Breaking news: Taubman Museum of Art lowers admission prices [PRESS RELEASE]
Supplementing today’s breaking news story, here’s the full press release from the Taubman Museum of Art, containing all the new admission and membership rates.
TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART CONTINUES
TO EMBRACE NEW ART CENTER MISSION
Lower Rates, New Exhibitions and New Programs
Set Stage For Busy Spring
Underscoring its commitment to community involvement and engagement, the Taubman Museum of Art continues to embrace its mission as a “town-hall” for the arts with a host of new exhibitions and programs designed to inspire, educate, entertain and foster relationships with new artists and new audiences. New, lower admission rates are also being rolled out this month, which will make the museum and its programs more accessible to an even wider audience.
Lower Membership and Admission Rates
In addition to the reduced “Friends of the Taubman” membership rates announced last month, the museum has lowered admission rates by one third. The new admission rates will go into effect this Thursday, March 10, 2011. To kick off the new membership campaign and lower admission prices, several activities have been planned.
- Rise Up Roanoke Opening Reception – Anyone who joins the museum before Thursday will receive an invitation to the Rise Up Roanoke preview and opening reception on Thursday evening, an exclusive, Friends-only benefit.
- Family Day: Rise Up Roanoke – On Saturday, March 12, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., the museum will host a day of art making, musical performances, storytelling, treasure hunts and more. Sponsored by Cox Communications, admission is free for all families. Children can decorate a ladder to add to the Rise Up Roanoke sculpture in the atrium, create their own graphic novel or quilt square, partake in treasure hunts and listen to stories read by volunteers and staff. Musical performances will include The Wright Kids, presented by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and Sam Hensley. Friends that join the museum on Family Day will receive a five-dollar Kroger Cares gift card that can be reloaded at any time. The museum receives five percent of the reloaded money.
“We want to thank the community for their enthusiasm and assistance with making us a vital and vibrant part of Roanoke’s cultural landscape,” explains Membership Manager, Maria St.Clair. “By lowering membership and admission rates, and partnering with generous corporate sponsors like Cox and Kroger, we’re making experiences with art and music available to the entire community for little or no cost to families and friends of the museum,” she adds.
New Exhibitions and Programs for Spring 2011
The museum is also opening four new exhibitions this spring, including two community-based exhibitions:
- Charlie Brouwer’s Rise Up Roanoke uses ordinary ladders to encourage community collaboration in sculpting a metaphor for the community, in this case a replica of the Roanoke Star.
- Hollis Sigler’s Breast Cancer Diaries expresses the reality of living with cancer. The effects of the disease on her mind, body and psyche are channeled into her prints and paintings.
- Beverly Buchanan and Lillian Blades explore the southern African American experience in mixed media wall hangings and sculpture.
- Curated by Matt Ames, Philosophy, INC. Probes Roanoke features the work of local artists portraying the city from their own perspectives.
- Go Explore Taubman, featuring the work of regional elementary school students, encourages kids to “get inspired” by works from the permanent collection to create their own artwork.
New programs have also been added for the spring, including:
- Conversations – A series of conversations exploring the legacy of art and artists as related to the heritage and culture of the region.
- Bottom Up – A lecture and conversation series that will explore how contemporary art can affect us and where we live in the most surprising ways.
- The Box – Through the use of electronic multimedia, this lecture series examines the role museums play in our lives.
For more information about membership or admission rates, exhibitions or museum programs, please visit the museum’s website at taubmanmuseum.org, or call 342-5760.
ADMISSION AND MEMBERSHIP RATES
New Admission Rates: (Effective March 10, 2011)
General admission for ages 14 to 64 - $7
Visitors 65 and over - $6
Children 5-13 - $3.75
Children 4 and under - FREE
Groups of 10 or more - $2 off each admission fee
Groups of 10 or more with tour guide - General admission fees
Military - $6 with valid military I.D.
