PREV IEW
MANAGING EDITOR
Laura Napolitano
DESIGNER
Dan Ruccia
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christopher Ciccone, Rachel Jessen
CONTRIBUTORS
Cameron Allison, Jason Blyskal, Bekah Boyer, Jessica Gorelick, Moses T. A. Greene, Danielle Hahn, Miles Hall, Molly Hull, Sabrina Hurtado, Courtney Klemens, Kayla Miles, Lizzie Newton, Philip Pledger, Michael Rafo, Sean Sabye, Bryanne Shepard, Cali Stuckey, Jill Taylor, Janis Treiber, Oliver Wagner, Rachel Woods, Jeffrey Yelverton
Preview is published by the NCMA four times a year.
The North Carolina Museum of Art is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary.
WHAT’S TO COME!
We are currently reimagining our campuses through exciting renovation and construction projects. Here’s the latest.
raleigh Please Be Seated—North Carolina by Paul Cocksedge, the newest art installation in the Park, is now complete! Relax on the undulating bench the next time you’re at the Museum. Contractors have begun work on the visitor-facing conservation space on Level A of East Building. Construction continues in the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater in the Museum Park.
winston-salem Work on major renovations at the Marguerite Drive location begins in August. NCMA WinstonSalem Downtown, an exhibition and program space, opens in summer 2026 at 400 W. 4th Street.
For up-to-date news and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncartmuseum.org/ncma-campus-renovations-and-updates
cover Albert Bierstadt, Sierra Nevada Morning (detail), 1870, oil on canvas, 551/4 × 851/2 in., Gilcrease Museum, Gift of the Thomas Gilcrease Foundation, 01.2305; Photo: © Gilcrease Museum
From the Director
Dear Friends,
Summer at the NCMA brings an assortment of outstanding opportunities to grow and learn, whether it be in the galleries or the great outdoors. Building upon a theme of spring 2026 Preview, this issue highlights a new lineup of offerings that examine and uplift our nation’s layered history. We are proud to contribute to the festivities surrounding the state’s America250 celebration organized by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) by creating opportunities for you to engage in this momentous anniversary through the arts.
On view through August 9, the exhibition Knowing the West invites visitors to consider a variety of outlooks on the continuously evolving legacy of the American West and to share their own perspectives through a series of interactive elements (pages 4–7). While our conservation lab remains closed for renovation, NCMA conservators are joining forces with the North Carolina Museum of History conservation team to treat an uncharacteristically intact replica of a revolutionary American artifact (pages 8–11).
In Winston-Salem we are delighted to introduce visitors to the new NCMA Winston-Salem Downtown with a jam-packed schedule of indoor and outdoor programs (pages 12–13). In our digital spaces, recent updates have made it easier than ever to navigate the NCMA website, learn more about works on view, and stay abreast of upcoming events (pages 14–15). Discover all that goes into preparing the Park for its busy season (pages 16–18) before getting a sneak peek at seasonal selections from the Museum Store and NCMA Café (page 19). And for teachers hoping to integrate art into their curriculum, we discuss our annual Summer Institute as well as our free online courses (pages 20–21).
I am excited to see such a wide breadth of themes, disciplines, and perspectives represented in this season’s slate of exhibitions, performances, workshops, film screenings, and lectures (pages 22–25). By offering a diverse menu of art experiences, the NCMA demonstrates its dedication to the continued development of wide-ranging cultural resources designed for all North Carolinians. As always, we remain intent on fostering human connection through a shared love of the arts, and I hope as many of our communities as possible have the opportunity to enjoy what’s on the horizon.
With appreciation and my best,
Valerie Hillings
Elizabeth Conrad Hickox (Karuk/Wiyot/American), Polychrome Lidded Basket early 20th century, wild grape root, myrtle sticks, hazel, maidenhair fern, yellow-dyed porcupine quills, and staghorn lichen, H. 41/8 × Diam. 415/16 in., Hood Museum of Art, Purchased through Mrs. Harvey P. Hood W’18 Fund
exhibitions KNOWING THE WEST VOICES, STORIES, AND NEW WAYS TO PART ICIPAT E
felicia knise Director of Interpretive Strategies
What does it mean to know the American West? For many people the phrase brings to mind sweeping landscapes, cowboy hats, dusty trails, and largerthan-life legends. Yet the story of the West has never belonged to a single voice or viewpoint. The exhibition Knowing the West, on view through August 9, invites visitors to look again—to consider how art can open space for new questions, overlooked histories, and personal connections.
Throughout the galleries visitors will find not only artworks but also opportunities to participate. A series of interactive elements encourages people to listen, reflect, and even contribute their own ideas. Whether through a community-driven audio tour, a welcome video and response station, or a new artwork by North Carolina artist Dare Coulter, these interactives ask visitors to slow down, look more closely, and join an ongoing conversation about the many ways the West is imagined and experienced.
One of the most inviting ways to explore the exhibition is through the NC-focused audio tour, a self-guided listening experience accessible through QR codes placed throughout the gallery. Designed to be engaging and approachable, the tour allows visitors to move through the exhibition at their own pace, pausing at five works of art to hear stories from community members across North Carolina. Rather than presenting a single narration, the tour brings together a range of voices. Community members, cultural leaders, and local artists share what they notice in the artworks and the personal stories they evoke. The result feels less like a lecture and more like a series of conversations unfolding alongside the objects.
For example, Quinn Godwin, director of the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Commission, reflects on a wedding jar (p. 7) and how objects like it carry meaning across Native
communities through connection and shared traditions. In another stop on the audio tour, Caitlin Gooch, founder of Saddle Up and Read, responds to a toy set featuring a horse and doll (below left). Gooch recalls growing up on a farm surrounded by horses and speaks about the importance of imaginative play in childhood.
Listening to the tour can transform how visitors encounter the artworks. A painting or sculpture that might seem familiar at first may reveal new layers through someone else’s experience. Visitors may find themselves noticing details they might otherwise have overlooked or thinking differently about the ideas the artwork raises. By centering North Carolina voices, the tour brings a distinctly local lens to a story that stretches across the country.
