Sarah Vaughn’s Considerations exhibition explores the nature of stones, the memories they keep, and the stories they tell. To further celebrate this exhibition, join Appalachian State University Geology Professor Lauren Waterworth as she tells the story...
This free art show allows people to browse art from local artists, meet the artist, and purchase art directly from the artisan. Artists are often glad to talk about their process and answer questions. Different artists will be featured each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Daingerfield & The Tonalist Instinct explores the development of Tonalism, a distinctly American artistic movement responding to early modernist impulses in painting. Emerging in the latter half of the 19th century, Tonalism was characterized by subtle color harmonies, soft atmospheric effects, and contemplative, mood-driven scenes. Often emphasizing twilight or dawn landscapes, tonalist works evoke introspective, serene, or even ominous atmospheres, prioritizing mood and emotional resonance over detailed realism.
This exhibition explores key milestones in the history of color theory through seven case studies, each centered on a single work of art from BRAHM’s Permanent Collection. Alongside these works, diagrams and historical models illustrate how color has been classified, studied, and understood over time. By examining these varied approaches, The Shape of Color invites us to consider the ways in which color influences our perception, emotions, and the visual world around us.
This exhibiton presents a selection of ceramic works and drawings by MaryLou Higgins (1926–2012), an artist active in North Carolina throughout her prolific career. Best known for her illustrative approach to ceramics, Higgins worked across multiple media, creating a body of work defined by intricate draftsmanship and a focus on the female figure.
This intimate installation of ten “memory paintings” by Arlee Mains (1935–2019) offers a vivid and affectionate portrait of early 20th-century life in the mountains of western North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Watauga County and a self-taught artist, Mains drew upon family stories, personal recollections, and regional traditions to create painted scenes of everyday Appalachian life.
BRAHM invites performers to respond to our exhibitions in a new program series we’re naming Called to Response. Join Akal Dev Sharonne as she responds to the ceramic works of Mary Lou Higgins’ exhibition Mary Lou Higgins: Sibylline Faces.
All artists are donating their time to raise money for Hurricane Helene victims in the greater Banner Elk area. The concerts are organized by the non-profit Elk River Helping Hands, with proceeds distributed directly to hurricane victims in Avery and Watauga counties.
Junior Naturalist Program activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome!
The 2025 BRAHM Gala is currently at full capacity. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist to be contacted if there are further opportunities to purchase sponsorships or individual tickets please contact Hannah Chaney
Carl Ratliff, saxophones; Lovell Bradford, Sr., Piano/Keyboard., Lovell Bradford, Jr., Bass; Malcom Charles, Drums.
This free art show allows people to browse art from local artists, meet the artist, and purchase art directly from the artisan. Artists are often glad to talk about their process and answer questions. Different artists will be featured each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.