“Friends of the Taubman” Annual Membership Rates:
Student - $10
Senior - $25
Senior Dual - $40
Educator - $30
Individual - $35
Dual - $55
Family - $65
All Members Receive:
- Free tickets and previews for all special exhibitions
- Invitations to special members only events
- Advance access to 110 – the Museum’s Biannual Report
- 10% discount at the Museum Store and Norah’s Café
- Discounts on all classes, programs, ticketed events, summer camps, Museum School and Summer Institute fees
- Members only e-blasts
- Recognition annually in 110 and on-line
- Members only travel opportunities
- Eligibility to join TMA support and volunteer groups
- Admission to the annual meeting of the membership of the museum
March 8, 2011 - 12:21 PM
I wouldn’t consider going until the museum decides to finally bring in some regionally oriented art. Paying a ‘local’ artist to mimic something he’s done in nearly a half dozen other places across the country is NOT regionally relevant, for the record. It’s merely a continuation of the same philosophy of spending $60+ mil on the construction of a ‘world class’ museum that was anything BUT world class, especially in its’ outdated design…
I see no reason why I should subsidize the economic idiocy that the museum has created since its’ inception.
We can’t keep a sports team, what makes anyone think this is going to make it.
I went a while back and was not impressed. No, Roanoke’s no NYC or DC, but still, I was expecting more. We’re a pretty artsy place, or at least we can be if we try harder.
So, until I hear how much better it is (no matter the rates) I think I’ll stick with downtown dives and homemade art.
I’m curious whether others agree or disagree with “abdnva” that “Rise Up Roanoke” isn’t regionally relevant, or that none of the Taubman’s exhibits have been regionally oriented.
This place is dying a slow death….The caterer was smart enough to get out when he could. It needs to shut down and reopen as a night club, restaurant, or bar.
Let me ask you this, “mikeallen”… Your paper reported this weekend about the ‘Rise Up Roanoke’ exhibit by Charlie Brouwer. Tell me, how many other ‘Rise Up (fill in the city name) exhibits has Mr. Brouwer done prior to his ‘unique vision’ for a supposedly ‘regional’ exhibit in Roanoke? How many other ladder-related exhibits has he done? How many other exhibits titled ‘Rise Up (fill in the blank for a paycheck)’ has he done?
So he stacks a couple of ladders to stick out on each side of a bigger pile of ladders and claims it represents the Mill Mountain Star, and that we are supposed to be dazzled? How stupid does he & his defenders at the Roanoke Times – ahem – think we are? How much does he get paid for this?
Seriously, a bunch of ladders stacked up with a couple arranged to pretend they represent a star is regionally relevant? Is it because the guy lives in Floyd, or because the Taubman is so desperate to stay afloat that we are supposed to buy this?
Really, “mikeallen”, which is it?
I went to the Taubman a couple years ago for a United Way appreciation gathering. Afterwards we were allowed to go through the museum. It was not that impressive compared to others I’ve seen in D.C. and overseas while in the Navy. In my opinion, it’s not really the price of entry, it’s the building. The Taubman, from the outside, just doesn’t fit with the look of our downtown. And based the few conversations I’ve had with other folks about the museum, it turns people off from even going inside. Since many of us don’t understand art to begin with; a building like the Taubman in downtown Roanoke sends a message like “if we don’t get the building, we won’t get the art inside.” I know this is not everyone’s opinion and I also know it’s too late to do anything about the building… and that’s unfortunate. So what do you do now? Advertise, advertise, advertise. The new lower entry fee may help, but now how do you actually get blue collar people like me interested in what’s inside?
The Taubman should never have been built. No art museum has ever lived up to its expectation in Roanoke. The Transportation Museum is a failure and Center in the Square has to have a”bakesale” to stay open. They are all so “nice”,but not profitable. Sounds like our government in general,a BIG loser.
Hi, there, “abdnva.” I have to say, I don’t entirely understand where you’re coming from.
Why would the fact that Brouwer has pulled together similar projects in other localities (at least three are listed on the “Rise Up Roanoke” website) negate the “regional relevance” of his project created for the Taubman?
What in your opinion makes a project “regionally relevant”?
If the Taubman really wants to draw people in, they need to do more outreach to art classes in the local schools. If you get the children wanting to go, they’ll drag the parents along with them.
Actually, abdnva misses the glorious irony that the Rise Up Roanoke artist unwittingly created. The piece VERY MUCH typifies Roanoke, the Taubman Museum, and the regional congenital insecurity by doing what all these do best–overpromising and under delivering.
“Observer,” your argument I can actually follow — however, in the interest of encouraging art discussion, something that doesn’t happen often enough even in this space, I’m curious how you see the piece underdelivering.
