Nurturing the Arts
for the High Country
Disaster Relief Efforts
Disaster Relief Efforts
We have created a webpage with resources and updates for artists, arts organizations, businesses, and for people who want to help. Please check it out and let us know if you need more info. If you have an idea of ways we can help, we would love to hear them! Pop by the office or contact us.
News!
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Online Art Auction!
Mark your calendars!
December 5th - 12th
Submissions due Nov. 21!
WAC is planning to host an online Art Auction so artists can auction their artwork or services! Artists who register and are selected for the auction can choose to receive up to 100% of their sale earnings.
The intention with this online event is to give artists a sales opportunity that isn't confined to location, and instead has the potential to reach off-the-mountain clients. Are you an artist interested in participating? Register below! -
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First Friday Art Crawls
Next Art Crawl:
December 6th, 2024
4-8 pm
Downtown Boone (King St. area)
After taking a break in October due to Hurricane Helene, WAC is bringing back First Friday Art Crawls! Happening in downtown Boone on the first Friday of each month, artists are invited to register to become vendors of their artwork while the public strolls down King Street and browses their work. Are you an artist interested in getting involved? Click the button below!
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2nd Chance Art Sale
Mark your calendars!
Second Chance Seconds Sale – Fundraiser
November 23rd
10 am - 3 pmThis event is intended to offer participants in Pat Birdsong’s Seconds Sale. 25 artists are participating this year! Some artists will sell directly from their designated table, and some artwork will be sold in our office, by WAC.
Artwork will be marked down because the artist is ready to clearance or the work does not meet their professional standards. (seconds = discounted from retail value). This is a chance to get high-quality artwork from local artists at a discounted price-point.Artists interested in participating should register with us via the button below. The registration form provides all the details!
ARTISTS MUST BE REGISTERED BY FRIDAY MORNING, November 22, AT 10AM.Sales from this event will support the artists directly, the Watauga Arts Council, and the local Hope After Helene Artist Relief Fund.
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"Hope Squared" Art Show Fundraiser
Venture Wine and Chocolate Bar
December 12th
6-8pm
We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved 6x6 Challenge, now expanded to include 12x12 artworks as well! AND this will be Fundraiser for the Hope After Helene Arts Relief fund.
All mediums are welcome, as long as the final pieces are hangable and fit within the specified sizes. Artists can submit up to 5 pieces. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff will be ready for all your 6x6 or 12x12 canvas needs!
The deadline for artists to submit their work is December 5th. So get in while you can! Register below!
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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.
artists. gallery openings.
shows. festivals. more.
Community news, classes, and events can be found there!
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.
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Community Groups
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!
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Teaching
Interested in teaching others about your medium? Fill out the form 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 Designated County Partner for state and federal funding for the Watauga area. We offer grants to individual artists and nonprofits. Click below to find out more!
WAC Store
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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.
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.
THANK YOU TO OUR
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
Community Partners
