The Arts Council of Henderson County

The Arts Council of Henderson County showcases local and regional artists in the D. Samuel Neill Gallery throughout the year. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday, 1:00 - 5:00pm, and Saturday, 1:00 - 4:00pm. Other days and times by appointment.

Mentors & Students (February 5 - May 1)
For the first time we are combining Henderson County students and their teachers (public, private and parochial schools, and private children's art classes) as a thematic unit.
Art Teachers Create (February 5 - March 6)
Elementary Student Exhibition (March 12 - March 27)
Artists of Tomorrow/Senior and Middle School Student Exhibition
(April 9 - May 1)
All exhibitions featured during Mentors & Students are underwritten in part by

Art Teachers Create was the first annual exhibition presented by artists and art teachers who provide art instruction to Henderson County children. This exhibition showcased Henderson County art teachers who have students eligible to participate in the student exhibitions that followed: Elementary School Exhibit (March 12 - March 27), and Artists of Tomorrow (Senior and Middle School Student Exhibition) (April 9 - May 1).

Thirteen artists participated in the exhibition and included Henderson County Public School teachers Robert Wallace, Mike Reardon, Courtney Hoelscher, Kelly King, Delena Jay, Jill Stepp, Barclay Yates, Liz Runkle, Laura Norris and Kelly Baisley. Artists Costanza Knight and M. Rathsack, who teach private art classes, and Heidi Mayfield, the new art teacher for the Boys & Girls Club of Hendersonville, participated.

"We look at this as an important exhibition," said Executive Director Jim Faucett, "not only because of the collective talent - which is significant - but also because this will be an excellent opportunity for the students of these teachers to see and appreciate their work. We hope that students, teachers, parents and the general public will have a chance to see the work of these artists, whose creativity is impacted by their roles as teachers and mentors."

"The Arts Council and its community partners believe that the future of the arts in our community depends on our children," said David Lookingbill, artist and Chair of the Arts Council's Exhibition Committee. "Teachers play a pivotal role in encouraging and inspiring our youth to explore their own creative abilities. It is important to recognize teachers as mentors and guides for our children - as well as professional artists in their own right."

"If I were not a teacher, I would not be the artist I am today," declared Courtney Hoelscher, art teacher at Hendersonville High School. "I expose my students to my artistic passions, and in return, their passions guide me."

Mike Reardon, who teaches at Balfour Education Center, finds that "as an art teacher, I could not imagine not being an art maker. Creating my own art work puts me into the role of my students - constantly looking for new ways to develop a visual language."

Continuing a long-standing tradition of showcasing the artistic creations of Henderson County children, The Arts Council hosted the Elementary School Exhibition from March 12 - 27 in the D.Samuel Neill Gallery.

The Elementary School Exhibition featured the work of elementary age students (public, private and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled children) in Henderson County.

This was the second exhibition of the thematic unit, Mentors and Students. The first exhibition was Art Teachers Create (February 5 - March 6) and the third exhibition is Artists of Tomorrow / Senior and Middle School Student Exhibition (April 9 - May 1). "We felt that by connecting all three exhibitions as a thematic unit that the public would have the opportunity to see how the work of the artists/art teachers relates to the children they teach and mentor," said Executive Director Jim Faucett.

A strong proponent of arts education, Dr. Stephen Page, Superintendent of the Henderson County Public Schools explains, "I believe it is essential to support the arts in education. The arts bring meaning to every part of the curriculum and enrich even the most mundane of endeavors in a way that promotes a richness of life and a value to living." Dr. Page spoke at the March 12 reception.

Vision 2010 opens April 9 and closes May 1. The Awards Reception is Friday, April 16 because of the public school system's spring break. The reception and exhibition are free.

James Scott Morrison, art instructor at Blue Ridge Community College and well-known watercolorist, is the judge. A retired military professional, Morrison chose early retirement to become a full-time artist. His credits are many and include: selection as Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society, and selected for exhibit in Watercolor USA, the National Art for the Parks Competition, Artist's Magazine International Competition, and the Southern Watercolor Society Exhibit. His many commissions include the Finnish Minister of Defense, Vice Chief of Staff of the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Charlotte Uptown Economic Development Corporation. His work can be found in private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Far East. He splits his art activities between military art and traditional art.

