NCMC Events From Around the State… August 11, 2014

1). NCMC (www.ncmuseums.org) is now accepting session proposals for the 2015 annual conference in Durham, NC. Please consider broad issues that address the needs of all museums or ideas which can be adaptable across museum types and sizes. Consider partnering with others doing similar projects to present multiple solutions to common problems. Think about the skills – tried-&-true or brand-new - that all museum professionals need to succeed. Send your proposals to Michael Scott, NCMC Professional Development Chair (profdevelop@ncmuseums.org), by Friday, October 17, 2014. Selection of proposals for the final program will be made by November 21, 2014, and all speakers must confirm participation by December 5. Thank you in advance for helping to make the 2015 conference an exchange of valuable information and ideas as well as a rejuvenating and FUN experience for us all!

2). The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) invites you to join the Museum for their weekend tours: Historic Mount Airy Ghost tours at 8pm every Friday and Saturday evening plus our newest tour: The Darker Side of Mayberry featuring Murder, Mystery and Mayhem!  This tour runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.  All tours are $11 per person.  Call 336-786-4478 for additional information.

3). Snowbird Cultural Complex in Robbinsville is hosting “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future,” on view until August 29th.  The exhibit focuses on Cherokee language and culture, using sound recordings as the basis for presenting a coherent story in words and text. Major themes include Cherokee Homeland, Heritage Sites, Tourism, Family, and Community Celebrations.  The touring exhibit is sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in partnership with Cherokee Central Schools, Southwestern Community College, and Western Carolina University.  Funding was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Two showings will conclude the last of the IMLS tour. Call 828-479-6178 for more information.

4). Kings Mountain Historical Museum (www.kingsmountainmuseum.org) will host “Tracks through Time,” the 11th Annual Reverse Raffle & Auctions event on Saturday, September 13^th.  Tickets are now on sale at the Museum.  Looking for a nice evening out?  Join your community for a fun and festive event that provides vital support for the Museum exhibits and programs you enjoy.  Each $100 raffle ticket provides dinner for two guests; the grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and at least every fifth ticket drawn will win a fabulous door prize.  Ticket holders do not have to be present at the event to win these great prizes.  Whether you want to start your Christmas shopping early or you are looking for that one-of-a-kind item for yourself or a loved one, be sure to check out both the Live & Silent Auctions.  We’ll have something for everyone this year, from stunning hand-crafted jewelry to sports memorabilia signed by your favorite players.  An array of delicious home-baked cakes will also be up for auction.  The event will be held at the H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life and Conference Center.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted.

5). The Asheville Area Arts Council (www.ashevillearts.com) will host its first art exhibition since relocating to the Grove Arcade this month.  On August 29^th from 6:00-9:00pm there will be an opening reception at The Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery at 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.  Camped Out on Greasy Grass: A Series of Portraits curated by Jeremy Russell and Jameid Ferrin formerly of the Tannery Studios, will run from August 22 through September 20, 2014.  The benefit exhibit will feature a series of portraits from the following artists:  Carley Brandau, Angelique Brickner, Alex Irvine, Jameid Ferrin, Libby Gamble, Jennifer Gordon, Bob Judy, Zaire Kacz, Dan Lavender, Daniel Rhineheart, Jeremy Russell, Andy Sreb, Molly Sawyer, Steve Spurgeon, Ian Wilkinson, and Terpsicorps.   For more information about this and other exhibits, as well as full statements from Jeremy Russell and Kitty Love please visit our website at www.ashevillearts.com.

6). Bellamy Mansion Museum (www.bellamymansion.org) invites you to Jazz at the Mansion on August 14^th, 6:30 p.m.  Join Bellamy Mansion Museum this week when they have Raleigh's well-traveled Smooth Jazz kings, Geno and Friends, for Jazz at the Mansion. Wine and beer available for sale. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for general admission. Bring a picnic, a lawn chair, and the kids! 

7). Historic Edenton State Historic Site (www.edenton.nchistoricsites.org) is excited to announce the Grand Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting of the newly restored 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse on Friday, August 15th at 10 a.m. in Colonial Park on the Edenton Waterfront. Tours of the fully furnished Lighthouse will follow the ceremony until 5 p.m. on Friday.  The 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.  – 4 p.m. 

8). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), the children’s museum located in downtown Hendersonville, invites you to Playtrays! on Friday, August 15^th 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ages 3-6; must be potty trained. Experience creative hands-on play with materials that encourage focus & independence. Each playtray is filled with materials to stimulate the imagination into a world of open-ended play. Play with multiple trays. $18 nm/$10 m. Pre-registration required; walk-ins accepted as space allows. Call 697-8333 to register.

9). The Charlotte Museum of History (www.charlottemuseum.org) invites you to join them on September 6^th for a free community-wide celebration of the Piedmont Backcountry, featuring music by the Charlotte Folk Society, demonstrations of crafts such as pottery, blacksmithing, basket weaving, rifle and cartridge making, along with children’s crafts and colonial games.  Free tours of Hezekiah Alexander Home Site and Museum.

10). The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (www.tcva.org) at Appalachian State University is hosting a Gala and Silent Auction on Thursday, August 28^th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This event will feature over $13,000 worth of auction items as well as live music from The Mercury Dames and heavy hors d’oeuvres all centered around the Turchin’s current international exhibition, TWENTY: Contemporary Art from South Africa. Admission to the Gala and Silent Auction is free for Turchin Center donors and $25 for non-donors. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by August 20 by calling 828-262-3017 or emailing turchincenter@appstate.edu.