Artist Support Grants Awarded to Regional Talent
January 2025 Waynesville, NC – 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, […]
Art for good: Haywood artist’s mountain mugs are a holiday must-have
The Mountaineer By Andrew Marshall December 14, 2024 Readers looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer could do worse than visiting the Haywood Arts Council’s Main Street storefront. There, procrastinating holiday shoppers will find the perfect gift — mugs emblazoned with a watercolor illustration of the mountains that surround Waynesville. The mugs are a collaboration between […]
A mapmaker’s journey: turning the landscape into art
The Mountaineer By Andrew Marshall December 14, 2024 Haywood County has the highest elevation and more 6,000 foot peaks than any county in the Eastern U.S. — but Artist Ken Czarnomski wasn’t daunted by those superlatives. He’d set his sights on creating an illustrated map of the ridge line encircling Waynesville, and he had one […]
Bask in songs of the season with Haywood Choral Society
The Mountaineer December 7, 2024 The Haywood Choral Society will perform a free holiday concert, “Warmth and Wonder”, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. The concert repertoire features exquisite music of both sacred and secular genres to playful and familiar tunes. Notable composers of the concert music range […]
Chic fashion “show and tell” luncheon to benefit Haywood Arts Council
The Mountaineer September 17, 2024 Pick up fashion tips and the latest styles during the Fashion for the Arts Fundraiser from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club. The event was organized by Ann Walsh, the owner of Ava & Arden Boutique on Main Street in downtown […]
Haywood County Studio Tour
Smoky Mountain News September 11, 2024 Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), the annual Haywood County Studio Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. A free, self-guided event showcasing the region’s talented artists, this unique event offers art […]
Take a stroll in downtown Waynesville for Art after Dark “art party”
The Mountaineer September 5, 2024 Join the “art party” of Art After Dark in downtown Waynesville, with galleries and shops open late, live music filling the air, and artists showcasing their talents from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6. The monthly art stroll is presented by the Haywood County Arts Council, which […]
Junior Appalachian Musicians connects youth with mountain music traditions
The Mountaineer August 27, 2024 Registration is now open for the upcoming season of the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, presented by The Haywood County Arts Council. This unique opportunity allows children in grades 4 through 8 to immerse themselves in the rich musical traditions of Appalachia, learning to play instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and […]
Experience ‘Textures’ at Haywood Arts
Smoky Mountain News July 3, 2024 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) latest exhibit, “Textures,” will run through Sept. 1 at the HCAC gallery on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic mediums including ceramics, woodwork, felt, mosaic, fabric, macrame, collage and more, this diversified exhibition promises to have something for […]
Dabble in skateboard graphics or caricature drawing
The Mountaineer May 30, 2024 Outside-the-box art classes — from designing skateboard deck graphics to delving into the whimsical world of caricatures — will be hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council in June. The classes are for ages 12+, and are conveniently timed just as school gets out for summer. Skateboard Deck Design Join […]
Haywood Arts Council leader to advocate for arts funding in Raleigh
The Mountaineer May 18, 2024 Tonya Harwood, executive director of the Haywood County Arts Council, will serve as county captain for Haywood County for Arts Day in Raleigh May 21-22. Harwood will be championing the cause of public funding and policy for the arts and arts education as part of N.C.’s annual Conference of Arts […]
Give kids an artistic outlet with new Kids Art Club
The Mountaineer May 10, 2024 Ignite and nurture children’s creativity with new monthly Kids Art Club for ages 8 and up hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council. The first class will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. “Art is not just about creating something beautiful. It’s […]
Arts Funding at NC’s Annual Conference of Arts and Action
Positively Haywood May 2024 See full article here, page 11:
Haywood County Jazz Festival
Smoky Mountain News May 1, 2024 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will present the Haywood County Jazz Festival at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Tuscola High School in Waynesville. Sponsored by the HCAC, this event will be an evening of musical celebration, showcasing the remarkable talents of area middle and high school jazz […]
Haywood County Jazz Festival celebrates local talent and great music
The Mountaineer May 1, 2024 Calling all jazz music fans: enjoy the highly anticipated Haywood County Jazz Festival, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Tuscola High School. Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council, the Haywood County Jazz Festival serves as a platform to unite the community in a shared appreciation for jazz […]
Celebrate art, music and dance at fun-filled Haywood Made evening
The Mountaineer April 16, 2024 Haywood Made, an evening celebrating art, music and dance of today’s Appalachia, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at The 37 Venue in downtown Waynesville. Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council, Haywood Made is a part of the Carolina Heritage Weekend, a four-day Haywood County art […]
Creativity takes flight at arts council
The Mountaineer April 10, 2024 Come see creativity in flight at the Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) newest exhibit, Wings, April 10 to June 2, with colored pencil, ink, ceramics, quilting, acrylic/oil painting and more on display. Wings are used by animals and in man-made vehicles. They provide lift and propulsion through the air. Artists […]
