GULLAH/GEECHEE: AN ENDURING CULTURE

January 25-May 4, 2008

South Gallery

West African slaves provided essential labor for colonial rice plantations. Their knowledge of rice cultivation allowed the plants to succeed. The Gullah (South Carolina) and Geechee (Georgia) people lived in isolated areas and blended their African culture with the skills needed to survive in the new land. Stories and songs were used to teach lessons to children and West African and American techniques melded together in cooking. Customs from Africa, the West Indies, and America developed into a new culture. Explore the Gullah/Geechee legacy from its beginnings to its place in a National Historic Corridor.

GULLAH/GEECHEE FILM SERIES

• All shows Sundays at 2 p.m.
• Free with Museum admission

February 3: Daughters of the Dust
March 2: The language You Cry in: Story of a Mende Song
April 13:  The Will to Survive: The Story of the Gullah/Geechee Nation

 THE C.L. MOREHEAD COLLECTION OF WEST AFRICAN MATERIAL CULTURE

January 25-May 4

South Gallery

This collection represents the traditional material culture and artistic talents of Cameroon and Nigerian tribes in the 20th century. Masks, cooking and farming implements, clothing, baskets, and personal acessories provide a glimpse of the world the Gullah/Geechee people left behind when taken to America.

ART IN BLOOM

March 14-May 11

Hall Gallery

This exhibition features over twenty works by 17th through 20th century female illustrators, including works by the pupils of Pierre-Joseph Redoute (1759-1840) such as Claire Biosselard, Augustine Benard, and Emilie-Anna Graf. These delicate watercolors over pencil are rich with vibrant colors as well as precisely drawn. Each bouquet brings to mind the wonders of classical and formal gardens for the pleasure of all the senses.

During the 18th century, flower painting became a respectable pastime for well-educated women who were still denied access to the field of science. As Dr. Sara Nestor stated, “Confined to the subject of still life and natural history painting, many female artists excelled in the field. Their significant contribution to the genre has been little recognized and is thus now worthy of celebration.”

FLORAL DESIGNS BY SYBIL SYLVESTER

Wednesday, April 23

• 10 a.m.
• $35/members, $40/non-members
• Advanced registration required

Sybil Sylvester, owner of Wildflower Designs in Birmingham, Alabama is an acclaimed floral designer who has been featured in Southern Accents, Southern Living, Coastal Living and other national publications.  She and her prized team of floral designers have created the South’s most talked about flower shop. Her clients include Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Birmingham, Saks Fifth Avenue, Southern Living, and Regions Bank, among many others.  She shares her expertise by teaching and giving floral demonstrations.

To register for the demonstration, contact 478-477-3232 ext. 200 or <rsvp@masmacon.com>.

MISS AMERICA 1953: NEVA LANGLEY FICKLING

March 14-April 27

North Gallery

Born in Lakeland, Florida, Neva Langley came to Macon as a sophomore transfer to Wesleyan College. Already an accomplished pianist and winner of several high school pageant crowns, she entered the Miss Macon pageant as a Wesleyan nominee. At age 19, she became Miss Macon, Miss Georgia, then Miss America 1953, winning the talent award for her rendition of Toccata by Khatchaturian.

Neva and her husband, Bill Fickling, settled in Macon where they raised a family and she became active in many civic and cultural organizations. In 1989, she returned to music and began a series of national and international concerts.

This exhibition focuses on Neva's moment in the spotlight as Miss America. It features many of her pageant gowns, unique photographs, and, of course, her crowns. As much as it represents beauty and talent, the Miss America crown also requires courage, commitment, and contributions to society at large. It is an opportunity to present Miss America 1953 to the Macon public once again.

HEAD TO TOE

Newberry Gallery

March 28-August 31

Are you an herbivore or a carnivore? What can an x-ray see? Just how hard does your heart work? What do fingerprints do? The answers to these questions and more await you in the Museum's latest exhibit!

The human body is a fascinating and complex machine, with each of its many parts fulfilling a unique and interesting function. Head to Toe, based on Pacific Science Center's nationally acclaimed Science on Wheels: Blood and Guts exhibition, educated visitors about five bodily topics: skeletons, organs, the senses, general health and general body facts. Compare skulls and backbones to learn how each one works for different animals. Learn about your individual fingerprints and smell detector cells in your nose.

FACE FORWARD!

Saturday, June 14

• 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Free with Museum admission

What lies behind the face in a portrait? Besides the individual personality are the basics behind every face: the skull, the brain, the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Explore all these parts in the Head to Toe exhibition and then examine the same details in Seeing Faces. Try your hand at putting the pieces together to create a portrait of someone who came with you to the Museum. Bring your own camera and create a fun photo portrait. This family activity encourages you to look closely at each other and appreciate the details of what you see.