2021-2022 on The CW-Austin Talk Show

"Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) will again host its popular floral fundraiser Art in Bloom, presented by PNC Bank, March 15–19, 2023. The five-day event will feature more than 30 imaginative floral arrangements, offering visitors a unique way to connect with art through floral interpretations of the Museum’s latest acquisitions and visitor-favorite works from the newly reimagined People’s Collection in  Building. Guests will be greeted by a large welcome installation by Heather Ann Miller of Eclectic Sage and several large-platform floral displays based on the theme Cinematic, highlighting representations of music, theater, dance, and film featured in the People’s Collection. 

Beyond the scope of the disputee disp in the West Building, the five-day fundraiser will blue floral-inspiredd workshops, lectures, and special surprises in the Museum Store. The Museum will offer extended hours and expanded food options. Visitors may enjoy inventive small bites Southern-inspiredpired entrées from Chef Rick Sloan at the newly remodeled NCMA Café in West Building. 

In the days leading up to Art in Bloom, presented by PNC Bank, the Museum will organize floral installations and a scavenger hunt. Additional information regarding the scavenger hunt and floral installations is forthcoming. 

PNC Bank returns as the founding presenting sponsor of Art in Bloom. “As the NCMA’s largest annual fundraiser, Art in Bloom is vital to helping the Museum deliver programming and exhibitions that are both compelling and accessible throughout the year,” said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas. “All of us at PNC recognize the NCMA’s significant cultural and educational contributions to our local communities, and we are pleased to continue our support for this meaningful event.” 

Tickets are available at ncartmuseum.org/bloom or by emailing help@ncartmuseum.org. 

Related events, including select workshops, presentations, and other special programs, will be ticketed separately (see Related Events below). 

East Building galleries are open 10 am–5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Michael Richards: Are You Down? in East Building will be on view and free to the public during this time. 

Are you a history buff, art lover, or just someone who enjoys learning about different cultures? If so, the Venice and the Ottoman Empire exhibition is an experience you can’t miss. This ambitious showcase dives deep into the relationship between two major Mediterranean powers—the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire—spanning four centuries from 1400 to 1800.

As you step into the exhibition hall, you’re greeted with a dynamic display of 190 works that tell the story of these interconnected European empires. From intricate Venetian paintings to richly woven Ottoman textiles, each piece reveals a chapter of this historical narrative. It’s not just about art—this exhibition documents the political, diplomatic, and economic exchanges between Venice and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the technological advancements and culinary influences they shared.

A Journey Through Time and Art

The artworks on display are a testament to the complex relationship between these two rival powers. Despite their differences, Venice and the Ottoman Empire maintained a rich exchange of ideas, aesthetics, and traditions. Visitors will find themselves captivated by the evolution of artistic styles that reflect the cultural blending of these Mediterranean giants.

You’ll see Venetian artists influenced by Ottoman patterns and motifs, and Ottoman craftsmen adapting elements from the Italian Renaissance. It’s a fascinating display of how art can transcend political boundaries, serving as a bridge between seemingly opposing worlds.

More Than Just Art: The Cultural Exchange

While the visual arts take center stage, the exhibition also delves into other aspects of their interactions. Through political documents, trade maps, and culinary artifacts, visitors gain insight into the diplomatic maneuvers and economic ties that connected Venice and the Ottoman Empire. The exhibition reveals how these powers were both rivals and trading partners, shaping the course of history in the Mediterranean.

And let’s not forget the culinary influences! You’ll learn how trade between Venice and the Ottoman Empire brought spices, coffee, and exotic flavors to Venetian tables, forever changing European cuisine.

Why You Should Visit

Venice and the Ottoman Empire is not just an exhibition—it’s a visual journey through time, one that highlights the power of cultural exchange. It’s a rare opportunity to explore how two rival states, despite their differences, contributed to each other’s growth and development over four centuries.

So whether you’re a museum enthusiast or just looking for a unique weekend outing, make sure to add this exhibition to your must-visit list. Immerse yourself in the stories, art, and history that shaped these two empires—and discover how their legacy still resonates today.

This exhibition offers a chance to witness history through the lens of art, showcasing how cultural exchange can build bridges, even between the fiercest of rivals. Don’t miss out on this captivating experience!

"Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is pleased to share its upcoming exhibit Samurai: The Making of a Warrior, at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The exhibition masterfully blends historical artifacts with visually striking cultural objects, inviting guests to delve into the multifaceted aspects of samurai life, including their influence on politics and society. The inclusion of a discussion on samurai women is particularly enlightening, shedding light on their often-overlooked yet crucial roles in sustaining samurai families and supporting the careers of famous male warriors.

With its thoughtful curation and nuanced approach, “Samurai: The Making of a Warrior” is not just a display of weaponry—it’s an exploration of a rich cultural legacy that continues to resonate. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the deeper stories behind Japan’s iconic warrior class.