ASHEVILLE, NC.- The Asheville Art Museum is changing with the economic times. In order to save on cost as it serves the community, the Museum will shorten its Friday hours to be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. effective immediately. The Museum will continue to open on Friday evenings for special events and Art Walks.

Asheville Art Museum Executive Director, Pamela Myers says, “While we regret the necessity of curtailing regular Friday evening hours, the Museum will be open often in the evening for special programs serving diverse audiences.”

The Friday Art Walks for 2009 are scheduled to be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 3, June 5, August 7 and October 2. Explore the diversity of art in downtown Asheville and be sure to stop by the Asheville Art Museum on these dates.

Upcoming Friday evening special events at the Asheville Art Museum include the opening reception for Response and Memory: The Art of Beverly Buchanan from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on May 8, the opening reception for Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft & Traditional Art from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on May 22 and the opening reception for Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on July 10.