ncmuseums

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

Monday, June 29, 2015

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 29, 2015



1). Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual (www.quallaartsandcrafts.com), with support from the North Carolina and the Jackson County Arts Councils, is hosting Solitude & Mystery: John Julius Wilnoty from now until August 2nd.  Wilnoty has been described as a “legendary” figure among the Cherokee.  As a sculptor, he is completely self-taught.  Wilnoty had not been carving very long when he gained the attention of the public; columnist John Parish dubbed him the Cherokee’s “Michelangelo.”  The exhibit will travel through 2016 and is free and open to the public.  For more information, please call 828-497-3103.

2) Tryon Palace (www.tryonpalace.org) invites you to celebrate your independence this Fourth of July at the Palace. Take a trip back to a time of revolution and patriotism at a site that played a major role in North Carolina's early statehood. Special events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include performances by the Tryon Palace Fife and Drums Corps, historical interpreters, games, crafts, exhibitions, and a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Palace steps at 11 a.m.

3). Weatherspoon Art Museum (www.weatherspoon.uncg.edu) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is pleased to present the exhibition McDonald Bane: 2 Parts Art, 1 Part Science from now until October 4, 2015.  Since the 1960s, North Carolina artist McDonald “Mackey” Bane has rigorously explored the visual effects of line, shape and color in her work. Her focus has been on the endless variables produced by forming linear relationships and contrasting curved and angular geometric shapes in her abstract compositions, both in color and black and white. Bane’s exhibition at the Weatherspoon includes works on paper, prints and paintings dating from 1966 to 2013.  The exhibition is co-organized by WAM director, Nancy Doll, and former curator of exhibitions, Xandra Eden.

4). The Greensboro Science Center () is pleased to announce the grand opening of SciPlay Bay on Wednesday, July 1st. From 9:00 a.m. to noon, Greensboro Science Center Members will have the opportunity to explore the exhibit before it opens to the general public. At noon, all GSC visitors are invited to enjoy this exciting ocean adventure.  SciPlay Bay includes a variety of interactive elements, stunning special effects, and live-action adventures designed specifically for little learners. Young scientists will discover the deep sea on board a sunken ship, create a musical masterpiece with Octavia the Octopus, build forts on Castaway Cove, cast colorful kites into the air, and much more.  Admission to SciPlay Bay is included with Greensboro Science Center general admission or membership.

5). The Joel Lane Museum House (www.joellane.org) invites you to their 24th annual Independence Day Open House on Saturday, July 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are requested. Colonel Lane was a founding father of North Carolina’s capital city and an officer in the Wake County militia during the American Revolutionary War. The house will be open and staffed by costumed docents who will be available to answer questions. On the grounds, re-enactors will demonstrate various aspects of colonial life, and visitors will be able to participate in hands-on activities such as writing with a quill pen or making rag dolls. There will be old-fashioned crafts and games for the children and free lemonade for all. In addition to outdoor activities, the 1769 plantation manor house, the circa 1790 “kitchen” building, and the Visitors Center and Museum Store will be open.  For more information, visit www.joellane.org, call (919) 833-3431, or e-mail joellane@bellsouth.net.  

6). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, is pleased to offer "Summer Science in the Park - TAKE FLIGHT!", sponsored by Asheville Regional Airport. This new, free event will offer fun, hands-on, STEM experiments (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) focusing on force, motion, aerodynamics, weather, and more! Children ages 5 - 11 are welcome with an adult. Join Hands On! educators and aviation volunteers every Monday in July from 1:00 to 3:00 at Sullivan Park in the Green Meadows Community in Hendersonville.  There is limited parking near the park with overflow parking at Oriole Mill. For additional information about Summer Science in the Park, their educational programs and facility, please visit their website at www.handsonwnc.org or call 828-697-8333.

7). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites you to watch the City of Wilmington’s spectacular 4th of July fireworks display from the deck of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Members of the Friends of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA have exclusive access to the ship Saturday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the viewing on Independence Day. One MUST be a member of the Friends organization in order to enjoy the show from the ship. The battleship, battleship park and parking lot will be closed at 6:00 for the event. Memberships starting at only $35.00 are available online (http://battleshipncfriends.org/), at the Battleship Gift Shop, or by calling 910-251-5797.

8). The Matthews Heritage Museum (www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org) is pleased to announce its exhibit for our national holiday, the Fourth Of July.  The small display Saluting the Red, White, and Blue features vintage patriotic memorabilia.  Included in the items are 100 year old postcards, Uncle Sam figure, a cigar “flag”, antique paperweight and a Teddy Roosevelt plate. For additional information, please call 704-708-4996.

