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Arts

Registration Open for Fall Music Lessons with Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians

August 24, 2022 The Town of Boone will offer group music lessons this fall through the Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program. The fall semester will begin the week of September 13 and 15, with weekly classes held on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at the Jones House. Classes consist of 3-6 students, and instruction is available for beginner and beginner-plus level students in banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and ukulele.

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Craig Franz and Robert Dennis Share Edgewood Cottage as Artists in Residence This Week Through August 14

August 8, 2022. Two artists share Edgewood Cottage this week, Craig Franz who works in pastels and oils, and Robert Dennis, who creates Tromp d’Oeil images. A forty-two year resident of western North Carolina’s High Country, Frederick “Craig” Franz’s home in Avery County is a landscape artist’s dream. His home is at the foot of rugged Grandfather Mountain and on the northern border of the Pisgah National Forest. The High Country’s four full seasons provide Craig with unlimited inspiration from which to paint. Working in soft pastels and oils, his award-winning paintings are created both plein air and in the studio. Come meet Craig from August 8th through August 14th at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” – “Mary Poppins” Descends in Boone on Saturday, August 6 as the Disney Classic is part of Free Family Film Series at App Theatre

July 26, 2022 High Country audiences will soon be singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” when everyone’s favorite nanny descends in Boone as part of the inaugural Saturday Morning Family Film Series at the historic Appalachian Theatre. Due to a generous sponsorship by Allen Wealth Management, “Mary Poppins” is being offered free of charge to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022. The film follows the upcoming screening of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” the prior week on Saturday, July 30.

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Mountain Home Music is pleased to be returning to the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country for three programs

July 26, 2022 Mountain Home Music is pleased to announce a series of concerts highlighting North Carolina Appalachian tradition bearers, at the beautifully restored Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. First up, prepare for an evening of non-stop entertainment and goosebumps with Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth joined by storyteller, Orville Hicks on Saturday, July 30. This program of music and mountain folklore, featuring award-winning Western North Carolina natives, is not to be missed!

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Rosen Sculpture Competition Winners Announced, Showcased Across App State

July 22, 2022 During a recent weekend in July, art enthusiasts attended the 36th Annual Rosen Sculpture Walk with the Juror. This year’s juror, renowned sculptor Elizabeth Brim from Penland, NC, offered participants a compelling narrative of each sculpture as the group visited each of the works located on campus in the vicinity of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. For the last 36 years, the annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition has showcased contemporary American sculpture in outdoor settings across the campus of Appalachian State University. The sculptures in this year’s competition represent a diversity of styles. From playful to powerful, the artists have expressed their three-dimensional concepts with expert craftmanship utilizing a variety of materials, designs and techniques to create their sculptures.

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“CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG” Set for Saturday, July 30 as part of Free Family Film Series at Appalachian Theatre

July 20, 2022 The much-loved movie musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the next offering on the inaugural Saturday Morning Family Film Series at the historic Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, the King Street landmark in downtown Boone. Due to a generous sponsorship by Allen Wealth Management, the film is being offered free of charge to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is the third of six family-friendly movie classics being screened during the summer months on select Saturday mornings from now through August 27. This is the first time the film will be shown at the venue since its App Theatre debut 53 years ago. The movie runs two hours and twenty-four minutes in duration.

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Fiber and Paint Artist Susan March Payne and Photographer Lonnie Webster Share Edgewood Cottage as Artists in Residence June 27-July 3

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June 26, 2022 Fiber and paint artist Susan March Payne and photographer Lonnie Webster will share Edgewood Cottage from June 27 through July 3 during the Blowing Rock Historical Society’s Artist-in-Residence program. Susan March Payne’s distinctive fiber works combine landscape painting with quilt construction knowledge to create both functional modern quilts and decorative art quilts and wall hangings. Figures, musicians and, animals often are featured within the art quilts expressing the joy of playing musical instruments. Whether photographing individuals, events, or nature, Lonnie Webster (www.lonniewebster.com) has a passion for capturing life through photography. He believes each image must tell a story about the event, location, person, occupation, season, mood, or the milestones in life. Whether in the beautiful places he has traveled to, or right here at home in western North Carolina, Lonnie has captured amazing vistas, wonderful architecture and enchanting faces across the world. Come read the stories in Lonnie’s work and learn more about Susan’s work and process from June 27th through July 3rd at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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First Ever Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in Boone Attracts Thousands of Attendees

June 24, 2022 One week ago, on June 17-18, the streets of downtown Boone came alive with thousands of people enjoying performances and activities at the inaugural Boonerang Music & Arts Festival. Presented by the Town of Boone and supporting partners after many months of planning, the free event was deemed a huge success by musicians, art vendors, festival staff and attendees alike. “The inaugural Boonerang Music & Arts Festival was a resounding success,” said Mark Freed, director of cultural resources for the Town of Boone. “Our community came together in every way – from the staff and presenting partners to the amazing volunteer crew; from the production companies, artists and organizations; and of course to all of the people for showing up and having a great time.” By Harley Nefe

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Jack Hamrick is the Artist in Residence This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through June 12

June 6, 2022. Artist Jack Hamrick will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock as part of the Artists in Residence program. Art history, life experience, nature and fellow artists are ready sources of inspiration for Jack’s vividly expressive paintings, many inspired by the Appalachian mountains. Having painted all around the world, Jack finds western North Carolina’s High Country to be the perfect muse by which to paint and live.  Come learn more about Jack’s paintings and his work with children using art as therapy, from June 6th through June 12th at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock. 