"We treat this exhibition of secondary students as we would any professional show, so it is appropriate that our judge reflects that quality," said Arts Council Executive Director Jim Faucett, who added, "Last year Ted Oliver, nationally recognized Southern folk art expert and local gallery owner, was our judge,and this year we are honored to have James Morrison."

The award winners will be announced at the Awards Reception. The awards are as follows: Best of Show ($100); two 1st Place ($75 each - high school and middle school); two 2nd Place ($50 each - high school and middle school); two 3rd Place ($25 each - high school and middle school); and four Honorable Mentions.

"We are expecting a gallery full of the work of some very talented young people," said Doug Jarvis, Board President of the Arts Council. "This exhibition is always one of the most popular shows of the year."

Dr. Stephen Page, Superintendent of the Henderson County Public Schools and Mike Kai, Director of Sales and Marketing for Morris Broadband are scheduled to attend and announce the award winners.

The Artists of Tomorrow/Secondary School Exhibition is sponsored in part by Morris Broadband and the Times-News. Additional support has been provided by Blue Ridge Custom Frame Shop. Domino's Pizza is providing the hospitality for the Awards Reception.

In conjunction with its student exhibitions, Elementary Student Exhibit (March 12 - 27) and Artists of Tomorrow/Senior and Middle School Student Exhibition (April 9 - May 1), The Arts Council, 538 North Main Street, is also displaying work of Hamadi Ben Saâd of Tunisia in its reception area.

Hamadi Ben Saâd is a Tunisian artist whose visit to the U.S. has been funded in part through a North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Grant awarded to Heritage Hall International School in Hendersonville, and administered by The Arts Council of Henderson County.

Ben Saâd has worked with indigent children on mural projects and has been associated with UNICEF. He is presented a show, Transatlantic Voyages, at Converse College in Spartanburg, with regional artist and longtime collaborator Ray Cooper. Cooper's work is also on display at The Arts Council.

Both Ben Saâd and Cooper presented workshops at Heritage Hall International School. They have exhibited together in Europe and North Africa and have won awards on three continents. For several years they have worked together with Converse College on a study-abroad program that has included a service-learning component that emphasizes the use of art and art therapy in overcoming cultural divides. Their efforts have been recognized by both the United Nations and the United States State Department.

Transatlantic Voyages is being considered for a stint at the Carter Center and for a venue in New York City.

"The Arts Council is delighted that Heritage Hall Director Jannik Jones and Cathy West, professor at Converse College in Spartanburg, were able to bring the work of these two humanitarian artists, Hamadi and Ray Cooper, to Henderson County," said Patricia James of The Arts Council. "We believe, because of their international efforts on behalf of children, that it is especially fitting for their work to be displayed during our annual student exhibitions."

Three Viewings (Apr. 24 & Apr. 25)
Saturday, April 24 at 8pm, and Sunday, April 25 at 2pm
D. Samuel Neill Gallery at the Arts Council of Henderson County

An unusual look into three characters' lives as they attend different viewings at a funeral home. Sometimes comic, sometimes bittersweet and always intriguing, playwright Jeffrey Hatcher weaves quite a dramatic tale.

Three Viewings consists of three monologues. Tell-Tale is the story of Emil, the mild-mannered undertaker whose unspoken passion for a local real-estate woman, who attends all his funerals, leads him to commit crimes and plot a way to confess his true feelings before time - and bodies - run out. The Thief of Tears features Mac, a beautiful Los Angeles drifter who makes her living stealing jewelry from corpses. She has returned to her hometown for her grandmother's funeral, where she attempts to pry a long-promised diamond ring off her grandmother's finger. The final monologue, Thirteen Things About Ed Carpolotti, is the story of Virginia, the widow of a wheeler-dealer contractor, who discovers that her husband has left her in debt to the banks, her family and the mob.

Jeffrey Hatcher is a playwright whose credits include Scotland Road, Neddy and Korczak's Children; he has also written several stage adaptations, including Henry James' The Turn of the Screw. He wrote the screenplay for Casanova for director Lasse Hallstrom, and has written for the Peter Falk television series, Columbo. Hatcher has won grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Lila-Wallace Fund.