9). Museum of Anthropology (www.moa.wfu.edu) invites you to explore their exhibit, Cabinet of Curiosities, on display through August 29th. Cabinets of curiosities, also known as wunderkammern or wonder rooms, first appeared in mid-sixteenth century Europe as private collections of exotic and extraordinary objects. These collections included objects that related to many disciplines including fine art, natural history, and anthropology, can be seen as the precursors to modern museums. In this student-curated exhibit, the MOA evokes the aesthetic of an original cabinet of curiosity while showcasing the diversity of its permanent collection.  With the exception of closing for 4th of July weekend, the Museum will be open its regular hours through the summer so that you can explore all of our curiosities!

10). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is excited to present Man-Made: Contemporary Male Quilters, an exhibition that examines the unique aesthetics and techniques that men bring to a craft long-associated with feminine arts and labor. With backgrounds in contemporary visual art, media and fashion, the eight artists featured in the exhibition have been identified as leading makers whose quilts act as non-functional art pieces. Man-Made is on view until December 27th. Opening Reception will take place on Friday, July 3, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 06, 2015

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 8, 2015


1). The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org) invites you to join them on their Darker Side of Mayberry Tours held at 7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October.  Mount Airy’s history as “Little Chicago” has been swept under the rug a long time ago as the city turned to cleaning up its’ image in the 60s.  This 45 minute walking tour of our downtown area will take you to the areas where murder, mayhem and moonshine were prevalent.  Tickets are $11 per person.   Historic Downtown Mount Airy Ghost Tours are held at 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October.  Join us for an exciting 90 minute, lantern-lit walking tour through Mount Airy's streets and its historic past.  You will hear about 13 of our "less mortal" friends and some of Mount Airy's final resting places.  Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera and umbrella, if needed.   Tickets are $13 and pre-paid reservations are required. 

2). Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) invites children to become an archaeologist for the day!  Visit with real archaeologists and view the tools of the trade on Thursday, June 18th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Museum of the Albemarle. Various stations will be set up to explain that artifacts have a meaning or a story to tell, the tools and methods used by archaeologists, how artifacts are recovered in a systematic fashion and how organized records are kept of finds, and the aspect of processing and interpreting artifacts from a site.  Discover what some local archaeologists have uncovered in their own backyard. Visitors will participate in archaeological activities. This is a FREE family program. For more information, please call 252-335-1453.

3). Cameron Art Museum (www.cameronartmuseum.org) invites you to their exhibit, Claude LIVE!, on view through July 26th, 2015. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Claude Howell, this special exhibition focuses on the life and work of one of North Carolina’s most notable artists. Howell holds an established place in the vanguard of North Carolina art. A brilliant colorist and meticulous draftsman, he is best known for his intimate examination of the southern coast: the quality of light and life of its people. For over fifty years, Howell kept journals chronicling his daily life in Wilmington and his international travels through twenty-three countries. He wrote brilliant radio commentaries inspired by his journal entries which were produced by WHQR Public Radio. Additionally, he established the art department of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and was teacher, mentor, arts activist and philanthropic leader, using his great energy and will for the betterment of the arts in North Carolina. 

4). The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (www.NCArts.org) presents a Gathering of Gatherings:  The State of African American Museums and Heritage Work in North Carolina on Wednesday, June 17th from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Hayti Heritage Center on 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham, N.C. Join Michelle Lanier, Director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, for the culminating event of the Gathering Place Project. A Gathering of Gatherings serves as a pre-conference event for the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Rosenwald Schools Conference. Museum professionals and heritage practitioners will gather to experience a roundtable discussion on the state of African American heritage work in North Carolina. Through the lens of cultural heritage leaders, participants will hear a collective exploration of the status of North Carolina's African American cultural institutions. To register and RSVP, download and print this form: http://files.ctctcdn.com/f32ca80f101/0b82e951-4bea-4ac7-9e16-cf3c2d4151c8.pdf, and email it to Schree Chavdarov at Schree.Chavdarov@ncdcr.gov.

5). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher (www.ncaquariums.com/fortfisher) would like to help you create lasting family memories this Father’s Day. Aquarium admission is free for all fathers on Sunday, June 21st. Make the day more special by treating dad to a Father’s Day Barbecue and take-home craft. The prix fixe menu, catered by Middle of the Island, includes Eastern North Carolina pulled pork barbecue (vinegar based), fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, strawberry spinach salad, rosemary potatoes, banana pudding and a choice of non-alcoholic beverage. The Father’s Day Barbecue runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $24 per adult, $22 for children 3-12, $5 for two-year-olds, and free for children one and younger. N.C. Aquarium Society members are $13 and children two and younger are free. Reservations are required and space is limited. In addition, various tours and classes are offered during the holiday weekend including Canoeing the Salt Marsh and Behind the Scenes tours. For more information, pricing and registration for tours visit http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.