@mikeallen re: Observer — IT’S A STACK OF LADDERS!
True! But that is what we always knew it was going to be.
I have been twice and both times the best part was walking out the door. The TAM is quite simply a bore.
I wouldnt go if the admission were $2.00
“mikeallen”, I’ll ask again, in hopes of finally getting an answer – how much did ‘we, the public’ essentially pay for the Taubman to have Brouwer stack up a bunch of ladders and pretend it was regionally specific? We all know this is coming out of our own pockets at the end of the day, so how much did the Taubman pay, or how much will they end up paying? That’s the question that you seem to skip around.
Your own newspaper reported that he did this in Grand Rapids – ‘Rise Up Grand Rapids’ & Winston Salem – ‘Rise Up Winston Salem’ & that he is contracted to do this in Atlanta – ‘Rise Up Atlanta’. As well as having done other ‘ladder oriented’ exhibits elsewhere. I’m just wondering how much it cost to get a retread version of Rise Up Grand Rapids… err Atlanta… err… Winston Salem… err ‘name that tune’ exhibit for the almighty Taubman? And how does being the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th iteration of the same idea make it regionally specific? Because he stuck a couple of ladders out on each side to make it ‘resemble’ the Mill Mountain Star?
Is that what we’re paying for? because if so, I’ve got to become a conceptual artist, so I can scam… err… earn revenue from municipalities that have no concept of themselves, but desperate visions of grandeur…
So, Roanoke is one of many places where Brouwer stacks up ladders and claims they hold regional significance. That is a fact that cannot be denied, even when you attempt to dispute the Taubman’s lack of relevance.
In case you didn’t understand the sardonic tone previously, I’ll make it clear – Other than stacking up yet another bunch of ladders, only sticking a couple out on either side of the jumbled mess and pretending they form a star, is there ANYTHING: A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G, that makes this regionally specific, except in the moistened eyes of an art sycophant?
How much did this cost?
@mikeallen re: Observer — IT’S A STACK OF LADDERS!
by seabass
True! But that is what we always knew it was going to be.
by mikeallen
Seabass, I hate to tell you, but I think mikeallen really doesn’t get it. When you said – ‘…IT’S A STACK OF LADDERS!…’ that should have explained it all.
The problem is that all of Ms. Taubman’s toadies seem to think that Roanoke is on the verge of becoming the next NYC or Paris or something, and they wrongly believe that the same stack of ladders, done for the 4th or 5th or 10th time in a different setting, is some kind of heralded work of genius that ‘the common man’ will never understand.
They also don’t get why ‘the common man’ thinks it is a waste of time & money to look at a bunch of stacked up ladders as some orgasmic vision of the Roanoke Valley’s true essence. And finally, they will forever defend their supposition that ‘the common man’ is foolish to not weep over the magnificence of the Taubman albatross.
Never been…won’t go. Collecting USPS stamps offers a better art experience. BTW, when the place shuts down you’ll find out how much it has cost and will cost Roanoke.
But “abdnva,” it was “common” folk who loaned the ladders. You can see the list here: http://www.riseuproanoke.com/lenders.html
As always, feedback regarding the museum’s efforts to be more “regionally relevant” is genuinely appreciated. A constructive dialogue with the community is a critical part of planning for exhibitions and programs that will attract new visitors, and encourage the existing membership to remain engaged.
A few things to note with regard to the comments above, and with regard to the museum’s efforts to provide not only a cultural icon for the city, but important and relevant programs and services for its members and the community-at-large:
1. The “Rise Up Roanoke” sculpture is not a duplicate of any other project by Charlie Brouwer. The same medium, ladders, is used to create a one-of-a-kind public art project that speaks to the community’s culture, heritage, diversity and ability to collaborate to create something unique and engaging – in this case a replica of the Roanoke Star. The ladders are all donated by individuals and organizations from throughout the community, and many of them are decorated with messages, artwork, or emblems that provide deeper meaning to the work. As for whether or not ladders “stacked together” can be considered art – it’s much like beauty – all in the eye of the beholder.
2. The current exhibition entitled “Philsophy, INC. Probes Roanoke,” is an exhibition created by regional artists, and curated by a regional artist, who is a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech.
