February 2012 promises to be very exciting as we welcome our new exhibits:  featuring artwork from ArtMix and Two Rivers Community School.

On Friday night, February 3rd, 2012, the Watauga Arts Council, located in the Jones House at 604 W. King Street will have open exhibits and a reception from 6:30pm until 8:00pm with refreshments.  This event is open to the public. Please join us to welcome these talented artists to the Watauga County Arts Council on Friday evening.

The Mazie Jones Gallery will feature ArtMix— a group of women with a common bond to make the world a more beautiful place through their creative energies and works of art.  Simply put, they are a “mix” of artists who work with paint, pastels, fibers, clay, photography and much more. The group finds their stimulation by working together on group projects as well as critiques of their work from fellow artists.  Sharing ideas, creating together, inspiring each other, and building meaningful friendships:  this is ArtMix. Works featured during the month of February will include those from:  Orna Bentor, Tonya Bottomley, Cindy Breden, Mary Anne Caplinger, Amy Cooke, Judy Humphrey,  Betty Powell, Mary Ann Prack, Marianne Suggs and Barbara Timberman.

The Open Door Gallery will welcome Two Rivers Community School—a North Carolina Public Charter School located in Boone, NC and serving families of Watauga, Ashe, Avery and Wilkes counties.  TRCS incorporates a curriculum of project based Expeditionary Learning as the framework for its instructional programs. Teaching and learning at TRCS is guided by research based, best practices.

This dynamic curriculum engages students and is designed so that students and teachers develop meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. The Expeditionary Learning curriculum allows them to work collaboratively over time to guide the students’ learning, develop and achieve their goals, and live in the world as engaged citizens.

Two Rivers students are offered weekly in depth art classes and generate an incredible collection of work each year.  The annual TRCS Student Art Show at the Jones House is always an exciting and diverse showcase of student achievement.  All students in grades K-8 will have a piece on display and the Open Door gallery will be filled, floor to ceiling.  For Two Rivers’ students, staff, and families, the art show is a highlight of the year, and they are excited about their partnership with the Watauga County Arts Council.
  
The Serendipity Gallery continues to feature the "Many Minis" exhibit during the month of February. These beautiful "Many Minis" are 5 x 7 inch artwork by artists from the Louis E. Harrell Senior Center and the Western Community Center whom are under the direction of Marsha Holmes. If you have not seen these special pieces, be sure to stop in for a visit.