Have dinner with Christo and Jeanne-Claude!

Patron tickets are still available for the February 5th, 2009 smArt speak lecture featuring internationally acclaimed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Patron tickets include admission to the event, preferred seating and a special dinner with the artists!

Call 828.253.3227 to purchase Patron tickets today.




Christo and Jeanne-Claude:
Works in Progress with Q+A
Thursday, February 5, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Holiday Arts Extravaganza Camp!

Need a break over the holidays? Trying to find something for the kids to do? Sign your art enthusiasts in grades 1 - 4 up for one or all three days of the Holiday Arts Extravaganza Camp on December 29, 30 and 31 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. each day. Cost is $15 per day for Museum Members and $18 per day for non-Members. Call 828.253.3227, ext. 122 or visit www.ashevilleart.org for more information and to register now.

Check back for updates on upcoming after-school art classes beginning in January!

Up for Discussion with Mike Smith

A big crowd came to join in the discussion with Mike Smith, photographer. Smith photographs Southern Appalachian terrain and has works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Houston Museum of Fine Art, and the Asheville Art Museum, among others.

His photos depict the interaction between the landscape and the humans who inhabit it. Smith directs the Photography Program at East Tennessee State University and has taught there since 1981.

Stay posted and check the Museum calendar, Profile, weekly e-blasts or the e-newsletter for upcoming Up for Discussions. If you joined us for this Up for Discussion, leave a comment-- we'd love to hear from you!

The Big Crafty Packed in the Crowds!

The Big Crafty Holiday Show on Sunday, December 7 was a huge success! It was packed from start to finish with a great crowd. There were 100 crafters, a craffle, food, drinks, music and more. Who could ask for a better way to get holiday shopping done?

Stay tuned for details of the next Big Crafty. And don't forget kids are crafty, too! Sign your art enthusiasts up for one or all three days of the Asheville Art Museum's Holiday Arts Extravaganza Camp December 29, 30 + 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day. Call 828.253.3227, ext. 122 or visit www.ashevilleart.org for more information or to register now.

Mike Smith, The Big Crafty and more!!

Friday, December 5th starts an exciting weekend here at the Asheville Art Museum. From noon to one in the afternoon we have an Art Break Docent-Led Tour of Expectant Gaze — Art from the Eye and Mind. At 6:00 p.m. that same day, the very talented and interesting photographer, Mike Smith leads an Up for Discussion on his photography documenting the Southern Appalachian terrain.

Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th at 2:00 p.m. each day, we'll be screening the documentary William A. Christenberry, Jr.: A Portrait. This is the perfect film to lend understanding to Christenberry's oeuvre and the thought process of a contemporary postmodern artist. And don't forget to check out the exhibition William Christenberry: Site/Possession after the film!

And on Sunday, December 7th take your shopping to a whole new (handmade) level at The Big Crafty Holiday Show from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. in Pack Place! Get your holiday shopping done in style--there will be 100 crafters, food, beverages, dj'd music and even a craffle!








Image Credits:

(top) Mike Smith, Piney Flats, TN, 2005, photograph, 16.25 x 34.25 inches. Museum purchase with funds provided by Frances Myers in memory of Nat C. Myers. Asheville Art Museum Collection.

The Big Crafty logo

We welcome the newest members of the Museum family!

Erin Shope, School & Family Programs Manager and Nancy Sokolove, Adult Programs Manager, both delivered healthy babies this month. Mommies and babies are all doing well. We welcome the newest members of the Museum family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Faith Ringgold was a hit!

Faith Ringgold was a huge hit on Tuesday evening! The fun and informative lecture about her work as an artist and her life had the audience captivated. Following the lecture, Faith answered questions and commented, "Those were great questions." Afterwards, the crowd enjoyed meeting Faith and getting their books signed -- as well as a raffle for a signed copy of Dancing at the Louvre with Faith Ringgold notecards and Patron Tickets to Christo and Jeanne-Claude coming up February 5, 2009. Below are photos of the evening's event and the Patron brunch the following morning:

Faith Ringgold: More Than 50 Years is today!!

