Haywood County Arts Council Awards Helene Support Grant for Artist Members Affected by the Storm
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) is pleased to announce at the end of December 2024, the HCAC Helene Support Grant raised a total of $13,532. These funds were awarded to 20 HCAC artist members who have been significantly impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The grant funding ranges were $300 to $1,500.
“We are deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by our community,” said Tonya Harwood, Executive Director of HCAC. “After the cancellation of our Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival, we asked ticket holders if they wanted a refund or if they would prefer to donate to our Helene Relief Fund. We were overwhelmed when more than half of them chose to donate. Additionally, we have received private donations to support our artist members, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this outpouring of support.”
2024-2025 Region 17 Artist Support Grant Awardees
The Haywood County Arts Council, in collaboration with its regional partners—Arts AVL, Transylvania Community Arts Council, Tryon Fine Arts Center, and the Arts Council of Henderson County—is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Artist Support Grants. This year, 21 artists from Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties, collectively known as Region 17, have been awarded funding to support their artistic endeavors… Click here to ead the full press release
| Joel Sullivan aka Secret Agent 23 Skidoo | Music Composition | Buncombe |
| Alysia Sawchyn | Literary Arts | Buncombe |
| Michael Hatch | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Jeremy Alexander McDonald | Performing Arts | Buncombe |
| Ashley Capps | Literary Arts | Buncombe |
| Carolina Quiroga | Performing Arts | Buncombe |
| Jasmin Pittman (Morrell) | Literary Arts | Buncombe |
| Kia Rice (DBA) – Virtuous | Music Composition | Buncombe |
| Meschiya Lake | Music Composition | Buncombe |
| Rocky Collin (Raquel Willand) | Music Composition | Buncombe |
| A. A. Vacharat (Amanda) | Literary Arts | Buncombe |
| Jude Stuecker | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Kimberly English | Visual Arts | Haywood |
| Juan Diego Reyes | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Constance Lombardo | Interdisciplinary Arts | Buncombe |
| Rebekah Alviani | Visual Arts | Transylvania |
| Emelie Weber Wade | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Catherine Kaleel | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Haley Jelinek | Visual Arts | Buncombe |
| Michelle Black/Visual artist | Visual Arts | Henderson |
| Jamie Laval | Music Composition | Polk |
2024-2025 Grassroot Grants Awardees and Their Activities
A total of $22,645 in funding was subgranted to these organizations in Haywood County:
First United Methodist Church: Jounce Afterschool arts program creates opportunities for students to engage in art and community with caring adults. Grant funding pays for necessary materials and compensate local artists to teach lessons during regularly scheduled, already established, well attended after school programming.
First United Methodist Church: Clean Green and Kind Program
HART: Funds will cover theatrical rights for a five-show lineup in HART’s studio series, enabling local artists to share personal stories, perform dream roles, and gain directing experience. “We are so excited to have been awarded part of the Round 2 Grassroots Grant, supercharging our Winter Studio Season! This program thrives on community-driven passion projects, and the grant means we can turn more dreams into reality. It’s a game-changer, taking off the financial load and letting creativity shine in our theatre community.” – Candice Dickinson, Artistic Director, HART Theatre
Haywood Choral Society: Provides operational support for a singing opportunity for members of the local community that leads to two public concerts between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
Haywood Community Band: Funds will be used to pay a conductor and assistant conductor for the 2024 season. Conductors are responsible for choosing the music and preparing the band for performances. The season includes a minimum of six performances and a full schedule of weekly rehearsals. “Stephen Razo and his assistant, Jenna Misch, will share the podium beginning in May at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. Mr. Razo is an experienced conductor of both military and community bands. He appeared with HCB in 2022 to conduct the premier of his published work, On the Blue Ridge.” – Mary K. Thomas, HCB Outreach Chairman
Haywood Community College Foundation: HCC will celebrate their 60th anniversary by commissioning local artists to display their work on campus. This activity will tie in with their world renowned Professional Crafts program and add another layer to inviting the community onto their beautiful campus to experience quality art. “The Haywood Community College Foundation is excited to celebrate our 60th Anniversary in 2025 by creating a new art trail showcasing local artists. HCC is an anchor for our community and should be enjoyed by all. This gives visitors another reason to come on campus.” – Hylah Birenbaum Executive Director of College Advancement
Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center: The Pigeon Center strengthens harmony among the residents of our county and its communities.
Voices of the Laurel: In the spring of 2024 Voices in the Laurel will provide adults and children in the Voices program with high-quality multi-cultural musical experiences, including regional guest instructors and local professional musicians to enhance the program.
2024-2025 Grant Season is Closed
Please return to this page for 2025-2026 opportunities, or subscribe to our newsletter to learn when grant opportunities open.
