Programs & Events
“Learn the rules like a pro so you
can break them like an artist.”
– Pablo Picasso
HighCountryArts.org is an online directory to promote artists and arts-related events and programs in the High Country.
Community news, classes, and events can be found there.
Check it out!
stay up to date
on community gallery openings, shows, festivals
and more…
Community Groups. ALL Are Welcome!
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Monthly, 2nd Saturday
Contact Mary Greene for more info….
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Mondays, Weekly
Contact Lauren Armbrust for more info….
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Tuesdays, Weekly
Contact Watauga Arts for more Info…..
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Wednesdays, Weekly
Contact Kim Abernethy for more info….
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Wednesdays, Weekly
Contact Sondra Edwards for more info..
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Wednesdays, Weekly
Contact Jane Plaugher for more Info……
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Thursdays Weekly
Contact Pat Lanno for more info…
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Nude Figure Drawing Group
Collaboration with Boone Studio Collective.
OUR SCHEDULE…
Scroll further below FOR regularly-scheduled community and interest groups EVENTS
How We Care ~ Visualizing our Loving Community (Copy) (Copy)
When Angels Speak of Love As we embrace the warmth and reflection in winter’s deepest breath, before the soil exhales daffodil blooms alongside their floral kin, imagine a celebration of loving community.. How might our photographs hold the tenderness and complexities of our connections, both human and beyond? What does it look like to nurture and care for those relationships? How can we create images that allow us to dream into a future where these interconnections are our most cherished commitment?
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
How We Care ~ Visualizing our Loving Community (Copy)
When Angels Speak of Love As we embrace the warmth and reflection in winter’s deepest breath, before the soil exhales daffodil blooms alongside their floral kin, imagine a celebration of loving community.. How might our photographs hold the tenderness and complexities of our connections, both human and beyond? What does it look like to nurture and care for those relationships? How can we create images that allow us to dream into a future where these interconnections are our most cherished commitment?
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market 3
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
We partner with the Watauga County Farmers Market for the annual pumpkin carving contest every year. Our generous friends at Fishel’s Farm donate pumpkins in early October, so participants can carve a free pumpkin. You don’t have to use one of the free pumpkins to enter the contest.
Submit your carved pumpkin for a chance to win fun prizes!
Pumpkins are judged at the Farmers Market by three judges and a people’s choice award. Come view all the fun designs and vote for your favorite!
Scrapped: An Upcycled Art Exhibition
Scrapped: An Upcycled Art Exhibition
Scrapped is a group art exhibit featuring upcycled creations, showcasing the beauty of repurposing materials and environmental sustainability. The exhibition features pieces of varied media from local artists to raise awareness about recycling and the potential of transforming discarded items into meaningful artwork.
March 3rd-30th
Reception March 8th 5-7pm
Second Friday Art Exhibition
Scrapped: An Upcycled Art Exhibition
All are welcome to the opening exhibition! Music and refreshments provided!
Scrapped is a group art exhibit featuring upcycled creations, showcasing the beauty of repurposing materials and environmental sustainability. The exhibition features pieces of varied media from local artists to raise awareness about recycling and the potential of transforming discarded items into meaningful artwork.
Featured artists are:
Nancy Brittelle
Jessica Brown
Anna Buckner
Vonnie Fielder
Andi Gelsthorpe
Scrapped: An Upcycled Art Exhibition
Scrapped: An Upcycled Art Exhibition
Scrapped is a group art exhibit featuring upcycled creations, showcasing the beauty of repurposing materials and environmental sustainability. The exhibition features pieces of varied media from local artists to raise awareness about recycling and the potential of transforming discarded items into meaningful artwork.
March 3rd-30th
Reception March 8th 5-7pm
Ink to Paper
We are thrilled to announce the first tattoo inspired exhibition, Ink to Paper, for the Watauga Arts Council celebrating the artistry, creativity, and culture of tattoos.
Feb - 3rd - 28th
Reception Feb 9th from 5-7pm
Juror: Will Graham
Artists:
Jared Collins
Lauren Collins
Taka Cooper
Kilo Coppedge
Brae Davis
Shlo Harris
Belle Hissam
Logan Isaacson
Adrian Leo Maldonado
Rigney Marcela
Jeff Martin
Erina Schultz
Gena Trent
Ivy Wooden
Second Friday Gallery Opening
Join us for the opening night of the “Ink to Paper” gallery! Come mingle with the art community, enjoy refreshments, and explore our newest exhibition!
