THE EGYPTIAN ACQUISITIONS FUND HONORING DR. LACOVARA
The Program Committee of the Carlos Museum’s Board of Advisors has initiated an Egyptian acquisition fund to honor Dr. Lacovara’s tenth anniversary and ensure that his many contributions are acknowledged. The Egyptian acquisition fund was launched at a luncheon on November 14, a day before the opening of Tutankhamun:The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, an exhibition Dr. Peter Lacovara was instrumental in bringing to Atlanta, The well-attended event drew Museum patrons celebrating Dr. Lacovara’s distinguished work and absolute devotion to the Carlos Museum. Dr. Lacovara’s stewardship of vital international partnerships and his commitment to ethical inquiry and scholarship were key factors leading to the choice of Atlanta as the opening location for the US premier of the Tutankhamun exhibition. For more information on the Egyptian acquisition fund and to support Dr. Peter Lacovara’s vision to share the best from ancient Egypt through the Carlos Museum’s permanent collection, please contact Gail Habif at 404 727-2251.

MEMBER SURVEY
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CARLOS MUSEUM ACCEPTS CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
On September 9, 2008 the Carlos Museum accepted the Atlanta City Council’s proclamation welcoming “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” to the Atlanta Civic Center. The City Council proclamation states that as a “premier destination for distinctive tourist attractions, the City of Atlanta will again show leadership as a beacon for cultural excellence by hosting the exhibition.” In an enthusiastic and warm welcome, the Honorable Lisa M. Borders, President of the Atlanta City Council, said, “We are indeed pleased to join with the exhibition organizers in welcoming “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” to our great city. I commend the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University for bringing ancient Egypt to the people of Atlanta, while making exhibitions accessible through enriching educational initiatives.”

Bonnie Speed, Director of the Carlos Museum, and Charlie Ackerman, co-chair of the Carlos Museum board, were present to receive the proclamation on behalf of the Carlos Museum. Captured by WSB that very evening, the Atlanta City Council’s unanimous praise of the Museum’s role in bringing the exhibition to Atlanta was well orchestrated by city officials.

“WONDERFUL THINGS” OPENS TO WONDERFUL REVIEWS
Black and white images have never been more captivating and Tutankhamun stands memorialized (again) in extensive media coverage. “Wonderful Things: The Harry Burton Photographs and the Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun” opened to glowing reviews in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Emory Wheel, and the Atlanta INtown magazine’s online blog, In the Loop. Mentioned as one of the five things to do in Atlanta by Creative Loafing, the exhibition, housed at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, features Harry Burton’s first-hand photographs from one of the most famous archaeological digs in history. Catherine Fox from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls the exhibition “fascinating,” saying that patrons will “likely find that Burton’s photographs are, like the treasures they picture, wonderful things.” In an Emory Wheel article, Bridget Riley lauds the photographer, saying “the way Burton transfers the luster of gold to black-and-white film is spectacular.” She also praises the exhibit for its inclusion of 1920’s newspaper clippings, and a camera similar to the one used by Burton. Furthermore, In the Loop compliments the Carlos for its “slate of educational events and collaborative initiatives,” such as lectures by Dr. Peter Lacovara and Catharine Roehrig.

“Tutankhamun: The Golden King & the Great Pharaohs,” which opened in conjunction with “Wonderful Things,” has also received ample media coverage. CNN and the Associated Press, along with other outlets, both ran articles on the opening. The exhibition was also mentioned in the New York Times and USA Today as well as a score of other National media outlets. In addition, WSB did a TV special on Tutankhamun, with a strong emphasis on the Museum’s role in bringing the exhibition to Atlanta. The special was second in the time period among all competitors, beating out media giants like NBC, CBS, and CW.

ACCESS AND ENRICHMENT, CARLOS MUSEUM SUPPORTS GEORGIA SCHOOL SYSTEMS
According to a survey by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), released on July 29, almost half of school districts nationwide are cutting back on field trips due to rising transportation costs in an ailing economy. With this in mind and in an effort to support the Georgia Public School system’s access to “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs,” the Carlos Museum facilitated a meeting with Georgia’s State Superintendent of Schools, Kathy Cox.

In response to the educational significance of the Tutankhamun exhibition, described at length by the Carlos Museum staff at the meeting, Kathy Cox encouraged teachers and administrators to prioritize the Tutankhamun exhibition for field trips. In a statement released in September, she said, “This will truly be one of those remarkable field trips that students will remember for the rest of their lives, and I urge our educators across GA to take advantage of this opportunity that has the potential to benefit thousands of kids across the state.”

During the meeting, the exhibition organizers announced that $200,000 in fuel will be made available to Georgia schools to assist with classroom visits to the exhibition, and up to 10,000 students will receive free entrance. At the ticket sales press conference on September 9th, 40 Morningside Elementary first graders were invited to collect their free Tutankhamun tickets in a festive ceremony that included ancient Egyptian headdresses and a jubilant announcement of “Tutlanta.”

Participation in the fuel program could possibly alleviate moratoriums on school bus availability in some local communities for field trips to this exhibition. Schools receiving free admittance will be designated by the Georgia Department of Education. The fuel initiative is being made possible through the support of RaceTrac Petroleum. All Georgia schools are eligible to participate in the fuel program on a first-come, first-served basis, which will benefit up to 80,000 students. Educators interested in participating in the program and receiving the fuel subsidy may do so by calling 866-52GROUP or visiting www.goldengasoffer.com.

TUT IN THE ATL CELEBRATIONS
On November 14, over 1000 people attended the grand opening of Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. Organized by the Carlos Museum’s Bacchanal Committee, chaired by Uri Vaknin, and co-hosted by Arts and Exhibitions International, “TUT in the ATL,” was a resounding success, replete with a sumptuous buffet catered by the Bold American Food Company and a signature Pharaoh’s Fizz drink underscoring the Egyptian-themed night. Guests were invited to view the exhibition and also had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Peter Lacovara, Senior Curator of Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art at Emory’s Carlos Museum. The Pharaoh’s Palace, site of the opening event’s revelry, evoked the resplendent satin, gold, and velvet décor of royalty.

The Bacchanal Committee, a stalwart group of dedicated fundraisers, work tirelessly each year to launch a signature fundraising event to support the Carlos Museum’s special exhibitions and educational initiatives.

Event Sponsors
Coca-Cola
Northern Trust
Tivoli Properties
PEACH
Bold American

Benefactors
Burr & Forman LLP
One Georgia Bank

Patrons
Lindsay Denman
Uri Vaknin