Cherry Johnson lives in the Boone area and has served as the Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council since 1992. Since she began working with the Arts Council the organization has more than quadrupled in size and scope and now serves the entire community in countless ways, among them a wide array of children’s programming, community programming which includes a popular summer concert series, grants to local organizations and artists, and a variety of services to benefit and assist the artists of Watauga County. As the Executive Director of the Arts Council, she also works with the Town of Boone to manage the Jones House Community Center where the Arts Council’s offices and galleries are located.

Cherry is also active in community and church work and is a member of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce (having served on their Board of Directors for twelve years), and numerous committees and boards throughout both Watauga County and the region. In addition, Cherry and her husband have five children and 3 grandchildren.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration as well as a Bachelor of Science in Arts Education from Appalachian State University. Additionally, she holds an Associate in Arts degree from Wingate College and is a graduate of the Blue Ridge Leadership Challenge as well as several other professional training programs. Contact Cherry by email at cherry@watauga-arts.org.