In its review of Three Viewings, the New York Post offered, "Hatcher's three brief, intermission-less playlets have the merits...of that style of American short-story writing which started with O. Henry and, from the careful set-up to the ironic payoff, has never ended."

Three Viewings is directed by Francis Cullinan and stars local and regional favorites, Carol Duermit, Cheryl Anders, and Michael Cheek. Recommended for adult audiences. Tickets: $15 person/$10 for Arts Council members. Reservations recommended.

Sponsored in part by Sunshine Chevrolet.
Floral arrangements provided by Flower Market.

Asheville's River District Artists return for one of their rare group shows outside of Asheville. River District Artists is the organization that represents many of the artists working within Asheville's River Arts District, which is increasingly one of the most recognized visual arts districts in the country.

"We are thrilled that the River District Artists are returning to Hendersonville," said Jim Faucett, executive director of The Arts Council. "Last year's exhibition proved very popular with residents and tourists, and was the first time this diverse, eclectic group of artists held a collective show outside of Asheville."

Constance Williams, noted artist and President of the River District Artists, echoes that sentiment, "The artists of the River Arts District are happy to be invited back to Hendersonville, as sharing our artistic experiences is part of what keeps Western North Carolina such a great arts destination."

Williams adds "the work in the group show represents the unique experience people have when they visit our District, just down the hill from downtown Asheville: open working studios - many now open seven days a week - a striking diversity of art, delicious food venues and learning opportunities through workshops and classes."

Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk are scheduled to address the crowd at the May 7 Opening Reception about the importance and mutual benefits of regional arts collaborations as demonstrated by The Arts Council and the River District Artists.

"We are very excited that Mayor Bellamy and Mayor Volk are both scheduled to speak as it demonstrates what the Arts Council have been promoting for a long time," according to Faucett, "that the arts are exceedingly important to the culture and economy of Western North Carolina."

The reception, like the exhibition, is free and open to the public, and will start in the lobby of the Skyland Performing Arts Center at 5:30, with guests invited upstairs to The Arts Council around 6:30 to continue the reception and to view the exhibition.

"If you have never visited the River District, this is an excellent opportunity to experience some of the quality and diversity represented by this eclectic group of artists," said Faucett. "This exhibition can also help the viewer plan for the District's Studio Stroll on June 12 and 13."

River District Artists is sponsored in part by
First Citizens Bank and the Times-News.

The first lecture of the 2010 schedule, Intimate Look at American Art & Music, is Tuesday, May 11 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at the Henderson County Public Library, 301 North Washington Street, Hendersonville.

The 2010 Arts Council Lecture Series is being created and presented by Olivia Shelley, art historian and lecturer, and is modeled after her popular and well-received lectures at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. "Our lectures will provide audiences the opportunity to become more intimate with each topic, said Olivia Shelley, "and will allow plenty of time to ask questions and develop a dialogue with each visiting lecturer - who will be a specialist in their field."

Shelley will be co-presenting this first lecture with Maestro Thomas Joiner, the conductor of the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra (HSO).

The lecture is a prelude to the HSO concert on Saturday, May 22, Music from the Spring, which will feature Swiss bluegrass musicians, The Kruger Brothers. The Kruger Brothers were introduced to American audiences in 1997 at Merlefest. According to the Bluegrass Journal, "The Kruger Brothers are nothing short of magnificent, the classiest of acts as can be found on today's bluegrass and acoustic scene. Their music defies description."

The May 11 lecture will focus on twentieth century American music and art, specifically the period of the 1930s and 1940s. Shelley and Joiner will talk about the American composers and artists who were producing their greatest works during this time period, their connection to each other and how they reflected America of that period. Composer Aaron Copeland and artists Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, Edward Hopper, Charles Burchfield and others are the subjects.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the WPA, American isolationism and the growing alarms of World War II, the lecture promises to be lively, informative, and thought-provoking.

"American outsider and regional art are clearly and quintessentially 'American,'" according to Shelley. "Neither is a product of European influence."

The lecture series is free and open to the public; additional lecture dates are July 13 and September 14.

