Opening Night Reception – Saturday, February 23 – 5:30 - 7:30
The Art League of Henderson County will present the two dimensional art of its members, f/32 will present the photographic works of its members, and David Vandre will present a solo exhibit of his photographs.
The Art League, which has been active for nearly fifty years, includes two hundred painters and lovers of art. Their works will include oils, watercolors and pastels in a wide range of subjects and styles. The Art League shows monthly at the Opportunity House and semi-annually at outdoor events. f/32 is a Asheville based group of photographers of all skill levels, who meet monthly to share their work, hear guest speakers and socialize. The group shows its works throughout the year at a variety of venues. David Vandre retired from the Federal Reserve System and moved to Hendersonville from San Francisco six years ago. Photography has been a lifetime work, with most of his images of outdoor scenes with subtle elements that speak of the presence of man. He has been represented by several galleries, and is in private collections in the United States and Europe.
Upcoming Events and Activities/ In The News (Continued)
- The Art of Our Children – Sponsored by Wachovia Bank
- Elementary Art, Opening Reception – Fri., March 14th, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Exhibit closes on March 29th.
- Artists of Tomorrow, Opening Reception, Fri., April 11th, pm 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Exhibit closes on April 26th.
“The Art of Our Children exhibitions are integral to the Arts Council’s efforts in the area of art education. Art activities nurture the development of self confidence and creative thinking in children. While it is extremely important to assure children are taught the basic fundamentals of science and math and other subjects, it is instruction in art that strengthens a person’s ability to find creative solutions to the professional challenges they will face in the future.” states Arts Council President, Lochie Overbey.
Elementary Art is an exhibition of the works of Henderson County elementary students. The Artists of Tomorrow” is a juried exhibit of the creations of Henderson County high school students. Prizes will be awarded in various categories.
Next Event
Hosted by The Fresh Market, a Fine Wine Gala to benefit the Arts Council of Henderson County will be held on Tuesday, April 29th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Fresh Market,
223 Greenville Highway. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hands On! A Child’s Gallery and the new Hendersonville Children’s Choir. Enjoy prime rib, shrimp cocktail and other delightful hors d’oeuvre as well as distinctive cheeses at this exclusive wine tasting event! Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling the Arts Council at 828-693-8504 during gallery hours.
Grants
Regional Artists Project Grants recently were issued to nine artists to support career advancement. Grant awards totaling $7,500 were awarded through a competitive application process. The program is funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, the Arts Councils of Haywood and Henderson Counties and the Tryon Art Center. Grants were received by Bill Altman, Deborah Childress, Martine House, Costanza Knight, Karen-Eve Pfotzer, Thomas Reeves, Andrew Schultz, Kimberley Webber Young, and Susan Whalen. Among other applications, the grants will be put to used for a variety of purposes including the production of a CD of traditional Appalachian melodies, attendance at a workshop to study fabric dyeing, the production of a film and for the purchase of a press to create monotype prints. Special thanks go to the volunteer panel of persons skilled in each area represented by the artist applicants including: Ted McIrvine, columnist and performing art critic, Francis Cullinan, Board of the Arts Council and Opera Stage Director, Robert Dunning, Chair of Art Department, The University of North Carolina Asheville, Damien Duke Domingue, the Flat Rock Playhouse, Paul Bonesteel Film Studios and Ann Oliver, art historian and educator and owner of Oliver’s Fine Art/Folk Art.
“cARTwheels”
Thanks to grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Affairs, two of North Carolina’s premier arts ensembles will perform for 2,750 area elementary school students. On April 9th and 10th, the African American Dance Ensemble will perform for all Henderson County Public School 4th and 5th grade students. On April 16th, the Carolina Ballet will present Peter and the Wolf for all Polk County Public School 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. The program includes curriculum based educational materials to help teachers prepare students for the performance, and explore connections between the performance and their schoolwork.
The “cARTwheels” was conceived by Lisbeth C. “Libba” Evans, Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources, and implemented by the North Carolina State Arts Council, the touring program is designed to enhance student learning in the arts. “Students involved with the arts score higher on SAT’s and gain basic skills critical for later success in school, work and life”, Evans said.
The AADE will perform a program Finding the Dancing Ground: from Africa to America weaving storytelling with traditional African dance and drumming to reflect traditions born in the continent of Africa.
The Carolina Ballet will perform a production of Peter and the Wolf with 12 dancers, narrator and piano accompaniment. Geared to students in grades 3-5, this production uses the characters and themes of this tale to illustrate the creative process behind producing an original ballet.
The Arts Council of Henderson County has been engaged by the North Carolina Arts Council to serve as the State Agency’s liaison and coordinator for the performances in both counties. The cARTwheels program provides every child in grades 3 – 5 exposure to one of our State’s premier ensembles. The grant funding will provide payment for the performing ensembles fee, costs of renting the performance venue and student transportation costs. “This is a significant investment on the part of the State of North Carolina for exposure to the Arts” Alexsovich said.
In The News
Art Education – Intern Kayla Merrell assists the Arts Council
Hendersonville High School senior Kayla Merrell has joined the Arts Council as an intern responsible for many aspects of the Elementary Art and Artists of Tomorrow exhibits. The internship is a requirement of her senior English curriculum. In addition to her work with the Arts Council, she participates in concert band, is the drum captain of the marching band and Treasurer of the Outing Club.
Gallery Open House sponsored by Michaelian Home
On Friday, February 1st, 130 people attended the first of two openings during Gallery Open House. One hundred and thirty-five works, the creations of the Tarheel Ruggers Guild and the Randomly Altered Divas, were on display. During the two weeks of the exhibit over 300 people, many of whom were first time visitors, viewed the exhibit.
The Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the best live musical entertainment in Hendersonville. The Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center is located in the old Skyland Building. See the performance list by visiting www.blueridgepac.com or call 693-0087 for information.
Memorial Donations
The Arts Council is grateful to the many people who support our mission. Gifts can be made to the Arts Council in many different ways. A Memorial Donation is a fitting way to remember a special person, while at the same time helping to ensure creativity continues to be part of our community. Call the Arts Council for information. 828-693-8504.
We hope you enjoy reading “In the News” and “Upcoming Events and Activities” described above. For more information, contact us at 828-693-8504; email acofhc@bellsouth.net or check out our website at www.acofhc.org.