If the audio tour invites visitors to listen, the exhibition’s welcome video and response station asks them to join the conversation from the very start. Located just outside the gallery entrance in a seating area, the station offers visitors a moment to pause before stepping into Knowing the West. A short video introduces the exhibition’s central question—What do you know about the West?—through a mix of voices and viewpoints. Rather than offering a single answer, it opens the door to many possibilities, encouraging visitors to consider how their own experiences, memories, and cultural references shape what the American West means to them.
After watching the video, visitors are invited to write their own responses, adding their reflections to a growing collection from
above Two Dots Studio staff and Quinn Godwin review one of the audio tour stops; Photo: Courtesy of Two Dots Studio
left Artist once known, Blackfeet, Doll, including horse, dress, and miniature cradleboard, 1870–90, leather, glass beads, wool, sticks, horsehair, dimensions variable, Courtesy of the Kansas City Museum and Union Station Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
opposite Jeffrey Yelverton, manager of music programming at the NCMA, records one of the audio tour stops; Photo: Courtesy of Two Dots Studio
the Museum’s audiences. The responses range from playful to deeply personal, reminding viewers that ideas about the West are as varied as the people pondering them. By encouraging visitors to reflect before they enter the gallery, the welcome video sets the tone for the exhibition: the story of the West is not fixed. It is a conversation—one shaped by many voices and lived experiences.
This spirit of connection and contemporary relevance also appears in an artwork by North Carolina artist Dare Coulter created specifically for this exhibition. Installed within the gallery, it draws attention to the ongoing presence and legacy of Black cowboy culture—an essential part of Western history that is often overlooked.
Coulter’s work is inspired by a woman very close to her: Caitlin Gooch. Gooch grew up on her family’s farm just outside Raleigh, where trail rides, horse races, and rodeo events have been part of daily life for generations. Today Gooch continues this legacy while running a literacy program that brings children together with horses and books. Visitors may already recognize Gooch from the audio tour. Her presence in both the tour and Coulter’s mixed-media work creates a powerful thread of community storytelling and connection.
For Coulter, discovering that Gooch’s family farm was just minutes from her own home was both surprising and deeply meaningful. “The woman in this artwork is one of my very best friends,” she explains. “I couldn’t believe her Black cowgirl legacy was just down the road from me.” Coulter’s artwork honors the strength of Black cowgirls and cowboys. Through the presence of a contemporary Black cowgirl—grounded in real relationships, real places, and living traditions—the work reminds visitors that the story of the American West is not fixed in the past. Many of its histories have been overlooked or left untold, yet its legacies remain present today.
Taken together, these interactive experiences invite visitors to engage with Knowing the West in an active and playful way. The exhibition becomes more than a collection of objects; it becomes a space for curiosity, conversation, and discovery. And that, perhaps, is the most exciting possibility Knowing the West offers: a chance to see the West not as a single story but as a landscape of many voices and experiences—some newly heard, some long present, and all still unfolding.
HELP MAKE HISTORY
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Interactive elements in exhibitions such as Knowing the West spark dialogue and provide opportunities for our community to engage with history. Creating these hands-on activities requires the generosity of supporters who champion the NCMA’s exhibitions. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring the interactives we are planning for our fall 2026 exhibition, Ancient Nubia: Excavating Treasures of the Nile, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, please reach out to Bekah Boyer, director of annual giving, at bboyer@ncartmuseum.org
top Behind the scenes of filming the community voices video. Staff approached visitors and asked: “How do you know the American West?” Photo: Courtesy of Two Dots Studio
An initial sketch of Dare Coulter’s “To Lasso the Moon” included in Knowing the West; Image: Courtesy of Dare Coulter opposite Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan) artist, Wedding Jar, circa 1885, clay, H. 121/8 × W. 101/2 in., Denver Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Levy, 1946.362; Photo: © Denver Art Museum
THROUGH AUGUST 9, 2026
East Building, Level B, Meymandi Exhibition Gallery
TICKETS
Reserve at ncartmuseum.org free for Members
$20 Adults
$17 Seniors age 65 and older
$12 Students (ages 7–22) free for children 6 and under
Questions about ticketing? Email help@ncartmuseum.org.
Knowing the West is organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, and co-curated by Mindy N. Besaw and Jami C. Powell with influence and input from a curatorial advisory council.
In Raleigh additional support is made possible, in part, by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, Inc.; Green Front Raleigh; Nancy and Ron McFarlane; Two Dots Studio; and the William R. Kenan Jr. Endowment for Educational Exhibitions. Research for this exhibition was made possible by Ann and Jim Goodnight/The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fund for Curatorial and Conservation Research and Travel.
EXHIBITION-RELATED EVENTS
Docent-Led Tours
Wednesday–Sunday through August 2 (by request)
free with exhibition ticket purchase
Join us for a tour of Knowing the West to explore inclusive, complex, and reflective stories and depictions of the American West.
Audio Description Tour
Thursday, June 11, Saturday, June 13, 10:30 am–noon
free with exhibition ticket purchase
Join us for an audio-described tour of the exhibition, which presents more than 120 works by Native American and non-Native American artists.
Teen Night 2026: Around the Campfire
Friday, June 12, 5:30–8:30 pm free with registration
Get out your cowboy outfit and enjoy a night at the Museum! Bring your friends to enjoy the exhibition, line dancing, interactive games, and art activities. Refreshments and snacks provided. For ages 13–18
America250 Community Day
Saturday, June 27, 10 am–5 pm
free
Join us for a community day featuring free admission to Knowing the West. Throughout the day visitors of all ages are invited to view the exhibition and participate in art making, performances, and community activities.
Member Monday: Knowing the West
Monday, July 13, 10 am–3 pm free for members
Join the membership team for exclusive member hours in Knowing the West! Coffee service is available during the first hour, and docent-led stations take place in the afternoon.
Dom Flemons Presents the Bronze Buckaroo Film and Songster Show
Saturday, August 8, 3 pm
Ticketed
Come on down to Dom Flemons's Bronze Buckaroo Film and Songster Show, which blends live music, film, and history to celebrate the legacy of Black cowboys and Black roots music.
