Mr. Bruce Barclay Cameron, Jr. Leaves Legacy of Philanthropy to the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, in Honor of His Late Wife

“The museum family of trustees, volunteers, members and staff are mourning the passing of a great man,” Anne Brennan, executive director of the Cameron Art Museum said. She continues, “It is through his love for his wife, Louise Wells Cameron, that he worked diligently toward the realization of the Cameron Art Museum in her honor. Anyone who passes through these doors can feel the strength of this tribute and its profound inspiration to the community. Since Wilmington’s establishment over 270 years ago, Bruce Cameron still stands as one of our city’s most generous cultural philanthropists.”

Mr. Bruce, as he was fondly called, left a generous legacy of philanthropic giving that has impacted both the region and the state. In 2002, with a gift of land and seed money, he helped launch the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, re-establishing St. John’s Museum of Art in a larger, state-of-the-art facility. The new museum provided more space for public programming as well as expanded exhibition space, secure vault for the permanent collection, a 9.2 acre nature park and an historic Civil War site.

Brennan concluded, “Mr. Bruce, through the Cameron Art Museum, changed the cultural expectation for eastern North Carolina. He will be missed.”

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult and youth education; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi. The Cameron Art Museum also features its café, CaféJohnnie.

For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Offers Lecture by Ben Billingsley on Zelda Fitzgerald – Mar. 10, 2013

The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, will present the lecture, “Zelda In Context – Madness and Modernism”, by Ben Billingsley, on Sun., Mar. 10, 2013, in the Reception Hall and Brown Wing at 3pm.

The fee for CAM Members and Students is $5.00 and for Non-members $10.00

Artist and art teacher, Ben Billingsley offers an illustrated lecture on Zelda Fitzgerald and tour of CAM’s current exhibition on her art.

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald remains a literary and cultural celebrity, but her visual art is all too often overlooked.  Her art career represents a fascinating “what if” scenario – had she devoted herself to painting, might she have earned a position among the pantheon of American modernists whose careers bloomed during her brief lifetime?  We’ll explore the culture of the Roaring Twenties – a rebellious time that shaped both Fitzgeralds – and then consider what remains of Zelda’s painting in comparison to the work of other artists of her generation.

This is the closing program for and held in conjunction with the exhibition “Sometimes Madness is Wisdom: The Artwork of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald” (ends March 10, 2013) and The Big Read Greater Wilmington in celebration of The Great Gatsby.

For more information and schedule of local Big Read events visit (http://thebigreadwilmington.com/). The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Ensure you have your seat, purchase on CAM’s website at (www.cameronartmuseum.com)

Benjamin Billingsley is a painter and printmaker living in Wilmington.  He holds an MFA from UNC Greensboro, and has exhibited work in the Southeastern United States as well as in Estonia, Russia and in a woodcut print exhibition in Kyoto, Japan (2011). He participated in the Big Print Block Party in Carolina Beach in 2010 and 2012, printing 4’x8’ woodblocks with a steamroller.  In 2012, Billingsley’s “City of Crows” was awarded First Place in the Living Totems exhibition at 2TENhaustudio gallery in Ivanhoe, NC.  Upcoming projects include a two-person exhibition at WHQR in April 2013 and a summer residency at the Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum in Sabile, Latvia.  The Pedvale project, “Tree Spirits” consists of a series of woodblock prints adhered to trees – this temporary, bio-degradable, print-based, sculptural installation will debut at the opening ceremony for the museum’s summer season. Billingsley has provided artwork for the covers of three books of poetry – Hide Behind Me by Jason Mott, Days of Dark Miracles and Waxwings both by Daniel Nathan Terry.

Billingsley is the third generation artist and art instructor in his family. He has taught studio art and art history at Cape Fear Community College full-time since 2001. In 2006 Billingsley received the Marilyn Goodman Anderson Endowed Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is also a frequent guest lecturer for the Cameron Art Museum’s docent program, the Wilmington Art Association and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCW.  An overview of Ben’s work may be viewed at (http://www.benjaminbillingsley.com/).

Cameron Art Museum Receives Grant from Landfall Foundation in Support of “The Children’s Studio”

The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, received a grant of $3000 from the Landfall Foundation in support of The Children’s Studio an education program for 1st and 2nd graders. The Children’s Studio celebrates the Cameron Art Museum’s 50th anniversary by utilizing the exhibition “From Gatehouse to Winehouse” as an opportunity to teach children about artist studios and in particular the legacy of three important Wilmington artists. Children will have an opportunity to tour the exhibition, create their own artwork, and display it at a special reception.

