April 8, 2020 | 5:30-7:00 PM 

NC Women Abstract Painters closes with a lecture by the NCMA’s Director Valerie Hillings on new strategic initiatives, including the museum’s Matrons of the Arts. Launched last year, the program highlights female artists from around the world through acquisitions, exhibits, and programming. In doing so, NCMA elevates the meaning of “matron” to champion, friend and leader. Prior becoming Director of NCMA, Hillings held senior positions for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, curating more than 15 exhibitions on four continents. She received her BA in art history at Duke University and her M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University.