Today, Tuesday, November 18th, brings the highly anticipated event Faith Ringgold: More Than 50 Years at 7:00 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets are still available at the Diana Wortham Theatre Box Office or by calling 828. 257.4530. Get your tickets now and then join us after the lecture for a book signing and raffle! Raffle tickets are available at the event for $5.00 each for a chance to win a pair of Patron Tickets to Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Works in Progress with Q+A, these tickets include a special dinner with the artists, or Dancing at the Louvre: Faith Ringgold's French Collection and Other Story Quilts signed by Faith Ringgold and Faith Ringgold notecards. Don't miss this exciting evening!

William Christenberry: Site/Possession Opens

The opening of William Christenberry: Site/Possession was a great opportunity to view Christenberry's work and discuss it with others as we enjoyed the reception Friday, November 7th. Christenberry is frequently the subject of national acclaim for his photographs of rural Alabama, but this exhibition offers the chance to experience a more complete representation of his life and work.

There are drawings, paintings, photographs, constructions and the Klan Room Tableau. The work included shows the many sides of rural Alabama, both positive and negative, and includes many drawings from the artist’s collection that have not been previously exhibited. There are opportunities coming up to learn more about this exhibition, photography focusing on the narrative of place, and William Christenberry:

Up for Discussion: Mike Smith, Photographer
Friday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.

Film Screening: William A. Christenberry, Jr.: A Portrait
Saturday + Sunday, December 6 + 7, 2:00 p.m.

Art Break: William Christenberry: Site/Possession Docent-Led Tour
Friday, January 16, 12:00 p.m.

Art Nouveaux Purchase Party

On November 3, the Art Nouveaux held their second annual Purchase Party and voted to acquire seven works: 300-5, Broken Doll series and Caitlin/Bubble, both black and white gelatin silver prints by Carolyn DeMerritt; Pocket Vase, thrown and altered stoneware by Nick Joerling; Market Basket, white oak and maple with butternut and walnut dyes by Lucille Lossiah; and L-SF-ES #1 - #3, a suite of etching and aquatint works by Jack Tworkov.

Through the generosity of Art Nouveaux members Ray Griffin and Thom Robinson, the Museum also acquired Corruption of Ecstacy, lithograph by Robert Yarber.

The works purchased by the group reflect programming during the year--the group explored prints, photography and ceramics. Also, the purchase of the contemporary Cherokee basket continues the group's commitment to culturally and regionally important works, following their 2007 purchase of an early Buncombe County pottery piece by Oscar Bachelder.

We encourage new members and put a call out to all art enthusiasts looking to learn about growing your own personal collections while also growing the Museum's collection. For more information or to inquire about joining, please contact Rebecca Lynch-Maass, Membership Manager, at rlynchmaass@ashevilleart.org or 828.253.3227, ext. 114.

Jack Tworkov, L-SF-ES #1, 1979, etching and aquatint, 14.5 x 14.5 inches. 2008 Art Nouveaux Purchase. Asheville Art Museum Collection.

Music @ the Museum

This Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m., Deborah Belcher will grace our gallery as part of the Pianoforte Series. We are very excited about this unique opportunity to enjoy Music @ the Museum! Tickets are only $4 for Members, $4 + admission for non-Members and free with preferred seating for Music @ the Museum Members. If you're interested in joining Music @ the Museum, contact Nancy Sokolove at nsokolove@ashevilleart.org or at 828.253.3227, ext. 120. Join us this Sunday for a relaxing afternoon of music!

Check back soon for blog entries from our Art Adventurers who went to Philadelphia last week!

The Behind the Scenes Art Break was a hit!

