Celebrate the Life of a Legendary Actress and the Creative Arts She Loved
The Ava Gardner Museum announced that Ava Gardner Fest 2006 will be held on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2006. Ava Gardner Fest is a celebration of the life of legendary film actress Ava Gardner and a showcase for creative arts from her beloved birthplace. The festival, which features free films, live jazz, art and fine crafts, is conveniently located in historic Downtown Smithfield along the I-95 and I-40 corridor in eastern North Carolina.
“Ava Gardner was passionate about the arts. Her inner circle of friends included some of the World’s best-known artists, poets, writers and musicians,” said Angela Lawson, Executive Director of the Ava Gardner Museum. “By featuring regional artists and musicians this festival honors Ava’s passion for creative arts and her affection for her North Carolina heritage.”
Ava Gardner Fest 2006 will include a special exhibit featuring costumes from the award winning film “Mogambo.” The costumes — worn by Gardner, Grace Kelly and Clark Gable — are part of the $50 million dollar collection owned by actress Debbie Reynolds. Reynolds’ collection of more than 3,500 costumes and motion picture artifacts is the largest private collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world.
New this year is a private reception on September 30, at 7:00 pm for all individuals named Ava. Additional scheduled events include: ·
- Live Jazz and Big Band sounds from the main stage in Town Hall Park
* Rick McDuffie Group: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
* Mike Waddell Quartet: 1:30 - 3:30 pm. - Free showings of Ava Gardner films in the historic Howell Theater
- Arts and Fine Crafts Marketplace featuring regional artists
- Guided heritage tours to Ava’s birthplace, gravesite and other points of interest
- Great regional foods at Downtown restaurants
Ava Gardner Fest 2006 will run from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 30 and 1:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunday, Oct. 1.
For more information on the Ava Gardner Fest 2006 or the Ava Gardner Museum visit www.avagardner.org or e-mail Angela Lawson, Museum Director, at avainfo@avagardner.org, or call 919-934-5830.