Whenever you just want to immerse yourself in the art world, jet on over to Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. An Appalachian State University production, this popular art gallery proudly displays artwork made using every medium imaginable. Plus, they often have huge sculptures set up outside, like the impressive metal polar bear standing proudly right in front of their doors.
Local, national, and international artists produce the work for their six gallery spaces – and the exhibits rotate out regularly. So, you always know you’re going to see something new each time you swing by. Just be sure to use the interactive PDF exhibit guides on their website to get the full experience. Prefer a guided tour? Just ask at the front desk, and then wait for their staff to lead the way through the exhibits.
Even with so many resources at your fingertips, you never have to pay admission to visit the galleries. So, you can come by daily if you want without breaking the bank. For an even more in-depth experience, however, it’s never a bad idea to sign up for their workshops, art talks, and other special events. Although they’re an extra charge, they’re well worth the insights you’ll gain about the art world.
Their events change out often. So, you’ll want to take advantage of the ones that speak to you most before they’re gone. Check their website to see what’s on the calendar before you plan to come by. Then, book your spot if possible to avoid missing out on the chance to participate in your events of choice.
Top things to do here include:
ARTtalks
The ARTtalks event helps spread understanding about all facets of artistry. Artists, scholars, and many other influential individuals come onstage to share their approach to creating art, look at the impact of art on the world, and so much more. You might even get a chance to analyze specific works of art as a group, learning about all the subtle messages infused into the piece.
Lunch and Learn
For a deep dive into the art gallery’s annual festival, sign up for the Lunch and Learn events. Hosted in-person and virtually, these interactive lectures share behind-the-scenes glimpses into all the offerings for the year. All along the way, you get to enjoy a tasty lunch of your or their making, adding to the magic of the experience.
Workshops
Workshops allow you to get down to business in creating your own innovative creations. The workshop hosts decide which medium to roll out, and then offer a guided tutorial on how to get started. This event has gone virtual for now, but it’ll likely go back to in-person sessions soon.
Sculpture Walk
Want to enjoy beautiful sculptures made by talented local artists? Just come by for the sculpture walk whenever it’s presented. On this tour, you’ll follow the Rosen Sculpture Competition and Exhibition juror around the grounds to look at the sculptures made by the top ten event finalists. You’ll then get to watch the riveting awards ceremony and enjoy a fully catered luncheon with the group.
If you want to give back to the art gallery, you can sign up to gift them funds annually. Your gift helps keep the galleries open to artists, students, and the general public. You’ll also help fund their many educational programs for the betterment of the community. Prefer to add to the gallery using artwork from your own collection? Ask about donating your art to the permanent collection.
Insider Tips:
-The gallery closes whenever the football team plays at home through the fall season.
-If you miss out on anything, you can look at their past exhibits on their website.
-Want to reserve a tour ahead of time? Go to their website and fill out the guided gallery tour registration form.