BOD + STAFF RESOURCES

Thank you for serving our community by being a Board Member.

Monthly Board Meetings!

Meetings are the 4th Monday of Every Month from 5:30 - 7pm

Take Action!

Minutes Need Approval
Meeting Zoom Link
2026 Agendas and Meeting Packets

  • WAC Board Meetings are on the 4th Monday of EVERY month at 5:30 pm at the WAC office.

    • Please block it in your calendar and make every effort to attend. In-person attendance is preferred. (Board Governance states members should not miss more than 2 meetings per year.)

    • If you are on a committee, be prepared to give an update.

    • Meeting Packets will include the previous month's minutes, supporting documents, and the agenda.

    • ADDRESS: 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone NC 28607

  • EMAILS:
    Each board member is assigned their own email address that stays with the organization (Name@watauga-arts.org). PLEASE forward this email to your preferred personal email so you don’t forget to keep up with Board communication.

    GOOGLE DRIVE:
    Use your WAC email address. If you have trouble viewing documents in Drive, make sure you are logged in with your WAC email.

    MANAGING YOUR WORK:
    If you create work in Google Drive, use your WAC email address and share your work with admin@watauga-arts.org and director@watauga-arts.org to ensure everyone has access.

  • A great way to get up to speed on board activities is to review the minutes and financial reports.

Action Team & Initiatives

TEAMS

  • EXHIBITION TEAM:
    Meeting Schedule:
    3rd Monday, 5:30 pm
    Members:

    • Jerry Cantwell

    • Beth Shanklin

    • Linda Elksnin

    PURPOSE:
    The Gallery & Exhibition Committee oversees and supports exhibition opportunities organized by the Watauga Arts Council across its primary gallery spaces and partner venues throughout the community. The committee creates meaningful opportunities for artists while increasing public access to the arts through engaging, professionally presented exhibitions.

    Here is the link to review the Exhibition Team Mast Guiding Documents, Goals, and Current meeting minutes

    Here is the link to the Exhibition Team Drive Documents.

  • Meeting Schedule:
    4th Monday of each month at 4:30 pm
    Members:

    • Chris Grasinger

    • Jerry Cantwell

    • Linda Elksnin

    • Crystal Kelly

    Purpose 

    The Center for the Arts Action Team provides strategic guidance, expertise, and community leadership in the planning and development of a future multidisciplinary arts center that will serve Watauga County and the greater High Country.

    This team works alongside staff and the Board of Directors to explore opportunities, build partnerships, evaluate facility needs, develop sustainable business models, and cultivate the financial and community support necessary to bring the vision to life.

    The Action Team serves in an advisory capacity and helps position the Watauga Arts Council to create a vibrant, accessible, and financially sustainable center that strengthens the region's creative economy for generations to come.

    Here is the link to the current guiding documents, goals, and meeting minutes.

    Here is a link to the full Building Committee Drive Documents.

  • ART OUTDOORS TEAM
    Meeting Schedule:

    2nd Monday Every Month, 4 pm

    Members:

    • Crystal Kelly

    • Leila Jackson

    • Chris Grasinger

    • Lauren Armbrust

INITIATIVES

  • Create a comprehensive plan for fund development for the next two years. Set goals and mile markers and keep the BOD up to date on our progress.

  • Streamline our education program processes and procedures.

    Onboard instructors for more diverse arts ed offerings, and improve our special needs arts programming.

  • Determine our events for the year and implement plans with thorough logistics. Work with Development Committee to ensure sponsorship requests are being made.

  • Help community engagement, communication, and advocacy efforts.

    Ways to Help:

    • Look for ways to connect WAC with resources, expertise, donors, support

    • Attend Town Council Meetings

    • Attend County Commissioner Meetings

Team COMMUNICATION

EMAIL the GROUP:
Click the buttons below to send an email to every member of a specific team.

BOD Directory

Board Calendar

An artist wearing a teal beanie and glasses painting a colorful, abstract, psychedelic-style artwork on a large canvas.

New Member Packet

Here is the BOD welcome packet - all about our organization and BOD member responsibilities.

Help us find new members - ask a qualified candidate to apply to be on our BOD.

We are seeking BOD members who have corporate experience or nonprofit development experience.

New Member Packet

Tools

Please let us know if your info changes. If you have not filled out an application, please do so, so we can keep all the data in one place.

Application
Smart Goals - How-To
2023 Board Retreat Packet
View BOD Retreat Work Sheet

WAC Master Admin Calendar

Class and WAC Building Calendar