Events Spotlight

Bark House Style Book signing at Finder’s Keepers Antiques

December 30, 2008

The Book

After seeing several old homes designed with bark on the exterior and interior, Chris McCurry and her husband resurrected the long lost practice of bark home designing, which originated in North Carolina in the 1800s.

Bark siding is a timeless green-building material that has already been used in the construction of many modern structures today, including the new Denver Broncos Stadium, Bass Pro Shops and in homes in more than 30 states and around the world.

Bark House Style, by Chris McCurry and Nan Chase, shows the diverse stylistic applications of bark siding. These styles include Adirondack, Cowboy, Old Linville and Modern. Bark shingles appear in breathtaking ranges of projects and mix well with other building materials, including stone, log, glass, wrought iron, and copper. Bark siding can last 100 years or more and is literally maintenance-free.

For further information, visit our website at www.barkhouse.com

The Host Location

Finders Keepers Antiques is a direct importer of Fine European Antiques and Reproductions. This is a lovely setting for a book signing on regional history.

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Sustainable WNC
The Gateway to Sustainability in Western North Carolina

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Speaker at Asheville Green Drinks

December 19, 2008

Speaker: Chris McCurry, coauthor of the newly published book, Bark House Style: Sustainable Designs from Nature will discuss the History of The Bark Shingle. Bark House brand shingles are a super-green product from procurement, to manufacturing, to (no) maintenance, to end-of-life. Come prepared to discuss design, green-collar employment, history or green manufacturing.

Asheville Green Drinks is a networking party that is part of the self-organizing global grassroots movement to connect communities with environmental ideas, media and action. People who are interested in environmental issues and topics meet up for a drink held at the BoBo Gallery, 22 Lexington Ave. These events usually include a short speaker and are FREE.

To learn more, visit www.ashevillegreendrinks.com.

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High Country Parade of Homes

October 13, 2008

High Country Parade of Homes

Over 200 people visited Brent Simmons home on “The Parade of Homes” sponsored by the High Country Builder’s Association.  A huge 72% of the homes on the tour included bark shingles and bark highlights.  Just a few years ago, one or two homes would have showcased these beautiful materials.  The Bark House Movement is growing. 

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Eseeola Lodge Book Launch

September 15, 2008

This was the perfect setting for our first major book event.  It was a time to socialize individually with all the folks who have played a part in the book.  Speaking to the entire group was not necessary because the facility itself said more than any of us could.  Linville Resort was kind enough to open All Saints Episcopal Church (Bacon’s design) for us to visit at leisure.  This is Hallowed Ground and the entire event was very special.  Thanks to All! 

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Asheville AIA

September 14, 2008

The most noted comment was that the architects appreciated being educated on what issues with manufacturing and installation do exist versus just attractive imagery.  This was a real “meat and potatoes” educational session.  The biggest reaction was in the contrast of what a pallet of bark shingles delivered to a job-site should and should not look like. 

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Accent on Books Signing

September 12, 2008

From Nan Chase:  Wow! The talk and demonstration yesterday were fantastic.  I felt as though I was getting an entire course on botany, mechanics, history, and architecture all rolled into one. I was blown away by all the new information coming from Chris and Marty (The Bark Man), and by the rapt attention of the audience regarding the broad subject matter surrounding The Bark House. It felt like a breakthrough of some sort, and so I know the momentum will continue to grow.  Accent on Books has captured this writer’s heart: it’s like a magnificent personal library, hidden away from the bustle of traffic, but acting as a magnet for those who love books.
From Chris: Accent on Books is a superb community resource that Asheville is fortunate to have.  The crowd was great and the questions just kept coming.  I think we kept the store open late!  Thanks for all the wonderful support of Everyone that made this event possible.

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Women In The Home Industries Today (WITHIT)

August 14, 2008

Doty Horn, Director of Color and Design for Benjamin Moore cites Bark House® Panels at The Parson’s New School For Design as an inspiration for the 2009 Color Pulse TM!

“Women In The Home Industries Today” offers a wonderful opportunity for women to support one another and gain education about pertinent industry issues. It is about investment in relationship and the rewards are more valuable than sales.