Ink to Paper
We are thrilled to announce the first tattoo inspired exhibition, Ink to Paper, for the Watauga Arts Council celebrating the artistry, creativity, and culture of tattoos.
Feb - 3rd - 28th
Reception Feb 9th from 5-7pm
Juror: Will Graham
Artists:
Jared Collins
Lauren Collins
Taka Cooper
Kilo Coppedge
Brae Davis
Shlo Harris
Belle Hissam
Logan Isaacson
Adrian Leo Maldonado
Rigney Marcela
Jeff Martin
Erina Schultz
Gena Trent
Ivy Wooden
Opening Reception: January 12th 5-7pm In the Language of Sentimientos Compartidos
Opening Reception: January 12th, 5-7pm
All are welcome to the opening exhibition! Music and refreshments provided!
Exhibition timeline: January 12th-February 2nd
Join us for "In the Language of Sentimientos Compartidos," an exhibition that spotlights the compelling works of Latine artists in the Boone area who are navigating cultural identity within an environment that has limited racial diversity. Through an array of mediums, these artists have forged profound connections to their Latine heritage. We invite viewers to critically reflect and find a sense of community among the art that both celebrates Latine identity and challenges societal expectations. Through the language of shared feelings, we have curated an exhibition that speaks on the significance and fluidity of what it means to be Latine in the U.S.
Únase a nosotros por “In the language of sentimientos compartidos” una exposición que destaca las obras absorbentes de artistas latines en la ciudad de Boone, dónde están tratando de navegar la identidad cultural en un ambiente donde hay diversidad limitada. Con tantos tipos de arte, estos artistas han creado conexiones muy profundas a sus herencias latines. Invitamos a los visitantes a reflexionar críticamente y también buscar por un sentido de comunidad con este arte que celebra la identidad Latine y también desafía las expectativas de la sociedad. Con el idioma de sentimientos compartidos, hemos hecho una exposición que pone énfasis en el significado y la fluidez de qué significa para ser un Latine en los Estados Unidos.
Mountain Dulcimer Meet-Up (Copy)
Join Mary Greene and friends to keep the tradition of mountain dulcimer alive! Mary Greene will be at the Watauga Arts Council every second Saturday of the month to play mountain dulcimer with anyone who wants to join. Mary is an expert musician and historian of Watauga music traditions. She has a wealth of knowledge.
All experience levels are welcome. You can come and listen even if you don’t want to play.
Mary might have some extra dulcimers to share, but bring your own if you have one.
Feel free to bring refreshments to make it a more joyous occasion.
6x6 Showcase Reception
The reception for the 6x6 show is almost here!
Come by WAC on December 8th from 5-7pm to enjoy music and refreshments while viewing works by dozens of artists!
This is a great chance to purchase one-of-a-kind art for holiday gifts!
6x6 and Holiday Drop Off
Artwork for the 6x6 Showcase and Holiday Market is due. Find out info about prepping the work here.
6x6 and Holiday Market
SHOP!
Stop by WAC (the Watauga Arts Council) to view and purchase artwork by local artists. Our 6x6 Showcase is an annual show where we challenge artists to make artwork in a 6x6 perimeter. The result, an incredible variety of mediums.
We accompany the 6x6 Showcase with artwork and handmade crafts that make wonderful gifts for the holidays.
Office Hours: 9 am - 5 pm or by appointment. We will probably schedule Saturdays from 11-3 pm as well. We will update this page when it’s confirmed. Call if you want to ensure we are there when you want to come by.
ARTISTS PARTICIPATION:
Artists who are interested in submitting artwork for the 6x6 Showcase or Holiday Market can do so using the submission form below. It includes a contract to save time. The next drop-off date for 6x6’s is November 18, but work may be delivered during office hours if we necessary. Artists must pay a $25 fee to submit up to 6, 6x6 pieces of art as a fundraiser for WAC.
Submission to the Holiday Market is free. Space is limited, so please do not bring more than ten items unless the items condense in some way (i.e. stackable plates, cards, earrings, etc. We may send some work back with you if we feel we have enough, or we may put it in storage for restocking as needed.
