Upcoming Events at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

August 18, 2016 at 6 PM - Junaluska, the African American Neighborhood in Boone. Dr. Susan E. Keefe will present a talk at BRAHM on the history of the Junaluska community. Junaluska is a small

neighborhood two blocks north of King Street, Boone’s main street. African Americans have called Junaluska home since the middle of the 19th century.

One of the few black congregations of Mennonite Brethren in the United States is located in Junaluska. The community has seen considerable progress over the course of the last century and retains a remarkable spirit of resilience despite gentrification in the area and the out-migration of many younger residents.

The TAC Talk will highlight BRAHM’s exhibition, A Town within a Town: History of the Junaluska Community, on view from August 6, 2016 through March 11, 2017.

August 23, 2017 at 6 PM - Movies at the Museum: Desperate Man Blues. Directed by Ed Gillan, Desperate Man Blues tells the story of self-proclaimed king of record collectors Joseph E. Bussard, Jr. of Frederick, Maryland. Joe has amassed probably the greatest collection of 78 rpm recordings of country, blues, jazz, Cajun, and gospel music in the world. He has spent most of his waking hours in pursuit of old 78s. To call it a hobby would be an insult: It’s his life.

The film will be followed by a discussion with Marshall Wyatt, founder of Old Hat Records in Raleigh NC. In 2003, Old Hat released Down in the Basement, a compilation created from Bussard’s huge collection.

After the film and discussion, wander over to one of the wonderful participating restaurants for dinner, drinks, and conversation. Present your film ticket for 10% off your meal! *Discount is good for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights after the screening.

August 28, 2016 at 5:30 PM - Summer Concert Series: Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble. The Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble will present two of its original pieces: “A Future of Tango” and its latest project ‘The Other Side of My Heart,” based on the real stories of Latino women that immigrated to North Carolina. For the rest of the program, the ensemble will invite the audience to a tour of some tango standards executed in crafted and original arrangements.

The Popular Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market this Weekend

August 20, 2016    Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market   The second of three Arts and Crafts Markets will line Front Street in charming downtown Dillsboro NC. 

This market will showcase demonstrating crafters located inside the shops of Dillsboro, as well as in the tents on Front Street. 

Enjoy live music from 11 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 2 PM along with Little Jimmy's Ices and homemade baked goods. Craft demonstration in a variety of media, including heritage crafts, will take place throughout the day.

Get more local information on our Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide. 

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Exhibit: Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain

Image Credit: Elizabeth Bradford. Bone Trees, Reflections, 2015. 
Acrylic on canvas. 48 x 60 inches. Courtesy the artist.

BRAHM (The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum) has announced the opening of “Elizabeth Bradford: Time + Terrain”, curated by Carla Hanzal. The exhibition will be on view from August 13 to November 19, 2016, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 1st from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Museum. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live music as they experience the works on display. 

Elizabeth Bradford. Stream Near Harper's Creek, 2014

Elizabeth Bradford gleans images from the rural landscape surrounding her family’s ancestral farm in northern Mecklenburg County, where she lives. The expanded scope of her artwork also includes impressions of countries she explores, as well as the wilderness where she kayaks, hikes, and camps. “Slowly, over time, my attention turned to wild places,” explains Bradford. “I found myself breathing deep sighs of relief when I stepped out of civilization and into the forest … I have come to believe that I am now painting the permanent—that wildness will never be fully controlled.”

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street in Blowing Rock NC. 

Spruce Pine NC Annual NC Mineral and Gem Show

photos courtesy of NC Mineral and Gem Festival

August 4 - 7, 2016    The Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival    This popular event features 60 dealers from all over the world with gem stones, mineral specimens, fossils, jewelry, beads and lots more. If it is made of stone, you should be able to find it here. 

Since the early 1950's Spruce Pine NC has been the host of this annual Festival and has welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more.


The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can't miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.   

There will be a BBQ on Saturday, a fundraiser for the  the Parkway Fire and Rescue and new equipment. Come help out the fire department. 

The Show will be open 10 AM to 6 PM daily and Sunday 12:30 - 5 PM at 12966 South Hwy 226 in Spruce Pine NC. Admission is $3 for adults, children are free. There will be plenty of parking plus a free shuttle.