ncmuseums

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

Monday, August 29, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… August 29, 2011

1). Joel Lane Museum House The Joel Lane Museum House is proud to announce a lecture on "18th-Century Cemetery Practices in North Carolina” by John Clauser on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 7 pm in the Visitors Center at 160 South Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Admission will be $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, and advanced payment is required.

2). Museum of Anthropology
presents “Días de los Muertos (Days of the Dead)”, exhibit running Sept. 13 – Dec. 16, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00am – 4:30pm. MOA’s annual exhibit will feature a traditional Mexican “ofrenda”: a home altar with sugar skulls, colorful tissue paper cutouts, food and beverage offerings, marigolds, and photos of deceased relatives to honor the dead. A children’s “ofrenda” and photographs illustrating different aspects of the celebration will also be on display. This exhibit features text in English and Spanish. Admission is free.

3). Marbles Kids Museum presents “Leggo Your LEGO at Marbles” on Saturday, September 10. Calling all LEGO lovers…this day is for YOU! Come build bridges and towers with LEGO masters while learning engineering techniques that allow you to build strong and high structures. In partnership with LEGO KidsFest.

4). SEMC announces the 2011 Annual Conference: October 25-27 in Greenville, SC. SEMC and the South Carolina Federation of Museums welcome you to a vibrant cultural experience. Join us at the 2011 SEMC Annual Meeting in Greenville nestled in the foothills of the Upstate South Carolina Mountains! Heritage Green has a wealth of museums and historic sites--all waiting to add to your experience. Don’t hesitate…register now! What better way to visit the Carolina’s? Come join Southeastern museum professionals at the SEMC 2011 Annual Meeting, October 25-27! http://www.semcdirect.net/Default.aspx?pageId=704435.

5). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce the opening of “The Elemental Arts: Air Earth Fire Water” on Friday, September 2, 2011. Featuring works by Douglas D. Ellington, Ke Francis, Elizabeth J. Peak and Paula Stark, among other noteworthy artists from the Museum’s Permanent Collection, The Elemental Arts examines the way in which artists have treated or incorporated the four essential elements—air, earth, fire and water—into their work.

6). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Behind the Scenes Tour” every Sunday in September at 1:00 pm. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. Accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and access areas. Fee: $15.00 for ages 13 and up, $13.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission included. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

7). HandsOn! Come try your hand at an old game with a new spin, at Hands On! – A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville with “Pin the Apple on the Tree”. This old fashioned game is designed for all ages and will take place Thursday, September 1 through Friday, September 2nd all day at Hands On! Cost to participate is free with $5 museum admission fee and free for museum members.

8). Museum of the Albemarle Gather at the Museum of the Albemarle on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm for a matinee. The Museum will show “Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town”. The documentary takes viewers into the life of small-scale commercial fishermen living in Snead’s Ferry. The fishermen in the documentary take you through the struggles they face today due to globalization, imports, rising fuel prices and coastal growth. This documentary is part of the Unheard Voices Project that tells the stories of people in the working world.

9). The Bascom On Thursday, September 8 from 5-7 pm, enjoy “Stella by Starlight - Stella’s Working Space: from protractors and polygons to printmaking and sculpture”, a reception and talk by Susan Robert (B.A. Emory University; J.D. Woodrow Wilson School of Law and B.F.A. Atlanta College of Art). A longtime enthusiast and student of Stella’s work, Robert is a painter and printmaker who will share her enthusiasm in the context of The Bascom’s current exhibit Frank Stella: American Master. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

10). Hickory Museum of Art The Hickory Museum of Art will host a gallery talk with internationally renowned ceramic artist Mark Hewitt on Thursday, September 1 in the Museum’s second floor Coe Gallery. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. for light refreshments, followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. After a brief introduction by Vale potter Kim Ellington, Mark will begin his presentation, “Going to Carolina in My Mind: Imagination and Reality in North Carolina Pottery”. A question and answer period will follow.

Monday, August 22, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… August 22, 2011

1). Charlotte Museum of History presents “Celtic Festival”, August 27, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Celebrate the rich Celtic heritage of the Charlotte region with concerts by Beoir Agus Ceoil and the renowned Loch Norman Pipe Band! Bring your own chairs, blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of Scottish Highland dancing, piping and drumming. Children’s activities, games and raffle prizes will also be available! Admission: Free with a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $10 per family.

2). Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce the upcoming panel discussion “Art Working” to be held in Gallery 6 of the Museum on August 28, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Guest panelists include local artists and arts professionals who will discuss the role of government in art, the history of the Works Progress Administration and its legacies in public and private sector grant-making, and how to survive as a working artist today.

3). Turchin Center for the Visual Arts “Fall Exhibition Celebration” will be Friday, September 2nd, 2011. There will be Food, Live Music and a Cash Bar. The main event will be held from 7:00 to 9:00pm, and is FREE and open to the public! We will be celebrating the following exhibitions: “John Scarlata: Living In the Light: A Retrospective & Other Works”, “Sanctuary: Val Lyle, Halpert Biennial: A National Juried Competition & Exhibition”, “Selections: Works from the Turchin CenterPermanent Collection”, “Northmost: R. Martin Stamet”.

4). HandsOn! Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, the children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville, invites you to come celebrate your canine friends on Friday August 26th, 2011, all day. Cost to attend is included in $5 admission and is free for museum members. “Bring your favorite pet dog in to our Vet Exhibit sponsored by the Etowah Valley Veterinary Hospital for a check-up,” said Beth Bockoven, Operations Manager. At 4:00 pm a police dog will visit so be sure to come meet a working dog!

5). Cameron Art Museum The Cameron Art Museum received a $5,000 grant from the Corning Incorporated Foundation in support of the Museum School. The Museum School provides adult learners a creative curriculum of classes taught by local artists, art historians, scholars, and art professionals on the museum's campus. All classes connect to, interpret, and deepen participants' understanding of the museum's exhibitions and permanent collection. The Museum School provides a gathering place for the interpretation of art for instructors and their students through an engaging, entrepreneurial process.

6). Cape Fear Museum presents “People of the Past Docent Training” on Monday, August 29, 2011 from 10am – 12pm. Be a part of Cape Fear Museum’s long-running “People of the Past” school program. This training session will orient new and returning docents to the 90-minute fourth grade program. Become familiar with the Museum’s methods in working with school groups.

7). Waterworks Visual Arts Center will host an opening reception for the fall exhibition “Imprints” on Friday, August 26 from 6-8 pm. Come early and enjoy a Gallery Talk with exhibiting artist Mona Wu on Friday, August 26 at 4 pm. This event is free and open to the public. “ Imprints” features three exhibitions: “Through a Soldier’s Eyes: Remembering Vietnam”, a collection of photographs, oral histories and artifacts from local servicemen and women; “Principles and Reality” by Thomas Floyd paintings and lithographs exploring his feelings and emotions that arose from his Vietnam experience; and “New Work” by Mona Wu, incorporating her Asian interests and knowledge in her work by combining printmaking, Chinese brush painting, and calligraphy.

8). Greensboro Children’s Museum
The insatiable curiosity of Curious George – the little monkey who has captured the imagination and hearts of millions of children and adults for 65 years – comes to life Saturday, October 8, 2011 – January 22, 2012, at the Greensboro Children’s Museum. The exhibit, “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!”, will introduce young children to Curious George’s world and lead visitors on a fun, meaningful interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure.

9). Marbles Kids Museum presents “Marbletinis to the MAX” on Thursday, September 8 from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Marbletinis to the MAX is a monthly happy hour (2nd Thursday of each month) at the Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles featuring two showings of an inspiring documentary, specialty martinis, beer and wine, and light appetizers. Tickets include admission to the night’s documentary, a cocktail of your choice and light appetizers. Additional drink tickets may be purchased. Event tickets are $20/person or $10/IMAX Power Pass holder. All ticketholders must be at least 21 years of age.

10). Museum of the Albemarle Join the Museum of the Albemarle on Thursday, August 25 at 2:00 pm for an afternoon matinee. The Museum will show “The Carolina Brogue” which is a production of the North Carolina Language and Life Project at North Carolina State University. The documentary focuses on the dialect and life of the people living on the North Carolina coast. This event is free to the public.

