Join WNCA and our partners at ECO for an evening with filmmaker Paul Bonesteel and his film “The Mystery of George Masa.”
The event is a fundraiser for ECO, and will be July 28 at Blue Ridge Community College in the McIntosh Room (Blue Ridge Conference Center, 180 West Campus Drive, Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock).
Time and Cost:
6 p.m., July 28: Reception with talk by Bonesteel, catered by Purple Onion restaurant; wine, and Highland Brewing Co., beer, and reserved seating for film — $40 per person
7 p.m. July 28: Film showing of “The Mystery of George Masa.” — $15 per person for film only
Reservations must be received at the ECO office by July 23.
Your check made out to ECO with “Bonesteel Event” in the memo line, will be your reservation.
Include a note with the number in your party, indicating for the reception or film only, and your contact information. Seating is limited. Mail checks to ECO, 611 N. Church St., Suite 101, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Call the office at 692-0385 or email [email protected] if you have questions.
“The Mystery of George Masa” is the story of Masahar Iizuka, aka George Masa, an enigmatic Japanese artist who in the 1920s contributed to the preservation of the Great Smoky Mountains and the creation of the Appalachian Trail with his photography and passion for nature. This heavily researched film was originally released in 2003 on PBS and broadcast again in 2009, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
One critic said, “A mysterious and fascinating story about a passionate artist and his adopted homeland. It will resonate in you for years.”
Bonesteel was born and raised in Hendersonville. His mother, Georgia, was widely known for her popular show “QuiltingWith Georgia Bonesteel,” which ran for several years on UNC-TV. The family owned Bonesteel Hardware in Hendersonville. Paul has become a respected documentary filmmaker in his own right. He produced “The Day Carl Sandburg Died,” a documentary film about Carl Sandburg, who lived and died in Flat Rock. That film has also shown on PBS. His company, Bonesteel Films, is located in downtown Asheville.
“Paul’s passion for capturing in film the Appalachian heritage of nature and history is reflected in this extraordinary documentary,” said Mary Jo Padgett, ECO’s Executive Director. “When I was first introduced to Mr. Masa through this film, I knew I had learned about an important page of local history. What events led to the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site in our own backyard? This well-done film tells us much we didn’t know.”
This event is underwritten by Holly Spring Nursery to support ECO’s projects and programs.