The Children’s Studio will be held during a 6-week period beginning January 2013 during which time teachers may register to bring their classes free of charge to this unique program that celebrates the museum’s anniversary. During the time the initial program runs the regular monthly Kids @ CAM program will be focused on The Children’s Studio as well.

Martha Burdette program coordinator said, “The Children’s Studio is a wonderful opportunity for children to further integrate their understanding of our current exhibitions and their historical context. The hands-on participation truly brings them into the exhibition space and creates a sense of ownership and place. We are grateful to the Landfall Foundation for their commitment and support of this meaningful program.”

The Cameron Art Museum celebrates 50 years of art and art education. The museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult and youth education; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi. The Cameron Art Museum also features its café, CaféJohnnie located in the heart of the museum.

To learn more about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Festival of Trees Comes to Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC

The Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington Ballet Company and Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center have partnered to bring Festival of Trees to its new location at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, and the Nutcracker Ballet continues last year’s success at the Minnie Evans Performing Arts Center at Ashley High School. These memorable, family events are the perfect way to kick off the holiday celebration.

The 25 plus year historic Festival of Trees will be hosted at the Cameron Art Museum and serves as the jewel box backdrop to 25 sponsored trees. The Festival will be available for viewing starting on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10am to 8pm and will continue on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 27 and 28 from 10am to 6pm, Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 from 10am to 8pm. The last day of Festival of Trees at Cameron Art Museum will be Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10am to 6pm. Festival of Trees and the museum are closed on Monday, Nov. 26.

For the Nutcracker ballet performance the Wilmington Ballet Company is bringing in a larger cast of professionals for this special event in an effort to provide a memorable experience for adults and children alike. Five professional dancers will join a cast of 60+ local dancers to create a spectacular full-length grand-scale traditional Nutcracker. The production will be the area’s largest most elaborate Nutcracker ever! Performances for the Nutcracker ballet are Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 at 3pm at the Minnie Evans Performing Arts Center.  For more information about the Wilmington Ballet Company’s Nutcracker visit (http://nutcrackerwilmingtonnc.com/).

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult and youth education; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi.

Tickets for these events may be purchased online soon. For more information, (www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org). For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Celebrates Its 50th and 10th Anniversaries – Sept. 23, 2012

The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, continues the celebration of its 50th and 10th Anniversaries through a Public Day Celebration featuring special exhibits, activities and events on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, from 10am – 5pm. Come see CAM’s new exhibits and celebrate our 50 years as part of the Wilmington community and 10 years in our current location.

Enjoy family hands-on art activities, the dedication of our giant Vollis Simpson whirligig by the lake, music by Possum Creek Bluegrass Band, clay studio exhibition and demos, Civil War reenactors and more. This event is free and open to the public.

The schedule is as follows:

10am – 2pm – Civil War reenactors with 1st North Carolina Company E and Battery “B” 2nd Regiment Artillery, US Colored Troops

11am – 2pm – Clay Studio demonstrations

Noon – 3pm – Family hands-on art activities

1pm – Celebrate with birthday cupcakes

2:15pm – Music by Possum Creek Bluegrass Band

3pm – Giant Vollis Simpson whirligig dedication

And more…

CaféJohnnie is open for the celebration from 10am to 3pm. Additional free parking is available across from the museum campus at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and the former PPD lots on 17th and Independence.

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult and youth education; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi. The Cameron Art Museum also features its café, CaféJohnnie located in the heart of the museum.

For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

 

 

 

CaféJohnnie at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Opens Up Thursday Dinners Beginning June 14, 2012

In the works since CaféJohnnie opened at the end of March this year, the café will be serving dinner every Thursday starting June 14 from 5pm to 9pm at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC. CaféJohnnie lunches have proven very successful so it was natural to make the next step to serve dinners on Thursday evenings when the museum stays open late.

The CaféJohnnie menu will change every week with a particular emphasis on fresh, local produce. The appetizers and salads on the lunch menu will be available for Thursday dinners, and entrées inspired by the Feast Down East local product selection, fresh seafood and Certified Angus beef steaks as well as featured desserts. Diners may come in for a meal, stay for a performance and visit the exhibitions while at the museum.

The museum shop will also be open for late-night shoppers.

Contact CaféJohnnie directly for reservations at 910/777-2363. The café is also open 10am – 3pm for lunch Tuesday – Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

Now celebrating 50 Years, the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult and youth education; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi. The Cameron Art Museum also features its café, CaféJohnnie located in the heart of the museum.