Monday, August 15, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… August 15, 2011

1). Wrightsville Beach Museum of History “Lumina Daze” returns on Sunday, August 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. This evening of fun will benefit Wrightsville Beach Museum. Music will be provided by Wilmington Big Band, Buddy Skipper and the Jetty Jumpers with Carey Patterson and Pug West, and Dixieland All-Stars. New this year is a Live Auction in addition to our popular Silent Auction. Ticket prices are $15.

2). N.C. Maritime Museum at Beaufort presents “Murder Mystery Dinner” on Saturday, September 2. End your summer with a BANG! The Provost Marshall in occupied Beaufort has been murdered. Was it the sweet Southern Belle, a disgruntled Union soldier, or a jealous husband who pulled the trigger? You solve the Civil War mystery! Seating is limited. $30.00.

3). N.C. Department of Cultural Resources The Civil War savaged lives yet secured the future of generations in North Carolina and the rest of the nation, and altered the course of American history. The injustices suffered by African Americans were a major cause of the American Civil War (1861-1865). The fight for liberation is one aspect seen in the “Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory: Civil War Sesquicentennial Photography Exhibit” (www.nccivilwar150.com), which will visit the Pender County Public Library in Burgaw and the Rockingham County Public Library in Eden from Sept. 1-28.

4). HandsOn! Hands On!-A Child’s Gallery, a children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville is excited to announce the “Finding Fitness Forever” Scavenger Hunt! This active scavenger hunt is a part of the national “Let’s Move” initiative to combat childhood obesity started by First Lady, Michelle Obama. The scavenger hunt begins on Tuesday, August 16th and lasts until Saturday, Sept. 10. Use your brain and use your body to find fitness opportunities throughout the museum. Complete a scavenger hunt form and win a certificate. So, come on in and get moving at Hands On!

5). Discovery Place Discovery Place is now accepting applications for adult volunteers for the upcoming exhibition “Mummies of the World”, which makes its southern U.S. premiere at the Museum on November 11, 2011. Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real mummies and artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 specimens, including real human and animal mummies and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt.

6). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History presents “History Talks”. Eric Williams presents “The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail” at 2 p.m. on Sunday August 21. Free to the public. Eric Williams, retired site manager of Ninety Six National Historic Site will speak about the Overmountain Victory Trail, its history and the significance of this Revolutionary War campaign along with the creation and development of the National Park Services interpretive trail system commemorating the campaign.

7). Natural Science Center of Greensboro The Natural Science Center (NSC) of Greensboro is having a party on Wednesday, August 24th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to celebrate Axl and Kisa's 7th birthday! Visitors attending the celebration in Animal Discovery can watch the tigers tear into their meat-filled birthday presents, sign giant birthday cards, make a tiger craft and listen to special tiger Keeper Talks. The twin tigers, Axl (male) and Kisa (female), were born on August 24, 2004 at Conservators Center, a large cat rescue in Mebane, NC.

8). The Bascom The Center for Life Enrichment presents “Faces of the Fallen: A Tribute to Those Who Gave Their Lives in Afghanistan and Iran” on Thursday, August 18 from 10 am-12 noon at The Bascom. A poignant look into the faces of the first 1327 service men and women who died in Afghanistan and Iraq, as represented by 250 American artists. Portrait painter and professor Annette Polan, chairman of Faces of the Fallen, will relate how this project transformed her life and how art can connect us to world events.

9). Waterworks Visual Arts Center “Through a Soldier’s Eyes: Remembering Vietnam” is a collaborative project between the Rowan Public Library and Waterworks Visual Arts Center. This special exhibition honors and illustrates the Vietnam experience of local servicemen and women through a powerful assemblage of artifacts, photographs, and oral histories gathered over the last twelve months, as well as lithographs, paintings, and woodblock prints from two visual artists, Thomas L. Floyd’s (Tecumseh, NE) “Principles and Reality” and New Work by Mona Wu (Winston-Salem). Opening Reception is Friday, August 26 from 6-8 pm.

10). Charlotte Nature Museum Cool your heels in the wonders of water and learn about its living inhabitants, as Charlotte Nature Museum hosts its August “Creature Feature: Wild in the Water” on Saturday, August 20, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. North Carolina streams, ponds and lakes are the native home of a boundless array of plants and animals. Float on this cool fact – the Catawba River contains the most dams of any North Carolina river, at 244 miles long with seven man-made lakes. Learn about the ecological importance of our natural water reserves and the steps we can take to preserve them.