Lasering In on Our Nation’s History
sean sabye Marketing Copywriter
Like many objects marred with indicators of their historical significance, the Liberty Bell is rendered more valuable by its damaged state. Its iconic crack distinguishes it from the over 50 functional replicas cast in 1950 and distributed to US states and territories to promote the sale of Independence Savings Bonds. These copies are the same size, weight, and material as the original Liberty Bell on view to the public in Philadelphia, and they provide us with an idea of its chime—a sound no living soul has heard.
North Carolina’s replica is cared for by the North Carolina Museum of History (NCMOH) in downtown Raleigh, which is currently undergoing a multiyear renovation that will improve building accessibility, expand the space by 40,000 square feet, and update climate control systems. Following the beginning of construction in late August 2025, the leadership of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) approached the NCMOH Conservation Department about treating the bell ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the bell will not be treated in time to ring in July 4, 2026, conservators decided that the project should remain a priority. In the early stages of the process, the NCMOH team joined forces with NCMA conservators, leveraging the support of other institutions within DNCR.
photos by corey riley Objects Conservator
Since conservation is a relatively small, specialized field, NCMA conservators tend to maintain an awareness of the projects their counterparts at local institutions engage in. Corey Riley, objects conservator at the NCMA, and Jennifer French, objects conservator at the NCMOH, have remained close colleagues for years, sharing a common background in archaeological conservation. Catching up with Riley, French described the steps involved in the conservation of the bell, including the removal of “several layers of yellow and red paint found on the bell’s steel yoke and legs.” Riley quickly realized how her team could lend a hand, offering to help remove the paint using the NCMA’s neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Reading the laser’s name may make one feel like their brain is malfunctioning, but its operating principles are fairly straightforward. In the past NCMA conservators have used the Nd:YAG laser to reduce coatings and remove accretions from marble sculptures, like William
Wetmore Story’s Saul under the Influence of the Evil Spirit and the Statue of Bacchus. Emitting light at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers, the laser pulses to eradicate grime on an object’s surface without damaging the substrate below. Although effective at stripping paint from metal surfaces, as in the case of the NC Liberty Bell, a Nd;YAG laser is also commonly used to treat human skin, such as in the removal of unwanted tattoos.
Because the NCMOH conservation lab is temporarily closed, the Liberty Bell is being treated at the off-site storage facility currently housing portions of the history museum’s collection. A temporary walled room has been constructed around the bell, preventing the laser light from harming anyone else working in the space. Riley estimates that her team will contribute to the restoration for several months. The laser is quite physically taxing to operate, compelling conservators to take breaks; both teams have dedicated just two days a week to the project. Still, Riley expressed
that the collaboration has given her “new reason to look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Once the teams clear all the paint off the bell’s yoke and legs, they will apply a new paint system to its surface to protect the metal from wear. This final step is especially important considering the bell will be reinstalled in Bicentennial Plaza downtown, fully exposed to the elements. “The bell itself will have its patina removed,” said French, “as it is not uniform and has been corroded in a number of places.” At the conclusion of the project, the bell will be allowed to patina naturally.
As previously mentioned, the bell’s restoration intentionally coincides with the nation’s America250 celebrations, commemorating the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States. “Both the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell are powerful symbols of our nation’s fight for independence and our rights as citizens,” said French. “By conserving and eventually exhibiting the
Liberty Bell replica, the NCMOH preserves an important reminder of our state’s involvement in the founding of our nation.”
Both Riley and French expressed how much they have enjoyed pooling their efforts in the pursuit of a shared goal. “As the only objects conservator currently at the NCMA,” said Riley, “it is such a pleasure to work alongside my peers at the North Carolina Museum of History.” French acknowledged that this project marks the first instance of “the two institutions collaborating on a major treatment,” emphasizing the benefits of combining resources and expertise. “There is no book that tells you how to specifically treat the Liberty Bell,” said Riley, “so working together can be extremely valuable and educational.”
To ensure that relationships among conservation teams within DNCR continue to flourish, conservators at the NCMA, the NCMOH, and the North Carolina State Archives have recently formed a community of practice dedicated to mutual support across institutions. Comprised of conservators specializing in a range of media (paintings, textiles, objects, and paper), the group plans to meet on a quarterly basis to discuss current treatments, professional concerns, and new research opportunities. “This is a wonderful way for us to stay in touch, grow our interdepartmental support system, and further develop a shared repository of knowledge,” said Riley.
page 8 A portion of the bell’s yoke displays the contrast between surfaces already treated and those waiting to be treated by the Nd:YAG laser
page 9 Corey Riley (front) and Jennifer French (back) pose in front of North Carolina’s
Learn more about statewide activities and events commemorating the 250th anniversary of North Carolina in the development of the United States at america250.nc.gov
left to right NCMOH conservator Sarah Beach uses the Nd:YAG laser to clean the bell’s yoke; Jennifer French removes paint from one of the bell’s iron supports; Jennifer French preps the bell’s yoke for lasering by applying gels to its metal surface; Sarah Beach (front) and NCMA conservation technician Jacob Levan (back) clean one of the bell’s iron supports with solvents
Liberty Bell replica
This summer, NCMA Winston-Salem Downtown opens its doors with a full slate of programs that embrace the joy of making art and celebrate the creative energy already thriving in and around Winston-Salem.
One of our longest-running favorites, 2nd Saturday, returns to anchor the season. This free drop-in program invites families to roll up their sleeves and create side by side. Each program draws inspiration from our exhibitions and the latest contemporary art coming out of North Carolina. For instance, June’s 2nd Saturday, taking place at Winston Square Park, responds to newly installed public artworks across Winston-Salem, offering a hands-on way to think about how art shapes our shared spaces.
