The Laurel of Asheville

By Gina Malone

March 2025

Beginning Wednesday, March 5, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) hosts artist Ann Miller Woodford, of Andrews, with a specially curated exhibition of her work titled An African American Art Expedition: Faces and Places. A reception will be held Friday, March 7, from 5–8 p.m. at Haywood Handmade Gallery. Woodford will also share stories of the people and communities that inspire her.

“Using a range of mediums, from oils and pastels to ink and crayons, I strive to create pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant,” Woodford says. “My goal is to inspire a deeper appreciation for our region’s African American experience and ensure that our stories and contributions are never forgotten.”

Woodford grew up in Andrews, where her trailblazing grandfather built the first house in the town’s Black community in 1912-1913, a vibrant community for both white and African American residents today. “This was a remarkable feat, especially considering that he and over 1,100 other African American individuals were forcibly expelled from Cumming, of Forsyth County, GA at gunpoint in 1912,” Woodford says. “Seeking a more welcoming environment, my grandfather found Cherokee County more accepting of African Americans.”

A tree on the hill behind the house where she grew up and still lives today inspired her studio name, Ann’s Tree. It’s a place that feels like home to her, and yet Woodford, who was once part of a thriving arts community in Los Angeles, acknowledges the challenges of living in a rural area with fewer artistic resources and communities. Her wish is that her art—and her storytelling—will open creative doors for others. “I envision my art serving as a catalyst for others to reclaim their creative value,” she says.

Woodford is the author of When All God’s Children Get Together: A Celebration of the Lives and Music of African American People in Far Western North Carolina. “This project was a labor of love that took seven years to come to fruition,” she says. “I’m grateful to have preserved our community’s history and cultural heritage through its over 600 pages.”

Her two new series are titled Black in Black on Black and Brown. “The first series celebrates the unbreakable bonds within the African American community, emphasizing the empowerment that comes from connection and unity,” says Woodford. “On the other hand, my Brown series is a heartfelt tribute to the diverse individuals who have enriched my life, highlighting the beauty of cross-cultural relationships and friendships.”

HCAC executive director Tonya Harwood says visitors to the gallery can expect a moving and culturally rich experience. “Her oil paintings beautifully capture scenes of life, history and heritage, offering a profound glimpse into underrepresented narratives,” she says.

Learn more about the artist at AnnsTree.com.