October Issue 1999
Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University Named for University Benefactors
A regional center for the visual arts has been named in honor of Appalachian State University benefactors Robert and Lillian Turchin.
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will be located in the Boone United Methodist Church building on West King Street, Boone, NC, and will open with its first exhibit in fall 2001.
The building was acquired by Appalachian for $2.7 million last year. The church congregation is moving to a new facility this fall.
"Robert and Lillian Turchin's support of Appalachian far exceeds monetary gifts," said Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski. "They have provided valuable support and guidance to many university endeavors, including the university's athletics program and An Appalachian Summer Festival. It is fitting to recognize their many contributions to this university by naming the center for the visual arts in their honor."
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will support Appalachian's teaching mission through a combination of exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach. The center's exhibits will focus on the contemporary works of national and regional artists.
"We are extremely excited about the role this new facility will play in expanding Appalachian's educational and cultural resources to the university, community and region," Borkowski said. "The center will provide a dynamic space where students of all ages and community groups can experience the power and excitement of the visual arts."
Robert Turchin is a member of Appalachian's Board of Trustees and the Appalachian State University Foundation Board. The couple has been active on An Appalachian Summer Advisory Committee, Yosef Club and various university fundraising projects. They divide their time between Hound Ears and Miami Beach, FL. He is president of RLT Investment Corp. and former chairman of Turchin Brothers Construction Company.
Nearly $2 million has been contributed to the $9 million project, including a $1 million lead gift from the Turchins in 1997. Seby Jones of Raleigh and others also have contributed to the project, funding the initial renovations.
"The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will become a major asset to the region," Borkowski said. "It will be the largest facility for the visual arts in our part of the state."
The first phase of building renovations will begin next summer and will total approximately $2.2 million. The renovations will create a main gallery, mezzanine gallery, photography lab, conference and office space and an outdoor sculpture garden. An elevator will provide handicapped access.
A fund drive will be launched to create an endowed fund to support the center's activities and to underwrite a portion of the renovation costs.
Appalachian is seeking state funding for the second phase renovations, which will include an addition that will create a new entrance and provide space for studios, meetings and classrooms, gift and coffee shops and an area to assemble exhibits slated for installation.
"Community involvement will be key to the success of this facility," said H. Perry Mixter, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs at Appalachian. "During the coming months, university representatives will meet with various community and civic groups, arts organizations and artists to introduce them to the project and involve them in the program planning. The building design supports the center's goal of providing opportunities for on-site creation of art, and viewing and discussing art."
Hank Foreman has been named the center's curator and director. Foreman has been acting director of the university's Catherine Smith Gallery. "Rather than an austere marble-floored museum designed only for viewing art, the Turchin Center will be a dynamic gathering space for the community to experience the visual arts in a variety of ways," Foreman said.
Visual arts workshops, public school programs, internships for art students and a docent program in which community volunteers conduct gallery tours also will strengthen the center's role as a resource for the community and region.
Newman and Peterson architectural firm in Winston-Salem is creating the renovation and building plans.
For further information contact Jane Nicholson, Director, University News at 828/262-2345 or Denise Ringler of Cultural Affairs at 828/262-6084, ext. 103.
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