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 1^st. 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 24^th annual Independence Day Open House on Saturday, July 4^th 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 29^th. 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 27^th. Opening Reception will take place on Friday, July 3, 5:00-8:00 p.m.