Nurturing the Arts
for the High Country
Our Mission
The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) fosters a thriving, diverse, vibrant, creative community through arts advocacy, education, support, and inspiration.
Serving professional and emerging artists, WAC facilitates and provides a structure for arts initiatives that enrich the lives of artists, residents, and visitors alike.
THE ARTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Not just entertainment, an economic partner!
News!
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Instructor Info Session @ WAC
Join us on February 18th from 5:30–6:30 PM for an instructor info session at the Watauga Arts Council! (RSVP Required)
Whether you've taught with us before, are new to teaching, or never taught before but are interested in giving it a shot, we invite you to join us! Come learn about our arts education operations and how to get involved while connecting with other local educators. Light refreshments will be provided.RSVP below!
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Boonerang Volunteer Opportunity!
Hello Boonerangers!
The Town of Boone is now actively planning the 2025 Boonerang Music & Arts Festival.
If you are interested in volunteering in 2025 please complete the form below.
Thank you!
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Painted Memories
WAC and the High Country Watermedia Society are bringing ‘Painted Memories’ to life! Artists from the local group will be creating 8×10 paintings of pre-storm homes for those who have faced damages in the wake of the recent hurricane. If you or someone you know would like to submit your house to be painted, click the button below.
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First Friday Art Crawls
First Fridays of Every Month
February - November
5-8 pmWAC is partnering with the Downtown Boone Development Association to host First Friday Art Crawl in Downtown Boone, every month! Explore the arts from Turchin Center to South End Brewing. Fizz Ed hosts live music and hosts local artisans, Appalachian Theatre hosts after hours silent films in the community room, artists line the streets to sell their work, and more.
Artist interested in selling in Downtown Boone can register with us as a First Friday Artist ? Click the button below for more info! -
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WAC moves forward with Middle Fork Greenway beautification
Members of the Blue Ridge Conservancy and Watauga Arts Council recently previewed a mural project along the Middle Fork Greenway.
The Blue Ridge Conservancy and Watauga Arts Council received a $16,500 grant from the AARP Community Challenge to fund the project.
“This mural walk initiative is a perfect example of a unique way to celebrate the region’s heritage, provide educational opportunities and encourage health and wellness for people of all ages,” AARP Associate State Director Rebecca Chaplin said at the Sept. 9 event.
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![Art Classes, Workshops, and Studios]()
Art Classes, Workshops, and Studios
Join us every month for art classes, workshops, and more for all ages!
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Current News!
This will lead you to our current newsletter, which will keep you up to date on all the events and program announcements. Ensure you subscribe to our newsletter to get this information in your email inbox.
We appreciate your interest! -
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ARTIST RELIEF FUND
Hope After Helene Artist Relief Fund was created to meet the unique needs of local artists. More than 300 artists and performers are losing income due event cancellations. Many have experienced damaged or loss of artwork, equipment, or supplies. YOU CAN HELP!
HighCountryArts.org is an online directory that promotes artists and arts-related events and programs in the High Country.
Attention! Any artists hoping to participate in WAC gallery exhibits, events, or programs must register (list) on this online directory so we can quickly and easily promote them.
GRAB AN ARTS MAP! For the High Country Arts Paper Map - Stop by our office or any hotels or tourist attractions. You can also download it below. To view it online, you can zoom and move the map around to see all the listings in the font sizes that are comfortable for you.
Discover & Be Discovered!
HighCountryArts.org
In an effort to centralize information we ask that you submit arts related info about events, exhibits, and programming.
Ways to Engage
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Classes
From classes to workshops to summer camps, we help cultivate the artist in everyone. We offer year-round arts education in various mediums for people of all means, ages, and abilities. Don’t see a class you want? Let us know!
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Community
We strive to be a hub for art in the community. We host several community groups: Banjo Buddies, Bead Group, Yarn Circle, and more. Sign up for a group of your choosing below! Want to start a group? Contact us to learn how!
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Teaching
Interested in teaching with us? Want to make some extra cash by teaching your preferred medium? Fill out the forms linked below! Expanding our classes starts with finding the right teachers, and we'd love to get to know you.
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Grants
We are the NC Arts Council’s Designated County Partner for state and federal funding intended for Watauga. We offer annual grants to individual artists and nonprofits organizations. Click below to find out more!
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Exhibits
Watauga Arts Council organizes art exhibits throughout the year. We also provide arts placement services for local agencies such as the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Development Authority, and Seby Jones Cancer Center. If you have interest in showcasing your work as a professional or emerging artist, please let us know! (We also need help on this committee!)
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Projects
We have our hands in quite a few projects such as High Country Arts and Art in the Outdoors. HighCountryArts.org is an arts directory that is intended to promote the artists and arts in our community. The Art in the Outdoors initiative is meant to serve a mission of making art accessible for all while giving a sense of identity and pride to our local residents.
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Events
WAC supports and organizes arts related events throughout the year. One major event we support is Boonerang Music and Art Fest. This event welcomes over 20k people to downtown boone to celebrate music, art, and community. A portion of the proceeds of this event help support our mission.We also partner to manage an “Inspire Educators Fund” that provides financial support to WCS Arts Educators for special projects and professional development.
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Leadership
WAC is always looking for strong partners in leadership. We need board members and committee members to that serve important roles for the organization. We are a nonprofit with a small staff and a big mission. We need people who believe in strengthening the arts in Watauga County to join us in our mission!
WAC Store
Love Art?
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Volunteer!
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Donate!
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Subscribe!
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Love Art? • Volunteer! • Donate! • Subscribe! •
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Join Our Village
VOLUNTEER!
Your experience and interests can help us significantly. Help at WAC events, assist with building renovations, attend to the day-to-day operations, join the Board, and so much more! -
Stay Connected
SUBSCRIBE!
Stay current on news, events, opportunities, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter. We only email once a month, most months, and we will not share your email with any outside parties. -
Invest in Our Community
DONATE!
With your help, our volunteer-driven and donor-supported nonprofit to advocate, educate, engage, and inspire Art within our community. All gifts are tax-deductible and are so appreciated.
THANK YOU TO OUR
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
Community Partners