We’ve joined forces with neighboring institutions to offer events in the community. Our new Art & Literacy program extends the spirit of creativity through
OUT
alex brown Director of Programs and Audience Engagement
a partnership with the Forsyth County Public Library. This artist-led series for teens travels to libraries across the county and illuminates the connection between visual art and the written word. In June storyteller Jessica Robin Harkey guides teens in creating pocket-sized books filled with short stories and illustrations. In August graphic designer Kat Lamp introduces the fundamentals of poster making, helping young artists turn their ideas into bold visual statements.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without touching some grass. Art in the Park, presented with Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks, is a free pop-up series that invites neighbors to make art together in local green spaces. In July multimedia artist Kim Varnadoe leads participants in collecting textures from sidewalks, manhole covers, and plants and transforming them into wearable works of art. In August artist and fabricator John Bowhers explores creative repurposing through puppet making with natural and found materials.
Our outdoor programs continue with Park Hangs, a fresh concert series presented with the Innovation Quarter. Inspired by our beloved House Hangs and building on the momentum of Bailey Beats, this free monthly series invites the community to settle in on the lawn at Bailey
Photo: Innovation Quarter
Park and welcome the weekend with live performances by some of the region’s finest musicians. With a relaxed, all-ages setting and food and drink for purchase from local vendors, Park Hangs make it easy to enjoy the soundtrack of summer.
For readers, deep thinkers, and the adventurous, we offer more ways to connect with your curious side. Book Club, led by NCMA W-S Executive Director Bill Carpenter, dives into contemporary literary fiction through lively, low-pressure conversations. Adults eager to experience the creative lifeblood of the Triad can join Field Trip, a roaming series that offers behind-the-scenes access to artists and cultural spaces. In June we gather at Delta Arts Center for a tour with curator Zaire McPhearson that highlights the center’s legacy as a cornerstone of African American art and culture in the region. In August we meet at Cohab Space in High Point, where Cohab artists and Program Director Toni Brayo share how creative ideas become sustainable careers.
These summer programs will inspire you to make art with your neighbors, go on an adventure with friends you haven’t met yet, and embrace your curiosity.
NCMA Winston-Salem Downtown
400 W. 4th Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
To register or purchase pay-what-you-can tickets, visit ncmawinstonsalem.gov
PROGRAM DATES
2nd Saturday June 13, July 11, August 8 free
Art & Literacy
Saturday, June 27, July 25, August 22
Register to attend
Art in the Park Saturday, June 20, July 18, August 15 free
Park Hangs
Friday, June 26, July 24, August 21 free
Field Trip
Thursday, June 11; Friday, July 17; Saturday, August 1
Register to attend
Photo:Lana Shkadova
Emily Clare, Bottle Brush
Buckeye; Image: Courtesy of Emily Clare
Over the last several months, NCMA staffers have been hard at work making improvements to the way visitors experience the Museum’s offerings in our digital spaces. Soon you’ll enjoy easier navigation on our website, updates to web page layouts, more accessible image descriptions, and more.
Curators’ Art Labels Online
Want to browse the collection before your next visit? Or remember an important takeaway you gleaned from your last? Informative and enlightening wall labels of most works on view are now available online at the NCMA Collections Portal. Just visit your favorite titles or discover new artists by clicking the Arts dropdown menu on our homepage, ncartmuseum.org Then click “The People's Collection” to call up what curators refer to informally as their art “chats.”
Alternative Texts for Images
By spring 2027, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, states and local governments are mandated to improve their websites’ accessibility by complying with standards laid out in the ADA’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA). A key requirement calls for text descriptions of nontext content, including images, icons, and navigation buttons. For an art museum with hundreds of art images, making these improvements presents a highly rewarding endeavor. Alt texts for images on the NCMA’s website can be accessed by people using screen readers.
What Artists Have to Say
Curious about an artist’s process and personality? What their workspace might look like? Drop by our YouTube channel, click “Playlists,” and select “Artistic Insights,” where you can take a fascinating “private” tour of artists in their own studios. Highlights include a visit with Senora Lynch, whose pottery was recently featured in the exhibition To Take Shape and Meaning.
Enrichment Online
karen kelly Senior Editor
Preview Magazine Online
All the latest NCMA news at a glance, and readily shareable with friends and family. Visit the homepage and select the Events & Programs dropdown to access the most recent issue of our magazine or to browse a selection of archived issues.
Discover More Outdoors
The NCMA Park app (available on the Apple App Store and at park.ncartmuseum.org) offers an interactive, GPS-enabled guide to our 164-acre campus, featuring audio tours, detailed art descriptions, and maps for over 30 outdoor sculptures. The app enhances visits with educational content, artist interviews, and curated, themed walking tours.
Virtual Field Trips for Students across NC
The NCMA continues to offer free, interactive virtual field trips for K–12 students. These 30- to 45-minute live sessions with Museum educators cover various topics, including art history, science connections, and NC culture. Options include specialized tours for students with disabilities and customizable experiences to meet curriculum needs. For more information visit learn.ncartmuseum.org/vft
bottom left Artist Senora Lynch discusses her pottery in one of the NCMA’s “Artistic Insights” virtual studio visits.
bottom right NCMA virtual field trip; Photo: Wilter Blanco
photos by rachel jessen NCMA Photographer
Despite the overwhelming North Carolina heat, summertime is a popular season for visitors to enjoy the splendid views, trails, and wideopen spaces of the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. The Park takes on an almost magical quality at this time of year, maintaining an effortless beauty, at once organic and orderly.
While such romantic notions have their appeal, it’s important to keep in mind the tremendous amount of work that goes into maintaining the space’s many charms. Managed by Grounds Supervisor Matt Hobgood, the NCMA’s Park staff promotes safe and delightful outdoor experiences for every visitor who steps onto the Museum’s 164-acre Raleigh campus. To gain a better understanding of all that goes into preparing the Park for its busy season, Preview contributors shadowed Hobgood and his staff of four full-time horticultural technicians as they went about their routine.
A Day in the Life of Our Park Staff
The excursion foregrounded efforts so often taken for granted and revealed the collaborative nature of the Park staff’s endeavors.
Part of the morning was spent in the Carla McKinney Volunteer Garden, where Hobgood introduced his crew of stalwart Park volunteers. That day, they were removing invasive English ivy from the bases of surrounding trees. They do this by hand, Hobgood explained, to reduce the use of herbicides on campus. “It may seem tedious,” he said, “but we do it out of concern for the safety and well-being of our visitors.”
