The Classical Design Foundation will sponsor an illustrated lecture and book-signing by Mina Rieur Weiner, editor of Edwin Howland Blashfield : Master American Muralist. Written with contributors Ann Samuel, Gillian Britta Randell and Jeff Greene, this lavishly illustrated monograph is the most recent title in the “Classical America Series in Art and Architecture” and introduces a whole new generation to the life and work of America’s greatest mural painter.

Blashfield, (1848 – 1936) was both artist and scholar working during America’s Gilded Age, and is perhaps best known for his decorations in the Library of Congress along with other federal buildings, state capitols, churches and colleges. He was author of “Mural Painting in America” and in 1928 wrote the following:

“If America is truly to profit by the unparalleled opportunity which social, industrial and geographical conditions are to offer the artist in the future we must demand the ultimate -- the ultimate in talent and experience -- from the artist. He must know the art of bygone times thoroughly in order that he may utilize its happenings and processes in meeting the needs of the present. He must sympathize with the branches of art which are sisters of his own; and in sum, he must be a veritable Janus, looking backward for all that the past may teach him, yet not forgetting that he is an American among Americans looking forward to the threshold of no one knows how potential a future."

When a design is successful how long is it worth keeping?  When the design is a landscape of historical significance, why should we care?   Understanding the value of where we live will be the subject of a new program titled, “Our Cultural Landscape” to be held in the Fall of 2009.  Presented by The Classical Design Foundation, this event brings together two nationally-acclaimed experts to help celebrate the blend of natural and manmade beauty that defines the uniquely characteristic look of Southern Pines, North Carolina. 

Charles Birnbaum, founder and president of the Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, DC, will deliver an illustrated talk about the identity of the Weymouth Heights area and its influence over the surrounding setting of historic Southern Pines.  Recognized for his groundbreaking achievements in preserving endangered landscapes throughout the United States, Mr. Birnbaum will turn his attention to this region of the Sandhills. His presentation will take place at the Sunrise Theater on the evening of October 28th at 7 o’clock.   Admission is free and open to the public.

Kamille Corry, master painter from Salt Lake City, Utah, will spend six weeks interpreting the landscape around the Weymouth area through a series of oil paintings and sketches.   A leading proponent of classical realism, Ms. Corry will direct her distinctly poetic vision to the gardens and fields of the Boyd estate.  Residents will have the opportunity to meet the artist and see the results during a one-night-only exhibition at Mims Studios on Wednesday evening, November 18th, from 6 until 8 o’clock.  Admission is free and open to the public.

"Protecting the Irreplaceable in North Carolina since 1939" is how Preservation NC describes its purpose. Myrick Howard, President of this organization for the past 28 years, will speak about the unique architectural heritage of the Sandhills region and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations. Discussing both the economic and cultural benefits of historic preservation, this presentation will take a close look at what is so special about our area, and how we might learn to be better stewards of its unique character. Editorial

The Sandhills has long enjoyed the distinction of being one of the South's best kept secrets, and has maintained its identity as a cultural oasis in the changing landscape of this region. However, the secret is getting out. Forces as diverse as the US Open and the projected explosion of newcomers from Fort Bragg will bring in their wake new opportunities as well as new stresses to our way of life. With this in mind, internationally known author and speaker Donovan Rypkema will present a talk on how a community such as the Sandhills can benefit through the interrelationship between sustainable development and historic preservation.

In 1927, the famous painter and illustrator, N.C. Wyeth visited Southern Pines to meet with James Boyd in preparation for his illustrations to the Revolutionary War novel, Drums. This relationship not only left us with delightful correspondence between the two, but also three enchanting oil paintings, which now hang in the Old Library Building in Southern Pines. Nearly 80 years later, N.C Wyeth returns to the Sandhills as the subject of an illustrated lecture by David Michaelis, who spent six years researching the life of this artist and the Wyeth family. Enjoy an evening of art and anecdotes as Michaelis takes us back in time through the life and work of this great American artist.

A nationally recognized expert in land use, community planning and sustainable economic development, Ed McMahon is senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C. In this illustrated presentation, McMahon will discuss why the image of a community is fundamental to its well being, and how the character of a place can be enhanced through both historic preservation and new planned development. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining our identity here in the Sandhills, this lecture will remind us all why we have chosen to live where we do, and why it is worth caring about.