Last Friday, October 17th, Dean Butckovitz Preparator and Registrar led the Behind the Scenes Exhibition Preparation Art Break for an interested crowd. Who knew how much goes into setting up an exhibition!? Dean and his crew are pros at paying attention to every minute detail that the average museum goer takes for granted: cleaning up the dust on the baseboards from drilling holes to hang paintings, ensuring an accurate horizon line, wrapping art that will travel to other museums, art transportation and much more! It was a great Art Break (thanks, Dean!) and there are more to look forward to:

Friday, November 14, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
William Christenberry: Site/Possession with Curatorial Staff

Friday, December 5, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Expectant Gaze — Art from the Eye and Mind Docent-Led Tour

Friday, December 19, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Life's Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight with Cole Hendrix

All Art Breaks are free with Museum Membership or admission, so make your lunch break an Art Break one of these upcoming Fridays!

Dean Butckovitz leads Behind the Scenes Art Break on October 17, 2008

Art Adventurers in Penland

The Museum's Art Adventurers traveled up to Mitchell County on October 7 for an amazing day of inspiration and discovery. Hopes for a gorgeous day with bright fall colors and blue sky were dampened a little with gray and cloudy skies, but the group's enthusiasm was not diminished--everyone just had to stay a bit more energetic to keep warm! We started the day touring the campus of Penland School of Crafts, a vibrant center of creativity in the WNC mountains. Our delightful tour guides were master weaver Edwina Bringle and Gloria Schulman, photographer and wife of longtime Penland ceramist Norm Schulman. The day trippers enjoyed walking through the various studios on campus: ceramics, printmaking, metal, glass, painting and drawing, book arts, wood--some were quiet and allowed investigation of materials and equipment, while others were hopping with activity. The group really enjoyed the glass studio, although I am not sure if that was because of the glass work going on or simply because it was WARM!

After a great lunch at The Pines, the group spent the afternoon touring several studios of artists who have chosen to make a home near Penland. First, we went to the Bringle Gallery to see Edwina's weavings and her twin sister, Cynthia's ceramics. Always fun to see a potter's personal "coffee cup collection." Next, we went on to the studios of Pablo Soto, glass artist and Cristina Cordova, ceramist. The group ended the day a the studio of ceramist Nick Joerling.

The group had a wonderful day, meeting artists, making new friends, being inspired and SHOPPING! The next Art Adventure will be on Sunday, January 11, and will be the ever-popular annual "Collections & Obsessions" tour of private collections in the area. Contact Rebecca Lynch-Maass at rlynchmaass@ashevilleart.org or 828.253.3227, ext. 114 for more information on these exciting day trips.

Suzanne Jones enjoys the painting and drawing studio.

Gloria Schulman shows off some recent work in the letterpress studio to Richard Pigossi, Lauretta Warlick and Pat Ramsey.

Several of the Adventurers check out a dry stone masonry class working on a campus rock wall.

See "Eraserhead" on the big screen!!

Next Thursday, October 16, gives us the rare opportunity to see director David Lynch's cult-classic Eraserhead on the big screen. The showing will be at the Fine Arts Theatre, downtown on Biltmore Ave., at 7:00 p.m. The Museum staff was lucky enough to have a pre-screening at the Fine Arts Theatre and everyone agrees that seeing Eraserhead on the big screen is an experience not to be missed!

Advance tickets are available from now until the day of the show by calling 828.253.3227. Tickets will also be available at the Fine Arts Theatre starting at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

Get ready to pARTy!

This Sunday, October 5th, brings the Family Art pARTy hosted by the Museum's Education Department. There will be refreshments and activities for kids of all ages and it is free with Museum Membership or admission. The pARTy will be a blast as we celebrate the budding artists of the Summer Art Camp--who all get free admission to the Family Art pARTy! So join the pARTy starting at 2:00 p.m. this Sunday!

We love eARTh Bags!

eARTh Bags are all the rage at the Asheville Art Museum! These eco-friendly bags are made from recycled past exhibition banners from popular exhibitions such as, Under the Skin: Tattoos and Contemporary Culture, Black Mountain College: Its Time and Place and more.