Appalachian heritage on full display for Carolina Heritage Weekend
The Mountaineer April 10, 2024 All things Appalachian will be celebrated in Haywood starting April 18 when Carolina Heritage Weekend opens. This multi-day event is being hosted by a collaboration of dining, creative and performing arts organizations — all shining a light on the heritage of Western North Carolina. The series of four events April […]
Celebrate art, music and dance at fun-filled Haywood Made evening
The Mountaineer April 4, 2024 Haywood Made, an evening celebrating art, music and dance of today’s Appalachia, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at The 37 Venue in downtown Waynesville. Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council, Haywood Made is a part of the Carolina Heritage Weekend, a four-day Haywood County art […]
Explore the Haywood County Quilt Trail — and lend a hand to bring more quilt squares to life
The Mountaineer By Becky Johnson March 26, 2024 Have you noticed delightful painted quilt blocks adorning the facades of buildings and barns throughout Haywood County? More than 60 quilt blocks can be found along the Haywood County Quilt Trail. Each quilt block pattern tells a story of mountain history and culture tied to the location […]
High school student artwork sought for Haywood Arts Council showcase
The Mountaineer March 20, 2024 Calling high school artists: here’s a chance to let your creative artwork take flight. The Haywood County Arts Council is seeking student artwork for a specially curated exhibit “Wings.” The high school artists will have their artwork displayed during the Haywood Made event from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at […]
Let creativity flow at arts council’s ‘Creation Classes’
The Mountaineer March 13, 2024 Get creative, no matter your skill level, with Creation Classes by the Haywood County Arts Council held at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. • Value of Value: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, with instructor Patricia Sweet. Paint by using only grayscale in a wonderful exercise to train the eye […]
Haywood Arts differently abled exhibition
Smoky Mountain News March 6, 2024 In 2004, my life was completely changed when one of my twin boys was born with Down Syndrome. Initially, I felt as though my world had crumbled, envisioning the worst possible outcomes. However, as this little boy, named Jake, grew and nestled his way into our hearts, I came […]
Step into the artistic world of ‘Differently Abled Artists’
The Mountaineer March 6, 2024 A very personal journey will honor the amazing art of ‘differently abled artists’ in a new exhibit called “Challenge Me, Art by Differently Abled Artists” showing March 8-April 7 at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville. Sharing the exceptional talents of artists with unique abilities […]
Guess who’s headlining the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival?
The Mountaineer March 1, 2024 It’s not too early to plan for a great fall music festival, especially one with these bands on tap. The Haywood County Arts Council has announced the highly anticipated lineup for the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival happening Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Balsam Range will headline […]
Haywood County Arts Council: Where Creativity Connects
Smoky Mountain News February 14, 2024 You may know the Haywood County Arts Council as a gallery where you can admire and purchase local art. But we’re so much more! We’re a vibrant community of individuals who believe in the power of creativity to forge connections, bring joy, and inspire each other, and that means […]
Love makes the world go ‘round at arts council exhibit
The Mountaineer February 11, 2024 Embrace the season of love with the Haywood County Arts Council exhibit aptly titled “LOVE” — depicting the powerful emotion that unites individuals, transform and inspires. Through a diverse range of mediums such as paintings, glasswork, ceramics, quilting, jewelry, and more, artists convey their personal interpretations of love. “My pieces […]
Haywood Arts celebrates ‘Love’
Smoky Mountain News February 7, 2024 As the first showcase of the year, the “Love” exhibition will run through March 3 at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. Through a diverse range of mediums such as paintings, glasswork, ceramics, quilting, jewelry and more, HCAC artists skillfully conveyed their personal […]
Two Haywood potters score grants for kilns
The Mountaineer January 10, 2024 Two Haywood potters will be able to purchase kilns to advance their trade thanks to N.C. Artist Support Grants. The grant program was created in 2020 to support individual artists during the pandemic and has quickly become a staple for local artists. “As an artist myself, I understand how impactful […]
Artist Support Grants Awarded
Smoky Mountain News December 13, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) along with regional partners, including Arts AVL, Transylvania Community Arts Council, Tryon Fine Arts Center and Arts Council of Henderson County, announce the 2023-2024 Artist Support Grant awardees. Grants were provided to 21 artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Rutherford and Transylvania counties, also […]
HCAC ‘Small Works’ exhibit
Smoky Mountain News December 6, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. The annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other […]
HCAC hosts ‘Small Works’
Smoky Mountain News November 29, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. The annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other […]
‘Small Works’ exhibit features works of 45 artists for the holidays
The Small Works exhibit returns to the Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville this holiday season, featuring handmade ornaments and wall art under 12 inches created by more than 45 artists in mediums of all types — including ceramics, photography, quilting, woodburning and more. The Haywood County Arts Council will host an opening reception for […]
Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Fest serves up a day of fine Appalachian music
