You may walk past the shimmery “Firebird” on your way to work or have perhaps ventured inside THE BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART for a jazz night, but are you familiar with THE BECHTLER YOUNG VISIONARIES group? We caught up with Karen Bernhardt, Senior Vice President of Mass Advertising at Bank of America and a co-founder of the BYV’s to chat about the groups mission, why you should consider joining and details on their upcoming BYV “All That Sparkles” Holiday party. We began by discussing the beginning of Karen’s involvement with the museum and eventually her involvement with the BYVs.
The Bechtler is more than just a space that has art on the walls – Karen Bernhardt, founding member of The Bechtler’s Young Visionaries
Karen began her journey working with The Bechtler through the Arts and Science Council’s Cultural Leadership Training Program when she met the museum’s President and CEO, John Boyer and museum board member Brandon Neal. That conversation gave Karen an education on the museum’s numerous community outreach programs including the Jail Arts Initiative, the Low to No vision program and Artists In Schools programs. Â Upon graduation from the ASC program, she joined The Bechtler’s board of directors as a one year apprentice and helped launch The Young Visionaries program in September 2013.
The organization’s focus is centered on the Bechtler collection which is comprised of more than 1500 works of modern art that were given to the community by Andreas Bechtler. Because Andreas donated some of his collection to the community, the BYV’s feel that it is their collection as well. His parents Hans and Bessie Bechtler started the collection and became mentors and friends to many of the same artists they were collecting such as Joan Miro, Alberto Giacometti and Jean Tinguely whose work Cascade is displayed in the Carillon building. The family actually brought Tinguely over to North Carolina to create Cascade, his last work before he passed.
Art in general enriches young people’s lives. The younger generation find modern art appealing and more relatable. The popularity of modern art is very much apparent in the media, homes and commercial spaces. This has helped boost the appeal from a niche into the mainstream.
What are the benefits of becoming a BYV member?
BYV members are invited to networking and educational events such as The Art of Collecting Series and are able to preview new exhibits and have a chance to meet the artists. We partner with the Young Affliates of the Mint Musuem and the Arts & Science Council Young Donors Society for nights out including watercolor workshops and pottery classes at Clayworks. Many of our events are held at the museum and for many who attend it is their first time in, so don’t be intimidated if you haven’t visited before. The BYVs organize events throughout the city as well.
How are the BYVs different from other young professional groups?
The first difference is the BYVs don’t have age limitations, our group is for the young and the young at heart. It’s a group for those who share an interest in modern art and modernism and want to connect, learn and have fun together. Since the BYVs are only 3 years old it’s a great time to get involved and help guide the group’s mission.
Why should we attend the BYV “All That Sparkles” Holiday Party?
It’s a party with a purpose; it’s a great way to meet the members of the BYVs and the money raised will help support the Bechtler’s community outreach including the following programs. This year the theme is inspired by the All that Sparkles exhibition currently showcasing at the museum.  This event should not be missed, as it is a great way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and the community as well as raise money to help support some of the wonderful programs and educational and community outreach the museum offers.
The Jail Arts Initiative provides hands-on-art-making workshops for youthful offenders and adults in the Mecklenburg County Jail System.
The Low to No Vision program offers tactile tours to present a more meaningful museum experience for the low to no vision community.
The Museum Memories program caters to those with early-stage dementia and their caregivers.
Where can we score a ticket?
Tickets for The 4th annual “All That Sparkles” BYV Holiday Party on December 15th are available to purchase online, cost is $65 per guest and includes music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and silent auction, with the proceeds going towards The Bechtler’s community outreach programs.
Here’s a peek at what you missed at last year’s party and a few ideas for what to wear to “All That Sparkles” on December 15th.
Not sure what to wear to “All That Sparkles”? Here are a few picks from Scoop’s boutiques
Connect with The Bechtler Musuem of Modern Art on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Become a member of The Young Visionaries HEREÂ Â