"Western Carolina has a rich heritage in wood, as a resource, medium, and source of inspiration. One tree can shade a summer hike, and another can make a chair, a spoon, a sculpture, a kitchen, a fiddle. It surrounds us, quite literally, from cradle to grave. Perhaps no other material can be shaped into so many forms and functions, and none with the familiar comfort and memory of nature. From still-vibrant traditional craftspeople to cutting-edge studio artists, from hobbyists to entrepreneurs, from whittlers to cabinetmakers, so many of us make wood a major part of our lives. Look to our galleries and schools, and you will see workof vibrant creativity and craftsmanship found in no other region." Brian Wurst, noted regional woodworker, instructor in Haywood Community College's Professional Crafts Wood Program,and judge for WOOD!

Wurst grew up in the Asheville area, an eighth-generation descendant of the region's first settlers. After working as a commercial architect, Brian operated a wood studio for eight years, focusing on commissions and gallery work. he has taught at Haywood since 2007 and exhibits regionally.

WOOD! features local and regional artists and craftspeople and awards will be given for carved, turned, constructed, and paintings or two-dimensional wall art with trees or similar wood-related subjects.

"The western Carolinas have a long tradition of wood crafts," offered Executive Director Jim Faucett, "and this is our opportunity to celebrate those who work in the traditional manner, as well as showcasing work by some artists and craftspeople who re-interpret those traditions."

Richard DeSimone, spokesperson for Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, the major sponsor of WOOD!, explains their participation, "We have an active Arts Committee at the UUFH and feel that encouraging the expression and appreciation of creativity - both within our fellowship and in the community - supports our fundamental beliefs and traditions. The Arts Council performs a valuable service within the community and we are pleased to support its programs."

The opening reception and awards ceremony will be Friday, June 4 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm, and WOOD! runs through July 3 in the D. Samuel Neill Gallery at the Arts Council, 538 North Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

WOOD! is sponsored in part by the
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville and the Times-News.

Celebrating its seventh year, Bring Us Your Best is a juried and judged show open to original works of art in any media. This show is popular with professional artists, hobbyists and student artists from around our region, as well as with art lovers from Henderson County and surrounding areas.

"Bring Us Your Best has grown into our most popular exhibition - among artists as well as the public," said Doug Jarvis, Board President of the Arts Council. "We anticipate that this year's show will require all our gallery space - the Neill Gallery, the hall gallery and the reception area. It's just grown that much."

"It has been a great pleasure to see this exhibition grow over the past few years," said major sponsor Rita Wax with The Ira Wax and Lynne Wax Memorial Funds. "As a patron of the arts I am thrilled thatthe support provided by the Fund has helped play a role in making this happen."

Wax goes on to say, "One of the greatest experiences of being associated with this exhibition has beenthe opportunity to meet so many talented artists. Iknow that Lynne and Ira would be pleased knowing that the Fundhas helped several artists economically. This is a legacy of which my daughter and husband would have been proud."

Bring Us Your Best opens Friday, July 9 with a reception and awards ceremony starting at 5:30pm inthe first floor lobby of the Skyland Performing Arts Center, withthe awards ceremony starting around 6:00pm. Guests will then be invited upstairs to The Arts Council galleries around 6:30pm to continue the reception and to view the exhibition. Both the Arts Council and the Skyland Performing Arts Center are located in the historic Skyland Hotel on the corner of 6th Avenue and Main Street, in downtown Hendersonville.

The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. Prior to the awards ceremony popular storyteller Ronnie Pepper will perform as a preview for the Do Tell Storyfest, which takes place the next day in downtown Hendersonville.

Denise Drury, Curatorial Specialist for the Fine Art Museum at the Fine & Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University, is the judge for Bring Us Your Best VII. She will join Wax in announcing the winners.

