Message from the Director

“When members of a society wish to secure that society’s rich heritage, they cherish their arts and respect their artists. The esteem with which we regard the multiple cultures offered in our country enhances our possibilities for healthy survival and continued social development.”
― Maya Angelou

Dear Members,

As we move into May 2021, and spring’s happening all around us, poet Maya Angelou’s words give us direction. On Thursday, May 7 we’ll open two new exhibitions to you, our Members. Our Strength Is Our People: The Humanist Photographs of Lewis Hine and Old World/New Soil: Foreign-Born American Artists from the Asheville Art Museum Collection have been organized by Whitney Richardson, associate curator, and brought to fruition by our outstanding team. These timely and powerful projects provide much food for thought and opportunities for learning and inspiration. Public programs planned for later this summer will provide space for new understandings and dialogue about our history and our present through the lens of artists working in a range of media, including the powerful and rare vintage photographs of American documentary photographer and activist Lewis Hine (1874–1940). I invite you to join us.

The Museum is open during our normal operating hours, and we continue to adjust our pandemic protocols in accordance with North Carolina’s and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance in order to provide you with the safest environment to enjoy our outstanding exhibitions, programs, and newly conceived rooftop Perspective Café menu. Many of you have already visited, and I hope you’ll be back soon. I urge those of you who haven’t yet stopped into your Museum to come see us.

As we continue navigating the new realities of Museum operations, producing both virtual and in-person programs, and re-visioning special events, your support of our Spring Annual Fund is critical. The Annual Fund supports our extraordinary staff, programs, exhibitions, outreach, internships, and more. Please consider increasing your contribution during this exceptional year or making a new contribution; it’s a gift to yourself and to your community.  Together we’re resilient.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Pamela L. Myers
Executive Director