, 2009. There will be a reception on January 22, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m. Schulman will also speak about his work as a part of our Artists & Objects lecture series. The lecture will be at the Gregg Museum on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 7 p.m.

5). Museum of the Albemarle: The USS North Carolina was commissioned in 1941 as the lead ship of the two-ship North Carolina class battleship for the U.S. Navy. The Museum of the Albemarle, 501 South Water Street, Elizabeth City brings the story home in the current exhibit "Showboat: The USS North Carolina (BB-55)." MOA presents the story of the USS North Carolina in graphics, photos, scale models and artifacts honoring her many years in service to the country.

6). Asheville Art Museum is pleased to invite you to view the Western North Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition on view in the Pack Place Community Gallery January 24th – February 12th, 2009 as well as the Awards Ceremony in Diana Wortham Theatre at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2009.

7). State Library of North Carolina: The educational and religious development of African Americans in post-Emancipation America is part of African American history online, thanks to the State Library of North Carolina. Now available in the library’s Digital Repository are profiles of early African American schools, churches, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions from the pages of “An Era of Progress and Promise.” Written in 1910 by W.N. Hartshorn, the 444-page book is a seminal work that was referenced by influential figures including W.E. B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington

Seeking news for the Winter NCMC newsletter

The Winter issue of the NCMC newsletter is approaching and will cover January 15 through April 15, 2009. The deadline to submit material is THIS SATURDAY, January 10, 2009. If you have special news that would be of interest to the museum community, as well as personnel notes, events, or whatever fits into the regular format of the newsletter, please send it to newsletter@ncmuseums.org.

E-mails must have a contact name, address and telephone number. Please include website address of your museum if you have one. For more information, see:
http://www.ncmuseums.org/ncmc/news/newsletter.html.

Reminder: send newsletter items directly to the newsletter editor by using the newsletter@ncmuseums.org e-mail address.

We look forward to your news!
NC Museums Council