What’s Happening in the Arts
Some snapshots from AMB's Oktoberfest, where WAC had a presence! Thanks to everyone who came out and donated to our cause!
What a month it has been.
September brought one of our busiest stretches of the year, with Buskers Fest filling the sidewalks of downtown Boone with plenty of creativity. After months of planning, it's always special to watch an event like that come to life and see our community show up to support the arts alongside us. And we didn’t slow down much afterward! WAC joined AMB’s Oktoberfest celebration on September 26, welcomed Phi Perry as our interim Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, and saw plenty of transition in our galleries.
Our Earth & Fire exhibition has officially closed after an incredible run. With more than 50 submissions, it was our most competitive exhibition of the year, with several pieces finding new homes along the way. And as this newsletter reaches your inbox, Touchpoints: Exploring Texture in Art is going up on the walls, officially opening October 6th with fiber art, painting, mixed media, and more.
It feels like the changing of seasons around here, with one big event behind us, one exhibition coming down as another goes up, new faces joining the team, and plenty more taking shape ahead. Through it all, we’re grateful to the artists, volunteers, partners, supporters, and community members who make this work possible.
There’s plenty to catch up on and even more to look forward to, so take a look at what’s coming up!
As always, keep an eye on our social media channels and arts blog for even more opportunities and updates between newsletters.
Amber Bateman
WAC Executive Director
Updates from WAC
Wednesday, October 7th @ Betty's Biscuits | 5:30-7:30pm
Artist Talk featuring Nysie Hurst THIS WEDNESDAY
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new Artist Talk Series! We’re kicking things off with Nysie Hurst, whose exhibition, Mountains Waking, Phoenix Rising, is currently on view in the WAC Flex Room Gallery. Join us Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Betty’s Biscuits as Nysie shares more about her work, creative process, and the experiences behind the exhibition.
The evening will include time to mingle, an interactive activity, and an audience Q&A. Select pieces will be transported from WAC to Betty's Biscuits for viewing during the Artist Talk.
This event is free, but RSVP is required! Today is the last day to RSVP, and limited seats remain.
We’d love to have you join us!
Exhibit Opens October 6th | Reception on October 15th @ 5:30
Upcoming Exhibit & Reception: Touchpoints - Exploring Texture in Art
Our next Main Gallery exhibition, Touchpoints: Exploring Texture in Art, will be on view starting October 6!
Featuring works across fiber art, painting, mixed media, and more, Touchpoints explores the many ways artists use texture to add depth, dimension, movement, and meaning to their work.
Then, join us at WAC on Thursday, October 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the reception! Meet participating artists, mingle with fellow art lovers, and enjoy light refreshments while you view the exhibition.
On view October 6-December 14 in the WAC Main Gallery.
Friday, Nov. 6th | 5-7pm | @ Explore Boone (171 Grand Blvd)
Arts Placement Artist Reception @ Explore Boone
Behind the scenes, we’ve been refreshing a longstanding WAC program to create more exposure opportunities for local artists! Arts Placement brings rotating exhibits of local artwork to partner organizations throughout our community, and we’re celebrating the program during the November First Friday Art Crawl!
Join us November 6 from 5-7 pm at Explore Boone on Grand Boulevard for an Artist Reception celebrating all our exhibiting artists across this program! Stop by to view and purchase artwork, meet some artists, and enjoy light refreshments while you mingle!
Currently exhibiting:
Explore Boone: John Morehead, Katie Boyette & Vicki Skywark
Boone Chamber: Katie Boyette, Aaron Johnson & Kathy Graham
Seby Jones Cancer Center: Becca Nenow
Free and open to all! We hope to see you there!
The reception will take place at Explore Boone, but there’s even more Arts Placement work to see! Visit the Boone Chamber during regular business hours or contact WAC to arrange a private viewing at Seby Jones Cancer Center to see the artwork on display at these partner locations.
Art Classes for All at WAC
As always, we have a variety of art classes for a wide range of ages, interests, and experience levels! And there’s even more on the way...
Stay tuned for the launch of our Holiday Workshop Week! We’re putting together a week of fun, festive workshops to enjoy with friends and family, with plenty of opportunities to create something special to gift (or keep for yourself!)
Explore our current classes by clicking here, and keep an eye out for our Holiday Workshop Week lineup coming soon!
New Public Art Initiative: Pieced Poles of the Blue Ridge
Pieced Poles of the Blue Ridge is a collaborative public art project celebrating our region’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Led by artist Cindy Michaud in collaboration with the Watauga Arts Council, the project transforms PVC pipe salvaged from waterways following Hurricane Helene into colorful mosaic “Pieced Poles,” turning remnants of the storm into lasting symbols of creativity, community, and regional resilience.