Other invasive species, like Bradford pears, black locusts, and blackberry shrubs, are also commonly removed once
identified. “A lot of people like the blackberries,” Hobgood said, “but they tend to take over if we don’t do anything about them.” Hobgood’s team is responsible for maintaining the many other gardens in the Park, including the Rodin Courtyard with its reflecting pool of water lilies, the pollinator garden that surrounds the Park’s apiaries, and the Sensory Garden.
While the crew moved from tree to tree, snipping away, Hobgood spoke about his relationship with the volunteers. “The volunteers like to take ownership of this place,” he said, “which I couldn’t be happier about.” The dedicated workers include Jeannette Lee, who is a North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) and gives her time to the NCMA purely because of her “passion for
anything related to plants,” she said. Jerod Kratzer, the unofficial coordinator of Park volunteers, has been assisting with the Volunteer Garden for over 15 years. Loading straw bales onto a utility vehicle, Hobgood expressed his gratitude for Kratzer’s dedication. “If it wasn’t for Jerod,” he said, “I don’t know how active volunteering in the garden would be.” Volunteers not only infuse the Park with a sense of community, but they also shore up Hobgood and his team to focus on more pressing responsibilities.
The NCMA Park staff is charged with a host of obligations. During the warm seasons, they plant native perennials, grasses, and trees throughout the campus. They maintain the Park’s nearly five miles of trails as well as the large meadows and other open spaces. Another demanding part of their work is providing tree care for the Park’s diverse collection of native varieties, including oaks, maples, magnolias, and sycamores.
Hobgood and his team also manage annual landscaping projects that visitors look forward to. The popular sunflower field requires weeks of preparation. Due to the high nitrogen intake of sunflowers, the field must be relocated every three to four years, allowing the soil’s nutrient content to replenish. Once the soil is tilled and prepared for seeding, 10 different varieties of sunflower seeds are spread, along with
a mixture of cosmos and zinnia seeds. This process results in the picturesque combination of reds, oranges, and yellows that decorate the Park each year.
Toward the end of the day, Hobgood spread straw and grass seed in the area surrounding Paul Cocksedge’s Please Be Seated—North Carolina, a new artwork installed in the Park in the spring. Site preparation for new installations and ongoing care of the landscaping around the over 30 existing artworks is a major part of the Park staff’s duties. As he pushed along a seed spreader, Hobgood discussed the aspects of his day that imbue his work with meaning, singling out the moments he gets to interact with visitors. “It’s satisfying to receive positive affirmation from the public while we’re out here doing our work,” he said, “especially during the demanding summer months.”
NATURAL INSPIRATION
Summer brings a fresh perspective to the Museum Store, beginning with a vibrant new color on our gallery wall that sets the tone for the season. Local artists such as Cassie Ott (right) are unveiling new works sparked by the natural beauty found throughout the Park, from riotous flowers to quiet moments in nature. Each piece reflects the elements that inspire artists to create and invites visitors to find their own connection with the landscape. The Museum Store serves as a bridge between art and nature, offering a space where these elements come together. Visitors can discover meaningful works and take home a reminder of time spent among the gardens and trails. This summer, we celebrate over 15 new store artisans, so visit soon to see what is blooming!
A SWEET PARK-NERSHIP
NCMA Café and Ella’s Popcorn are partnering with Bee Downtown to bring honey straight from the Park apiaries to our guests. The hyperlocal honey is featured in the Café’s salted honey yogurt and in the Bee-Dreamy Almond flavor of Ella’s Popcorn. By supporting pollinators right here in the Park, we’re celebrating food that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
SAVOR THE OUTDOORS
Fuel your Museum visit with delicious to-go options from NCMA Café, perfect for enjoying in the Park. From fresh sandwiches and vibrant salads to popcorn and sweet treats, our grab-and-go offerings make it easy to savor a meal or snack outdoors. Find a sunny spot, spread out a blanket, and take in the art, trails, and scenery while you dine. Whether you’re planning a leisurely picnic or a quick bite between gallery visits, NCMA Café has everything you need for a relaxed and memorable Park experience.
Shop and Dine Park Style
Schools Out, TEACHERS IN!
jill taylor Manager of Teacher Programs and Resources
When school lets out for the summer, Museum educators’ work with teachers doesn’t slow down. Did you know that teachers need 80 hours of professional development over a five-year period to renew their teaching license? Through research and our own discussions with teachers, we know that educators need time, professional development, and opportunities to collaborate to be successful. Every summer, the NCMA offers opportunities for in-person and digital learning, such as our Summer Institute for Teachers and online courses, for teachers to learn with a community of peers interested in art and earn renewal credits. Both programs give us the opportunity to build relationships with educators from across the state.
The Summer Institute for Teachers is a two-day immersive, in-person workshop for educators from across the state. This year’s theme is Out of Many One: Perspectives on American History through Art and Objects. Teachers applied to participate in the spring. The institute offers educators unique experiences with Museum staff, program partners, and artists while exploring big ideas that support the integration of art across subjects. For example, Martha Clippinger, an artist from Durham, led educators in an art-making activity at the summer institute in 2025, which took place at NCMA Winston-Salem.
Over 90 teachers apply for 25 spots. Our selection process takes geographic representation across NC, a range of grade levels, and an interest in participating in a community of practice into consideration. We provide a stipend and travel reimbursement because we know that many teachers take time away from their families and/or second jobs to participate.
For teachers who need to work at their own pace, our online courses are a great option. This summer, we are offering Art and Literacy, our most robust course yet at 20 hours of credit. Developed in collaboration with an English teacher and art teacher, this course pairs some of our favorite gallery teaching strategies with literacy strategies used in classrooms to support vocabulary building, comprehension, and communication through discussion, making, and writing.
