Discover the Heart and History of Asheville’s East End
Asheville, a city rich in culture and history, is about to host an exciting exhibition that takes a deep dive into a significant, yet often overlooked part of its past. Beginning this weekend, the Asheville Museum of History will unveil The Photography of Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community. This exhibit showcases breathtaking photographs documenting the once-thriving African American community in Asheville’s East End during the late 1960s through the early 1970s.
A Glimpse into a Lost Community
The exhibition features a stunning selection of 35 framed prints capturing the essence of a neighborhood that has since experienced rapid transformation due to urban renewal and redevelopment. It’s a trip down memory lane showing not just the buildings and streets, but the vibrant life and community spirit that once flourished in the East End.
Andrea Clark, the talented photographer behind this collection, has deep roots in Asheville. Born in Massachusetts, she’s a proud descendant of a long line of African American families from the area. Her grandfather, James Vester Miller, was a master brick mason who constructed many of Asheville’s prominent public buildings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by her family history, Clark moved to Asheville in the 1960s to live with her father and began documenting the everyday life of her community amidst the backdrop of the Jim Crow segregated South.
A Rare Archive of Life
The black-and-white photographs presented in the exhibit are an essential record of a community that, while vibrant and rich in culture, was largely displaced due to societal changes and urban development. Clark’s lens captures moments of everyday life, the faces of the residents, and the distinctive architecture that defined the East End. Visitors will not only see captivating images but will also find insightful essays that provide context to the photographs and discuss the impacts of urban renewal on Asheville’s neighborhoods.
Opening Festivities and Public Access
The opening weekend promises to be a vibrant celebration of history and community. The festivities kick off with a preview party at the museum on Friday, September 20, at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music from DJ Raf and delectable cuisine prepared by Chef Hector Diaz. Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at $50 for museum members and $60 for non-members.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! The public is warmly invited to explore the full exhibition the following day, Saturday, September 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to engage with Asheville’s history and the beautiful narrative of the East End community. The museum, housed in the historic Smith-McDowell House on the campus of A-B Tech, welcomes visitors with open arms, offering a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $6 for military and students, while children under six can enter for free.
A Moment of Reflection
If you find yourself in Asheville this weekend, don’t miss this chance to experience a piece of history that resonates with the soul of the city. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone curious about the rich tapestry that makes Asheville such a unique place, The Photography of Andrea Clark is an exhibit that promises to leave a lasting impression.
As the clouds roll in with a hint of morning fog, and with a warm temperature expected to reach around 77°F, it’s the perfect day to step out and soak in the stories that have shaped this remarkable city. As we reflect on the past through Andrea Clark’s lens, let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of Asheville’s East End community.
