NCMC Events from Around the State… February 22, 2016

1). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville (www.naturalsciences.org) is hosting a Volunteer Open House on Friday, February 26^th from 5–6:30 p.m. Current and interested volunteers are cordially invited to stop by the museum to meet with staff, explore the museum and learn about various exciting volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be served. Volunteers are vital as the museum prepares for the busy year ahead. Volunteers are needed to assist in the Discovery Forest, Nature Playspace, iLab, special events, visitor services and much more. Benefits museum volunteers receive are training, professional development, access to behind the scenes exhibits, invitations to special events, annual volunteer appreciation banquet and a 15% discount to the museum store. Volunteers can be on a regular schedule or fill in as needed; positions offer flexible hours to fit every schedule. Volunteer applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For additional information or questions, please contact Rhonda Billeaud at Rhonda.billeaud@naturalsciences.org or 910-914-4185.

2). The Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University (www.moa.wfu.edu) invites you to visit their current exhibit, Death at the Crossroads: A Dramatic Reading of Yoruba Art, on view now through August 6^th, 2016. The MOA’s extensive Yoruba collections are showcased in this exhibit, set as a visual narration of Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka's classic play, Death and the King's Horseman. The play takes place in colonial-period Nigeria, West Africa, and centers on the funeral of a Yoruba king and the British government's attempts to stop it. Visitors can trace the character arc of the play’s protagonist, Elesin, through an exploration of Yoruba masks, sculpture, clothing, tools, and musical instruments. The exhibit comments on the themes of the play, including visual/verbal metaphor, power and politics in society, gender roles, colonization, and what it means to lead a good life (and death).  Admission is free.   For more information, visit moa.wfu.edu, email moa@wfu.edu, or call 336-758-5282.

3). Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (www.secca.org) invites you to “Time Capsule Talk: Anthropologist Dr. Andrew Gurstelle” on Thursday, February 25^th from 6 - 8:00 p.m. in the Overlook Gallery. Investigate cultural artifacts, imagine the future and contribute to a Time Capsule with anthropologist Dr. Andrew Gurstelle during the Time Capsule Talk. The Time Capsule Talks are made possible by support from the North Carolina Humanities Council and Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. This series of talks is in conjunction with the exhibition, The Future We Remember on view until June 5, 2016. Andrew W. Gurstelle, PhD is Academic Director of the Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University, who maintains a research interest in the historical arts of West and Central Africa—sculptures, masks, musical instruments, metal castings, and beadwork.  This lecture is free.

4). N.C. African American Heritage Commission (www.ncarts.org/About-Us/NC-African-American-Heritage-Commission) invites you to participate in African American Monument Public Hearings in March.  The State Capitol Memorial Study Committee has set a series of public hearings to help determine how to proceed with this project. At the request of Governor Pat McCrory, the N.C. Historical Commission and the N.C. African American Heritage Commission will examine alternatives with respect to diversifying the memorials on the State Capitol grounds to address the underrepresentation of African Americans. The Public Hearing schedule is as follows:  Tuesday, March 1^st at 6:30 p.m. at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, Tuesday, March 8^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American + Culture in Charlotte, Tuesday, March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Braswell Memorial Library in Rocky Mount, and Tuesday, March 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at Shaw Auditorium in Fayetteville. For more information, please call (919) 807-7290.

5). Asheville Art Museum (www.ashevilleart.org) is pleased to present a series of “Make It Last” workshops focused on the important topic of art conservation. The series is designed for collectors, artists and those who are curious about the inner workings of the art world, and includes demonstrations and discussions with Museum staff and guest experts. Participants will learn how to make art last now and for years to come. The workshop series is presented in conjunction with Vault Visible: Behind the Scenes at the Asheville Art Museum. To view the full schedule of workshops or to register, please visit www.ashevilleart.org/products-page/event-tickets/make-it-last-workshop-series. Members: $20 for one workshop, $55 for any three workshops, or $90 for all five workshops. Non-members: $30 for one workshop, $85 for any three workshops, or $140 for all five workshops. For more information please call 828.253.3227, ext. 122.

6). The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts (www.bellamymansion.org) is hosting the following lecture: “Race and Racism: How Far Have We Come since the Original Bellamys?” with Raven Bruno on Monday, February 29^th at 6:30 p.m.  Explore the social construction of race throughout US history and the enduring consequences of racial definitions. Despite attempts to eliminate racism, deep seated institutionalized inequality of the past remains a powerful force in society today. This lecture will argue that it is not yet fair to examine people's lives without acknowledging the importance of race.  Lecture is free. Donations appreciated.

7). Mount Airy Museum of Regional History (www.northcarolinamuseum.org)  invites you to History Talks and Book Signing: Author Elizabeth Carlson, on Sunday. February 28^th at 2:00 p.m.  Ms. Carlson will discuss her newly released book "North Carolina String Music Masters: Old Time and Blue Grass Legends" featuring Tommy Jarrell, Doc Watson, Charlie Poole, Rhiannon Giddens, David Holt and others.  A book signing will follow the talk.  This event will be held on the 3rd floor of the Museum and is Free to the Public. Call 336-786-4478 for more information.

8). The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (www.naturalsciences.org) announces the premiere of “Antarctica 3D: On the Edge”.  Antarctica lives in our dreams as the most remote, most forbidding continent on Earth. Yet it is also a fragile place, home to an incredible variety of marine life along its edges — several species of penguins; tens of thousands of seals, humpback and killer whales; and dozens of different seabirds. Don’t miss the premiere of “Antarctica 3D: On the Edge,” a new film showcasing this land of sea and ice, plus a presentation by Antarctica researcher Steve Emslie, at the Museum in downtown Raleigh, Thursday, February 25^th.  The 40-minute film, narrated by Tilda Swinton with new music by Natalie Merchant, will be shown in the Museum’s WRAL 3D Theater at 7:30 p.m. and followed by Q&A with Emslie. Before the film, at 6:30 p.m., Emslie will present “Life on the Ice: Penguins Past and Present,” in which he will share 25 years of his experiences and observations while working in Antarctica.  Tickets are $5 to the general public and free for Friends of the Museum. Museum doors open at 5:30 p.m. Before the movie and lecture, you can learn about Antarctic wildlife and how the animals protect themselves from the cold, or enjoy beverages and freshly-popped popcorn.

9). The High Point Museum (www.highpointmuseum.org) is hosting a volunteer open house on Tuesday, March 1^st from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, a Museum tour, and casual conversation at this informative event. Meet some of our friendly volunteers and learn how to become a docent for the Museum. Our docents are made up of High Point natives as well as those newer to the area.  Docents simply are educators. They are museum volunteers who give tours and offer information regarding the museum, its exhibits and historic structures.

10). Kings Mountain Historical Museum (www.kingsmountainmuseum.org) announces an upcoming event:  The Uncommon Bond of Julia and Rose, a Presentation & Book Signing by Ann Williams, on Thursday, February 25^th at 5:30 p.m.  Historian and author Ann Williams will present a program on her new novel, The Uncommon Bond of Julia and Rose.  It is the story of an unusually close relationship between a slave and her mistress on an antebellum Piedmont plantation.  In 1860 against the background of impending war, Julia and Rose, each from her own point of view, tells the story of her life.  Nearly every event of their half century lived together was encumbered by the ever-changing complex institution of slavery. This program is presented in honor of African American History Month. Admission is free!  For more information, please visit us at: www.kingsmountainmuseum.org or call 704-739-1019.