ncmuseums

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

Monday, September 28, 2009

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 28, 2009

1). Ava Gardner Museum Each year the Ava Gardner Museum celebrates Ava's life and career by hosting the Ava Gardner Festival. This annual event includes heritage tours, screenings of classic Ava Gardner films, and special exhibits. This year’s festival will kickoff during the “Ava Gardner Festival Gala” on Friday evening, October 9th and will continue Saturday, October 10th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The theme for the fifth annual festival celebrates the special relationship Ava shared with Ernest Hemingway. 

2). Weatherspoon Art Museum The Weatherspoon Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is pleased to present the Fall Weatherspoon Community Day on Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 1-4 pm. The focus of the day’s activities will be Willem de Kooning’s painting “Woman”, which turns 60 this year. A special community birthday cake will be cut and served at 2 pm.

3). Museum of the Albemarle The Museum of the Albemarle will host Kate Willink, Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at the University of Denver, on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the Gaither Auditorium. Ms. Willink author of Bringing Desegregation Home: Memories of the Struggle toward School Integration in Rural North Carolina will present a lecture and sign books.

4). N.C. Maritime Museum Seafaring vessels of the 1700s and 1800s have been captured on canvas by internationally known maritime artist Paul Hee. The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort will display an exhibit of his paintings from Oct. 3, 2009, through March 7, 2010. Unlike many who follow the “super-realistic” school, his paintings accurately portray the historical prototype ships yet also carefully reproduce the styles of contemporary maritime artists.

5). Hickory Museum of Art is pleased to announce Folk Art Festival at the Lake on October 3rd from 11 AM to 4 PM at 4689 Giles Avenue, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. Admission and parking are free and open to the public. There will be folk artists booths, demonstrations, live bluegrass music, a hands-on activity for children, and food provided by Horsefeathers Roadhouse of Sherrills Ford – including pork shanks as well as barbecue chicken and pork plates.

6). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences On Tuesday, September 29, Senior Curator of Paleontology Dale Russell presents a talk based on his new book Islands in the Cosmos: The Evolution of Life on Land, which follows evolution from its origins to the present day. The talk begins at 6:30 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh and is the fourth offering of the Museum’s Charles Darwin Lecture Series.

7). Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site Experience the blended aroma of assorted homemade foods cooked over on open hearth at Bentonville Battlefield during the Fall Civilian Living History Program on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At this free event visitors can learn about the hardships women endured in order to provide for their farms and families during the Civil War.

8). Historic Oak View County Park will host their annual Heritage Day on October 3, 2009, from 10am until 4pm, featuring lots of live animals, antique farm equipment displays, heritage crafts, handmade items, live music, antique cars, horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more! Back again this year: a fantastic display of quilts throughout the Main House, and a quilt auction with a professional auctioneer!

9). Reynolda House Museum of American Art In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species,” Reynolda House will host an interdisciplinary symposium titled Curious Spectacle’: Charles Darwin and the Art of Observation on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 12 to 5 p.m. The symposium will focus on the book’s influence on American visual culture and thought, while examining the tropical landscape paintings of Frederic Church and their connections to the tradition of scientific inquiry exemplified by Darwin.

10). Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Head out to the most authentic and diverse event of its kind, the 18th-Century Trade Faire at Ft. Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville. Admission is free to North Carolina’s 18th-century frontier on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the site where soldiers once defended frontier settlers during the French and Indian War, visitors will have a chance to experience a vivid recreation of a lively colonial American marketplace and reenactments, military and Cherokee camps.

Monday, September 21, 2009

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 21, 2009

1). Western Carolina University The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers returns to Western Carolina University at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, with Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records, a trip into Los Angeles’ underground punk scene in the late 1970s.

2). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum invites you to join a member of the Curatorial Staff on a tour of the dynamic new exhibition Looking Forward: New Works and New Directions for the Permanent Collection during an Art Break Friday, September 25, 2009 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Art Breaks are free with Museum Membership or admission.

3). Museum of the Cape Fear will be transforming the 1897 Poe House for mourning as part its presentation Sorrow Is Sacred. From Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Nov. 8, visitors can tour the home to learn about the values, beliefs and behaviors associated with loss and grief in the late-19th and early-20th century. Displays throughout the Poe House will focus on three aspects of mourning customs: dressing the house, personal expressions of grief, and home funerals. Tours will take place on the hour Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

4). Reynolda House Museum of American Art This fall Reynolda House Museum of American Art will present a period installation of Frederic Church’s masterpiece, The Andes of Ecuador, in the West Bedroom Gallery, on view from September 26, 2009 through May 30, 2010. The painting, the largest and most ambitious work of Church’s early career, was completed in 1855, following the 27-year-old artist’s first trip to Columbia and Ecuador.

