June 2, 2011

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Update

Upcoming BRAHM Events:

June 5 at 5 PM The annual Members' Appreciation Day will be held in the Fellowship Hall at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. All Museum members are invited to the meeting, which will include an update on the final phase of the construction project, an introduction of new board members and a discussion of Grand Opening Events. Members will also have the opportunity to reserve benches and pavers that will be placed throughout the interior and exterior of the building, as well as participate in BRAHM's "Christmas in June" activity, which will highlight items the Museum needs to open in October. The event is always promises to be informational and fun! Refreshments will be provided.

Art enthusiasts will have a grand opportunity to add to their collection with BRAHM's  “Picture Yourself Here!” Benefit Art Exhibition and Live Auction, which will be held at Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery June 13-25. Approximately 30 pieces will go on display on Monday, June 13 and can be viewed during the Gallery's regular business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday). The auction will be held on Saturday, June 25 with a pre-auction reception beginning at 6 p.m. Guests will receive a special auction program that will include a photograph and details about each piece, as well as a profile on the item’s donor. Wine and hors d’oeurves will be served.

Just a reminder that the "Season of Opportunity" Challenge Grant will draw to a close on June 30. The total goal of Challenge was to raise $800,000 for the Museum’s $6.5 million Capital Campaign and as of May 15, more than $724,000 has been contributed. Donors can still contribute to this endeavor, with all gifts made through the end of the month being matched in full. The total amount of the pledge -- both the original donation and the match -- can be used toward naming opportunities, a number of which remain. Gifts may be made by cash, securities, donor-advised funds or other means and pledges should ideally be completed in two years. For more information about how to contribute to the Challenge Grant please call the BRAHM offices at (828) 295-9099.

A Local Couple will Highlight History of the Dulcimer - BRAHM's second annual Third Thursday Speakers' Series has proven to be as educational and entertaining as its first, June's event promises to continue that trend. On Thursday, June 16, Bill and Jewel Magee, owners of The Dulcimer Shop in the Martin House, will present "The History of the Mountain Dulcimer." The Magee's shop was established by Bill's father, Rogers Magee, in 1971 when the retired music teacher moved to the High Country. Initially, the shop carried both crafts and musical instruments, but eventually it became devoted to the mountain dulcimer, for which Rogers Magee had developed a particular love . Today, Bill and Jewel carry on Rogers' tradition, educating visitors about the instrument and the "mountain music" tradition.

As always, Third Thursdays are held at 4 p.m. in the BRAHM office on the second floor of the Martin House. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited. A reception will follow the presentation; light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Museum office at (828) 295-9099.

BRAHM Rockers to Be Made by Carolina Craftsman and sixth generation chairmaker Max Woody. The chairs on the Museum's front porch will be his special creations, which are much-loved and collected throughout the state and region. Woody learned how to make chairs from his father when he was a small child and he has been working in the craft for more than 60 years.

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