Monday, August 08, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… August 8, 2011

1). Museum of the Albemarle 2nd Saturday’s continue on August 13th as the Museum of the Albemarle present a new exhibit featuring the works of famed photographer Bruce Roberts. He is the former Director of Photography and Senior Photographer at Southern Living Magazine. Also on the schedule for the 2nd Saturdays celebration is “A Day on the River” where visitors can explore the maritime influence on the culture and recreation in the Albemarle region. Events of the day include coastal inspired hands-on activities by MOA’s Junior Docents.

2). Port Discover Chef Andy Montero will present “Earth to Sky,” in Port Discover’s new Kids Grow garden, during Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science program, on Saturday, August 13 at 11:00 am. Yummy health snacks will be prepared as kids learn how to use and consume every part of the plant--from roots, stems, leaves to seeds and the "fruit" from the plant. Programs in “Kids Grow” garden are made possible by a grant from AgCarolina Financial.

3). Greensboro Children’s Museum presents “Kickoff to Kindergarten” on Saturday, August 13th from 3-5pm. Kickoff to Kindergarten is a free event offered by the Greensboro Children's Museum to help prepare children and their families for kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. The Museum has partnered with Guilford County Schools to have Kindergarten teachers and school leaders available to answer last minute questions for students and parents and to provide helpful information.

4). High Point Museum presents “Washington Street Walking Tour” on Saturday, August 20, 10:30 am. Begins at Changing Tides Cultural Center, 613 Washington St. Local historian Glenn Chavis will offer a guided walking tour of historic Washington Street. Washington Street was a thriving business and entertainment district for High Point's black community during the period of segregation. Each tour, lasting approximately 90 minutes, is free of charge but is limited to 20 people so you must call to reserve your spot. Call the Museum at 885-1859 to register.

5). CSS Neuse State Historic Site and the Governor Caswell Memorial presents 2nd Saturday: Women’s Role in the Civil War and a Social on August 13 from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. At 1 p.m. Brenda McKean will give a lecture about Women’s Role in the Civil War to be followed by a book signing. Then at 2 p.m. we will have present a historic tea, detailing etiquette of the period. Historic Games will also be available for kids to play during this time.

6). Fort Fisher State Historic Site Nothing caps off a round of toe-tapping fiddle music better than a commanding cannon blast, and that’s just what awaits visitors of Fort Fisher State Historic Site at “The Sounds of Fort Fisher: 19th Century Music and Artillery” slated for Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlighting the program will be period music provided by North Carolina favorites, the Huckleberry Brothers, inside the visitor’s center. The program will also feature costumed tours of Fort Fisher’s remaining earthworks throughout the day, and cannon firings at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

7). N.C. Transportation Museum The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer opened a new offering this summer in the Wagons, Wheels & Wings exhibit space, adding a bit of water to the wagons and wheels on display. “Workboats of Core Sound” features the photography of Lawrence Earley, as he has documented the working lives of the fishermen and boat builders of Core Sound, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. “Workboats of Core Sound” features 50 black and white photographs with extended captions relating the stories behind the images.

8). Cape Fear Museum presents “Learning Center: Dynamic Dinosaurs” on Saturdays, August 13, 20, 27, 1-4pm for ages 5-12 yrs. Free with museum admission. Dinosaurs big and small; come meet them all! From the Apatosaurus to the Velociraptor, explore bones, teeth and skin casts of creatures long extinct. Investigate “living fossils” and make a skeletal “dino” model to take home.

9). The Bascom presents “Creativity Workshop” with Mary Lou Carpenter on August 11th-13th from 10 am - 4 pm. This mixed media offering is a stimulating and invigorating experience for the creative spirit utilizing a variety of materials and techniques. Working from a model, explore the art of “Painting the Figure” with Randall Sexton from August 16th-20th. Gain an understanding of the interrelated components of painting including drawing, value, color, and edge relationship.

10). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA presents “The Blue and Gray Navies: Two NORTH CAROLINAS - From Wood & Sail to Iron & Steam” on Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 9am to 6pm. Carolina Living History Guild members will set up displays that highlight the history of the USS North Carolina and the CSS North Carolina during the American Civil War. Displays will include steam engineering, ironclad ship construction, navigation, small arms of the US and CS navies, and the "arts of the sailor." Visitors will be able to view reproductions of period small arms and working models of steam engines, as well as many other items.

