Paul Bonesteel Delved Into the Mysteries of George Masa

Paul Bonesteel's lecture, George Masa: Enduring Photos, Enduring Mysteries, brought out the detective in the intrigued audience. Masa was such an extraordinary photographer and interesting man, yet his life is still shrouded in mystery. Bonesteel has directed the film "The Mystery of George Masa" which looks into the life of this unique photographer. The film will be screened March 14 + 15 at 2:00 p.m. each day at the Museum. You also have a chance to walk in the footsteps of Masa on a photography hike with John Dickson who will lead us on an easy hike through Pisgah Forest or on the Blue Ridge Parkway and teach us how to capture the mountain landscape.

John has led many such hikes but this is the first for the Asheville Art Museum. Bring your camera and hiking shoes, and emergency rain gear and a snack. Cost is $10 for Asheville Art Museum Members, $15 for non-Members. Space is limited; advance registration is required. To register, please contact Nancy Sokolove, Adult Programs Manager, at 828.253.3227, ext. 120 or nsokolove@ashevilleart.org.

New exhibitions now open!

Two new exhibitions opened at the Asheville Art Museum with an opening reception on February 8th. Mapping the Mountains: The Photographs of George Masa is on view through July 5, 2009 and exhibits the seminal photographs by George Masa and demonstrates why he has been called "the Ansel Adams of the Appalachians." Eva Zeisel: The Shape of Life is on view through May 10, 2009 and displays the designs that introduced a new Modernism to the U.S. Visit www.ashevilleart.org for a full listing of programs related to these new exhibitions!

Join us tonight for a special film screening of The Gates at the Fine Arts Theatre at 7:00 p.m.! After 26 years of fighting bureaucracy, Christo and Jeanne-Claude succeeded in transforming 23 miles of New York City’s Central Park paths into a saffron-colored, snow-filled winter wonderland. This film by Antonio Ferrara and the award-winning documentary pioneer, Albert Maylses, follows the artists from project inception in 1979 through to its stunning completion. This special screening opportunity is highly anticipated.

And Saturday, February 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. the Museum hosts George Masa: Enduring Photos, Enduring Mysteries with a lecture by local filmmaker Paul Bonesteel, a tour of the exhibition Mapping the Mountains: The Photographs of George Masa and a reception.

We hope to see you at these exciting upcoming events!

Here are some photos from the opening reception on Sunday, February 8th:

Christo and Jeanne-Claude had the audience in awe!

Christo and Jeanne-Claude were a huge hit with a crowd full of art enthusiasts, fans, students and those curious about the works of these innovative artists. An artistic team like no other, Christo and Jeanne-Claude had the audience's attention captured from the first moment of their lecture.

After a slide show and lecture about works in progress and the history of their works, the audience had the chance to ask questions during the extended Q+A period.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude fielded the questions with grace -- and a great sense of humor. They truly operate as a team in every sense of the word, in their art and in their daily lives.

Visit www.ashevilleart.org or www.smartspeak.org for related programs and events!






















Image Credit: Copyright Paul Jeremias 2009.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Tonight!!!

Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Works in Progress with Q+A is tonight--Thursday, February 5th--at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium!! Tickets are available at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 828.251.5505.

Join us for this highly anticipated event!!


Image Credit:

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Gates, Central Park,
New York City, 2005

One Week Until Christo and Jeanne-Claude!!!

Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Works in Progress with Q+A is Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Join the conversation with Christo and Jeanne-Claude at the culmination of an exciting array of programming from the Asheville Art Musuem's smArt speak: Distinguished Artist Series. The talk on February 5th will center on their five decades of work together as well as works in progress. The extended Q+A period gives the audience the chance to delve into the minds of the innovative artists who brought NYC The Gates!

Don't miss it--get your tickets at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 828.251.5505 today!

Visit www.ashevilleart.org for more information on this event and the related programming.

Pianoforte Concert Sold Out Again!

The always popular Pianoforte concerts seem to sell out every time! The Sunday, January 25th concert featuring Andrea Adamcova and Pavel Wlosok was no exception. With a sold-out Gallery 6--and a waiting list!--Adamcova and Wlosok presented Classical Meets Jazz to a thrilled crowd. What better venue than the intimate Gallery 6? To ensure your seat at the next Pianoforte concert, you can become a member of the Music @ the Museum series.

By becoming a member of Music @ the Museum, you'll have preferred seating at the three yearly Pianoforte concerts and the annual John Cobb concert as well as a wine and cheese reception with the musicians. Call Nancy Sokolove at 828.253.3227, ext. 120 or e-mail nsokolove@ashevilleart.org to join or for more information today!

Popular New Exhibition--Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects

The opening reception for the popular new exhibition, Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects, kept people coming in the Museum doors throughout the evening--despite frigid temperatures outside on Friday, January 16th! The exhibition, featuring collages, planning work, photographs of projects and actual wrapped packages, is a stunning display of the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The crowd poured into Gallery 6 to view the works of the innovative artistic team. Be sure to check out this exhibition, on view through May 3rd, and then take a tour of the Community Poster Installation around town--you can pick up a free map in the Museum Shop!