Artists and Quilters at the N.C. Museum of History

Delight in the creativity and talents of North Carolina artists and quilters during three free programs at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Hear renowned zoological illustrator and scientist Doug Pratt discuss his career. Watch March’s Artist at Work, James Trantham, create a banjo or dulcimer, and bring the kids to make their own banjo. Or choose to stitch along with the Capital Quilters Guild during a quilting bee. Enjoy!

History à la Carte: Illustrating Nature

Doug Pratt’s interest in birds led him to a career as a well-known ornithologist, artist and photographer. Along with his duties as research curator of birds at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, he has written or illustrated 11 books about these feathered friends. During the program History à la Carte: Illustrating Nature on Wednesday, March 12, at 12:10 p.m., Pratt will discuss his career as both scientist and biological illustrator to show how two very different endeavors can work together, informing and sometimes supporting the other. Bring your lunch; beverages are provided.

Stitch a Quilt

Join a long line of Tar Heel women who have combined creativity and skill to produce beautiful quilts. During Women’s History Month, come stitch with the Capital Quilters Guild during a quilting bee in the exhibit Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina. The quilting bee will take place on Fridays from March 14 to May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether you’re a quilter or not, try some stitches during this drop-in program, and be sure to see several quilts in the exhibit.

Artist at Work: James Trantham

James Trantham of Canton has built banjos, dulcimers and other musical instruments for over 30 years. For 29 years, he has demonstrated his craft at the N.C. State Fair in the Village of Yesteryear, where he serves as director. All his instruments are constructed with quality acoustical wood and feature relief carvings and hand-carved rosettes.

You can watch the Southern Highland Craft Guild member at work and talk with him about the mountain songs he collects and sings from Friday to Sunday, March 14 to 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. during a drop-in program. For 50 years, Trantham has collected and performed English and Scottish tunes and ballads. He has performed at many colleges and universities in the Southeast and in six European countries.

Make It, Take It: Banjos

Hey kids, after you watch Trantham make a banjo, create your own! Build a banjo out of rubber bands, a paint stirrer and a paper plate during the drop-in program Make It, Take It from Saturday to Sunday, March 15 to 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. Then see some special banjos and play a tune in the lobby exhibit Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music.

For more information about these programs, call 919-807-7900.

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