Jun 01 Thursday
The Reece Museum presents An Exuberant Spirit: The Sammie L. Nicely Collection, on display through October 13 and features eighty-one of the 130+ piece collection.
Samuel Louis Nicely (1947 - 2015) was an artist and educator who embraced his cultural heritage as an African American man from Appalachia. Born in Russellville, Tennessee, he developed a love for the arts at an early age and went on to earn a B.S. in art education from Middle Tennessee State University and to study at The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg. Nicely cofounded the From Africa to Appalachia Foundation and was the Artist in Residence at the Reece Museum in 2014. In 2020, fifty works from Nicely's personal collection (seen in the virtual catalogue) were bequeathed to the Reece Museum. These works represent Sammie Nicely's vision as a collector and artist, and form the foundation of this new Special Collection.
The Reece Museum will be open to the public on the first Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm, February through May, in addition to its regular hours. Join us on Saturday, May 6 to view An Exuberant Spirit.
The Reece Museum in association with the Nantahala Outdoor Center present Mr.December: The Life, Art, & Experience of William Nealy... Illustrator & Outdoor Sports Cult Hero, on display through June 9.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the artist, author, and part-time adventurer William Nealy created a series of hand-drawn river maps and guidebooks that became popular among rafters and other outdoors enthusiasts. This exhibition, curated by Dr. Scott Honeycutt and Reece staff features Nealy’s work while also celebrating his adventure lifestyle through an installation of various outdoor-adventure equipment.
The Reece Museum is a unit of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, which is housed in the ETSU Department of Appalachian Studies. The Reece Museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Skip Sickler and Laurin Jennings share the Cottage this week. From his earliest memories, Skip was drawn to nature. While immersed in the mountains, forests, streams and oceans, he finds himself more centered, more alive. Skip presents his photography for your enjoyment and inspiration.
Ceramics is Lauren Jennings' tool of choice to unite utility and mental health. In an over-stimulated world, Laurin’s hope is that her pieces will act as daily reminders to slow down and breathe deep. After years doing pottery in the Arizona desert, she recently moved back to North Carolina with permanent installations at Doe Ridge Pottery in Boone and Hamilton Williams Gallery in Morganton.
Jun 02 Friday
Jun 03 Saturday
Jun 04 Sunday