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The Watauga Arts Council’s Fabulous Fence Festival at ArtSpace Scheduled for Sept. 14 from 4-6 p.m.

by Madison V. Fisler

Sept. 10, 2013. The Watauga Arts Council’s Fabulous Fence Festival has been scheduled to Sept. 14, a date that was rescheduled due to inclement weather on the original day of the event. 

The fence around the Blue Ridge ArtSpace does not match what it surrounds. The creative Mecca of community art is vibrant, energetic and bright while the fence around its perimeter is broken, tired and in need of repair.

Linda Norman painting apples (Medium)But such a creative place like ArtSpace could never be surrounded by anything dull, drab or boring. That’s why the Watauga Arts Council is hosting the Fabulous Fence Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 4-6 p.m. at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace.

At the festival, participants can paint one or more of 245 pickets needed to make the fence around the community arts facility. There are two ways to “paint-your-picket.”

Individuals can go to New River Building Supply and purchase a specially sized, pressure treated picket for $5 each. Then, using your own outdoor paints you can paint both sides of your picket any way that you like. When you purchase your picket, you will be given an informational flyer with guidelines on how to paint it, but let your creativity run wild!

Linda Norman and Kay Morrow at our first Picket Painting Party (Medium)If doing the picket painting party on your own seems daunting, a Painting Station has been set up at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace where you can paint your picket without having to worry about cleanup! There will be pickets, paints, stencils, and inspiration to help you paint your picket in the way that best represents you. New River Building Supply, Pell’s Painting and many private individuals have generously donated items to help make this picket party a success. The cost for painting in the Painting Station is $20 per adult and $12 per child, which includes the cost of the picket and everything you will need to paint it. 

On Saturday, the Fabulous Fence Festival will mark the time when the old, tired pickets will be replaced with the beautiful, colorful ones.

This event will be just one of many, as so many pickets are needed to replace the fence. After this event, many more will be planned to keep the creativity flowing and pickets painted. After the fence is complete, be sure to come back often to see your contribution to the ArtSpace. 

Kay Morrow paints leaves (Medium)The Blue Ridge ArtSpace is located at the corner of Shadowline Drive and State Farm Road.  It is the new home of the Watauga County Arts Council and In addition to offering four galleries and a wonderful gift shop filled with artistic creations by local artists, the Blue Ridge ArtSpace will soon be announcing a schedule of workshops and classes for all ages.  These will vary from drawing and painting to woodcarving, lampwork (glass bead making), and jewelry making. 

Music instruction in a variety of instruments is being offered through the Community Music School.  The Arts Council maintains an active Facebook page and also provides information through their website at www.watauga-arts.org.  They also disperse information through emails and flyers and you are encouraged to become a member or come by to learn more.   The Gift Shop is staffed by volunteers and is currently open from 11-6 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  The Arts Council hopes to expand these hours as more volunteers become involved. 

To learn more or to become involved with the Blue Ridge ArtSpace call the Watauga County Arts Council at 828-264-1789 or check their website at www.watauga-arts.org