Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) presents the exhibition M.C. Richards, Centering: Life + Art – 100 Years

PRESS RELEASE: 

M.C. Richards, Centering: Life + Art – 100 Years
June 3 – August 20, 2016
Opening Reception: June 3, 5:30-8:00pm, Free Admission
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) presents the exhibition M.C. Richards, Centering: Life + Art – 100 Years. The exhibition will run from June 3 – August 20, 2016, with a free opening reception on June 3 from 5:30 – 8:00pm. There will be a digital catalog accompanying the exhibition and a series of corresponding events including a roundtable panel, workshop, poetry reading, centennial birthday party, and film screening.

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of Mary Caroline (M.C.) Richards, a Black Mountain College potter, poet, painter, author, translator, and educator. During her time at Black Mountain College from 1945-1951 she was a favorite teacher and active participant in the college’s farm program, community dialogues, and art events. She was among those who were a part of John Cage’s famous Theatre Piece No. 1, the first Happening in the United States. The exhibition M.C. Richards, Centering: Life + Art – 100 Years includes selections of Richards’ painting, poetry, and pottery, as well as photographs and ephemera from her life. A digital catalog will be accompanying the exhibition featuring images of Richards’ work and essays from scholars and friends. Contributors include James C. Anderson, Paulus Berensohn, Julia Connor, Deborah Haynes, Diedra Heitzman, Sherry Wildfeuer, Matthew Fox, Irwin Kremen, Jenni Sorkin, and Jeffrey Spahn.

Exhibition-Related Programming:

ROUNDTABLE PANEL
Thursday, July 7 – 7:00 pm
A discussion about M.C. Richards’ life and legacy by those who knew her both personally and professionally. Participants are Julia Connor, literary executor for M.C. Richards; James Alexander, actor and director; David Silver, associate professor of media studies and urban agriculture at the University of San Francisco; and moderator Brian E. Butler of UNC Asheville.
Free for BMCM+AC members + students // $5 non-members

WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Thursday – Sunday, July 7-10
An immersion in the life, work, and ideas of M.C. Richards
Hands-on research, farm work, pottery, poetry, cooking, and immersion in M.C.’s philosophy of life, focussing on her time at Black Mountain College. Led by David Silver, associate professor of media studies and urban agriculture at the University of San Francisco, and Julia Connor, Poet Laureate of Sacramento and literary executor for the M.C. Richards Estate.
Fee applies, limited registration available.
Contact Alice Sebrell for details at alice@blackmountaincollege.org or 828-350-8484.

POETRY READING
Friday, July 8 – 7:30 pm
Poets Paulus Berensohn and Julia Connor honor their friend and mentor in this Tribute to M.C.
$5 BMCM+AC Members + Students // $8 non-members

CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sunday, July 10 – 1:00 pm
Celebration of M.C. Richards’ 100th birthday at the historic barns of Black Mountain College. Activities include pottery, poetry, refreshments, and the planting of a tree in honor of M.C. Richards.
Free // Advanced Registration Required

FILM SCREENING
Thursday, July 21 – 7:30 pm
A screening of the inspiring documentary M.C. Richards: The Fire Within created by Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane, celebrating the life and legacy of M.C. Richards.
Free for BMCM+AC Members + Students // $5 non-members

Support for this project has been generously provided by the following: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Ananda Hair Studio, Anonymous, BlackBird Frame & Art, Centering on Children, Ellen Clarke + John Byrd, Highwater Clays, Elizabeth Holden, Lake Eden Events, Jack Lenor-Larsen, Marshall High Studios, Marywood University, Brian + Gail McCarthy, Odyssey Community School, State Archives of North Carolina, UNC Asheville, and Warren Wilson College. Special thanks: Connie Bostic, Brian E. Butler, Julia Connor, Camphill Village, Ruth Ghio, Caprice Hamlin-Krout, Deborah Haynes, Diedra Heitzman, Irwin + Barbara Kremen, Ron + Linda Larsen, Thomas Meyer, Grace Ann Peysson, Susan Rhew Design, Rosaly Roffman and Heather South.

Image Citations:
Jonathan Williams
M.C. Richards, Skywinding Farm, Scaly Mountain, NC, ca. 1970s.
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center Collection. Courtesy of Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscript Collection.

Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center preserves and continues the unique legacy of educational and artistic innovation of Black Mountain College for public study and enjoyment. We achieve our mission through collection, conservation, and educational activities including exhibitions, publications, and public programs.