The Mountaineer October 22, 2023 Relish fall beauty while enjoying music all afternoon long, at the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Hear five bands with great music including Haywood Ramblers in a community jam, The Blue Ridge Girls, Wildfire, Appalachian Road Show — […]
Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Smoky Mountain News October 18, 2023 Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council, the annual Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival will return from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Taking the stage will be Haywood County bluegrass legends Balsam Range, Appalachian Roadshow and Wildfire. Since its inception in […]
Choose your own art adventure on the Haywood Studio Tour
The Mountaineer September 31, 2023 Get an insider’s look into artists and crafters at work with the Haywood County Arts Council’s annual Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, with a kick-off event on Thursday, Sept. 21. The self-guided tour invites hundreds of visitors each year into artists’ studios to meet the artist, view demonstrations […]
Grants to support arts-and-culture endeavors of Haywood nonprofits
The Mountaineer September 5, 2023 Haywood County nonprofits providing arts-and-culture programs are eligible for grants from the Haywood County Arts Council. The arts council has more than $27,000 in funds to award through the program funded by the N.C. Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program. Two live video workshops are planned for grant applicants at noon […]
Haywood County Arts Council Offers a Month Full of Events in September
The Laurel of Asheville September 1, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) offers a variety of art events in September. On Thursday, September 21, from 4–7 p.m., the inaugural Art in the Park at Sorrells Park, in Canton, takes place in conjunction with the Mill Town Farmers Market. A selection of HCAC artist members […]
“What’s New?” art exhibit to debut at Art After Dark Friday
The Mountaineer September 1, 2023 The monthly gallery stroll throughout downtown Waynesville will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Tour studios, watch art demonstrations and meet a variety of Haywood County creatives while enjoying live music, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres — with shops staying open late for the evening out. The Haywood County […]
Dreams exhibit at arts council to debut at Art After Dark
The Mountaineer August 1, 2023 The monthly gallery stroll throughout downtown Waynesville will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Tour studios, watch art demonstrations and meet a variety of Haywood County creatives while enjoying live music, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres — with shops staying open late for the evening out. The Haywood County […]
Take in a poetry reading with a glass of wine
The Mountaineer June 30, 2023 Enjoy an artful evening at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Bosu’s Wine Shop, as the Haywood County Arts Council presents a poetry reading by guest artist Philip Shabazz. Shabazz, teaching artist and author, will share some of his poetic works and take part in a facilitated Q&A session with […]
Unleash your inner creativity at arts council
The Mountaineer July 10, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council is full of opportunities to make art in July. Creation Classes There are four creation classes in July: Landscape Painting July 15, Paint a Barn Quilt July 22, Stamped Metal Earrings July 28 and Advanced Barn Quilt Painting July 29. Register at: www.haywoodarts.org/creation-classes/. Quilt Blocks The […]
New exhibit ‘Water’ to debut during Art After Dark in Waynesville Friday
The Mountaineer July 5, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will open its newest show “Water” with a reception at 5 p.m. Friday, July 7, in conjunction with Art After Dark art stroll held the first Friday of the month. With work created by more than 42 local artists inspired by water, this show demonstrates […]
More than a hangout: after school program fills a niche for middle schoolers
The Mountaineer by Vicki Hyatt May 17, 2023 This year’s afterschool program at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville was kicked up a notch with new partnerships — and new programs. The 150 middle-school students who flock to the church for a safe, fun place to hang out until their parents get off work had […]
Renewing the fire through education: A conversation with Lori Reed
Smoky Mountain News by Breanna Delannoy May 25, 2023 We can learn about cultures, history, social and economic structures, and more importantly ourselves — especially where we have come from and where we are going as a society. Every person has a story to tell, every community a culture and history. And teachers play a primary […]
Calling creative youth: make some mountain music and art this summer
The Mountaineer May 11, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will bring the hills alive with music and visual arts during its youth Mountain Music and Arts Summer Camp July 24-28 held at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The camp focuses on cultivating youth creativity, exploring different artistic mediums, connecting to traditional Appalachian culture and making […]
Arts council to unveil downtown Cherokee mural
The Mountaineer May 5, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will hold an opening reception for a Cherokee art exhibit and dedicate the new Cherokee-themed mural on Wall Street in downtown Waynesville during Art After Dark on Friday, May 5. The exhibit, “Renewing the Fire Through Education,” features work from Cherokee High School students and […]
Help paint a new mural coming to downtown Waynesville
The Mountaineer by Eligiah Thornton April 19, 2023 Gather your brushes and artistic talent and come volunteer for the Haywood County Arts Council’s Cherokee Mural project this weekend, April 22 and 23, at the arts council headquarters in downtown Waynesville. The mural will adorn the back of the building, providing a colorful addition along Wall […]