October 26, 2006 (ASHEVILLE, NC) – The evolution of Modern architecture in the South was the topic of discussion during Black Mountain Museum + Arts Center’s “A Sustainable Evening” held Thursday evening, October 26, in downtown Asheville, and Raleigh architect Frank Harmon, FAIA, was the expert on hand. His address was entitled “Bauhaus + Farmhouse: Reflections on the Modern Movement in the South.”

Co-sponsored by the Asheville chapter of the American Institute of Architects and UNC-Asheville, the evening, one of a series of Black Mountain cultural and education events, was conceived to explore how architects can blend beauty, functionality, affordability and sustainability to create structures that enhance the natural environment and conserve natural resources.

“Frank Harmon has embraced this challenge for decades and has been recognized for his unique approach to problem solving,” said a BMMAC spokesperson.

Harmon, principal of Frank Harmon Architects PA, was also asked to speak that evening because of his award-winning work in the area, including the iron studio at the Penland School of Arts and Crafts, in Penland, NC, and for his current work on the new Crafts Campus at UNC-Asheville. The latter building will serve the school’s Wood, Ceramics, Metal, and Glass Arts majors, and is being designed in accordance with sustainable design practices to underscore the university’s stated commitment to sustainability and conservation of natural resources. This project will serve as a canvas on which to build a structure that honors and celebrates the beauty of the North Carolina Mountains in general and the UNCA campus in particular. The site — an old Buncombe County Landfill – will also serve as a laboratory for ecological site planning and renewable energy evaluation and demonstration.

The day before the “A Sustainable Evening,” Harmon also participated in a discussion on “Conversations,” a listener call-in show on National Public Radio’s Western North Carolina affiliate WCQS. Joining Harmon on the show were news director David Hurand, Turner, AIA, John Fisher, AIA, and John Wright, BMMAC’s board chair.

This evening event took place at the Broadway Arts Building, 49 Broadway in downtown Asheville and featured live music by the Vollie McKenzie Trio, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and opportunities to bid on the silent auction which benefited the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center.

For more information on Black Mountain College + Arts Center, visit www.blackmountaincollege.org. For more information on Frank Harmon, visit his website: www.frankharmon.com.