Exciting New Exhibition Celebrates Asheville’s East End Community Through Andrea Clark’s Photographs

Exciting New Exhibition in Asheville: A Glimpse into the East End Community

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Asheville Museum of History gears up to unveil a unique exhibition that captures a significant piece of the city’s past. Starting September 21, 2024, visitors can explore “The Photography of Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community,” a compelling showcase of rare photographs taken by the talented local photographer Andrea Clark. The exhibition features 35 stunning black and white photographs that document the vibrant life and landscapes of Asheville’s East End neighborhood during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

A Journey Back in Time

For many, this exhibition will be more than just a visual experience; it’s a nostalgic journey back to a time when the East End was a thriving African American community. Andrea Clark, originally from Massachusetts, moved to Asheville in the 1960s to reconnect with her roots and document her family’s community amid the backdrop of the Jim Crow segregated South. Through her lens, she created a vital record of a community that faced significant transformation due to Asheville’s urban renewal efforts.

Clark’s photographs serve as not only a beautiful visual testament to the past but also a reminder of the people, buildings, and stories that were part of the East End. The images capture the spirit of a neighborhood that has all but disappeared, showcasing the essence of those who lived there. Highlights include scenes from both the East End and other city locations, meticulously preserved through Andrea’s careful eye.

Explore and Learn

As part of the exhibition, essays will accompany the photographs, offering insights into the history depicted and the impacts of urban renewal on Asheville’s communities. Visitors will have the chance to learn not only about Andrea Clark’s important work but also about her grandfather, James Vester Miller, a prominent brick mason known for crafting many public buildings in Asheville, many of which feature in her photographs.

Preview Party and Community Day

As part of this exciting launch, the museum will host a Preview Party on September 20, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. This gala-style fundraiser will kick off the exhibition with live music from DJ Raf and delicious cuisine prepared by Chef Hector Diaz. With ticket prices set at $50 for museum members and $60 for non-members, it promises to be a delightful evening of celebration and support for the museum. Tickets can be conveniently purchased on the museum’s website.

The real treat, however, will be the Community Day on September 21, 2024, when the exhibition opens to the public free of charge! Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event will include live music, educational lectures about Urban Renewal in Asheville, exciting activities for kids such as photography and drumming workshops, and a special panel discussion featuring Andrea Clark alongside former residents of the East End.

Plan Your Visit

The Asheville Museum of History, located in the historic Smith-McDowell House at 283 Victoria Road, is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission suggestions are just $10 for adults, and $6 for military, college students, and youth ages 7-17, making it an accessible outing for families and history enthusiasts alike!

For those looking to dive deeper into Asheville’s history and explore its rich cultural tapestry, “The Photography of Andrea Clark: Remembering Asheville’s East End Community” is a must-see exhibition. With ongoing educational programming and a permanent exhibit detailing the history of 23 counties in Western North Carolina, the Asheville Museum of History is sure to offer a memorable experience!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reflect on the past and engage with the stories that have shaped Asheville into what it is today! Visit the museum’s website for more information and to view the full schedule of events for Community Day.