I facilitated a Round Table Discussion on “The Grey Shades of Green”. Much knowledge was shared by the participants themselves. Although the knowledge gained was good, the core benefit to me is that I embraced that I love to lend an ear to people who are typically silenced. This was an opportunity for those who were not speakers at the conference to impart their value in small groups. A vocally active conference leader shared that she believed she had talked too much during the round table group. It is not that she necessarily did, but the point is that this event created a special opportunity where it was palpable that everyone has something to offer and everyone should be given the opportunity to do so. That is a rare thing. 

Any woman in the male dominated home industry can find something special here. However, let me relay that my experience is that this is a conference dominated by women in the Furniture Industries. If you are not in furniture it is a little like fitting a square peg in a round hole. There needs to be better representation of women other than those in furniture.

If I had not attended this conference, I would not have received the incredible validation of the importance that Bark House® products is having on the current market. The Keynote Speaker, Doty Horn, Director of Color and Design for Benjamin Moore, cited the Bark House® Panels at The Parson’s New School For Design as an inspiration for the 2009 color pallet!! Doty’s role is to develop and set the company’s strategic color and design strategy for North America. WOW!

WITHIT is a place where I receive so much and everyone has an opportunity to identify their distinct talents in offering to others. Because I believe this, The Bark House Supply Company® will sponsor a minimum of 5 women that are in the Home Industries Other Than Furniture at the 2009 conference. Please contact me for details.

A Green Thought: Do more with less, Mini does it best. Packed tightly in this little package is a 71” long metal display stand, a 41x 24” wooden slab table with folding legs, two large displays with stands, 5 boxes of books, presentation materials, personal belongings and one kool mama in control of a 6 speed stick. Yes, the top will go up!

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The Blowing Rock Historical Society Presentation

August 03, 2008

I think this letter says much more than I can. I thoroughly enjoyed this event and am in awe of the influence Historical Societies can have on the integrity, depth and living pulse of a community.

“Your tools, cut bark and power point presentation of the book were all very appealing and tangible which truly raised the awareness on the “green” qualities of Bark House® shingles. Many of those at the meeting had chestnut bark homes, or were well aware of the longevity of the almost work-free bark surfaces.

I am entranced by the gorgeous photographs in the book as well as the historical knowledge imparted with the histories of Linville and Blowing Rock, all mixed in perfectly with the knowledge of the proper cutting times, curing, and application techniques of using the bark in the best manner.

I had never thought of the differences in the west and Adirondacks and their use of logs, twiggning and other ornamentation, versus those of the Appalachian Mountains. It was truly fascinating to have these similarities and differences pointed out. But I think my favorite part of the book was realizing the important market that you and Marty have developed with the poplar bark over what seems like a very short time, and the international acceptance of the product.

I am pleased about the books that were sold and continue to receive new orders. I am thrilled with what you have done with the publication of this book and the new knowledge we can all relate to this architectural style and, materials that have been important to our village for 100+ years! The recognition has finally come!

Congratulations in a superb book and we are just sorry we were not smart enough to tape your entire presentation for future use. You were generous to give us so much time and energy! If there is any way I can help promote the book, it would be my pleasure. I greatly admire what you have done for the past and the future.”

From Ginny Stevens, Board of Directors

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The Poplar Bark Shingle Movement, AIA Registered Presentation and Facility Tour

July 18, 2008

I would have never anticipated the following response from a participant of this event. It is humbling to say the least.

“We were drawn like gravity to the Bark House Style. It seemed as if bark siding was what nature had intended for us to use all along but until recently, had been dormant to human kind. Years from now I believe Marty and Chris McCurry will be known as creators of one of the most innovative architectural movements we have ever been dealt.

To grasp that idea, you first must understand the Bark House movement is so much more than bark siding and rustic materials. It’s harmony with nature. It’s the greatest achievement of sustainability. It’s a part of the connection that the human soul yearns for from birth. In this presence, you can glimpse into nature’s soul, and feel as if you belong.”

Brent Simmons
LEED Approved Provider, Certified Green Professional
Mountain Lumber Company

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