As I mentioned on Living in Black Mountain, my other blog, I volunteered with a friend to serve beverages in the gallery while the Gala party opened the exhibits.
https://blackmountainbarb.blogspot.com/2024/06/art-in-bloom-at-black-mountain-center.html
Blogger is having difficulty with links these days, sorry.
Detail from the gallery entrance display
Each art work and floral display was given good documentation.
My friend and I had a brief chance to look at the art before patrons arrived at 5. We probably emptied 4-5 bottles of wine and 4 beers were given to the guests in the hour or so we served. Water was available downstairs. The Center for the Arts has 3 levels, a back entrance on a patio for the lowest, main street entrance and theatre with balcony in middle, and gallery and classroom area with balcony on third. The classroom area is also used for special events, which is where we were located.
There was a harp player on the opposite corner of the room, and I hated that every time I opened our ice chest it made a loud squeak! The harp is barely discernable, but her music stand can be seen below.. The traffic was thin, then crowded, off and on the whole time.
Myself and friend who doesn't like her photo taken. She was a great help in handing the cork removals with a good corkscrew, while I did the white wine which came off the ice to be poured.
A more busy moment.
A lovely little bouquet was on our table.
Many seatings were provided outside on each deck and the ground floor terrace. Just seeing what people carried around from the food let us know it was pretty impressive and varied.
Our shift was over at 6, and I was really tired from just standing 1-1/2 hours. But I'm getting over something, so it was ok. I had a good night's sleep when I got home.
The views of the gallery are available until Saturday. The flowers of course won't last very long.
The rest of the Art in Bloom affair which people love are the garden tours. There are 7 local gardens which they can take their tickets to, explore, and see the pleine air artists at work. Then these paintings will be on display at the Center for the Arts in a week or so.
Of course I can't share any more of the gallery exhibits since people are paying good donations to the center to see them. But I may later...
"Plein air artist Rob Freet is one of our featured artists you’ll see on this tour. It continues today through 2pm and tomorrow from 10am to 2pm. Your garden tour ticket also includes access to the gallery of floral arrangements, so make sure you take advantage!"
From the Center for the Arts on Facebook, 6.14.24