Monday, August 01, 2011

NCMC Events From Around the State… August 1, 2011

1). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA In celebration of the Battleship's 50th anniversary in Wilmington, on August 6, 2011, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, the grounds will be host to and build on the desire for acceleration and adrenaline in their “Need for Speed” event. An exhilarating day filled with interactive exhibits and performances, this program in Battleship Park is free to the public. It is truly about the fun and games but this isn't your everyday car show!

2). Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Leading experts on the Civil War and its impact on the United States and the world will take part in the Flags Over Hatteras Sesquicentennial Commemoration held Aug. 25-27, 2011. The event features a powerful cadre of keynote speakers: authors James McPherson, Craig Symonds and Ed Bearss. While space is limited for the conference event, the Museum will also offer many free programs and a new Civil War exhibit called, “Flags Over Hatteras.” The exhibit will be open Aug. 22 – July 31, 2012. Free living history demonstrations will be held at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

3). N.C. Museums Council The North Carolina Museums Council recently established a Southeastern Museums Conference Annual Meeting Registration grant. One full, paid registration to the October 25-27 Annual Meeting in Greenville, SC will be awarded. Deadline for applications: August 15. Forms available on NCMC web site.

4). Museum of the Albemarle 2nd Saturday’s continue on August 13th as the Museum of the Albemarle present a new exhibit featuring the works of famed photographer Bruce Roberts. He is the former Director of Photography and Senior Photographer at Southern Living Magazine. Also on the schedule for the 2nd Saturdays celebration is “A Day on the River” where visitors can explore the maritime influence on the culture and recreation in the Albemarle region. Events of the day include coastal inspired hands-on activities by MOA’s Junior Docents.

5). N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Young surfers are being brutally murdered on the beaches of southern California. Is the culprit a sea monster or just one of the teens’ jealous parents? Find out, when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offers their cure for the summertime blues, “The Beach Girls and the Monster,” on First Friday, August 5 at 7pm. Free. “Beach Girls” (1965) is directed by Jon Hall, who also stars as noted oceanographer and chief crime solver Dr. Otto Lindsay.

6). Cameron Art Museum presents “Gallery Conversations: Ben, Catherine and Carl Billingsley, ‘State of the Art/Art of the State’ on Sun. Aug. 7, 3:00 pm. An informal talk with a family of artists, Wilmington artist and art educator Ben Billingsley and his parents, Catherine and Carl Billingsley (Ayden, NC) share their thoughts and creative process through their work in the exhibition “State of the Art/Art of the State” currently on view at the Cameron Art Museum. Their three pieces display a range of artistic styles and interests in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, weaving and textile. Come join in the discussion and find out more about this family of artists.

7). Bennett Place State Historic Site presents “Concert at the Bennett Place” on Saturday, August 13th from 7-9pm. Enjoy an evening with world renown musician and banjo specialist Joe Ayers as he plays traditional American music from the 19th century. Tickets are $15 and seating is limited!

8). Natural Science Center of Greensboro Celebrate summer with some sweet, sticky fun at the Natural Science Center of Greensboro, courtesy of The Fresh Market! The second annual “Wild Watermelon Day” will take place on National Watermelon Day - Wednesday, August 3 - at the Natural Science Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fresh Market will supply juicy watermelons for Museum guests and Animal Discovery animals to dig their teeth - and paws - into!

9). Port Discover In conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, Port Discover offers “First Friday Kids Night-In,” on Friday, August 5 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this event, parents can leave their children at Port Discover for some kid-friendly science programming while they enjoy an evening of downtown art-walking. Admission is $5 per child, with the children being ages 4-years-old and up. Space is very limited for this event so reservations are encouraged.

10). Asheville Art Museum presents “Film Screenings @ the Museum: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” on August 6 and 7 – 2:00pm. Free with Membership or Museum Admission. This 1969 multi-award nominated film by Sydney Pollock still packs a punch in its unblinking view of Depression-era life, the time period that spawned the federal Works Progress Administration. The film stars Jane Fonda, Gig Young and Susannah York. This film screening is held in conjunction with the exhibition, “Artists at Work: American Printmakers and the WPA”.