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Skip Sickler is the Artist in Residence This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through June 5

May 31, 2022. Artist Skip Sickler will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock as part of the Artists in Residence program. From his earliest memories, Skip Sickler was drawn to nature. While immersed in mountains, forests, streams and oceans, he finds himself more centered, more alive. In this context, Skip presents his photography for your enjoyment and inspiration. Come meet Skip from May 28th through June 5th at Edgewood Cottage.

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A Solo Exhibition Of Oil Paintings By Artist Rebecca King Hawkinson to be Featured At Crossnore Gallery from July 14 to August 10

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May 26, 2022 Western North Carolina Artist Rebecca King Hawkinson has a life-long passion for oil painting.  This spring she returns to paint in the French countryside.  Inspired by artists like Monet, Rembrandt, and Inness, King Hawkinson creates vibrant oil paintings full of colorful atmosphere and harmony.  Fifteen delightful oil paintings will be included in an exhibition of the artist work at Crossnore Fine Art Gallery in Crossnore, NC, each designed to bring joy to the viewer. A Carolina native, King Hawkinson artistic sensibilities are a remix of Renaissance influenced feminine drawing, and a loose broken stroked style.  King Hawkinson studied under Carolina native Benjamin Long IV, an oil painter and master fresco artist.  King’s paintings are part of private collections in the US, and in Great Britain and France.

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Zan Thompson is the Final Artist in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through September 19

September 14, 2021. Watercolor artist Zan Thompson will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through September 19 as part of their Artists in Residency program. This is the final week of the program for 2021. Watercolor artist, teacher and observer of place, Zan grew up playing and experimenting with art in his parents’ Atlanta studios. Of all the mediums, he was most attracted to watercolor but found it more difficult than other medium. It was this love for watercolor that would bring him back again and again until he found the joy and excitement he had always expected. Today, Zan paints strictly in watercolor, is a signature member of Watercolor Society of North Carolina and teaches classes in watercolor. Zan’s themes include landscapes, seascapes/fishing, botanical, still lives, and abstract art. Come meet Zan from September 13th through September 19th at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock. Zan’s residency concludes this summer’s Artist-in-Residence program.

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Ensemble Stage Presents Wizard of Oz Musical This Weekend in Banner Elk


September 8, 2021. A re-creation of the 1940’s Lux Radio Theatre musical adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” will be presented by the group at Ensemble Stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As a tribute to the time of musicals and performances being broadcast live over the radio, the actors and actresses will perform a script similar to the original Lux Radio Hour script from over 80 years ago. The show will feature live music and on-stage sound effects just like how it would have been produced in the 1940s. The show will be approximately one hour and 15 minutes in length. Tickets are still available for each show this weekend. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 16 and under. Showtimes for Wizard of Oz are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, September 12.   By Nathan Ham

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Linda Elksnin, Lisa Pepper and Bob Meier are the Artists in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through September 12

September 7, 2021. Artists Linda Elksnin, Lisa Pepper and Bob Meier will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through September 12 as part of their Artists in Residency program. Linda’s colorful, whimsical paintings are inspired by eclectic sources such as textiles, self-taught and outsider artists, and mainstream artists such as Mark Rothko, Romare Bearden and Marc Chagall. She incorporates symbols, shapes, and subject matter from a variety of cultures, including those of the American South, Appalachia, and Haiti, as well as the aboriginal people of Panama and Australia. Linda uses a variety of media (acrylic, watercolor, gouache, color pencil, pastel) to work on paper, canvas, and wood. Whether abstract or loosely based on reality, the common thread of all her work is color and graphically pleasing design. Her work is often described as whimsical and happy. Want to see art to make you smile? Come meet Linda from September 6 through September 12 at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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Fredrick Craig Franz is the Artist in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through September 5

August 30, 2021. Artist Fredrick Craig Franz will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 29 as part of their Artists in Residency program. A 42-year resident of Western North Carolina’s High Country, Frederick ‘Craig’ Franz’s home in Avery County is a landscape artist’s dream. His home is at the foot of rugged Grandfather Mountain and on the northern border of the Pisgah National Forest. Four true seasons visit the High Country each year and provide Craig with unlimited inspiration from which to paint. Working in soft pastels and oils, his award-winning paintings are created both plein air and in the studio.