3. Museum programs, including the Box Lunch Series, Red, White & Art and Conversations, have all featured local artists and educators discussing artists and works of regional importance. These programs continue on a monthly basis, and in many instances are free of charge to the general public.
4. Between January and June of 2011, 10 new exhibitions will have opened at the museum, augmenting the exhibitions of selected works from the museum’s collection of American, Contemporary and Decorative art.
5. The Contemporary Gallery is currently undergoing a transformation and will re-open in a few days time, featuring exemplary works by mostly Southeastern American artists.
6. The museum now provides educational programming for Roanoke City and Roanoke County Public Schools. Roanoke City school students are admitted to the museum free of charge, and many Roanoke County school students are admitted at no charge through the arrangement the museum has with the county schools.
7. The new Go Explore Taubman exhibition, opening in May, will feature the artwork of local school children from the Roanoke and New River valleys. The exhibition will also be curated by children. Outreach is currently being conducted throughout the city and the county to art teachers and students to encourage participation in this first of it’s kind project.
8. Yes, the design of the building is different. But it’s what inside that matters. And what’s inside includes art by important regional and American artists, concerts, demonstrations, lectures, films, theatre, activities for kids like art-making, storytelling and treasure hunts and much, much more.
9. Family days, like the one happening this Saturday from Noon until 4pm, are free of charge to all families. There will be a variety of activities to entertain, educate and engage kids, including art-making and musical performances.
10. The museum IS listening and IS responding to community feedback. Museum officials have demonstrated through hosting town-hall meetings, attendance at meetings of neighborhood organizations, council meetings, events sponsored by other non-profits, etc. that it’s committed to delivering a relevant and meaningful experience for all who visit. If you’d like to comment further, or participate in the process, visit the museum’s website at taubmanmuseum.org and click on the Volunteer link in the upper right corner. You can make comments or request information there. Or simply send your feedback to idea@taubmanmuseum.org.
Thanks, “mikeallen” for avoiding my question yet again. It is obvious that you refuse to answer the pertinent questions and continue to try to skip along a tangent trail to protect the shield regarding the Taubman disaster.
HOW MUCH IS TAUBMAN PAYING FOR A STACK OF LADDERS?
HOW MUCH IS TAUBMAN PAYING FOR A STACK OF LADDERS?
HOW MUCH… (Do I need to use sign language?)… IS… TAUBMAN… PAYING… FOR… A… STACK… OF… LADDERS?!?
I know you’ll dance around answering that too, so I won’t even bother repeating the other question about – HOW IS A STACK OF LADDERS RELEVANT TO THE ROANOKE VALLEY?
Oh, wait, I heard – a few ladders stick out on either side of the stack, and if you are a Taubman sycophant, then you pretend they mimic the Mill Mountain Star, and it makes you all warm inside with joy.
If you try that stupid excuse of – ‘uhh… well… local people gave the guy ladders, so it is regionally relevant…’ you’ll just show how myopic your vision is and help to explain why the RT was so stupidly subservient in supporting Ms. Taubman’s delusions of grandeur in the first place.
So, go ahead. Do what you’ve been doing since the original planning, make excuses, dodge the real questions, and ignore the truth.
Thank you, “abdnva,” for helping to make this blog entry so entertaining!
Jeff Miller – ’8. Yes, the design of the building is different. But it’s what inside that matters. And what’s inside includes art by important regional and American artists, concerts, demonstrations, lectures, films, theatre, activities for kids like art-making, storytelling and treasure hunts and much, much more.’
If that is really true, then why did the committee spend $63 million on the (outdated) design of the museum, which is an architectural albatross that will require many extra MILLIONS in maintenance over the years, as opposed to a structure that could reflect the ‘regional culture’ – there’s that phrase again, biting you when you don’t want it to! – for less than a third of the cost. The resultant $40 MILLION dollars could have gone towards funding the museum for the next 4-5 decades, at a minimum.
If it is NOW suddenly about what’s on the inside, after the artsy geeks got their dysfunctional albatross, why not pay the $40 mil out of the museum funds, as opposed to telling the regional public – ‘Hey, we wasted your money before on a ridiculous vision we had that anyone with common sense knew wouldn’t work, all in an attempt to salve our own fragile egos. But since that didn’t work so well, we want you to fund us to maybe kinda halfway sorta meet you with our version of ‘regional art’. Give us even more money, and we might finally figure it out, someday…’
“mikeallen” still running from the truth, just like I knew you would…
HOW MUCH? Are you afraid to even say?