Many art teachers and teachers of subjects other than English language arts can struggle with finding a literacy training that
above An excerpt from a module in the Art and Literacy online course opposite top Teachers who participated in the 2024 Summer Institute for Teachers in Raleigh pose with then-secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources D. Reid Wilson (far left); Photo: Tom Normanly, DNCR opposite bottom Teachers pose with artworks made during their session with Martha Clippinger at NCMA Winston-Salem, 2025; Photo: Michelle Harrell
feels relevant to them. Our goal is to make sure that multiple forms of literacy (verbal, visual, media, etc.) are supported in classrooms. As one participant said, “This course helped me see that integrating art and literacy isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.”
For many teachers summer presents the perfect opportunity to dive into learning and nurture their professional growth. They can focus better without the pressures of daily classroom life that they might find during the traditional school year. Attending professional development in the summer also gives teachers an opportunity to plan for the next school year. One attendee at the 2025 institute said, “I want to thank you and all the team of the Museum for the amazing opportunity of the teacher institute. It was great. All the activities and the resources were super useful ... I am coming back to school full of ideas and willing to use the power of art in my class.”
My NCMA
SUMMER EVENTS
The events in My NCMA represent a selection of programs taking place at the Museum in June, July, and August. Watch for email newsletters and go to ncartmuseum.org/programs for details and to find more programs.
MEMBER EVENTS
Museum Member Meet-Up and Tour
Sunday, August 23, 11 am–1 pm free with registration for members Mix and mingle with your membership team and fellow Museum members on a tour of the People’s Collection. After the program enjoy lunch in NCMA Café using your member discount!
ADULT PROGRAMMING
Sculpture Meditation with Meg Stein
Saturday, June 6, July 11, 10 am–noon
Ticketed
Engage in hands-on sculpting while practicing embodied meditation, fostering relaxation and artistic expression. Led by sculptor and certified mindfulness instructor Meg Stein, this workshop invites participants into deeper self-connection. Supplies included. All skill levels welcome.
Sensory Journey through Art
Thursday, June 11, August 13, 7–8 pm free with registration
Join NCMA curators for a virtual sensory journey inspired by art from the People’s Collection. Participants are prompted to use a provided sensory kit to activate the senses of touch, taste, smell, and sound. Paired with audio description.
Drawing Meditation with Maureen O’Neill Saturday, June 20, August 22, 10 am–noon
Ticketed
In this workshop with artist Maureen O’Neill, participants use guided drawing techniques to connect with the present moment. Experience the healing and creative power of intuitive mark making. No experience needed.
Craft
Nights at the Museum
Thursday, June 25, July 23, August 27, 5:30–8 pm free
Make art and meet new folks after hours. Bring in any craft project you’re working on or create something fresh with provided art supplies. Each month we have a different theme connected to our galleries and time of year.
NCMA
After Hours
Thursday, July 16, August 13, 5–9 pm free
NCMA After Hours is now monthly! Join us for an evening of art, music, and creative energy. Enjoy pop-up experiences designed to spark connection and creativity. Food and drinks are available for purchase at NCMA Café.
The Museum offers many types of accessibility accommodations for events and tours. To find out what is available or request an accommodation, contact Accessibility Coordinator Molly Hull, mhull@ncartmuseum.org. Please note that requests require a minimum two-week notice.
Woven Sculptures
with Angela Eastman
Saturday, July 18, noon–5 pm
Ticketed
Participants engage in a practical exploration of natural plant fibers. They learn how to identify, harvest, and process useful plants, then utilize weaving techniques to create sculptural woven vessels and forms. No experience needed.
In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community
Friday, July 10, August 14, 1–2:30 pm free with registration
In the Moment: Cultural Activities for the Memory Community is a new program series designed for those living with memory changes and their care partners.
On the second Friday of every month at the NCMA, participants take part in meaningful interactions and express
their unique perspectives, while learning from a variety of cultural institutions within the state’s Department of Natural of Cultural Resources. Partners include the Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of History, and Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The July and August programs are themed “the sounds of NC.”
Art Heist Dinner
Friday, July 24, 6–9 pm
Ticketed
During an evening of intrigue, art meets mystery, and every bite holds a clue. Indulge in a special multicourse menu while uncovering hints that guide you to the missing artwork. Will you crack the case before dessert?
MINDFUL MUSEUM
Seasonal Restorative Art-Making Circles (Summer)
Wednesday, June 17, 6–7:30 pm free with registration
Reconnect with yourself through guided artmaking and mindfulness practice in community. These quarterly sessions invite you to create, reflect, and restore using simple materials, meditative art processes, and seasonal themes.
Summer Meditative Moments with Art
Wednesday, July 15, 6–7 pm
Ticketed
Drawing on themes from works in our collection and qualities of the summer season, we inspire you to turn deeper within. An intentional observation of art is followed by a guided meditation to create opportunities for calm and self-reflection.
The Art of Rest Workshop
Thursday, August 6, 6–7:30 pm free with registration
In a time that asks us to be constantly productive and on high alert, this workshop offers a gentle container in the NCMA’s galleries to pause and explore the many forms of rest.
Summer Singing Bowl Sound Bath
Wednesday, August 19, 6–7 pm
Ticketed
Enjoy a restorative sound bath in the peaceful setting of our galleries. Sound baths are a meditative practice that use resonant instruments to calm the nervous system, decrease stress, and enhance rest.
PERFORMING ARTS AND FILM
MUSIC
sacred songs series
Lift Every Voice:
Community Wide Sing-Along at Baptist Grove Church
Saturday, June 27, Time 4–6:30 pm free with registration
Join us for a sing-along with a gathering of soloists, ensembles, and community participants. Curated by Dr. Tiffany Bennett-Cornelous, the evening’s program focuses on the spirituals and hymns of the Black church experience and civil rights movement.
notes on view
Soundwave Supply Co.
Saturday, June 27, 11 am, 2 pm free
Soundwave Supply Co. is a groove-powered collective from Richmond, Virginia. Members blend jam-band spontaneity, funky rhythms, and reggae soul into a sound that’s as fluid as it is infectious.
notes on view
Lynnette Barber and Will Ellis Blues Duo Saturday, July 25, 11 am, 2 pm free
Founded in Raleigh in 2024, the Lynnette Barber and Will Ellis Blues Duo blends blues, smooth jazz, jazz, fusion, swing,
neo soul, R&B, soul, funk, folk, and singersongwriter into a genre-defying sound.
notes on view
Ed Stephenson
Sunday, August 9, 11 am, 2 pm free
Ed (Stefanyshyn) Stephenson is a Canadian guitarist based in Raleigh and a recording artist with Alanna Records. Known for its virtuosity, his work spans classical Spanish, flamenco, and flamenco fusion styles.
