New Harmonies exhibit opens
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 8, 2010 1:50 AM
Last update on: August 9, 2010 8:43 AM
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News-Argus/Troy Herring
New York born artist Spencer Lawrence, left, discusses the role religion and emotion play in his works of art Saturday with Kay Albertson, right, as her husband, Willy, and Sue Kaynor listen. Lawrence's work, featuring images of old blues, gospel and soul musicians, are on display during the Smithsonian Institution's
The story of our nation's music is the subject of the latest exhibit to open at the Art Council of Wayne County. The Smithsonian traveling exhibit, the first ever to come to North Carolina, takes a journey through the roots of music and our nation's cultural heritage in the exhibit titled "New Harmonies."
New Harmonies tells the American musical heritage story through photos, instruments, lyrics and artist profiles.
The free exhibit opened Saturday and will continue to be on display through Sept. 18.
New Harmonies is an interactive exhibit with instruments people can not only look at, but also touch, and even old hymn books.
One wall contains nothing but old album covers that visitors can examine inside and out.
In addition to album covers, there is also interactive audio.
Visitors to New Harmonies can stroll through the exhibit on their own or take a guided tour with a docent.
The Arts Council also has several local supporting exhibits including an exhibit of 15 paintings of blues musicians by Goldsboro artist Spencer Lawrence. The exhibit will also include paintings from the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham.
Another exhibit by Melody Makers displays paintings of local artists' depictions of musicians and their music.
The Arts Council will have expanded hours during the exhibit: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
Allow at least an hour to browse New Harmonies and supporting exhibits. For more information, call the Arts Council at 736-3300.
In conjunction with the New Harmonies exhibit, there will be several activities throughout Wayne County in August and September.
Here's what's being offered:
* Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. there will be a free talk by local artist Spencer Lawrence about his Blues Series. You can take your lunch or order one from the Arts Council for $7.
* Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a fee program by North Carolina Humanities Council speaker Billy Stevens on "Sampson and Delilah: From Pulpits to Pop Stars."
* Sunday will be free Smithsonian Sunday. Stop by the Arts Council after church for refreshments and a guided tour of New Harmonies.
* Aug. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. there will be a Burgers and The Blues program with Mike "Lightning" Wells. It will feature songs from his children's album, "Jump Little Children." Admission is $5 per person, which includes a hamburger, chips and a drink. Take your chairs or blankets and your dancing shoes.
* Aug. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. there will be a free program about the music of the Appalachian Mountains with the Flat Mountain Dulcimers.
* Aug. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mike "Lightning" Wells will play the blues and bluegrass and talk about his life and music.
* Aug. 29 is free Smithsonian Sunday. Stop in after church for refreshments and a guided tour of New Harmonies. Enjoy a performance by Deeper Life Church Ministries mass choir from 3 to 4 p.m.
* Aug. 31 from noon to 1 p.m. there will be a free talk by musician Donald Underwood Thompson. Take your lunch or order one from the Arts Council for $7.
* Sept. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a free performance by The Camelots. Refreshments will be served.
* Sept. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. celebrate Labor Day weekend with a snack, a story and a fun art project.
* Sept. 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a free roots music panel discussion and jam session in the Moffatt Auditorium at Wayne Community College.
* Sept. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. there will be a free jazz program with Jeff Grimes, who plays the saxophone. He will also talk about his life and music.
-- For additional events go to artsinwayne.org