5). Museum of the Albemarle The Museum of the Albemarle’s Coast Guard Exhibit: Out of The Blue: Coast Guard Aviation will open Saturday, October 3 at 9:00 am honoring our Nation’s ever-vigilant maritime guardians. Active and retired Coast Guard personnel, along with museum representatives, will be on hand to cut the ribbon and dedicate the newest exhibit that pays tribute to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The exhibit tells the story of the Coast Guard from its formation in 1790 to the present day.

6). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Join conservationist and Raleigh native Dale Lewis for a presentation on the burgeoning relationship between the large mammals of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and the people who live among them on Tuesday, September 22 at 7 pm at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. Free.

7). Kings Mountain Historical Museum “Annual Honor Our Veterans Exhibit” is the current exhibit at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum. The exhibit will run through Saturday, November 14, 2009. This year we are focusing on Women in Service for Our Country. Also represented are photos, memorabilia, uniforms, and weapons from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

8). President James Polk State Historic Site presents 1846 Mexican-American War Militia Muster on September 26. This program illustrates the life of a common citizen who has been called into service due to the 1846 conflict with Mexico. From 9:00am to 4:00pm, visitors will see period costumed interpreters demonstrating military drills and practices, camp life, and even rifle firing!

9). Joel Lane Museum House Warren Bingham gave his lecture on George Washington’s 1791 Tour Through the South to a sold-out crowd at the Joel Lane Museum House’s Visitor Center in February. Everyone was so enthusiastic that we decided to invite him back for a repeat on Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 pm. The Visitors Center is located at 160 S. St. Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Mr. Bingham is a very engaging speaker who is both entertaining and informative.

Monday, September 14, 2009

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 14, 2009

1). Western Carolina University The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers returns to Western Carolina University at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, with Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records, a trip into Los Angeles’ underground punk scene in the late 1970s.

2). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum invites you to join a member of the Curatorial Staff on a tour of the dynamic new exhibition Looking Forward: New Works and New Directions for the Permanent Collection during an Art Break Friday, September 25, 2009 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Art Breaks are free with Museum Membership or admission.

3). Joel Lane Museum House The Joel Lane Museum House, “The Birthplace of North Carolina’s Capital City,” will sponsor Lizzie Lane’s Colonial Tea on Sunday, September 20 from 3 to 5 pm with a rain date of Sunday, September 27. Elizabeth was Colonel Joel Lane’s seventh child. He was a founding father of Raleigh and an officer in the Militia during the American Revolutionary War.

4). The Mint Museum of Art Celebrate Romare Bearden’s birthday month at the Mint by creating a special artwork in honor of this Charlotte-born artist! The public is invited to come make a collage and view Bearden’s works in the Museum galleries on September 19, 2009 during Wachovia-Wells Fargo Family Saturday: Romie’s Birthday Bash.

5). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites you to view the peaceful moments in life with its new Spadefish gallery art exhibit. Photography by Matt Lettrich will be on display September- November. The exhibit showcases breathtaking photographs of coastal landscapes with unique lighting and remarkable perspectives.

6). Wrightsville Beach Museum of History presents An Afternoon with Claude Howell on September 20, 2009, 3-6pm. Visit the Museum as art experts and local friends of Claude Howell share observations on his work and reminiscences of his life. Howell's work from private collections will be shared during this afternoon event. Light refreshments.

7). Port Discover Children are invited to learn about sound and how it travels at Port Discover’s Toddler Time, Can You Hear Me?, Thursday, September 17 at 10 a.m. Using their sense of hearing, the young scientists will be challenged to identify some unknown sounds. Every child will also make their own sound phones to take home.

8). Orange County Historical Museum Come see our new temporary exhibit Orange County Brides which opens on Tuesday, September 15th. This temporary exhibit is on display until October 4th and showcases bridal gowns and other wedding items from Orange County. For more information, please visit our website or call the Museum, 919-732-2201.

9). SECCA The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) and Reynolda House Museum of American Art are co-presenting a launch party and artist talk by sculptor Mark Jenkins Sept. 22. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the auditorium at Reynolda House beginning at 5:30 p.m. Jenkins is one of seven artists featuring in SECCA’s year-long public art series “Inside Out: Artists in the Community II.”