Ms. Drury has worked with museums and galleries internationally since 2003. Prior to her current position she was Executive Director of The 621 Gallery, a nonprofit contemporary visual art exhibition space in Tallahassee, FL, where she worked from 2005-2009. She also served as a grant programs coordinator for the State of Florida and worked with Tallahassee area cultural organizations including the Gadsden Arts Center and Tallahassee Museumof History and Natural Science. Ms. Drury earned a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language while living in Valencia, Spain and working with the Institut Valencià d' Art Modern, and holds a Masters degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University as well as certifications as an Accessibility (ADA/504) Coordinator from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"The value of all-media competitions like Bring Us Your Best is that works may be evaluated independent of medium in a broader arena. This wide scope allows the curator to select works that are somewhat iconic of current trends in both art and object-making in our region," said Drury. "Bring Us Your Best will certainly be a treat for viewers as they will have the opportunity to appreciate best works in a variety of media from our community."

Echoing those sentiments, Wax offers, "Bring Us Your Best allows the Arts Council to demonstrate to the community - and the larger region - just how diverse our visual arts community is."

Awards will be given as follows: Best of Show ($500), four 1st Place ($100 each), four 2nd Place ($50 each), and four 3rd place (gift certificates) for 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, jewelry, and photography/digital art.

In addition to The Ira Wax and Lynne Wax Memorial Funds, Bring Us Your Best VII is also sponsored by the Times-News, The Van Winkle Law Firm, and Joseph Laughter Clothier.

The Arts Council of Henderson County will be the site for "Just Imagine," the storytelling performances designed specifically for children aged 3 - 10, that is part of the second annual Do Tell, Hendersonville's downtown storytelling festival, July 10, 2010. There will be two children's performance sessions, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the Arts Council's Neill Gallery, 538 North Main Street, 2nd floor in downtown Hendersonville, and both are free and open to the public; children must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduled performers are Helen King and puppeteer Elena Diana.

The Do Tell Festival will present performances in downtown Hendersonville at the Community Room of Hendersonville's Historic Courthouse, from 10:30 - 5:30 and the Skyland Performing Arts Center (located below the Arts Council in the historic Skyland Hotel) from 2:30 - 5:30. Featured storytellers include Badhair Williams, Lloyd Arneach, and North Carolina's 2010 Biggest Liar, Wallace Shealey. For a complete schedule and locations of all Do Tell performances contact Karen-Eve Bayne, Festival Director, at 828.388.0247 or visit www.dotellfestival.org.

According to Bayne, "Our line-up of storytellers offers something special for every one - of all ages. Great stories for great folks. For less than the price of a movie, you can hear wonderful stories live tht inspire and stir the heart."

A special Do Tell preview will be presented during the opening reception for Bring Us Your Best, Friday, July 9.

Creativity, Intuition and a Personal Journey
into Fine Art Photography
(July 13)
Arts Council Lecture at Public Library

The second lecture of the 2010 schedule. Creativity, Intuition and a Personal Injury into Fine Art Photography with David Vandre, is Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00 pm at the Henderson County Public Library, 301 North Washington Street, Hendersonville.

David Vandre is a well-known local photographer who relocated to Hendersonville from his native San Francisco with his wife Dell in 2003 after spending 33 years with the Federal Reserve Bank.

In 1950, when he was eight years old, Vandre had an epiphany while seeing The Third Man, a movie classic filmed in black and white. His destiny as an artist rested in that film of sharp edges, deep shadows, and unusual anad provocative points of view. He never forgot the movie or his reaction to the use of geometric shapes.

According to lecture series coordinator Olivia Shelley, "The influence of The Third Man catapulted David into a lifelong interest in films, drawing and photography. While he excels in many media it is his photography that exposes his inherent artistic talent and his admiration for images and their many manifestations."

The lecture series is free and open to the public; the final lecture of the 2010 series is September 14 at the Henderson County Public Library.

This is an excellent opportunity to view the work of artists –in the same gallery – who will be participating in the Open Studio Tour (September 25-26).

A "festival of the arts," designed to both celebrate, and focus increased regional attention on, Henderson County's vibrant and diverse arts and cultural community. This celebration includes a full range of local arts and cultural events, and features two of the Arts Council's most popular activities - the 51st Art on Main (October 2 - 3) and Open Studio Tour (September 25 - 26).

The first time the Arts Council of Henderson County hosts artists from a region known for its excellent crafts. This show offers residents and visitors the opportunity to preview many of the artists who will be part of the December 2010 Toe River Studio Tour. Artists assembled by the Toe River Arts Council.

