Asheville – The Asheville Art Museum recently launched “Exhibition on Screen,” an innovative series that allows art enthusiasts to experience renowned global exhibitions without a passport. This initiative brings major international art exhibitions to the big screen, providing audiences with the ultimate armchair travel experience to enjoy iconic artworks and collections from celebrated museums worldwide.
Immersive Film Screenings and Q&A Sessions
The series featured documentary films that provided an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at legendary artists and their masterpieces. Each screening was followed by a Q&A session led by museum staff, offering further context and insights into the films. The screenings took place on Sundays from 2–4 pm, creating a welcoming environment for art enthusiasts to engage with the content.
Upcoming films in the series included “Easter in Art” on March 23, exploring the story of Easter in Western art history. On April 27, “Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse” would take viewers through the gardens that inspired 19th and 20th-century masterpieces. Following that, “Pissarro: Father of Impressionism” on May 25 would examine Camille Pissarro’s role in Impressionism and his artistic legacy. Finally, “Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers” on June 22 would celebrate Vincent van Gogh’s life and the emotion behind his paintings.
Tickets for the screenings were priced at $15, with museum admission not included. They could be purchased online at ashevilleart.org, although walk-ins were also welcomed.
Julie Levin Caro, an art historian and the head of learning and engagement at the museum, shared insights into the film selection process. “We selected the Exhibition On Screen films because they are incredibly well-made and meticulously researched,” she stated. “The film selection offers a diversity of subjects, including portraiture by John Singer Sargent, Impressionists like Monet and Pissarro, Post-Impressionist Van Gogh, and the representation of the Easter story in traditional European Art.”
Caro emphasized that the Q&A discussions following each screening enhanced the film experience. “These discussions make meaningful connections to the art and bring people together in the community,” she explained. “Art historians and museum experts can connect the material in the films to broader conversations about art history and relate it to our permanent collection.”
This was the first time the Asheville Art Museum presented the “Exhibition on Screen” series, but past film screenings had been well received. Caro noted that viewers enjoyed these experiences as personal escapes. “This series builds on that enthusiasm, offering a chance to explore iconic art and the stories behind it from museums around the world,” she remarked.
Caro also highlighted how this film series contributed to the Asheville community’s appreciation and engagement with the arts. “Access to the arts remains essential in providing comfort and inspiration to our community,” she stated. “As a flagship visual arts institution in Asheville, we have an education mission that goes beyond our collection holdings in late 19th, 20th, and 21st-century American art. We wanted to offer audiences in Asheville access to art beyond the borders of our city and region.”
The financial implications of such initiatives were significant. By offering affordable ticket prices, the museum aimed to attract a diverse audience while also generating revenue to support future programming. Caro noted, “We believe that art should be accessible to all, and this series is a step towards making that a reality.”
However, some critics raised concerns about the financial sustainability of such programs. They argued that while ticket sales could provide some revenue, the costs associated with film licensing and production could pose risks to the museum’s budget. Caro acknowledged these concerns but remained optimistic about community support and engagement.
The historical context of the Asheville Art Museum’s programming also played a role in shaping this initiative. The museum had previously hosted various exhibitions and events that highlighted local artists and cultural heritage. Caro remarked, “Our commitment to showcasing both local and international art has always been at the forefront of our mission.”
Looking ahead, the museum planned to evaluate the success of the “Exhibition on Screen” series based on attendance and community feedback. Caro stated, “We are excited to see how our audience responds and hope to expand this program in the future.”
As the Asheville Art Museum navigated its financial landscape, it remained dedicated to fostering a love for art in the community. The “Exhibition on Screen” series aimed to blend cultural enrichment with financial viability, ensuring art remained integral to Asheville’s identity.