ARTS & CULTURE
Carolina Performing Arts Press Release
Compiled by Michelle Cassell
CHAPEL HILL – The Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites members of the media to a special preview of two upcoming exhibitions, “Care and Concern: Recent Acquisitions of Modern and Contemporary Art” and “Continental Shift: Recent Acquisitions of African Art,” on Thursday, July 9, at 2 p.m.
About “Care and Concern: recent acquisitions of Modern and Contemporary Art”
Featuring works of modern and contemporary art acquired by the Ackland since 2020, “Care and Concern” explores how artists communicate their care and concern for our world. Showcasing a variety of media, including painting, sculpture and works on paper, and centered on the feelings the artists express and the emotions they hope to evoke, the exhibition highlights the diverse perspectives and artistic approaches represented in the Museum’s recent additions to its collection.
The selected works range from sentiment and disappointment to anxiety and solace. Together, they offer visitors an opportunity to consider how artists respond to personal experiences and broader social issues through creativity, empathy and critical reflection.
About “Continental Shift: recent acquisitions of African Art”
“Continental Shift” features selected works of African art acquired by the Ackland over the past five years, with a special emphasis on metalwork, textiles, beadwork and ceramics from across the African continent, including eastern and southern regions. Reflecting the Museum’s recent collecting efforts, the exhibition highlights materials and geographic areas that complement the Ackland’s longstanding strengths in figurative woodcarving from West and Central Africa.
“‘Care and Concern’ and ‘Continental Shift’ both highlight the active nature of the Ackland’s collection, which is central to the research and teaching mission at Carolina. We are honored to share these works with audiences, and hope that they inspire wonder and curiosity, while sparking reflection on the many questions central to collection stewardship today,” said Ackland director Shalini LeGall.
Both exhibitions are made possible by support from Laura and Walter Elcock.
Interviews Available: Ackland Art Museum curators and staff members will be available for interviews during the media preview.
To schedule an interview or for additional information, please email mediarelations@unc.edu.
Exhibition Details:
“Care and Concern: Recent Acquisitions of Modern and Contemporary Art” and “Continental Shift: Recent Acquisitions of African Art” | July 10 – November 15, 2026
Location: Ackland Art Museum
101 S. Columbia St.
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514
Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press.
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