An Enchanted Evening (Nov. 4, 5 & 6)
Thursday - Saturday, November 4, 5 and 6 at 8pm
Upstairs at Mike's on Main
303 North Main Street, Downtown Hendersonville

A cabaret revue celebrating great love songs from the golden age of the American Musical - 1920s to the 1970s. The saluted composers are Gershwin, Porter, Rogers, Lerner, Schmidt, Wilson, and Sondheim. Presented in an intimate, cabaret style, you will definitely leave An Enchanted Evening humming more than one tune.

Preview and other performance dates and ticket prices will be announced shortly.

A show dedicated to another traditional Carolina craft tradition and featuring clothing, quilts, wall hangings, and other works of fiber art. This show will celebrate the visual and tactile diversity of some of our region’s most recognized craftspeople. Click here for prospectus/application.

This exhibition is expected to draw photographers from throughout the western Carolinas in presenting a range of photographic impressions. Click here for prospectus/application.

All exhibitions have opening or closing receptions which are open to the public. Gallery exhibitions are subject to change. Sponsorship opportunities are available for gallery exhibitions from $250 - $1,000.

As part of the Arts Council of Henderson County’s initiative to introduce local artists to new markets, we had planned to take our show “on the road” to the Asheville Area Arts Council Gallery in June. Unfortunately that space is no longer available and we have cancelled this exhibition.

As part of the Artists of Toe River Exhibition (see above October 1 - 30) we are working with the Toe River Arts Council to showcase Henderson County artists in one of its galleries in 2011.

The Arts Council’s popular autumn fundraiser, featuring chili, cornbread, dessert, entertainment – a good time had by all to help raise funds to support the arts in Henderson County.

Ted Oliver discussing a piece of Southern Folk Art during the Opening of the Exhibit.

February 6-28, 2009
A landmark exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington D.C. in the early 1980s focused international attention on the contributions of contemporary southern folk art, focusing on self-taught African-American artists from 1930 – 1980. The Corcoran show captured the art world’s attention, proving to be a defining moment in the appreciation of this uniquely American art form.

Masters of Southern Folk Art is the exhibition curated by Ann and Ted Oliver, nationally renowned collectors and dealers. The exhibition features contemporary southern folk art from their private collection as well as from their gallery, Oliver’s Southern Folk Art.

The Henderson County Public Library, in partnership with the Arts Council, will host “A Vision of Southern Folk Art” by the Olivers on Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 pm. They will share their very personal journey through the South they knew as children. It is a shared vision that motivates them to preserve the precious legacy of southern culture, past and present. Sponsored in part by the Times-News.

March/April 2009
The Arts Council devotes each spring to the artistic creations of our children. The Artists of Tomorrow exhibit, now in its 14th year, features the art of secondary school children from across the region. The Elementary School Exhibit examines art through the eyes of elementary school age children. These exhibits are dedicated to the art teachers and those they mentor. Sponsored in part by Times-News, Henderson County Education Foundation, and Blue Ribbon Custom Frame Shop.
Artists of Tomorrow March 13 – 28
Elementary Art April 3 – 18

Friday, May 1 – Saturday, June 20, 2009
A New York Times writer recently described Asheville as “The Paris of the South.” If Asheville is the Paris of the South, then the River Arts District is its “Left Bank.” The Arts Council has created yet another partnership and invited the River District Artists to bring their art and fine crafts to Hendersonville for a seven week-long premier exhibit. Opening Friday May 1st and Friday June 5th. Sponsored in part by HomeTrust Bank, the Times-News, the Dr. Minor F. Watts Fund (administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson County), and Mast General Store.

July 3 - 31, 2009
A collaborative traveling exhibition of postcard-sized original paintings by artists from Western North Carolina framed in black shadow boxes. Participating organizations include The Arts Council of Henderson County, Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes, Ashe County Arts Council, Watauga County Arts Council, Caldwell Arts Council, Cleveland County Arts Council, and Burke Arts Council. Opening is Friday July 3rd, 5:30-8:00pm. Sponsored in part by HomeTrust Bank, the Times-News, the Dr. Minor F. Watts Fund (administered by the Community Foundation of Henderson County), and Mast General Store.