6). Spencer Doll and Toy Museum (www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com) announce their “Passion for Fashion Day Camp” on June 27th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. where participants can become a supermodel for the day! Learn about fashion, the "beauty walk", and public speaking while participating in an afternoon fashion show. Have fun as you discover how to make your own lip gloss and hair pins. Bring a white t-shirt for lots of design fun! Please bring a lunch. Snacks provided. Cost is $35.  Please call to register by June 15.

7). The Earl Scruggs Center (www.earlscruggscenter.org), in partnership with the City of Shelby, is pleased to announce a “Star Spangled Summer” with free exhibit admission for all active duty military personnel and veterans between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  In addition, this partnership makes it possible to bring The Hickabillies, a bluegrass band formed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to the Center June 27th for a program and kick-off of the Center’s Pickin’ on the Square series. For more information about the Blue Star Museums program visit the link on the Earl Scruggs Center website.  The site lists all participating museums as well as frequently asked questions.

8). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you to make a Father’s Day Card at Hands On!  Show Dad how much you care by making a home-made card, Tuesday, June 16th through Friday, June 19th. This self-directed do-it-yourself activity is located in the Party Room and is sponsored by Drs. Reid & Reid, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. This activity is free with $5 admission/free for members.  For additional information about their educational programs and facility, please visit their website at www.handsonwnc.org or call 828-697-8333.

9). The Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is excited to present Visions + Visionaries: A Marriage – O’Keeffe + Stieglitz, a benefit gala inspired by the marriage of two influential artists of the 20th century: Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz. On this festive evening, guests can imagine "traveling" between Stieglitz's Manhattan and O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch, with the fun of an early-evening raffle, beautiful decorative items for sale and an exciting live auction featuring fine art, dreamy vacation destinations, culinary adventures and more. This benefit supports the Museum’s innovative programming and exhibitions, and helps bring great art and great experiences to the Western North Carolina region. The gala will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at www.ashevilleart.org or by calling 828.253.3227. A preview of some of the exciting auction items up for bid that evening can be viewed at www.ashevilleart.org/gala.

10). The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (www.blowingrockmuseum.org) invites you to join them on Friday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m. for coffee and a presentation by North Carolina native John Snyder.  Snyder is the author of Crossing Ethiopia, a stunning black and white photographic journal of the trip he took in 1972 to retrace significant events in Britain's colonial history in the mid-1800s.   This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Membership Coffees are the second Friday of each month during the summer, from June through September.  Our next Coffee will be on Friday, July 10th, and will feature longtime Watauga County resident, artist, and author Noyes Capehart speaking about his latest book Devil’s Mark. 

 

Monday, June 01, 2015

NCMC Events From Around the State… June 1, 2015

1). Greensboro Science Center (www.greensboroscience.org) invites you to celebrate the sea at the Center's World Oceans Day Celebration on Saturday, June 6th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This year's theme, 'Healthy oceans, healthy planet,' encourages participants to take action to save our oceans by reducing pollution, specifically plastic bags. GSC visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the detrimental effects of ocean debris. When visitors are ready to take action, they will be encouraged to take the "Plastic Pledge" to reduce the amount of plastic used in their daily lives. Guests are also encouraged to bring an old T-shirt and join GSC educators to create no-sew reusable bags as an alternative to plastic bags. Additional activities include ocean-oriented animal talks, ocean-themed temporary tattoos and coloring pages, and information about how to choose which fish to eat and which to leave in the ocean. World Oceans Day activities are free with general admission or membership, but guests must provide their own T-shirt to participate in the no-sew reusable bag craft. General admission is $12.50 for adults ages 14 - 64, $11.50 for children ages 3 - 13, and $11.50 for seniors ages 65+. Children 2 and under and Greensboro Science Center Members are free.   

2). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA (www.battleshipnc.com) invites you to Battleship 101 on Saturday, June 13th (also July 11 & August 8) from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. A unique opportunity to talk one on one of what life was like aboard a WWII Battleship in the time of combat. A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras! Included with Battleship Admission.