And this project is meant to be built together! Throughout 2026 and 2027, individuals, groups, organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners will have opportunities to help design, build, organize, and ultimately install these sculptures throughout the region.
Our first round of FREE mosaic workshops at WAC has already filled up! We’re so thrilled by the community's response. But don't worry! More opportunities to get involved are expected throughout the coming year, so keep an eye on WAC’s newsletters, website, and social media for future workshops and ways to participate!
Support WAC @ Booneshine Brewing!
Every month, Booneshine Brewing Company gives back to the community by supporting a local nonprofit with a portion of the proceeds from every Small Batch Beer pour. We’re so grateful to have been selected as Booneshine’s Small Batch Nonprofit of the Month for October!
Visit Booneshine Brewing (465 Industrial Park Dr) for a great drink and support the arts at the same time!
A huge thank you to Booneshine for supporting WAC and continuing to give back to our larger community!
Other Opportunities
Deadline: Nov 19th @ 5pm
Call for Entry: Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (TCVA) at Appalachian State
University announces the call for entry for the upcoming 24th Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) exhibition. This year's exhibition will be juried by Maggie Flanigan, artist and Director of the AFA Visual Arts program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, who chose "Staring at a Glimpse" as the exhibition theme.
Theme: Staring at a Glimpse
Exhibition Dates: February 5 – June 5, 2027
Submission Deadline: November 19, 2026 @ 5:00 PM EST
Deadline: Dec 1st
Applications Open for Battle of the Bands!
Boonerang Battle of the Bands returns to the Appalachian Theatre in 2027! 🤘
Bands with connections to Boone and the High Country are invited to apply for the 2027 Boonerang Battle of the Bands. Selected acts will compete in one of two showcases at the Appalachian Theatre in downtown Boone, battling it out to earn a cash prize and the chance to perform at a paid slot at the Boonerang Festival in June.
Think your band has what it takes? Learn more and apply online by clicking here. Applications due by December 1st!
Deadline: Oct 6th
Call for Art: Best of the Blue Ridge Juried Exhibition
Call for Art! The Ashe County Arts Council is seeking submissions for its annual juried art competition and exhibition, showcasing outstanding original visual art from Ashe County and the surrounding region.
Artists are invited to submit paintings, drawings, hand-pulled prints, and two-dimensional collage works. Works must be hand-delivered to the Ashe County Arts Council by October 6th.
Deadline: Oct 30th @ 5pm
Vendors & Musicians: Apply for the King Street Winter Farmers Market Season!
Interested in joining Boone's only winter farmers' market?
The King Street Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications for its winter season! Markets are held every Saturday from December through March at the Agricultural Conference Center (252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone).
Interested in vending?
Applications are due October 30 at 5 PM, with a $25 application fee. Click here to learn more and apply!
Interested in performing?
Musicians interested in booking with the Winter Farmers’ Market can contact the market team at farmersmarkets@brwia.org for more information.
Other Happenings & Events
New Public Art to Explore at App State!
The 2026-2028 Appalachian State University Campus Arts Corridor is now on view, featuring six outdoor sculptures along a public art pathway connecting the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Valborg Theatre, Chapell Wilson Hall, Rivers Street, and the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk.
Featuring work by Dale McEntire, Corrina Sephora, Adam Walls, Sebastian Martorana, Scott Strader, and Julie Slattery, the exhibition will remain on view through August 1, 2028. Visitors can also download the Bloomberg Connects app on their phone for a self-guided tour of the sculptures.
Click here to learn more about the Arts Corridor and the exhibiting pieces!
Free Teen Art Classes @ BRAHM
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum's FREE teen art class series, Studio Saturdays, is back!
Youth aged 12-18 are invited to join the BRAHM crew every second Saturday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm for directed studio time inspired by famous artists. Explore new styles and processes for making art, meet new friends, and express your creative side. Materials and snacks provided. Registration Required.
Appalachian Arts Announces 2026-27 Season
A new season of live performances is on the way at App State! Appalachian Arts has announced its 2026-27 lineup, bringing music, dance, circus arts, and more to the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.
This year’s season includes Mountain Stage, MOMIX: Botanica, Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, Cirque Mechanics: TILT!, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and the North Carolina Symphony.
The season also marks the return of APPlause! K-12 Performing Arts, offering affordable weekday performances designed especially for students, teachers, and homeschool families across the region.
Explore the full 2026-27 season and purchase tickets through the Schaefer Center, or click here!
Your Arts Agenda
A quick look at what's happening around the High Country, sourced from WAC's new Arts Calendar!
This is only a snapshot! Find even more exhibitions, performances, workshops, live music, artist talks, and other upcoming creative happenings on our community Arts Calendar!
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