For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Presents the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Spring Show and Sale – May 18 and 19, 2012

The Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Presents the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Spring Show and Sale, in Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Friday May 18, 2012, Reception and Preview Sale from 6pm – 8pm, $10 admission and on Saturday May 19, 2012, from 10am – 5pm, free and open to the public.

Work by Hiroshi Sueyoshi

Twenty-five CCCG members, including well-known potters Hiroshi Sueyoshi and Don Johns will be exhibiting and selling their work at the show.

Work by Don Johns

The CCCG, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 2007 by a group of Wilmington potters to promote and exchange information about all types of ceramic arts and to provide mutual support, encouragement, and education for its members and for the community. The guild offer workshops each year with nationally known sculptors and potters for its members and those in the community interested in the clay arts. It also provides community outreach by visiting schools to demonstrate and teach clay techniques to students. In addition, the guild uses its membership dues to offer scholarships and grants to its members. In only five short years, the CCCG has grown to include over 100 ceramic artists from the southeast coastal region.

Work by Kathy Whitley

For more information visit (http://www.coastalcarolinaclayguild.org/).

Focus On The Coast Magazine in Wilmington, NC, Calls for Entries for the 1st Annual Juried Coastal Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 2012 – Deadline June 4, 2012

Focus On The Coast magazine announces a “Call to Artists” for its 1st Annual Juried Coastal Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, Aug. 31- Sept. 02, 2012 (Labor Day weekend) at the Best Western Plus Coastline Conference & Event Center in Wilmington, NC. The event is open to all artists residing in the US. Prizes to be awarded!

*Opening night reception to benefit the DREAMS Arts and Education Center of Wilmington.

Categories: all painting mediums, photography, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, metal, woodcraft, glass, pottery, and fiber art.

Entries must be original work recently executed(2010-2012)

Application fee: $35/category

Please visit (www.zapplication.org) for prospectus and to apply.

Application Deadline:  June 4, 2012

With 10 years of experience publishing our award winning magazine in coastal North Carolina, as well as our special event productions and promotions, we look forward to sharing your inspired works of arts with our community of art enthusiasts, patrons, and visitors.

For further info e-mail to (art@focusonthecoast.com) or visit (http://www.focusonthecoast.com).

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Announces Opening Event of Rise Up Wilmington! Installation and CAM Iron Pour – Saturday, March 31, 2012, from 11am to 2pm

The community is invited to celebrate the installation opening event for Rise Up Wilmington! with artist Charlie Brouwer along with an on-site CAM Iron Pour with sculptor Carl Billingsley and others from East Carolina University School of Art and Design.

Since mid-March artist Charlie Brouwer has been seen around town collecting ladders from individuals, businesses and organizations in preparation for his installation. For those still interested in participating there is still time. Ladders will continue to be accepted through March 30 at 7pm. More information at (www.riseupwilmington.org).

Carl Billingsley is a sculptor who is on the faculty at East Carolina School of Art and Design and is actively engaged in exhibitions, commissions and installations of his work. Billingsley works in a variety of media, from stone carving to iron casting. (http://www.billingsleyatelier.com/)

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult education with CEU credits; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance); Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi.

For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).

Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, Opens CaféJohnnie – Mar. 29, 2012

The public is invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of CaféJohnnie at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, on Thursday, Mar. 29, 2012, from 10am to 3pm.

The menu will focus on fresh, local, affordable options in a family-friendly atmosphere. Pine Valley Market owners Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti, the creators of CaféJohnnie said, “We feel the enthusiasm and excitement for the future of the Cameron Art Museum and we want to be a part of it.” Executive Director of the Cameron Art Museum, Anne Brennan said, “We are so thrilled that the excellent offerings and service that Pine Valley Market brings will breathe life and nourishment back into the geographic heart of the museum!”

The name CaféJohnnie honors  Dr. Johnnie Sexton, a supporter of local businesses and the arts. He founded The CARE Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families and professionals through the emotional journey of having a child with hearing loss.

The Cameron Art Museum presents 6-8 changing exhibitions annually; ongoing family and children’s programs; a unique program of tours for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers; The Museum School classes for adult education with CEU credits; interdisciplinary programs (lectures, music, films, literature, dance);  Healthy Living Classes and ongoing workshops and classes in ceramics at the Clay Studio with resident master artist Hiroshi Sueyoshi.

For more information about the museum, please visit (www.cameronartmuseum.com).