Yeah, that’s rhetorical, as I knew you’d never break the code…
Keep walking those empty halls of the albatross, and wondering why everyone else just doesn’t get it, while you are alone in the mausoleum… err… museum…
Obviously, “abdnva,” I’m not afraid. I keep approving your posts, after all.
Let me get this straight.
You say: Charlie Brouwer’s “Rise Up Roanoke” isn’t regionally relevant.
I ask, what do you mean by “regionally relevant”?
You say: WHAT DID THE MUSEUM PAY CHARLIE BROUWER? WHAT DID IT COST? WHAT DID IT COST? WHAT DID IT COST? YOU’RE AVOIDING MY QUESTION! WHAT DID IT COST? DON’T TRY TO TELL ME IT WAS REGIONAL JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE IN THE REGION PARTICIPATED IN MAKING IT AND IT LOOKS LIKE A FAMOUS REGIONAL LANDMARK!
I think when it comes to artful dodging, I must bow to you, sir.
And if you’re not a “sir,” I apologize for the presumption!
Now then: though I don’t personally consider Charlie Brouwer’s commission from the museum, assuming he received one, relevant to whether or not his “Rise Up Roanoke” project is a good fit for the region, I have to assume that as many times as the question’s been asked in these comments, people will probably be curious.
The Taubman isn’t a government agency, so it’s under no obligation to disclose the terms of its contracts with artists and owners of collections. However, if they can share a figure with me, I’ll share it here.
Either way, if it generates more discussion, awesome!
No dodging here, that’s your specialty, mikey. You want to protect the shield, as I’m sure your orders are instructed. I want to know how much money was paid to a man to borrow some ladders and stack them up, then proclaim them to be of regional significance.
You also falsely try to pretend – I’ll not say you’re lying, even though it’s obvious – that you try to insinuate I posted certain things I didn’t post. That would be a lie, and though you posted it, I’m not calling you a liar for posting that lie.
Instead, I’ll try to dig out some intelligent response from you, one where you don’t ignore reality to try to protect the shield. Are you really claiming that a guy from Floyd stacking up a bunch of ladders that he borrowed from local ‘art fans’ – just as he has already done in several other cities – is somehow regionally specific to the Roanoke Valley, and that it speaks in some way specific to the region? In a way that is different from all the other times he did the same thing? It is somehow different here, because nobody bothered to back check him? Because he arranges a few ladders to stick out like ‘the arms of a star’ – which one would have to be told to then imagine, thus ‘justifying’ his expense for the stack of borrowed ladders?
And then this – people in the region participated in making it? It looks like a regional landmark?
Really? Seriously? Somebody saying – ‘Yeah, you can use my ladder, because I always wanted to be famous, Put it on display in the world class Taubman Museum as a representation of all that personifies Roanoke over the centuries.’ That is ‘participating’ in the construction of this masterpiece of art?
And the ‘artist’? Taking the idea he’s already run into the ground and remanufacturing it for the gullible in Roanoke. Wait – You probably think I was talking about the outdated design of the Taubman with that one, but I meant the overuse of a stack of ladders as a means to cash a check – err… express a (not so) unique vision of, what town are we in again? Oh, yeah, Roanoke! Yeah, I saw a star on a mountain driving into town, let’s act like this is a copy of that star…
As to the cost for the exhibit, now you want us to believe that he might have done it for free? Whew, you are the jokester, aren’t you? As for your attempted spin to make this a happy sunshine moment? Just about as genuine as your candor in answering my questions throughout this thread.
Good luck on holding that shield up high, as though it will make a bit of difference in the bottom line. Regardless of your denials, the turnstile tells the tale…
when people donate money for a building or a room, they will be able to see their name on that building or room. Operating funds are more ephemeral. And not as easy to come by. Personally I did not care for the design of the building, but it is built. Isn’t it time to acknowledge that as fact?
‘Rise up’ was a collaborative effort, wasn’t it? Didn’t a lot of individuals lend their ladders to make up a part of a larger whole? To be part of a larger whole. Part of a community?
