Asheville Museum of History

Posted 5 months ago by AMoH

New Exhibition Coming Soon

The Photography of Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community

Opening Saturday,

September 21st, 2024 

 

 

Andrea Clark, “Looking Down Eagle Street,” ca. 1970-1971, Courtesy of Andrea Clark Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina

 

Andrea Clark, acclaimed local photographer, captured an extensive photographic archive of Asheville’s East End and Downtown around 1970, both areas that were later rapidly transformed by the city of Asheville’s urban renewal program and redevelopment. Clark’s photos are an important record of the landscape, people, and buildings that once made up the now lost African American community of the East End. Clark is the granddaughter of the notable Asheville master brick mason James Vester Miller, who built many Asheville churches and other public buildings, including structures within some of Clark’s photographs.
Opening on Saturday, September 21st, the exhibition will feature framed photographic prints and essays on the history behind these stunning images and how urban renewal impacted Asheville’s downtown communities. A section of the exhibition will also highlight the work and buildings of Clark’s grandfather, James Vester Miller.
Andrea Clark, “Big Deuce’s House, Valley Street Neighborhood,” ca. 1968-1971, Courtesy of Andrea Clark Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina

Join us on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 PM for a special Exhibit Preview Party, featuring local cuisine, libations, and live music. Click here to purchase tickets. For sponsorships, click here.

Then, join us on Saturday, September 21st for Community Day, as we celebrate the official opening of the exhibition. Community Day is a free event from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Community Day programming will include scholarly lectures on Asheville’s urban renewal, a panel discussion with the artist Andrea Clark and East End community members, live music, and other activities. Full schedule and programming listed below!

This important exhibition and community-accessible opening celebration are only possible thanks to your support and generosity! To be a sponsor of this historic event, see sponsorship information below. For more information, contact Polly Rolman-Smith, Executive Director, director@ashevillehistory.org, or call 828-253-9231.

Purchase Exhibition Preview Party Tickets

Exhibition Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Andrea Clark, “Valley Street Neighborhood,” ca. 1970, Courtesy of Andrea Clark Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina

 

  

Andrea Clark
“Self Portrait”
ca. 1970-1971
Courtesy of Andrea Clark Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville, North Carolina

 

 

 

Community Day Schedule of Events & Programming 

 

11:00am – 12:00pm: 

Live music with the Jukebox Jumpers

12:00pm – 1:30pm: 

The History & Lasting Effects of Urban Renewal in a National & Local Context: 

Scholarly talks on urban renewal with Dr. Sarah Judson & Dr. Kathleen Lawlor, followed by a joint Q&A session

*Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis*

12:00pm – 2:00pm:

Children’s Interactive Programming: 

West African Music & Drumming with Adama Dembele

2:00pm – 3:00pm:

Live music with the Jukebox Jumpers

3:00pm – 5:00pm:

A Conversation on Our Communities & Neighborhoods, with Andrea Clark & Special Guests:

Residential panel includes Asheville residents Matthew Bacoate, Cliff Cotton, & Dee Williams, with Dr. Dwight Mullen serving as moderator

*Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis*

 

Sponsorship Information