3). The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (www.blowingrockmuseum.org) is beginning a new discussion series this summer – Watauga Wanderings, focusing solely on Watauga County history.  The first talk will be on Friday, June 5th at 3:30 p.m. and will feature Eric Plaag, member of the Watauga County Historical Society, speaking about that organization’s new Digital Watauga Project, which began last summer.  This program is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5. Our next discussion in the Watauga Wanderings series will be on Friday, August 7th and will feature Appalachian State University history professor Ralph Lentz speaking on the beginnings of higher education in Watauga County.  This discussion series is one of many summer programs for adults at BRAHM: our calendar of events is full of activities, workshops, lectures, concerts, films, and exhibitions.  BRAHM is dedicated to promoting the visual arts, history, and heritage of the mountains through educational programs, exhibitions, and a significant permanent collection. For more information about this or other upcoming activities at BRAHM, please call (828) 295-9099.

4). Hands On! (www.handsonwnc.org), a Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, invites you to join them for the Summer Flower Festival on Wednesday, June 10th - Friday, June 12th. This self-directed activity is appropriate for all ages. Children and their caregivers will enjoy creating flowers using paintings recycled from our art area and other recycled materials. Create beautiful flowers to put in a vase, wear in your hair, or give to others. This activity is sponsored by United Federal Credit Union and is free with $5 admission/free for members. For additional information please call 828-697-8333.

5). N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) announces a new exhibit case titled Hey America!: Eastern North Carolina and the Birth of Funk.  This special case will feature items associated with James Brown and some Tar Heel musicians who worked with him. Hey America! will be on view from Saturday, June 6th, through Sunday, February 28th, 2016, in the museum lobby. Admission is free. To complement Hey America!, Sam Lathan, who played with James Brown and the Famous Flames, and Dick Knight, who performed with the James Brown Orchestra, will present programs in June. (Knight will be joined by Bill Myers.) More than 50 years later, these Tar Heels are still going strong! In August, Tyrone Jefferson, who served several stints as Brown’s music director, will lead a master class and give a performance. Hey America! was inspired, in part, by African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina, a guidebook produced by the N.C. Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources. Access www.AfricanAmericanMusicNC.com for more information.

6). North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (www.naturalsciences.org) invites hikers to lace up their boots and get ready to journey through the Triangle’s extensive nature trails during the 2nd annual Triangle Volksmarch on Saturday, June 6th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This self-paced hike for all ages celebrates National Trails Day and is hosted by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina State University, Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and William B. Umstead State Park. The hike begins at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where participants have the opportunity to decorate their own walking sticks. The hike ends with a mini-safari, guided by park rangers at the Reedy Creek entrance of William B. Umstead Park. This year’s 5.6 mile Volksmarch trail takes hikers through the Reedy Creek section of the Capital Area Greenway to showcase the natural beauty of North Carolina’s diverse nature trails. Please contact Charles Yelton at charles.yelton@naturalsciences.org or 919-707-8879 for more information or to register.

7). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (www.secca.org) invites you to their next Alternative Modernisms Talk @ SECCA Series on Thursday, June 4th at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Nadia Yaqub, Professor and Chair of Asian Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will discuss Jumana Manna’s film “A Sketch of Manners” featured in Alternative Modernisms within the broader lens of Palestinian filmmaking. This lecture is free and open to the public and will take place in the Overlook Gallery. Please enter through the Historic Hanes House.

8). Bellamy Mansion Museum (www.bellamymansion.org) is proud to announce that it will be hosting Water, Water Everywhere, an Environmental Awareness event, on Sunday, June 7th between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. This year’s focus is on water, a critical aspect of the environment in the Cape Fear area. Cooperation with local environment groups, this community event is meant to increase public knowledge of water-related issues. They will be teaching families about critical issues relating to water, energy and air quality, conservation, and the health of local rivers and water ways. Additionally, the event will discuss future plans to drill a new well at the Bellamy to reduce reliance on public water and to highlight the importance of water.

9). Spencer Doll and Toy Museum (www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com) announces their upcoming Magic Camp on June 22-25, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Learn how to be a Magician by International Magician Buddy Farnan! He has over 50+ years’ magical experience. Ages 8-12 and adults welcome. Cost $110, Members $90. Please bring a lunch. Call to register by June 15th.


10). Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum (www.ncmaritimemuseums.com) invites you to On Stage: The USS Carl Schurz, Speaking Tubes from June 1st – 30th. The USS Carl Schurz was a coal-fired gunboat that was commissioned in 1917 as a patrol vessel. She sank off Beaufort Inlet after a collision with another vessel. Visit the Museum in June to view speaking tubes recovered from the Schurz and discover the ship’s story.  Each month the Museum reveals an artifact from its collection that’s not usually on display. Enjoy the opportunity to “view” authentic history, and discover its special story. For more information, please call 252-986-2995 or visit www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.