About Us

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts fulfills Appalachian State University's long-held dream of providing a home for world-class visual arts programming. The center is the largest facility of its kind in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia, and is named for university benefactors Robert and Lillian Turchin. Featuring two wings of exhibition and support space, and the Arnold P. Rosen Family Education Wing, the center is located on King Street in the heart of downtown Boone, North Carolina.

The Turchin Center's exhibitions focus on a blend of new and historically important artwork and feature works of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the finest artists of the region. However, the Turchin Center is more than a facility devoted solely to the viewing of art. With its multi-faceted programs and its Community Art School, the center is a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the Appalachian community, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.

Mission Statement

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts supports the mission of Appalachian State University through regionally significant exhibition, education, and collection programs. Underlying the center's mission is the belief that the arts play vital roles in the development of creative and critical potential, and in experiencing, interpreting, understanding, recording, and shaping culture. The center provides a place to investigate these roles by implementing programs that engender and strengthen Appalachian community participation in and ownership of the arts, and an emphasis is placed on partnerships with the university's academic areas. Through its programs and partnerships, the center supports the university's role as a key regional educational and cultural resource, and offers a dynamic space where participants experience and incorporate the power and excitement of the visual arts into their lives.

Connecting Campus and Community

The Turchin Center's ideal location on King Street - in the heart of downtown Boone, yet within the physical boundaries of the Appalachian State campus - places it at the crossroads between campus and community. The building was designed to visually and physically make the arts more accessible to the Appalachian community, and to serve as a gateway to the greater campus beyond the center. The pedestrian gateway features several areas for public sculpture, including the Kay Borkowski Sculpture Garden. Visitors are able to walk through the gardens and access nearby Valborg Theatre, the Belk Library and Information Commons, and the University Bookstore.

Staff

• Hank T. Foreman, Director & Chief Curator, foremanht@appstate.edu
• Brook Bower Greene, Assistant Curator, greeneab@appstate.edu
• Dr. Gayle Weitz, Community Art School Director, weitzgm@appstate.edu
• Sandra Black, Director of Administration, blacksv@appstate.edu
• Cassie McDowell, Exhibitions Coordinator, cm34020@appstate.edu
• Cindy Jones, Visitor and Member Services, jonescj@appstate.edu

Fees

There is no admission fee. Donations are gratefully accepted, however. For activities such as workshops and classes, fees may apply. Members are eligible for special discounts.

Directions

Follow Highway 321/421 to Boone's downtown business district. The center is located on King Street, between Appalachian and College Streets.

Parking

Parking on King Street and downtown Boone public spaces is permitted within the posted limits. Additional paid parking for longer visits is available one block west of the center at 567 West King Street. We will provide parking validation for visitors who receive a parking ticket from the Town of Boone. Appalachian State University offers paid visitor parking in its deck located at 461 Rivers Street or visitor parking passes may be purchased for other locations from the Parking and Traffic Office located in Suite A of the Rivers Street deck.

Accessibility

The building is accessible to all visitors. An elevator provides access to each floor in the building. For any other concerns please contact the receptionist.