North Carolina Treasures: Bob Timberlake, Glenn Bolick & Max Woody
Image credit: Installation view. North Carolina Treasures: Bob Timberlake, Glenn Bolick & Max Woody, August 11, 2012 - April 20, 2013, BRAHM.
August 11, 2012 - April 20, 2013
North Carolina Treasures – BRAHM’s third major exhibit since it opened in October 2011 – features three of the state’s most beloved artists and artisans:
Showcased starting August 11 through November 26, Lexington native Bob Timberlake, who turns 75 this year, is North Carolina’s most recognized and successful living artist. After receiving encouragement from the legendary American artist Andrew Wyeth, Bob devoted himself to painting in 1969. He enjoyed immediate success. Since his first exhibition in Winston-Salem in 1970, he has been featured in galleries in Raleigh; New York; Washington, D.C.; Seattle; and Tokyo. He has received critical acclaim for his work, accumulated a number of state and national honors and developed a following of passionately devoted fans. BRAHM’s exhibit will celebrate the artist’s seven decades of art (he started drawing at age 5) and will feature a selection of his original works that represent his long career along with memorabilia and personal items that illustrate his interests.
The multi-talented Glenn Bolick is a walking monument to traditional mountain arts. He is an accomplished old-time musician, storyteller and potter. Tourists and locals alike collect Bolick pottery, which is a branch of the Owen family of potters in Seagrove. Glenn’s wife Lula is the daughter of legendary master potter M.L. Owen, who also taught Glenn how to work clay. When Glenn had the opportunity to buy back his family farm in Lenoir, he and Lula built their own kiln and sawmill, along with a stage for weekly jam sessions. Today, the Bolicks, along with their daughter and son-in-law Janet and Mike Calhoun, continue to preserve their traditions with their annual Heritage Day in June and October kiln opening. North Carolina Treasures will display pieces of Bolick pottery as well as some of Glenn’s musical instruments. BRAHM will also host a celebration of mountain music during the exhibit, featuring members of the Bolick family band. Bolick’s work will be on view starting August 11, 2012 - April 20, 2013.
McDowell County native Max Woody – also known as “The Chair Man” – has been making chairs for more than 60 years. Like the Bolicks/Owens pottery, the Woody family has been known for generations for their quality handmade products. Max continues that tradition with his fine rocking chairs, which have been bought by customers from all 50 states and beyond. BRAHM is honored to have a set of Max Woody chairs on its own porch, which will be part of the North Carolina Legends exhibit. It will also include other examples of Max’s fine work, along with traditional tools used in woodworking and other items from the artisan’s long career. Max is also a musician and will join the Museum during its musical celebration. Woody’s work will compliment Bolick’s pottery from August 11, 2012 - April 20, 2013.