Our dedicated docent and seamstress extraordinaire, Nancy Ferguson handmade the one-of-a-kind eARTh Bags--thanks, Nancy!

The back of each bag is embroidered with the Asheville Art Museum logo. At a $22.00 price point, eARTh Bags are not only eco-friendly, but wallet-friendly as well. These bags are going fast, so come by the Asheville Art Museum Shop and claim your piece of the Museum to take home today!

Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru No Haka) Screens Sunday!

This Sunday, September 28th, we are screening the unique film Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru No Haka). This is a much anticipated film screening at the Asheville Art Museum. Some of our staff members have pre-screened it and say Grave of the Fireflies is a must-see film. Released in 1988, this film explores the tragedies of war through the lives of two orphans struggling to survive in Japan during WWII. Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka and told in the style of Japanese anime, Grave of the Fireflies argues that compassion and comfort in times of grief are as important to survival as food and shelter. This film screening is held in conjunction with the Art Spiegelman smArt speak programs. Take advantage of this opportunity to check out Grave of the Fireflies this coming Sunday. See you there!


Grave of the Fireflies DVD Cover

The Eight Opened with a Bang on Saturday!

This Saturday, September 13th, we all enjoyed the opening reception of the exhibition Life's Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight. There was fine art, good food and great company--including Stephen and Mina Weiner, the collectors who have generously loaned the Museum works from the collection of works by The Eight. A good time was had by all as we viewed the stunning works from the collection of Stephen and Mina Weiner and the Asheville Art Museum permanent collection.

Photos from the opening reception of Life's Rich Pageant: A Centennial Celebration of The Eight:














Pam Myers, Museum Director talks with the Weiners















Stephen and Mina Weiner















The crowd enjoys the company















We enjoy the work of The Eight
















We enjoy the delicious food

Spiegelman rocked!!

Last night's talk by Art Spiegelman, History of Comix 101, captivated the crowd and gave us a whole new perspective on comics and the graphic novel! Spiegelman described comics in new ways discussing the link to architecture and showing the progression of comics over the years. What a powerful medium comics are! And Spiegelman even gave a shout out to The Eight, the group of artists of which Asheville Art Museum is opening an exhibition with a reception on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. He is a fan of this groundbreaking group.

An audience member, Carol Lawrence, said: "What a pleasure it was to hear Art Spiegelman and think about comics in new, intriguing ways."

Thank you, Art Spiegelman, for a great night of comics!!

Photos from Art Spiegelman: History of Comix 101:

Art Spiegelman is TODAY!!!

We are all very excited about Art Spiegelman's talk tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Spiegelman will give his talk History of Comix 101 and then answer questions during a 20-minute Q&A. There are also books for sale at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and 100 will be signed by Speigelman! First come, first serve, so show up early to get a signed Spiegelman book and your tickets. See you there!


Below are photos from last week's, September 4th, crowd-pleaser A Taste of Art + Wine:

Photos from Last Week's Events and Exciting Events to Anticipate

Gallery Talk with Sigmund Abeles on August 27, 2008

















How to 'Doo Wop' with Richard Stokes, Stokes Architecture on August 29, 2008









Above are photos from last week's great events. Big crowds enjoyed both Sigmund Abeles' Gallery Talk on Wednesday and Richard Stokes' talk on How to 'Doo Wop' on Friday.

This week brings A Taste of Art + Wine: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Thursday from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. It'll be a great time with over 100 wines, beers and this year, bourbon! There is also awesome local food and a silent auction with over 100 items. Call 828.253.3227 for tickets.

We'll also enjoy a Friday Art Break featuring smArt speak with Nancy Sokolove from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. This will be an exciting talk and your chance to join the discussion on arts in the community!