Friday, August 7 – Saturday, September 19, 2009
One of the Arts Council’s most popular exhibitions, BRING US YOUR BEST attracts some of the best artists from across our region working in all media. The sixth annual juried and judged show will be one of the summer’s most talked about art shows. Opening Friday, August 7th, 5:30-8:00pm. Sponsored in part by the Ira Wax and Lynne Wax Memorial Funds, Joseph Laughter Clothier and the Times-News.

Artists represented:
Raymond E. Adams / Gloria Affenit / Mike Alonzo/ John W. Anderson / Pat Arnett / Walter Arnold / Kara Ashley / Bonnie Joy Bardos / Patricia Barratt / Susan Barrett / Penny Baugh / Edward Becka / Fredreen Bernatovicz / Gary Bills / Mary A. Brummett / Erin Campbell / Dennis Chew / Wesley Corn / Chris Corral / Elisa M. "Lissie" Dennison / R. Will Dickert / Gloria Elasky / Onae Fazio / Sue Fazio / Kathy Gagnon / Karen Garwood / Felicity Gatchell / Rita Gennaro / Ron Goings / Dave Goldman / Alice Greko / Mona Groban / Ellen-Anne Harboe / Fran Hudelson / Hal D. Hume / Donald Hupe / Janet Jacobson / Stephen Janton / Susan Johann / Angela Van Every Johnston / Karen Johnston / Sally Jones / Al Junek / Reda Kay / Penny Kessler / Beverly Kies / Providence Klein / Costanza Knight / Sharon Trapp Kotch / Jan Kransberger / Carol Kronus / Robin Rector Krupp / Carole Lang / Michael Kolman Lask / Jean Lindabury / Lillian Terry MacMillan / Joanna McClees / William McClees / Mona Rae Miracle / Marion Moore / Cynthia Moser / Joan Murphy / Peggy O'Connor / Arthur Pearsall / Lynn Pilewski / Mike Reardon / Brian Rego / Barbara Remensnyder / Maggie Robinson / Gil Sharrit / David Sheldon / David Sheldon / Shari Sherman / Kathy Skomsky / Daniel Smith / Anita Stackhouse / Leila Starke / Kate Stockman / Maxine Tatreau / Claire DeLong Taylor / Kate Thayer / Tom Pazderka / Susan Webb Tregay / Lillian S. Updike / David Vandre / Constance Vlahoulis / David Voorhees / Kathy Vorbrich / Robert F. Wallace / Pat Wellborn / Holly Wilkes / Sharon Willin / Brittany Willis / Mary Ellen Wuerfel / Barb Zimmerman /

Thursday, October 1 – Friday, October 16, 2009
The Open Studio Artists Show is a great opportunity to preview the work of Henderson County artists who will be participating in the 2009 Open Studio Tour, October 10–11. This show will also be featured during the 50th Anniversary of Art on Main, October 2–4. Opening Friday, October 9th. Sponsored in part by the Times-News.

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 11, 2009
Participate in a 10-day celebration of the visual, performing and literary arts in Henderson County. This art extravaganza will be anchored by:

Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2009
Established in 1959 and now attracting artists from throughout the southeast, this very popular outdoor arts festival moves to October for the first time. Hendersonville’s historic downtown is transformed into a huge artist market and attracts residents and visitors of all ages from throughout Western North Carolina, the South and as far away as Florida.

Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11, 2009
Getting rave reviews last year, this extremely popular, self-guided tour of Henderson County’s artist studios and finest art galleries is the public’s opportunity to catch a glimpse of the artists' creative world and work. Over 35 artists and galleries are expected to participate.

Friday, October 23 – Friday, November 20, 2009
Another of the region’s most popular juried and judged art exhibitions, attracting artists from throughout the region. This year’s show will be co-produced by its founder, WICKWIRE fine art/folk art, and The Arts Council of Henderson County. This program will be commemorating the 10th anniversary of a show that visually celebrates Hendersonville and Henderson County. Artists should call WICKWIRE at 828.692.6222 828.692.6222 or stop by 330 North Main Street, for more information. Opening Friday October 23rd, 5:30-8:00pm.