DANCE
still. moving Prism 5 and Prism 7 as interpreted by Frankie Lee III Saturday, June 6, 11 am, 1 pm free
Frankie Lee III of Flee Dance offers a living response to Prism 5 and Prism 7 by South African artist Wim Botha, bringing choreographed motion to what was made to endure. Support provided by Dawn F. Lipson.
global rhythms
“First Kiss” by Big Red Dance Project Saturday, July 11, 11 am, 1 pm free
“First Kiss” transforms dancers’ real memories into movement. Durham writer Mimi Herman shapes their stories into a text both humorous and tender, while Gerri Houlihan brings them to life through intimate, expressive choreography on stage.
Soundwave Suppy Co.;
Photo: Courtesy of the artists
NCMA MOVIES AT MOORE SQUARE
This summer, the NCMA partners with Moore Square to present a series of FREE outdoor movies in Moore Square. Join us monthly on weekend evenings starting at 6 pm for themed programming and food trucks. Films begin at 7:15 pm
Shrek (2001)
Saturday, June 20
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, 1 hr. 30 min., animation/comedy, PG
Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Shrek! A mean lord exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess to get his land back.
Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
Friday, July 10
Directed by Takao Okawara, 1 hr. 40 min., action/kaiju/sci-fi, NR
In anticipation of Godzilla Minus Zero, we look back at one of Godzilla’s most exhilarating outings—Japan is caught in the middle of a three-way battle between Godzilla, the divine Mothra, and her dark counterpart, Battra.
Wicked: For Good (2025)
Friday, August 21
Directed by John M. Chu, 2 hr. 17 min., fantasy/musical/romance, PG
Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile. As an angry mob rises against her, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good.
in motion. in time.
Untitled (2012) by Marlo Pascual as interpreted by Amy Beasley
Saturday, August 22, 11 am, 1 pm free
This choreographic response to an artwork in Partial Figure channels a body caught between concealment and emergence. Limbs press through rupture, tracing tension, exposure, and the struggle to be seen, held, and made whole.
FILM
the people’s collection Always Looking:
Titus Brooks Heagins (2025)
Friday, June 5, 8 pm
Ticketed
Directed by Olympia Stone, 56 min., documentary, NR
This doc delves into the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins, which highlights the systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable. His humanizing yet confrontational photos document those marginalized by poverty, race, and gender/sexual identity.
NCMA Loves Anime Bazaar
Saturday, June 13, 10 am–7:30 pm free
Join us for a day full of anime vendors, food, and music before a screening of Mamoru Hosoda’s feature film Summer Wars
ncma loves anime Summer Wars (2009)
Saturday, June 13, 8–10 pm
Ticketed
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, 1 hr. 54 min., animation/action/sci-fi, PG
Kenji is a shy moderator for OZ, the virtual reality world that powers everyday life, until pretty and popular Natsuki recruits him to be her fake boyfriend and a rogue AI program steals his online identity.
animation is art
Film Screening and Lecture: All You Need Is Kill (2025)
Saturday, July 18, 7 pm
Ticketed
Directed by Kenichiro Akimoto, 1 hr. 22 min., action/animation/sci-fi, R
Join us for a screening of the adaptation of the 2004 novel All You Need Is Kill, followed by a post-screening talkback presented by Dr. Mina Kaneko.
PARK
Park Tour: Art and Sculpture
Saturday, June 20, 9–10:30 am free with registration
Join us for a guided walk through the Park that focuses on sculpture and installations. During this interactive tour, you’ll discover a selection of artworks and learn about the featured artists and their working methods.
Summer Solstice Sunset Yoga
Sunday, June 21, 7:30–9 pm
Ticketed
Celebrate the longest day of the year with an inspiring community experience as the sun sets over the Museum Park! This all-level class includes joyful movement and guided introspection to welcome the season of abundance.
Image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Summer Native Medicinal Plants: Passionflower
Saturday, August 1, 9–11 am
Ticketed
Revel in the richness of summer with a North Carolina favorite—passionflower, aka maypop. We’ll explore its natural history, ecology, and herbal qualities, as well as learn a few simple preparations, applications, and more!
FAMILIES
What’s in the Box?
Wednesday, June 3, July 8, August 5, 10–11 am
Ticketed
Meet a work of art, enjoy movement and play, and get your creative juices flowing in this artful workshop for 3- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers.
Artful Story Time
Wednesday, June 17, July 22, August 19, 10:30–11 am free with registration
Story time with an artful twist! Come look, listen, and move as we make connections with original works of art and children’s books. Rotating featured readers and changing locations mean there’s always a new perspective to enjoy.
NCMA to Go Art Kits
Saturday, July 11, 10 am–noon free with registration
Get creative with NCMA art and artists at home! Reserve an art kit with materials for a complete hands-on project plus written instructions. Kits are designed for all ages. In English and Spanish. Support provided by the Bastian Family Charitable Foundation
Pop-Up Art
Sunday, July 19, August 16, noon–3 pm free
Enjoy the fun of drop-in art-making activities for all ages popping up across the Museum galleries and Park. Check ncartmuseum.org for specific activities and locations.
Family Studio
Saturday, August 1, 10 am–noon or 1–3 pm
Ticketed
Guided by expert artists, look closely at original works of art and find inspiration to create your own projects during these two-hour studio workshops. Best for families with children ages 5 to 11.
TEENS AND COLLEGE
Interested in learning more about the Teen Arts Council or the College Advisory Panel? Keep up-to-date with all happenings on our Teens and College programs web pages.