A number of these comments seem to stem from resentment that Mrs. Taubman has a great deal of money and chose to spend a considerable amount of it to give Roanoke a new art museum building. Personally I think it was wrong for the Taubman to break all relationships with the Center in the Square, but that, too, is a done deal.
Thank you Mr. Allen for being the messenger, for trying to keep us informed about art events and news in the area.
The Rise Up Roanoke piece has nothing to do with our community… it only represents that some people in Roanoke own ladders. If he was truly inspired by our community and put this together then that would be one thing… but consider that this is just yet another copy of something that was “regionally relevant” to a dozen other places. I hate to bash someone’s work… but I personally can’t even see a connection in the most direct physical aspect… it doesn’t even LOOK like a star!
Seabass, thanks for actually engaging with my question.
Anyone who actually read Sunday’s column (or my previous blog entries) can probably tell I got a kick out of watching “Rise Up Roanoke” come together last week. I researched Brouwer’s work and shared some of that in the column. I understand the metaphor Brouwer’s shooting for, and it’s clear a lot of others do too, or at least enough people to loan him 260+ ladders. The notion that this temporary sculpture using ladders was somehow less relevant to Roanoke because Brouwer has made different sculptures in other communities using ladders struck me as an odd thing to assert … sort of like saying a sketch of the Mill Mountain Star has no strong connection to Roanoke because other sketches of other things also use pen and paper.
However, if someone in the audience doesn’t find the metaphor inspiring and isn’t impressed with the results, and obviously from these comments there’s folks who feel that way … well, that’s a risk an artist takes when making art. I take it what you’re saying is if he’d done something completely new with objects specific to Roanoke you might (though not necessarily) have been more intrigued. That I get.
On th initial question, I remain to be convinced about additional visits to the Taubman, but the reduction probably will not alter my habits.
This was a blog posting from March 2nd of this year http://www.swvaartists.com, under the Grouping of – “Yes. but is it Art”
“Rise Up Roanoke is meant to be a metaphor for the hopes and dreams of the Roanoke Community, all of its members holding each other up, rising up together.” Quote from the Roanoke Times, Mike Allen, Arts and Extras Blog (love it, check it at least three times a day). Artist Charlie Brouwer, constucts this image or abstraction of the Roanoke Star and the rising up and moving forward of Roanoke. A large undertaking, one that required community involvement. Is it Art, – Not sure about that right now, but it does get my appreciation on many levels.
Is it demanding community involvement in both the region and the Taubman Museum itself? Yes.
Is it bringing organizations like the Rescue Mission and the museum together? Yes.
Does it have conceptual meaning, yes it does. Ladder height, etc. very obvious metaphors, it this wrong? No.
As you guys already know I am 100% pro-accessibility. This is a very accessible piece. Very easy to get its meaning.
The Artistic snob in me says its way to easy to understand to be Art. But that’s the education in me, which I fight everyday.
I like the piece for all the above reasons and more, but I am not wowed by it as a piece of Art? Yes I think it is Art. Do You?
I am more than little conflicted about this piece, I feel that the finished article may well unravel this conundrum.
Additonal Comment – Still conflicted on its completion.
It is wonderful that we having this type of discussion – keep up the good work Mr Allen – The Tate Modern once paid a very large amount of money for a pile of bricks, and Yes, that was Art but that’s another blog.
@abdnva, have you considered the fact that perhaps @mikeallen doesn’t know how much it cost? Instead of asking the same question over and over, maybe do some research on your own? From your plethora of comments, I’m sure you have the time and mental prowess for that.
@Cody: I dunno — I’m pretty entertained by this idea “abdnva” seems to have that I’m some sort of secret double agent working for the Taubman World Conspiracy.
BTW, just a clarification: for those of you not prone to paranoid fantasies, that was sarcasm. If you are prone to such things — well, of course I’d say that! I’m part of the conspiracy.
“mikeallen”, I look forward to the blogs, columns & articles about how important it is to support ‘the Taubman’ as they continue to desperately seek revenue in the coming months. I’m sure these missives will be filled with inspirational comments & ideals. It should be a triumph for the soul…
Because this thread continues to hop, I figure I had best tell you folks that because yesterday’s breaking news put me behind on some other assignments that are all due as of immediately, I’m going to need to unplug from e-mail for a bit until I’m caught up, which means I won’t see further comments to approve them until after I plug back in. So if they don’t appear right away, just be patient, they will.
Almost every day one uses a ladder…it might an “A” frame or a step stool or a chair or a step. So I find it the idea of creating an art work of ladders (which we use every day)representing an icon of the Roanoke Valley in The Taubman Museum which seems to be reaching out to the community…
I think that’s a very valid, very cool idea. I would recommend folks checking out Charlie Brouwer’s work at the greenway beginning/end at Valley View.
Taking an everyday object and transforming it into a local icon… that’s a good thing. And to have the “contents/items” of that come from the community and be used for/by the community…
I think that’s a good thing.
I’m some what astounded by some of the comments here. But it’s wonderful to see some sort of discussion.
@Kevin who posted on 3/8… would you go to theatre if the admission price was $2.00?
A couple of things:1) it’s nice to see so many people posting on Mike’s blog. I get lonely at times when I’m the only one. 2) I’d like to see all the folks whining here try to create this structure and have it be interesting to look at (which it is). I think it is deceptively simply and not just “stacking ladders” as people here are implying. 3) that big gauky space at the Taubman needs something big and bulky in it, even temporarily, and last but not least 4) I understand why people dislike the Taubman and have hard feelings about it…I’m among your number BUT now that it is here, the entire debate needs to move forward instead of spinning its wheels in the past. Your dislike of the building, or the money spent on it, is not magically going to reverse time and erase the building from the landscape so wouldn’t your time be better spent looking for ways to make it WORK? Stop being such absolutely typical Roanokers, and MOVE FORWARD. (Because otherwise you just end up sounding like a bunch of whiners who can’t be in the here and now…just saying.)
What ever happened to the 30 plus year collaboration between the old art museum and the arts council with the annual regional juried exhibition? Didn’t the orginial museum at Cherry Hill put on exhibitions of regional work (region being this area) which actually traveled to other museums, thus bring focus to this region artists?
Good question! I know the Roanoke City Art Show was discontinued — I take it you’re talking about something different?
Actually was speaking of the City show which was not limited to Roanoke as well as other juried opportunties typical of smaller museums like the Taubman, which were common until recently.
I was alerted that there was some dialogue about my work going on in this blog and asked what I thought about it.
I have read some of the comments about “Rise Up Roanoke” and about me and my work as an artist.
I think a lot of misunderstandings are being expressed. My suggestion is to visit my website http://www.charliebrouwer.com or better yet, visit the Taubman and see “Rise Up Roanoke”.
(The lobby space is free to all). And, to learn more about me and my work, come out and visit my studio and grounds (it also is free) where you can see lots of my indoor and outdoor work – including about 20 outdoor sculptures installed along 1/2 miles of walking trails. There is information on my website about how to arrange a visit.
As regards the Taubman – it is here and it is what it is – this time of transition is an excellent opportunity for the community to have some influence on what it will become. Now is the time to actively support it and become involved in it if you believe that art is an important part of the human experience. I actually believe that art is only vehicle we have for positive social change and growth and art is not only practiced by artists but by anyone who is creatively engaged in transforming their lives. A life in transformation generates heat and warms others who are close to it and that in turn encourages others to transform their life and world.
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abdnva has apparently been tuned into Fox radio and TV where combativeness, paranoia, and meanness of spirit are the coins of the realm and are projected into the whole world and everyone in it. I’ve been blessed to come to know Charlie Brouwer and his art personally, and have followed the development of Rise Up Roanoke from inception to installation. It succeeds as art and it succeeds as a community engagement installation. It’s worth engaging from all angles in the bright light of day, and at night, especially from the balcony above as its arms frame the iconic MM Star and the H&C and Dr Pepper neon signs. Read the tags on the larger and children’s ladders and the journal that accompanies it. I share the misgivings about the Taubman’s original vision, am not a fan of its architecture, but I support its new direction as a community-oriented regional arts center with a purchase of a well-used family membership. This discussion seems to have been more mean-spirited and negative, than interesting. Maybe abd should go back to nva. I’m not going to bother to read anything he posts until I hear he has had a transforming conversion. Thank you for your posts, Charlie and miriam – made this thread worthwhile.