Jered Sprecher (born Lincoln, NE 1976), Invisible as Music, 2019, oil on canvas, 90 × 146 inches. © Jered Sprecher
The Museum is primarily a visual-art organization, but we also celebrate the intersections between art forms. Music, dance, performance art, and other live performances bring artworks in our the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions to life.
“We’re thrilled to feature a variety of performances in the gorgeous, soaring spaces that the new Museum offers,” said Kristi McMillan, adult programs manager. “The main performance spaces have been acoustically treated, and the more generous galleries afford us new opportunities to bring artworks to life.”
When we reopen, we’ll be hosting a variety of performances; the following four give you an idea of what’s to come in the new Museum. Mark your calendars, and purchase tickets now!
Markers on the Trail: Thursday, November 14
In the evening on our opening day, Appalachia Now! artist Clarissa Sligh and special guest Kimberly Purser will perform a reading of excerpts from Sligh’s artists’ books: Transforming Hate: An Artist’s Book (2016) and My Mother, Walt Whitman and Me (2019). Historical elements, photography, and memory are used as framing devices to construct the evolution of personal and social identity. Both books were published in Asheville.
Sligh has published 10 artists’ books. She was the recipient of fellowships and awards from the John & Robyn Horn Foundation (2016), the Puffin Foundation (2014), Anonymous Was a Woman (2001), International Center of Photography Infinity Award (1995), the National Endowment for the Arts for photography (1988), and the New York Foundation for the Arts for photography (1988, 2000) and artists’ books (2005). Purser is an artist, poet, and Stone Medicine teacher. Her 36-year meditation practice led her to combine interests in the arts, social justice, and healing. A licensed clinical social worker, she currently works with young people and professionals at Eliada Homes. Inc.
This program is free for Members or included with Museum admission. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Amid Rugged Mountains: Monday, November 18
Join us for an evening program featuring Asheville School’s Handbell Ensemble and Chorale. Musical selections include shape-note hymn tunes from William Walker’s Southern Harmony. The music program is complemented by an original choreographed work inspired by our current exhibition, Appalachia Now!, by Asheville School dance students.
Preceding the evening program, Asheville School students are popping up in the Exhibition Halls. As you visit Appalachia Now!, enjoy interacting with visual-arts students sketching after the works on view, or catch an impromptu spoken-word performance. Pre-programs take place 4:30–5:30pm, and are free for Museum Members or included with admission.
Space is limited; pre-sales close 11/18/19, 12pm. Click here to purchase tickets online; for more information or to register by phone, call 828.253.3227 x122.
Revolve Now: An Evening of Performance: Thursday, December 12
This immersive evening is not one to be missed. It features a series of pop-up music, dance, spoken word, and other performance around the Museum inspired by our opening special exhibition Appalachia Now!
This program is free for Members or included with Museum admission; presented in partnership with MAP/REVOLVE.
Pianoforte with John Cobb: Monday, February 17
Mark your calendars early: our debut Pianoforte concert in the new Museum is set for February 17 in the early evening. John Cobb is an international performer and recording artist known for his broad interpretive range and technical command. The New York Times has praised his “solid technique, bronze tone, and flexibility of interpretive style.” He is a direct musical descendant of Franz Liszt through his teacher, the legendary 20th-century pianist Claudio Arrau, whose own teacher was a pupil of Liszt.
Cobb was the inaugural performer for the Museum’s Pianoforte series and returns to launch our 11th season. His program not only stimulates the visual imagination but also conveys deep spiritual meaning, with works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Liszt, Robert Schumann, and Frédéric Chopin.
Space is limited; reserve your seats early! Click here to purchase tickets online now; for more information or to register by phone, call 828.253.3227 x122.
