The Final Countdown

Before the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum opens its doors to the general public, festivities are planned for supporters and friends of the new facility, along with local residents.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, all donors to the capital campaign — which funded the building costs — have been invited to a Preview Party beginning at 7 p.m. Chaired by Linda Russell and Anne Denton, the black-tie optional evening will be the first time the doors are open for “guests.”

Three local chefs from Chetola Resort and Spa, Foggy Rock and the Blowing Rock Country Club will provide their specialty dishes for the guests to sample that night.

“We wanted to have a wide variety of foods to enjoy, and the selection that the committee chose will accomplish that,” Russell said. “A very generous patron has also donated the wines for the evening and will pair them with the foods appropriately. We are really looking forward to ‘toasting’ this fantastic addition to our town.”

Also planned for the Donor Preview Party will be chamber music from a classical harpist, as well as a donated ice sculpture to be highlighted in the atrium lobby. Using a black and white theme, elegant decorations have been carefully planned.

Other treats are planned for the attendees, including a door prize drawing for a piece of jewelry donated by Susan Hardin of Hardin’s Fine Jewelry in Banner Elk.

In addition to the co-chairs, committee members include Laurin Carter, Joyce Collins, Susan Hambright, Cantey Kelleher, Susanna Russell and Tiffany Taylor.

Cost to attend this special evening is $125; anyone who is still considering a donation to the building fund is encouraged to do so in time to attend.

On Saturday, Sept. 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., all members of BRAHM are invited to a genuine North Carolina pig roast, which will be held on the parking deck next to the museum. Chaired by Cindy Milner and Janet Cone, this casual gathering promises to be great fun for all. Bandana napkins and casual flower arrangements will be placed on tables on the deck where everyone can enjoy the music from the Harris Brothers’ band.

Ned Trivette, Bob Mauldin and Wade Wilmoth have volunteered to roast a whole pig for the party. The group promises that this all-night cooking affair will be both fun and tasty. Bistro Roca has agreed to provide the side dishes, and beverages will be available.

Party-goers will have a chance to get a sneak peek into the building and well-known artist Lita Gatlin has donated an oil painting to be given away in a drawing.

Committee members include Sandy Huff, Susan Leonard, Sharon McNeely, Gail Jennings Mosley and Amanda Williamson.

Cost to attend this event is $50 per person; anyone who wishes to join the museum will be invited to join the fun.

The third event of the Pre-Opening Weekend will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free to the public, the Community and Family Day celebration is being chaired by Kim Hartley, Wendy Estes and Chelsea Garrett.

The event will feature activities and entertainment that children of all ages will enjoy, including a face painter, a balloon artist, the High Country Cloggers, the Mini Mountaineers and the musical trio “The Forget Me Nots” to entertain the participants.

Additionally, families will be able to visit the Education Center for the first time, where children will be able to participate in a specially planned art activity. A storyteller will also be on hand to read a book in the Blowing Rock Exhibit and as an added treat, the artwork from the Watauga County Shooting Stars will be on display for all to enjoy.

Kilwin’s Ice Cream has donated ice cream for the party and lemonade and popcorn will also be offered. This celebratory afternoon is partially underwritten by donations from Food Lion and the di Santi Watson Capua Wilson law firm.

Committee members include Leah England, Gina Harwood, Virginia Powell and Leslie Temple.
For more information, call the BRAHM office at (828) 295-9099 or visit http://www.blowingrockmuseum.org.