Entertainment by Carol Duermit and Roadside Attraction. Plus, a special preview of music from “Heaven In Your Pocket,” a workshop presentation on November 7 and 8 of a new musical originally presented in the 2008 New York Musical Theatre Festival. (Directed by Francis J. Cullinan. Music & Lyrics by Mark Houston. Book by Mark Houston, Francis J. Cullinan and Dianne Sposito.)

Heaven in Your Pocket

November 7 & 8, 2009

Arts Council Board member Francis Cullinan directs this workshop production of Heaven in Your Pocket, an original musical last seen at the 2008 New York Music Theatre Festival. The cast includes local favorites Cathy Walgenbach, Carol Duermit, John Robert Raines, Jonathan Ross, and Olivia Palmer. Music Director is Cheryl Hagymassy.

Performances are Saturday, November 7 at 7:30pm at ®evolving Arts Gallery, 511 North Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, and Sunday, November 8 at 2:00pm at Feed & Seed, 3715 Hendersonville Road in Fletcher. Receptions follow both shows.

Come enjoy the sounds of The Heavenly Belles as they attempt to make it big in Nashville, and mingle with the actors following the show. Sunshine Chevrolet is the sponsor.

(Music and lyrics by Mark Houston. Book by Mark Houston, Francis J. Cullinan and Dianne Sposito.)

Holiday Artist Market

Friday, November 27 – Monday, December 19, 2009
Visit the Arts Council of Henderson County on the second floor of the historic Skyland Hotel, for original, one-of-a-kind art and crafts for those special people on your holiday shopping list.

Jewelry, notecards, bamboo art, totebags, textiles and other fabric art, stained glass, spirit dolls, photography, oils, pottery, sculpture, ceramics, and more - something for all discerning tastes.

Scheduled artists include local and regional favorites like Janet Jacobson, Susan Barrett (award winner at both the 2009 Bring Us Your Best and Art on Main shows), Kate Stockman, and Kim Adams. Completing the list of talented artists and artisans are Maxine Tatreau, Barbara Stock, Cheryl Stippich, Susan Webb Tregay, Leslie "Lil" Lauer, Walter Chase, Beverly Gable, Diane Fitzgerald, Kenneth D. Peterson, Constance Vlahoulis, Keiji Oshima, Wesley Corn (award winner at 2009 Bring Us Your Best), Susan Welsh, and Ben Freeman, whose work was the featured art for the 2009 Art on Main poster and merchandise.

Holiday gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 1-5pm. The opening reception is Friday, November 27 from 5:30-8pm and the public is invited. Market closes on Saturday, December 19.

Friday, December 4, 2009 - as part of the Arts Council's 1st Friday Gallery Stroll observance and during the annual Holiday Artist Market - author and artist Samuel Elliott will be reading from his book, Pennies From Heaven. The book is the result of years of writing poetry and creating visual images, now gathered in one collection. The book will also be available for purchase and Sam will be signing copies for interested patrons.

The reading will start at 6pm followed by the signing session. There will also be a reception which is free and open to the public. The soft-cover book will be available for purchase and retails for $39.95.

The book's publication was made possible in part through a Regional Artist Project Grant that Sam received from the Arts Council in 2008. "This is thrilling," said Grants Manager Patricia James, "the book and its inaugural presentation fully demonstrates the purpose of this grant program. We're happy to have played a role in making this happen."

Sam is very generous in his appreciation, crediting the grant as "an affirmation of my ability and artistic skills to bring something inspirational to others. This recognition has helped to encourage me, and gave me confidence in my own worth as an artist. Without the award I would have probably not followed my heart and assembled the pages of my book Pennies From Heaven from my art works and paintings over the last 40 years."

He goes on to say, "This award paid for the initial layout of the book and was a huge boost in getting this project underway."

The Arts Council will be open until 8:00 on December 4 for Sam's reading and signing, and to allow guests a chance to do some shopping at the Holiday Artist Market. All are welcome.

The Arts Council, which is handicapped accessible , is located at 538 North Main Street, 2nd Floor in Hendersonville. For more information contact The Arts Council of Henderson County at 828.693.8504 or acofhc@bellsouth.net. Visit us at www.acofhc.org.

Refreshments will be served following the lecture so that audience members will have an opportunity to meet Vandre.