10). Museum of the Albemarle The Museum of the Albemarle will hold History Tales: Make It, Take It on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, from 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm. Elementary aged students accompanied by an adult will learn facts about the United States Constitution: who signed the Constitution from North Carolina, view artifacts from “Our Story” relating to the period, and participate in a hands-on activity. This program is free to the public.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

NCMC Events From Around the State… September 8, 2009

1). Museum of the Cape Fear Have you ever wanted to be a contestant on a quiz show like “Jeopardy?” Well, the Museum of the Cape Fear will give you a similar opportunity at the second annual North Carolina Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. Sign up as a contestant to show off your knowledge of the Tar Heel State, or come and watch the competition. The event is free to contestants and spectators.

2). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum group Art Nouveaux invites you to join in on a visit to photographer Tim Barnwell’s studio Monday, September 21, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. “Art Nouveaux” is a special group of Museum Members interested in learning about collecting art. The group meets several times a year for social and educational programs exploring fine art collecting and connoisseurship.

3). Reynolda House Museum of American Art reprises “Portals of Discovery”, the museum’s continuing education program, in September with Opera 101. Have you ever wondered just what goes on behind the scenes in an opera or what makes an opera an opera? “Opera 101”, led by Wake Forest University Professor of Music Peter Kairoff, Piedmont Opera Company Artistic Director and Resident Conductor James Albritten, and Piedmont Opera Board Member Elaine Strug will take the mystery out of opera. “Opera 101” will be held on September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

4). Orange County Historical Museum Saturday, September 12 from 1-4:30pm the Orange County Historical Museum and the Burwell School Historic Site will hold Colonial Kids Day. The event is $4.00 per child, tickets may be purchased at the Orange County Historical Museum, 201 N. Churton St. Hillsborough. The event includes colonial games, weaving, manners, and a fashion show. Call the Museum today to reserve your tickets, 919-732-2201.

5). Port Discover Learn the basics of the scientific method and get ready for science fair season at Scientific Method 101, Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, Saturday, September 12. Dr. Maille Lyons, science advisor for Port Discover and postdoctoral research scientist at Old Dominion University, will lead the interactive presentation. Scientific Method 101 will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

6). Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens presents African American Lecture: From Slavery to Freedom: Race and Citizenship in the Americas with Dr. David Dennard, Associate Professor of History at East Carolina University on Thursday, September 17. This lecture will explore the significance of race in British, Caribbean, and Latin American countries after the death of chattel slavery. Overall, it will offer a comparative perspective on a race as a factor in defining the status of blacks after emancipation. 7:00 p.m. Free. Visitor Center Auditorium.

7). SciWorks presents Life on the Edge: Plant Life and Climate Change on Tuesday, September 15th. How do plants manage to live at the most extreme environments of the world—the highest mountains, driest deserts, ocean beaches? Answers to this question are obtained through studies conducted in some of the world’s most remote places. As head of the Coastal Barrier Island Network, Dr. William K. Smith leads an international group of scientists who are trying to determine how to coordinate human development with ecosystem sustainability.

8). Duke Homestead State Historic Site Put on your bib overalls and head to Duke Homestead for the annual Tobacco Harvest and Hornworm Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12. Hear the sounds of the only tobacco auction left in the Bull City at Duke Homestead, the home and farm where Washington Duke first grew and processed tobacco. The day starts with demonstrations of traditional tobacco harvesting, curing, and stringing down at the barn with Little River Cloggers performing on stage. Or you can start your morning shopping for treasures made by North Carolina artists.

9). Town Creek Indian Mound
Pack a thermos, bring a chair or blanket and get ready for a night under the velvety star-studded sky at Town Creek Indian Mound Saturday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. “This is one of the best dark sky sites in North Carolina,” said Rich Thompson, manager of the State Historic Site. Stargazing enthusiasts will be able to view the cloudy trail of the Milky Way through the site’s 12” Dobsonian telescope which is suitable for visually observing “deep sky” objects.

10). Greensboro Children’s Museum presents Brain Minders Puppet Show on Saturday, September 12, 10:30am. Come meet Brain Minder Buddies, Gerald Giraffe, Penny Panda, and Martin Monkey as they explore how to “Play Safe and Play Smart”! Created by the Pilot International Club, this interactive puppet show will show you how to protect your brain! Free