UNC Asheville Gallery Hosts Black Mountain College Multimedia Exhibition

“Black Mountain College: A Radical Vision,” a multimedia exhibit about the legendary college, will be on view through March 28 at UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union Gallery. The exhibition kicks off a year-long community project celebrating the 50th anniversary of the closing of Black Mountain College. A reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, in the gallery, which is located on the lower level of the Union. John Wright, Black Mountain College Museum + Art Center board director, will give a gallery talk during the reception. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Comprised of artwork, photographs and original College publications, “Black Mountain College: A Radical Vision,” provides an overview of the institution’s three core values: community, education and the arts. The exhibition takes its title from the poem, “A Radical Vision/Black Mountain College,” written by College faculty member M.C. Richards.

Black Mountain College was founded in the Swannanoa Valley in 1933 and was fundamentally different from other colleges and universities of the time. It was owned and operated by the faculty, and was committed to democratic governance and the idea that the arts are central to the learning experience. All members of the College community participated in its operation, including farm work, construction projects and kitchen duty.  During the 33 years the College was in operation, its emphasis on community, free inquiry, creativity and experimentation attracted a cadre of brilliant thinkers, including Buckminster Fuller, John Cage, Franz Kline, Arthur Penn, Dorothea Rockburne and many others.

The Highsmith University Union Gallery is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily when classes are in session but hours are subject to change. For more information, call the Highsmith University Union at 828/232-5000.

Media Contacts:

• Bunny Halton-Subkis, UNC Ashville Cultural & Special Events Director, 828/251-6674
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526