Artists do not have to list inventory in the form unless they want to. Items must be priced and labeled. Please bring a list of your inventory with your name on it.
Mountain Dulcimer Meet-Up
Join Mary Greene and friends to keep the tradition of mountain dulcimer alive! Mary Greene will be at the Watauga Arts Council every second Saturday of the month to play mountain dulcimer with anyone who wants to join. Mary is an expert musician and historian of Watauga music traditions. She has a wealth of knowledge.
All experience levels are welcome. You can come and listen even if you don’t want to play.
Mary might have some extra dulcimers to share, but bring your own if you have one.
Feel free to bring refreshments to make it a more joyous occasion.
Youth Makers Market
Youths up to 18 years old are invited to sell their handmade goods at the Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
LOCATION: The marker is located in the Kid’s Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market.
WHAT CAN YOU SELL? Youth may sell their Handmade/hand-grown items. Parents may not sell goods to their children. Baked goods are not allowed.
MONEY: Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: Parents must stay at the Farmers Market with the youth 13 or younger. They must supervise children ages ten and under while vending.
Youth Makers Market
Youth from child to 18 year-olds are invited to the Kids Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market to sell their handmade goods. The youth must create all handmade/hand-grown items. No baked goods. Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day. Parents must supervise children ages 12 and under. A WAC representative will be on site.
Buskers Fest
A celebration of our eclectic creative community. Artists and Performers of all mediums, experience levels, and activities line the streets of Downtown Boone. Experience the Arts with opportunities to dance, sing, make pottery, paint, and more! Beer and Food vendors at the Jones House.
Artists are encouraged to register to participate, so we can place you strategically on the street, make you a custom sign, and enter you for opportunities with our partners.
Cups and Clay
Call for Entry
Pots & Pours: A Local Cup Collection
The Watauga Arts Council is accepting submissions for our October gallery show featuring clay artists from the High Country. Please bring 1-5 cups to the WAC office at the drop-off day and times listed below. We will need the exhibition contract, which details gallery policies and artist information, to be submitted upon drop-off. There is no entry fee and a 70/30% commission split. The artist will provide a complete listing of the works being exhibited, including artist, title (if applicable), medium, and value, for reference and insurance purposes. Please also note whether the work is functional or decorative.
Drop-off date: Sunday, October 1, 11 am-3 pm at WAC office on Shadowline Dr.
(Please get in touch with Alysa Cantor at alysalynn@gmail.com to make other arrangements if needed.)
Gallery opening:Tuesday, October 3rd
Gallery closing reception: Friday, October 27, 2023 5-7 pm
Cups can be functional or non-functional, handled or not, stoneware or porcelain. We just want to see your style and the diversity of talent in the High Country! The closing reception will be a ‘happy hour’ in WAC’s Shadowline office, and we plan to offer light appetizers and local beers. We can’t wait to see your work, and please share this call with any fellow clay artists!
Youth Makers Markets
Youth from child to 18 year-olds are invited to the Kids Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market to sell their handmade goods. The youth must create all handmade/hand-grown items. No baked goods. Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day. Parents must supervise children ages 12 and under. A WAC representative will be on site.
Youth Makers Markets
Youth from child to 18 year-olds are invited to the Kids Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market to sell their handmade goods. The youth must create all handmade/hand-grown items. No baked goods. Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day. Parents must supervise children ages 12 and under. A WAC representative will be on site.
Alternate Blocks: an exhibition of quilted items
“Alternate Blocks: an exhibition of quilted items” will feature quilt patterns in various mediums.
Youth Makers Markets
Youth from child to 18 year-olds are invited to the Kids Corner (elbow) of the Farmers Market to sell their handmade goods. The youth must create all handmade/hand-grown items. No baked goods. Youth bring their own money and vending options. People like to pay via Venmo. Youth keep all the sales from that day. Parents must supervise children ages 12 and under. A WAC representative will be on site.
Find an Event the
Whole Family Will Enjoy
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Youth Art Show
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Buskers Fest
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Boonerang Music & Art Fest
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Paint the Town
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Pumpkin Carving Contest
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Paint Parties
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Youth Makers Market
WAC Center Community & Interest Group Events
information coming soon…
Artist-Specific Events
Are you an artist looking for events specific to your professional interests? Visit the Artist Support page for current and upcoming opporuntities.