NOW OPEN ~ MISSOURI’S CIVIL WAR 1863: Divided At Home ~ By the close of 1862, thousands of American men were dead and thousands more were sick and dying. At the start of 1863, millions of slaves saw their lives change forever as President Lincoln’s executive order in the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. In Missouri, bushwhackers took advantage of the lack of law enforcement and terrorized towns and landowners throughout the state. Artifacts, clothing, authentic weapons, and personal effects from the Civil War in this exhibit truly brings a tumultuous period in Missouri’s history to life. This exhibit will be on display through the end of 2013.

NOW OPEN ~ The Montminy Gallery hosts a spectacular exhibit by the prolific and versatile, contemporary American artist James J. Froese. Best known for his paintings, drawings and assemblages, Froese’s work spans a wide range of style, from highly realistic to totally non-objective, often combining whimsy with the mundane for a unique perspective. Considered a visual storyteller, Foese’s exhibit features portraits and nature scenes, still lifes and landscapes, all viewed through his unique perspective. Visit the JJ Froese Website to see more of his work. Read more about the exhibit in the Columbia Daily Tribunestory by Amy Wilder. The public is invited to the exhibit reception, beginning at 5:30 pm, Friday, May 10, 2013. The show will run through the end of June, 2013.

NOW OPEN ~ Grass Roots, African Origins of an American Art. Sponsored by the Boone County Museum and Galleries and Access Arts this amazing exhibit features the are of basketry brought to America by former slaves. Previously displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art and sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, this traveling exhibit explores the history of the low-country coiled basket, one of the oldest African-inspired arts in America. With beautifully displayed informative panels and dozens of unique baskets created from sweetgrass, bulrush, palmetto and pine needles, this exhibit is a visual treat. Grass Roots will be on display in the Walters History Museum West Gallery through May 25, 2013. For more on this exhibit visit the NEH Website.

JUNE 1 ~ HOT PIANO: Music lovers mark your calendar! You won’t want to miss Sutu and Friends in this celebration of music on Blind Boone’s Chickering Concert Grand in the Boone County Museum and Galleries. Join the fun and share in the discovery of a second Blind Boone piano, Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 4 pm. Refreshments will be served. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will be used to restore the majestic upright piano. Call the Boone County Museum and Galleries, 573-443-8936 for tickets or to make reservations. Credit cards accepted.

SAVE THE DATE: A curated exhibit, The Adventurous Spirit, opens July 5, 2013 in the Montminy Art Gallery, featuring the work of  watercolorist Paul Jackson. Jackson will host an artist’s reception July 25, at 5:30 pm.  A prolific artist and world traveler, Paul Jackson is one of the country’s most versatile and visible contemporary watercolorists. Paul’s work captivates his audience with genuine emotion, intensity and skill that energizes each of his creations. See more of his work on his website, Adventures With Paul Jackson.

For more information on exhibits, activities, and events, please call the Boone County Museum, 573-443-8936.