Speaking of smArt speak, don't forget to get your tickets for upcoming events! Next week Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novelist, Art Spiegelman, will be here for a very exciting Thursday evening. Tickets for Faith Ringgold and Christo and Jeanne-Claude are also on sale. Visit www.smartspeak.org for more program and ticket info!

tickets ARE on sale!

So, tix are on sale for the three remaining smArtists - Spiegelman, Ringgold + Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Check out the box offices - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for Spiegelman and XTO+J-C, and Diana Wortham Theatre for Ringgold. Or, go to our website (www.smartspeak.org) for phone numbers and all that.

What a week!

We are all getting very excited as this week brings a Gallery Talk with Sigmund Abeles on Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. This event is free with Museum Membership or admission. How often do you get to tour an exhibition with the artist himself?

We're also looking forward to Friday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m. when Richard Stokes of Stokes Architecture will give his lecture How to 'Doo Wop' with Richard Stokes and teach us about the fun and funky style of 'Doo Wop' architecure. Once again, this event is free with Museum Membership or admission.

And next week brings even more excitement as we get closer to A Taste of Art + Wine: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction. Don't miss the best deal in Asheville for a night out! This fun event starts at 6:30 on Thursday, September 4 and features over 100 fine wines and craft beers, delicious food from local restaurants and amazing items from downtown businesses, local galleries, local restaurants and much, much more! Tickets will be available at the door for $40 per person, or in advance at the Museum for $30 per person, $55 per couple for Museum Members and $35 per person, $65 per couple for Non-Members. Call 828.253.3227 for tickets now.

Art Break: Expectant Gaze — Art from the Eye and Mind Tour with Nancy Sokolove

What a great way to spend your lunch break on a Friday! We learned so much from Nancy Sokolove, Adult Programs Manager, during this tour and found out that we actually were seeing pieces from the Museum's permanent collection that were going to be put back in the vault to "rest." Nancy taught us that artworks on paper need time to rest away from the elements. As I write, a team is working to change out these works with other selections from the permanent collection for this exhibition. So, even if you've toured the exhibition, come back and get a new taste of the permanent collection. And look for future Art Breaks — they are an excellent way to gain new information and a deeper appreciation for art.

ARTmob Movies @ the Rhino: Pulp Fiction

The Rhino Courtyard

The audience gets ready for Pulp Fiction

What a great night for an outdoor film screening! Friday evening, August 1, was the perfect evening to enjoy popcorn, cookies, drinks and Pulp Fiction at ARTmob's annual summer film party. Everyone enjoyed the outdoor screening of this cult classic at the Rhino Courtyard. Be sure to check out future ARTmob and Museum events.

We'd love to have you as an ARTmob member! If you are interested in joining, contact Rebecca Lynch-Maass at rlynchmaass@ashevilleart.org or 828.253.3227, ext. 114.

Art Break: A Pleasant Journey through John Baeder's Exhibit

They're here! Photos from the Art Break:



Today we took a closer look at the exhibit Pleasant Journeys and Good Eats Along the Way: A Retrospective of Paintings by John Baeder during our lunchtime Art Break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The tour was led by Nancy Sokolove, Adult Programs Manager, who pointed out amazing details and interesting facts. We learned how Baeder's work differs from photorealism, how squinting can show you a different side of an artwork, and shared our diner stories. It was a great way to spend a Friday lunch break!

Check back soon for photos from our Art Break today...and leave a comment if you participated!

Asheville Art Museum at Bele Chere

Friday afternoon, July 25th, and Bele Chere is well under way! The Asheville Art Museum has a Museum Shop booth as well as our Education Department's Kids booth in front of the Museum. Kids of all ages have been enjoying customizing their diner hats at the Kids booth. Stop by this weekend and design your own diner hat or pick up a souvenir from the Museum Shop booth. If you visit us, leave a comment on our Blog or send your Asheville Art Museum Bele Chere photo to mailbox@ashevilleart.org and you may see your photo on the Asheville Art Museum Blog!