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David Collins is the Artist in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through August 29

August 23, 2021. Artist David Collins will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 29 as part of their Artists in Residency program. A self-taught artist and art teacher, David was born in Sebring, Ohio. Having contracted polio as a young child, he passed time drawing, coloring, constructing and painting with watercolor. As an adult, David was able to move forward with his passion for creating and successfully operated an art studio in Lakeland, Florida. In addition to street art in Lakeland, David offers plein air landscapes and studio acrylics.

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Kathryn Regel is the Artist in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through August 22

August 16, 2021. Artist Kathryn Regel will be spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 22 as part of their Artists in Residency program. Kathryn has been described as a weaver of stories; her work, a unique combination of art, memories and ancestry. Technically, Kathryn combines old family photos with current-day prints to make a story—either real or imagined. She adds images of maps, news clippings, advertisements, sewing patterns, stamps and anything else that she feels go with the stories. She then paints the layers together with acrylic paint to make it seem like a seamless picture. A native of Wisconsin, Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from the University of Texas and currently resides in North Carolina.

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Watauga Arts Council Seeks Applications for Artist Support Grants for 2021–2022

August 16, 2021. The Watauga Arts Council seeks applications for Artist Support Grants for 2021–2022. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2021. These grants support artists in all disciplines with funding for projects that will have a significant impact on the advancement of their professional artistic careers. The Artist Support Grant program is managed through a partnership with North Carolina Arts Council to serve artists in Ashe County, Alleghany County, Watauga County, and Wilkes County. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council. Artists at any stage of their careers, emerging or established, are eligible to apply for grants in all disciplines, such as visual art and craft, traditional art forms, music composition, film/video, literature and playwriting, and choreography and dance. Types of fundable projects include the creation of new work, purchase of equipment and materials, and professional development workshops.

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Cindy McEnery and Nathan Favors are the Artists in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through August 15

August 9, 2021. Photographer Cindy McEnery and woodworker Nathan Favors are spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 8 as part of their Artists in Residency program. While Cindy’s love of photography began as a child, her real growth came after she retired from corporate America. From that moment on, she committed herself to the study, practice and work of photography by taking classes in Raleigh, studying with National Geographic photographers in Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Santa Fe, and Portland, and photographing dancers at The Carolina Ballet. Cindy focuses on things around her — nature and landscapes, barns and barn quilts, sunrises and sunsets, and animals and people—including a focus on North Carolina. Each photograph is an attempt to capture life as she sees it at that particular moment. Come and meet Cindy from August 9th through August 15th at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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Lee Harper and Tunde Afholayan Famous are the Artists in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through August 8

August 2, 2021. Painters Lee Harper and Tunde Afholayan Famous are spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 8 as part of their Artists in Residency program. Harper has enjoyed a successful career as dancer, choreographer, teacher and artist. A native of Hickory, Harper attended the Juilliard School of Music and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts with a degree in dance. In addition to dancing professionally with iconic New York dance studios such as Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Lee enjoyed a long association with the Atlanta Symphony, choreographing works for her professional dance company. Harper’s art work in oil includes still life, dancers, landscapes and more. Come meet Lee from August 2 through August 8 at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock. Famous, a Nigerian-born artist, is considered one of today’s most prolific African contemporary artists. Exploring color as the basis of painting, he infuses spiritualism and symbolism in his powerful, lyrical expressions.

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Randy Blake Clontz and Kelly Gross are the Artists in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through August 1

July 26, 2021. Painters Randy Blake Clontz and Kelly Gross are spending this week at the Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock through August 1 as part of their Artists in Residency program. Randy was born in Hickory, NC and showed uncommon artistic ability even as a youth. At the age of 12, he honed his basic art and design skills with a correspondence course through the Famous Artist School for Talented Young People. After pursuing art education in Detroit and work opportunities in Chicago, Randy relocated back home to Hickory in 2002 to create beautiful oil landscapes of the North Carolina mountains. Randy’s commissioned oil portraits appear in private, corporate, and public collections in Chicago, Michigan, California, & North Carolina. If you’ve ever considered commissioning an oil painting, come meet Randy and enjoy his work from July 26th through August 1st at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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Earl Davis and Waitsel Smith are the Artists in Residency This Week at Edgewood Cottage Through July 25

July 21, 2021. A schedule change at the Cottage this week brings together two local artists you won’t want to miss: Earl Davis and Waitsel Smith. Both artists work in oils and both capture the beauty of natural landscapes but with very different effect. Come enjoy the contrasting work of both artists from July 19th through July 25th. North Carolina artist Waitsel Smith is a visual artist living in Lenoir with over 30 years experience painting the people and places of North Carolina. Waitsel works in oils and watercolors and is considered a master landscape, portrait and figure painter. Waitsel is also a magazine and television illustrator, including work for the Travel Channel. Come meet Waitsel at Edgewood Cottage from July 19th through July 25th to enjoy his N. C. Wyeth style of painting.

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