Teens Sketch the Galleries
Saturday, June 6, July 11, August 1, noon–2 pm
free with registration
Join us to spend time sketching with other teens in the galleries. Bring a pencil and your sketchbook and follow prompts or find your favorite sketching spot with a friend. For ages 13–18.
TOURS
The NCMA offers free private tours of the People’s Collection to school, youth, and adult groups. To select and request the right tour for you, visit us at: ncartmuseum.org/visit/tours.
Public Tours
Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 1 pm free
These tours of the People’s Collection are great for first-time visitors, as an afterlunch treat, or if you’re curious about the 5,000+ years of art and culture on constant rotation in the NCMA galleries.
Art on the Dot
Every Saturday and Sunday, 2:30–4:30 pm free
Join a docent in the galleries for bitesized tour experiences. Docents guide
NCMA Trivia at Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Friday, July 17, 5 pm
Price of purchase
In anticipation of the NCMA Games Together festival on August 15, join us and our friends at Ponysaurus for gaming trivia. With good food and amazing prizes, it will be a fun night to remember!
NCMA Games Together
Saturday, August 15, 10 am–10 pm free
Calling all game enthusiasts! The NCMA is excited to host its first-ever gaming festival, featuring gaminginspired music, vendors, workshops, panel discussions, a movie, and, of course, plenty of hands-on gaming activities.
you to two or three works of art for 30 minutes or less. Join for one round or stay for them all!
Family-Friendly Tours
Saturday, June 6, July 11, August 1, 10:30–11 am free with registration
Find new favorites alongside old friends on these playful tours. Tours are 30 minutes long and are best for kids ages 5–11 with their adult companions.
EDUCATORS
Additional information: learn.ncartmuseum.org.
Online Course: Art and Literacy
June 16–August 11
Ticketed
How can art be used to help students develop literacy skills? Explore methods for integrating art and literacy strategies, such as vocabulary building and comprehension, through making and writing in this 20-hour self-paced course.
You Make It POSSIBLE
The Park belongs to everyone. Spanning 164 acres of forests, meadows, gardens, and streams, the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park is a space to wander trails, discover outdoor sculpture, watch wildlife, craft masterpieces in plein air, or simply pause to take in the beauty of the landscape.
Families spread out picnic blankets in the grass. Friends meet for a walk or bike ride along trails that invite exploration through the Park. Children race toward the popular Musical Swings. Others come seeking quiet, wandering along wooded paths or sitting beside the terraced pond, where visitors can pause for a reflective moment in nature.
Open from dawn to dusk, your Park is a place where art is not confined to walls and where the simple act of stepping outside can spark curiosity, reflection, and joy—a place where art meets nature in a way that feels remarkably North Carolinian.
But spaces like this do not sustain themselves and require ongoing care to steward our trails, gardens, habitats, and artworks for future generations. Your gift of unrestricted operating support helps make it all possible.
When you give to the NCMA, you help preserve this extraordinary place where art, nature, and community come together, and where everyone is invited to explore, linger, and belong.
Please consider making a gift today to help care for the general operations of the Museum and Park—and ensure that this landscape of art and nature continues to inspire generations to come.
Every gift helps our mission grow.
MAKE YOUR MARK
in the Park
With a special gift, you can celebrate milestones, honor loved ones, or simply express your love for the Museum Park while helping care for this remarkable landscape. Dedicate a commemorative bench or plant a new tree in the Park to establish a meaningful spot for visitors to pause and reflect. Gifts like yours help support the sustained and diverse use of the Park and the many ways it nurtures our community.
For more information on Make Your Mark giving opportunities, please email Samantha Jones at sjones@ncartmuseum.org or call (919) 664-6838.
The Museum family mourns the passing of Iris Cantor, an arts patron and philanthropist, who, with her husband B. Gerald Cantor, gifted 30 sculptures by renowned 19th-century French sculptor Auguste Rodin to the NCMA in 2009. Through the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, she supported medical and educational institutions as well as the visual and performing arts. She is quoted in her New York Times obituary as stating in 2022 that “art should contribute in a meaningful way to the life of a community and to our collective understanding of who we are, where we came from, and even where we might be headed ... There is still no better place for all of this to happen than at museums, which preserve and showcase the results of human creativity.”
Mrs. Cantor’s gift of works by Rodin was transformational for the collection, making the NCMA the steward of the largest selection of works by that modern master south of Philadelphia. Her gift distinguished the NCMA among American museums and reinforced the efforts of former NCMA director Larry Wheeler to advocate for a new building (West Building) to serve as a dedicated home for the People’s Collection. Wheeler reflects, “Iris Cantor was a beloved personal friend and treasured member of the NCMA family. Her gift of 30 major Rodin sculptures became a source of public pride and a centerpiece of the Museum experience. Iris’s spirit lives on in our memories and aspirations.”
Plan Your Visit
HOUR S
GALLERIES, STORE, NCMA CAFÉ
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
ANN AND JIM GOODNIGHT MUSEUM PARK
Daily, dawn to dusk
WELCOME CENTER
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm (weather permitting)
TICKETS
Admission to the People’s Collection is free. Members receive free admission to ticketed exhibitions.
For exhibition, performance, and program tickets, go to ncartmuseum.org
In Memoriam
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
help@ncartmuseum.org | (919) 715-5923
Please contact us via email during open hours for the quickest response.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Museum seeks to make a welcoming space for all. Visit ncartmuseum.org /accessibility for details about on-site accommodations and more information.
Iris Cantor with former NCMA director Larry Wheeler in 2018.
Photo: Tyler Northrup
Ancient
Nubia Excavating Treasures of the Nile
From the Museumof Fine Arts, Boston
Coming this October
Featuring works from the collection of the MFA Boston, Ancient Nubia: Excavating Treasures of the Nile presents nearly 3,000 years of Nubian history through materials recovered from Kushite tombs and pyramids nearly a century ago. The exhibition also features an immersive Nubian tomb room, digital archeological dig experiences, and 3-D–printed interactive artifacts.
Nubian artist, Sudan, Shawabty of King Taharqa (detail), 690–664 bce, green magnesite–containing rock, H. 201/16 × W. 63/4 in., Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition, 20.227; Photo: © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston