Lumbee Woman Curates Expansive NC Museum of Art Native Culture Exhibit

The art and culture of Native American populations is remarkable, and a new exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art, curated by a Lumbee woman, is celebrating that.

"To Take Shape and Meaning: Form and Design in Contemporary American Indian Art" is a groundbreaking exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) that celebrates the rich diversity and creativity of Indigenous artists from across the United States and Canada. This exciting event was organized by guest curator Nancy Strickland Fields (Lumbee), and the exhibition features works by 75 artists from over 50 tribes, showcasing a wide range of mediums and artistic expressions.

“For thousands of years, Native artists have manipulated their materials into fantastic expressions of art. The contemporary artists featured in the show are among the most acclaimed in their genres and are credited with pushing their art forms in ways that retain meaning and continue to evolve culture.” —Nancy Strickland Fields, Guest Curator

The exhibition is a testament to the enduring elements of form and design in American Indian art, highlighting both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary interpretations. Visitors are treated to a visually stunning display of three-dimensional artworks, including baskets made of blown glass, cars transformed into sculptural pieces, and cutting-edge fashion ensembles adorned with intricate beadwork and feathers. One of the standout, must see pieces is Rose B. Simpson's "Maria," a 1985 Chevy El Camino reimagined as a monumental interpretation of a traditional Maria Martinez black-on-black pot. This work exemplifies the exhibition's theme of blending traditional beliefs with contemporary materials and techniques, creating a powerful dialogue between past and present. Frankly, it is cool as all get out.

Beyond its artistic merits, "To Take Shape and Meaning" holds significant cultural and historical importance. It represents the NCMA's most extensive showcase of Native American contemporary art since 1989, underscoring the museum's commitment to presenting diverse and inclusive narratives. The exhibition also serves as a platform for Indigenous artists to share their stories, perspectives, and cultural heritage with a wider audience. Through the intricate details, innovative materials, and thoughtful curation, "To Take Shape and Meaning" invites visitors to engage with Indigenous worldviews, experiences, and traditions in a profound and meaningful way. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages a deeper appreciation for the continuity and evolution of Native arts in contemporary society.

Overall, this exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of American Indian art and culture. It celebrates the resilience, creativity, and artistic excellence of Indigenous communities while fostering greater understanding and appreciation for their enduring contributions to the artistic landscape.

"To Take Shape and Meaning" is a triumph, a long-overdue recognition of the enduring legacy of Native arts and their vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of this land. It is a call to embrace the multiplicity of Indigenous voices, to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the beauty and power of their stories.

The event is free for museum members, however non-member tickets can be purchased here. The exhibition will be on display until July 28th.

Family sleepovers at zoos and museums around North Carolina are serving up unique and unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike and are becoming more commonplace (read: affordable). If you have ever dreamed of living out your own Night at the Museum adventure (thanks, Ben Stiller) I've got great news for you!

These overnight adventures provide an opportunity to explore the exhibits after hours, participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and even sleep among the very creatures and artifacts that fascinate us during the day!

One of the primary draws of museum and zoo sleepovers is the chance for hands-on, immersive learning. Imagine waking up in front of a fish tank of exotic jellyfish or having breakfast with giraffes. Children can engage in interactive activities, educational games, and workshops tailored to the venue's theme, whether it's natural history, space exploration, or cultural heritage. These experiences foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the subjects at hand, sparking curiosity and a love for learning.

As the sun sets and the crowds disperse, the museum or zoo takes on a magical quality. Families can wander the dimly lit halls, flashlights in hand, discovering exhibits from a new perspective. The thrill of spending the night surrounded by dinosaur skeletons, ancient artifacts, or exotic animals is an adventure that children will cherish for years to come.

For parents, a museum or zoo sleepover provides a unique opportunity for family bonding. Away from the distractions of daily life, parents and children can connect through shared experiences, creating lasting memories. When I was young, my parents took my brothers and I to a zoo sleepover in Tampa, Florida. That was such an amazing experience and is a defining memory of family fun for us! Whether it's participating in a scavenger hunt, stargazing through a telescope, or simply snuggling up together in a sleeping bag, these overnight events foster quality time and strengthen family ties.

One of the coolest aspects of the sleepover programs are the exclusive behind-the-scenes access, allowing families to glimpse areas typically off-limits to the public. Children may have the chance to meet zookeepers, curators, or researchers, gaining insights into their work and the care and preservation of the exhibits. These rare opportunities inspire awe and appreciation for the dedication and expertise required to maintain these institutions.

Family sleepovers at zoos and museums are truly one-of-a-kind experiences that combine education, adventure, and quality time. By immersing themselves in these captivating environments overnight, families create cherished memories that will inspire a lifelong love for learning and exploration. Luckily, we have some great options right here in the Southeast!

900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449

Sleeping with The Fishes!
Spend a night with the fish at the Aquarium with your group! Groups will learn about some of the animals and make their very own Gyotaku craft. Sleep and dream in front of a 235,000-gallon Cape Fear Shoals habitat as sharks, eels, and a sea turtle swim close by. The Aquarium provides your group with snacks, craft supplies, and breakfast. Reservations can be made here.

 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205

Experience the North Carolina Zoo after hours at one of their overnight family camping adventures. Designed for adults with school aged children aged 6-18. Complete with an evening walk through the Zoo, S'mores by a campfire, and engaging activities.  Offering as well adult only sleepover dates for the ultimate date night! But a word of advice, tickets sell out quickly, so move fast! More information can be found here.

  Just like the blockbuster movie, you can join fellow adventurers at one of the world's most visited museums for a night of fun! Wander through the Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows, learn about Earth's past and discover the ocean's aquatic wonders, visit pollinators and walk softly past mysterious mammals.  

 Ticket information can be found here.

Nature Exploration Center
11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts Night at the Museum! Guests will sleep either in our Coastal North Carolina Hall on the 1^st floor or in the Mountain Cove, Mountains to Sea Overlook, Tropical Connections, “Early-to-bed Zone,” or T. rex “Kid-free Adults Zone” on the 3^rd floor. Make sure to indicate your preferred sleeping area when prompted during checkout. An upgraded sleeping experience in the “Terror of the South” exhibition (nicknamed “The Acro Dome") is also available for a premium fee and can be purchased at the time of booking. Space is very limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for the Acro Dome include one “Terror of the South” backpack.  Book your adventure here.

500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC

Riverbanks Overnights! Gather your class, troop, pack, youth group, or neighborhood friends for a one-of-a-kind evening! Find out what the animals are up to after the sun goes down and the rest of our guests leave. Don’t miss this wild opportunity to explore Riverbanks. Bring your sleeping bag and sense of adventure for a memorable overnight experience at Riverbanks. Education staff will guide you through a fun-filled evening of exploration and hands-on fun. Overnights are designed for participants in grades Kindergarten and up. 

More information here.

8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027

SEA LIFE is a unique, intimate, interactive aquarium experience perfect for kids, couples, families and friends, and conveniently located at entrance 7 of Concord Mills.  Spend a night under the sea, including crafts, activities, pizza/snacks, breakfast and more! Reservation information here.