Join the conversation on public art this Sunday!

Join us for a lively afternoon discussion on the role of public art this Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Museum's WNC Art Resource Center. Panelists will include renowned public projects artist Mel Chin, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Director and Chief Curator Hank Foreman, and others. This panel discussion is free with Museum Membership or admission and is held in conjunction with smArt speak: Distinguished Artist Series with Christo and Jeanne-Claude and the exhibition Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects.

While you are visiting the Museum, take advantage of the last chance to view Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

High-quality, framed posters signed and donated by Christo and Jeanne-Claude are available for purchase. For more information call 828.253.3227 or inquire at the Museum's front desk. Take yours home today! The artists derive no income from the sale of these posters. Proceeds provide crucial support for Museum programs.

Image Credit:
Mel Chin. Photo by Amanda Wiles.

Urban Loft + Art Tour Has New Additions!

The Asheville Art Museum invites you on the Urban Loft + Art Tour on Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m.! Tours depart from the lobby of the Haywood Park Hotel at 15-minute intervals between 4:30 and 6:30 with each tour group ending with a reception at "The Urban Living Studio" Grove Arcade Suite with wine and refreshments. Guests choose their tour time when they reserve their space by calling 828.253.3227--call today to reserve your spot on this tour as tickets are selling fast!

This year's tour even features the amazing loft office of Beau Welling Design (image left)! Be sure to take advantage of the breathtaking views and different perspectives of the mountains and the city of Asheville from buildings such as the Aston, the Grove Arcade, Battery Park Condominiums, 60 Haywood, 12 S. Lexington, the Piedmont Building and more! Join us!

Pianoforte Series Presents Deborah Belcher + John Cobb this Sunday!

Deborah Belcher and John Cobb have selected some of their favorite light music and miniatures, including novelty pieces, for the April 19 Pianoforte Concert at 3:00 p.m. at the Asheville Art Museum. The program will begin and end with delightful piano duets. While each may be showcasing pieces they they particularly enjoy, they have made certain to create a balanced whole. This is essential to a program that requires an intimate setting such as provided in Gallery 6 of the Asheville Art Museum, played on an exceptional piano — the Hamburg Steinway. The audience is certain to find that some of the favorites of Deborah and John are theirs as well.

This promises to be an exceptional performance! Tickets are $4 for Members, $4 + Admission for non-Members and free with preferred seating for Music @ the Museum Members. Call 828.253.3227 for tickets.

Pianoforte concerts have limited seating and we recommend buying tickets in advance. For more information about this program or Music @ the Museum, or to reserve your tickets in advance, contact Nancy Sokolove, Adult Programs Manager, at 828.253.3227, ext. 120 or nsokolove@ashevilleart.org.

Family Art pARTy! Receives Support

The Asheville Art Museum Family Art pARTy on Sunday, April 5, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. has received generous support from The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Homeowners Association Charity Fund and the Deutsch Family.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove has been an active supporter of the Museum through sponsorship of the Museum's 2007 Wine Auction & Gala Dinner benefit and donations to the Museum's annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction benefit. The parent company, The Cliffs Communities, is also committed to supporting the arts in Western North Carolina.

Bob Deutsch is the senior partner in the Robert J. Deutsch P.A. Law Firm located in Asheville, NC. Deutsch has practiced law in Western North Carolina since 1973. Bob and his wife, Carol, are longtime members and supporters of the Museum, and Bob has served on the Board of Trustees.

For the Spring Family Art pARTy on Sunday, April 5 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Asheville Art Museum collaborates with RiverLink to offer an innovative environmental art experience in celebration of Earth Day 2009. The afternoon will include free family art activities including the creation of Fundred Dollar Bills in the Pack Place Lobby, the opening reception of RiverLink's Earth Art Contest, a student art and writing competition, and the Fundred Dollar Bill Display in the Pack Place Community Gallery. Join us for an afternoon of fun for all ages!

The Asheville Art Museum sincerely thanks The Cliffs at Walnut Cove Homeowners Association Charity Fund and the Deutsch Family for their generous support.