Museums are still under state restrictions, but that has not stopped Triangle curators from finding artful ways to enhance lives.
by Katherine Poole
While many events and activities have been canceled or postponed, there is still much Happening Now. Local businesses and organizations are finding innovative ways to entertain, engage, connect and reinforce our sense of community, even from a distance. Need to distract the children for a few minutes, engage with friends and loved ones or simply reclaim a moment of peace? Here is a resource guide of arts organizations to visit and bookmark, so you can stay up on virtually everything.
NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART
NCMA from Home invites you to explore, watch, read and make with a series of virtual offerings—a mini-master class— that reveals some of the museum’s noteworthy pieces. View the art, read up on its provenance, learn about the artist, listen to lectures, then follow up with a complementary hands-on activity. Patrons are also encouraged to curate an exhibition from home or create art with household items. Elevate the weekly staff meeting with the museum’s Zoom backgrounds. Other programming in the works includes a virtual Sculpture Race and a virtual Mindful Museum combin- ing art, Tai Chi and yoga. And, when the in-home exhibits get archived, the museum park remains open for perambulating around the outdoor art installations. ncartmuseum.org
GREGG MUSEUM OF ART & DESIGN
Take an in-depth guided tour (via Zoom) with staff member Christina Wytko. Available in real time, visitors can ask questions about the exhibition as it’s presented. Learn about the art, the artists, and the museum itself. Featuring All Is Possible: Mary Ann Scherr’s Legacy in Metal and All That Glitters: Spark and Dazzle from the Permanent Collection. Registration is required. See website for tour dates. gregg.arts.ncsu.edu
CAM RALEIGH
Contemporary art is meant to challenge the viewer, which may be just the thoughtful distraction needed. CAM pro- vides digital exhibits that include works of art, artist information and relevant links. Current exhibitions include award-win- ning visual artist Maya Freelon. Check out their Virtual Creation Station for fun (for all ages) art projects that can be submit- ted to their Virtual Gallery. camraleigh.org
UNITED ARTS COUNCIL
The United Arts Council is a non-profit that supports and advocates for the arts in Wake County. Consider them a go-to source for the arts and ways you can support artists, including donating to the NC Artist Relief Fund, a fund to financially support individuals impacted by COVID-19. With links to everything from drawing “quaran-toons” to juggling with scarves, discover a new talent. unitedarts.org
