About
Appalachian State University’s long-held dream of establishing a regional center for the visual arts became a reality in the spring of 2003, when the cultural landscape of the university and its surrounding region was transformed, as great works of art– as well as the artists who create them– found a home within the galleries, education and outreach spaces, and outdoor areas of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. In 2008, an east wing addition was completed. The Turchin Center now features two wings of exhibition and support space, as well as the Arnold P. Rosen Family Education Wing.
Named for university benefactors Robert and Lillian Turchin, the historic King Street building in downtown Boone, formerly home to the Boone United Methodist Church, became the largest visual arts center in northwestern North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia. To realize its vision, the university joined hands with the surrounding region to create a dynamic space where community groups and students of all ages can experience the power and excitement of the visual arts.
Now more than ever, the challenges of the future will require great minds; and that means thinking creatively as well as critically. The Turchin Center is a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the App State community. The center has been nationally recognized by organizations such as The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, that has supported the center through exhibition grants and through a gift of artworks by the foundation. Building upon its early successes, the center is poised to move forward in making a difference for many years to come within the campus and community through the visual arts.
Since opening in 2003, the center has built upon App State’s longstanding belief that access and interaction with arts programming is an important part of a great university education. This is supported by the belief that sharing these opportunities with residents and visitors is important service to the cultural, educational, economic, and healthful life of our community and region. To provide increased accessibility for the App State community, the center is free and open to the public.
Access to arts
Key to the Turchin Center’s mission is its policy of offering free admission. The center’s exhibits focus on contemporary art, and feature work by nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the finest artists of the region.
Exhibitions and programs
The center presents a challenging and exciting schedule of year-round exhibitions, providing a diverse look at the visual arts and inviting visitors to expand their perspectives through creative and critical thinking. A focus on arts education contextualizes exhibition programs through study guides, which are available for each featured exhibition. Lectures by exhibiting artists are scheduled throughout the year, and tours for university students, students in grades K-12, and community groups are scheduled upon request.
Community outreach
The center’s dynamic outreach programs encompass workshops in art forms such as painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, and collage, among other areas—and are offered for participants of all ages and skill levels. Outreach activities designed to engage underserved groups are offered at the center, and a colorful outreach van travels to all areas across the region, bringing visual arts activities to schools, libraries, community centers and public parks. Rather than a “marble-floored museum” devoted to solely to the viewing of art, the Turchin Center is a living, breathing presence in the community, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to directly participate in the visual arts.
Location
The center’s strategic location on King Street– in the heart of downtown Boone, yet within the physical boundaries of the campus— places it at the “crossroads” between campus and community, creating a multitude of opportunities for meaningful campus and community partnerships. The physical design of the center enables passers-by to view exhibits, and creates a welcoming, accessible presence for community members and visitors along the main artery of downtown Boone, as well as for university students, faculty and staff. On the first Friday of the month, the Turchin Center joins with other galleries and art spaces to present the Downtown Boone Art Crawl, by opening its doors for members of the campus community and surrounding region to enjoy the exhibitions and learn more about the various programs offered by the Turchin Center.
Support
The Turchin Center is housed in the division of the Office of Arts Engagement which reports to the Office of the Chancellor. The university has a long history of recognizing the importance of and supporting the arts, but is also reliant on strong community support—through participation and philanthropy. Private gifts ensure that the important work of the Turchin Center will continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.
Facility rental & usage
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts offers a unique setting for special events and programs and makes its facilities available on a limited basis, for groups with an interest in exposing and familiarizing their guests with the TCVA space, as well as the exhibition programming offered by the center.
For additional information: Download Rental Usage Policies.
For questions please contact the Turchin Center: 828.262.3017
Artwork appraisers
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts does not provide artwork appraisals; however, the following organizations can direct you to an appraiser in your region. Please note, these agencies are not affiliated with the Turchin Center and information is subject to change.
Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-889-5404
Fax: 212-889-5503
www.appraisersassoc.org
International Society of Appraisers
303 West Madison Street, Suite 2650
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3396
Phone: 312-981-6778
Fax: 312-265-2908
isa@isa-appraisers.org
www.isa-appraisers.org
American Society of Appraisers
555 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 125
Herndon, VA 20170
Toll-Free: 800-272-8258
Phone: 703-478-2228
Fax: 703-742-8471
www.appraisers.org
