Christo and Jeanne-Claude Around Town

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are around town--well, their posters are at least! They'll be here in person on February 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Until then, visit the installation of Christo and Jeanne-Claude signed prints in the windows of area businesses. Go to www.ashevilleart.org for a map and more information, or pick up a map in the Museum Shop. These works, donated and signed by the artists, will be sold to support the Museum's exhibition programs (the artists derive no income from the sale of these items). Call 828.253.3227 for more information.

And don't miss the opening reception for the exhibition Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects this Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.--free with Museum Membership or admission!

Image: Fondation Beyeler and Berower Park
Riehen, Switzerland, 1997-98

Registration Open for New After-School Art Classes and the Home-School Program!

After-School Art Class: Everyone Can Draw
For Students in Grades 4 – 8
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
WINTER SESSION: JANUARY 27 – MARCH 3, 2009
SPRING SESSION: MARCH 17 – APRIL 28, 2009
(No Class April 14)
Cost: $60 per six-week session

It’s a myth artists are born and not made. Anyone at any age can learn basic drawing skills and have a creative experience. In each six-week session students will build their confidence with a wide range of materials and learn usable tricks of the trade. Pre-registration is required. To register or for information, call 828.253.3227, ext. 122 or e-mail smcrorie@ashevilleart.org.

After-School Art Class: Create a Bound Book
For Students in Grades 9 – 12
Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 26 – APRIL 2, 2009
Cost: $75 for six-week session

Create a bound 7 x 7-inch book. This professional, digitally printed book will last a lifetime. Make up your own cartoon strip, add computer generated art or choose to write and illustrate a story. Pre-registration is required. To register or for information, call 828.253.3227, ext. 122 or e-mail smcrorie@ashevilleart.org.

Home School Program
For Students Grades 1 – 6
Second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 10, MARCH 10, APRIL 14 + MAY 12
$3.50 per student per session

Each 90-minute session includes a guided tour of the Museum’s permanent collection or a special exhibition, plus a hands-on activity in the Museum’s studio. Museum admission for students and all materials necessary are included in the cost. Pre-registration is required. To register or for information, call 828.253.3227, ext. 122 or e-mail smcrorie@ashevilleart.org.

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.

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