Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

Art and History meet at BRAHM

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has been a must-see for anyone interested in High Country arts since Oct. 1, 2011. From the beginning, the museum founders and volunteers have committed to telling the story of the rich cultural history and varied arts in the Southern Appalachian region and how they interact. The museum showcases the history of Blowing Rock and has a display of regional art relating to the region.

One of North Carolina’s most prolific artists, Ellior Daingerfield, spent summers in Blowing Rock nearly every year from 1886 till his death in 1932. Many North Carolina art collectors had Daingerfield’s work, which inspired community activist Ginny Stevens to start the long process of opening a museum in Blowing Rock. After establishing a group of community members in 1999, Stevens persistently worked through obstacles to establish a foundation for BRAHM. Years later, on Oct. 1, 2011, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the official opening of BRAHM. On the grounds stands a statue of Daingerfield facing his

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAHM BRAHM’s summer art camp’s use works of accomplished artists to inspire creativity among participating students. Blowing Rock home to commemorate the museum’s history.

BRAHM offers a variety of seasonal and ongoing programming throughout the year. Regularly occurring programs include a book club, curator led conversations, workshops, wine and paint nights and activities for children. This summer, BRAHM will offer a variety of programming and feature exhibitions for locals and tourists to enjoy.

“BRAHM is thrilled with our upcoming summer calendar. We have a diverse schedule of exhibitions planned that range from painting to sculpture to Blowing Rock history,” said BRAHM Executive Director Lee Carol Giduz. “Our events calendar is as full as ever and features lectures, dance, music, and film. For children and adults we have a wonderful calendar of classes and camps and we wrap up our summer with the much loved Plein Air festival and art sale.”

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:

“The Village of Blowing Rock: Exploring Our History” (Permanent)

In collaboration with the Blowing Rock Historical Society, this exhibition explores the history of the town of Blowing Rock and its impact on the High Country. The history traces back to the late 1800s.

“Phillip Moose” (Permanent)

Newton, North Carolina artist Phillip Moose used painting as a tool for selfexpression. He won several awards including the Pulitzer Award for Art in 1949 and two Fulbright Scholarships. Moose painted with vibrant colors and his landscapes lifted off the canvas, expressing how he saw beauty in the natural world.

“Imminent Perils: To Wonder at Trifles in the Paintings of John Beerman” (Viewable until July 31)

John Beerman’s contemporary natural and built environment paintings are

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM Painting by Phillip Moose are in a permanent exhibition at BRAHM.

honest representations of precarious landscapes that illuminates the beauty and anxiety of viewing nature interacting with human development in the 21st century. The exhibition displays new works alongside earlier paintings to outline Beerman’s approach to landscape. Beerman uses a variety of techniques to paint places that have been changed from human impact.

“Jagged Path: the African Diaspora in Western North Carolina in Craft, Music, and Dance” (Viewable until Oct. 22)

This exhibition will showcase the history of African contributions to craft, music and dance in Western North Carolina. It will demonstrate how African traditions have helped create the culture of Western North Carolina after surviving the Middle Passage. This exhibition will include interviews, performances, historic artifacts and artist residencies which will make connections from the 17th through the 21st centuries.

“Brother Sam Tate: A Life on the Air” (Viewable in June)

Sam Tate has been a radio DJ for almost 60 years after beginning his career WEAL in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1983 he built Blowing Rock’s first radio station, WOIX. He now produces the only international syndicated Oldie Goldie Black Gospel radio show, Gospel Gems. This exhibition will display some of the experiences of Sam Tate, who is a DJ, educator and pilot as his extraordinary life has included riding on James Brown’s learjet, building a radio station in Belize and plenty more in between.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BRAHM will offer a variety of events and programming this summer, including “Summer Luncheon” with entrepreneur, author and designer Rebecca Vizard on June 24, a Plein Air Festival from Aug. 16 to Aug. 20 and a variety of day camp programs for children ages seven to 12.

To learn more about BRAHM, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org.