High school student artwork sought for Haywood Arts Council showcase

The Mountaineer March 20, 2024 Calling high school artists: here’s a chance to let your creative artwork take flight. The Haywood County Arts Council is seeking student artwork for a specially curated exhibit “Wings.” The high school artists will have their artwork displayed during the Haywood Made event from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at […]

Let creativity flow at arts council’s ‘Creation Classes’

The Mountaineer March 13, 2024 Get creative, no matter your skill level, with Creation Classes by the Haywood County Arts Council held at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. • Value of Value: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, with instructor Patricia Sweet. Paint by using only grayscale in a wonderful exercise to train the eye […]

Haywood Arts differently abled exhibition

Smoky Mountain News March 6, 2024 In 2004, my life was completely changed when one of my twin boys was born with Down Syndrome. Initially, I felt as though my world had crumbled, envisioning the worst possible outcomes. However, as this little boy, named Jake, grew and nestled his way into our hearts, I came […]

Step into the artistic world of ‘Differently Abled Artists’

The Mountaineer March 6, 2024 A very personal journey will honor the amazing art of ‘differently abled artists’ in a new exhibit called “Challenge Me, Art by Differently Abled Artists” showing March 8-April 7 at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville. Sharing the exceptional talents of artists with unique abilities […]

Guess who’s headlining the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival?

The Mountaineer March 1, 2024 It’s not too early to plan for a great fall music festival, especially one with these bands on tap. The Haywood County Arts Council has announced the highly anticipated lineup for the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival happening Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Balsam Range will headline […]

Haywood County Arts Council: Where Creativity Connects

Project in progress

Smoky Mountain News February 14, 2024 You may know the Haywood County Arts Council as a gallery where you can admire and purchase local art. But we’re so much more! We’re a vibrant community of individuals who believe in the power of creativity to forge connections, bring joy, and inspire each other, and that means […]

Love makes the world go ‘round at arts council exhibit

The Mountaineer February 11, 2024 Embrace the season of love with the Haywood County Arts Council exhibit aptly titled “LOVE” — depicting the powerful emotion that unites individuals, transform and inspires. Through a diverse range of mediums such as paintings, glasswork, ceramics, quilting, jewelry, and more, artists convey their personal interpretations of love. “My pieces […]

Haywood Arts celebrates ‘Love’

Smoky Mountain News February 7, 2024 As the first showcase of the year, the “Love” exhibition will run through March 3 at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.  Through a diverse range of mediums such as paintings, glasswork, ceramics, quilting, jewelry and more, HCAC artists skillfully conveyed their personal […]

Two Haywood potters score grants for kilns

The Mountaineer January 10, 2024 Two Haywood potters will be able to purchase kilns to advance their trade thanks to N.C. Artist Support Grants. The grant program was created in 2020 to support individual artists during the pandemic and has quickly become a staple for local artists. “As an artist myself, I understand how impactful […]

Artist Support Grants Awarded

Smoky Mountain News December 13, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) along with regional partners, including Arts AVL, Transylvania Community Arts Council, Tryon Fine Arts Center and Arts Council of Henderson County, announce the 2023-2024 Artist Support Grant awardees.  Grants were provided to 21 artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Rutherford and Transylvania counties, also […]

HCAC ‘Small Works’ exhibit

Smoky Mountain News December 6, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.  The annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other […]

HCAC hosts ‘Small Works’

Smoky Mountain News November 29, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.  The annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other […]

‘Small Works’ exhibit features works of 45 artists for the holidays

The Small Works exhibit returns to the Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville this holiday season, featuring handmade ornaments and wall art under 12 inches created by more than 45 artists in mediums of all types — including ceramics, photography, quilting, woodburning and more. The Haywood County Arts Council will host an opening reception for […]

Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Fest serves up a day of fine Appalachian music

Crowd-at-2022-Bluegrass-festival, photograph by Lauren A. Medford

The Mountaineer October 22, 2023 Relish fall beauty while enjoying music all afternoon long, at the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Hear five bands with great music including Haywood Ramblers in a community jam, The Blue Ridge Girls, Wildfire, Appalachian Road Show — […]

Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival

Smoky Mountain News October 18, 2023 Hosted by the Haywood County Arts Council, the annual Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival will return from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Taking the stage will be Haywood County bluegrass legends Balsam Range, Appalachian Roadshow and Wildfire. Since its inception in […]

Choose your own art adventure on the Haywood Studio Tour

The Mountaineer September 31, 2023 Get an insider’s look into artists and crafters at work with the Haywood County Arts Council’s annual Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, with a kick-off event on Thursday, Sept. 21. The self-guided tour invites hundreds of visitors each year into artists’ studios to meet the artist, view demonstrations […]

Grants to support arts-and-culture endeavors of Haywood nonprofits

The Mountaineer September 5, 2023 Haywood County nonprofits providing arts-and-culture programs are eligible for grants from the Haywood County Arts Council. The arts council has more than $27,000 in funds to award through the program funded by the N.C. Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program. Two live video workshops are planned for grant applicants at noon […]

Haywood County Arts Council Offers a Month Full of Events in September

The Laurel of Asheville September 1, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) offers a variety of art events in September. On Thursday, September 21, from 4–7 p.m., the inaugural Art in the Park at Sorrells Park, in Canton, takes place in conjunction with the Mill Town Farmers Market. A selection of HCAC artist members […]

“What’s New?” art exhibit to debut at Art After Dark Friday

The Mountaineer September 1, 2023 The monthly gallery stroll throughout downtown Waynesville will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Tour studios, watch art demonstrations and meet a variety of Haywood County creatives while enjoying live music, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres — with shops staying open late for the evening out. The Haywood County […]

Dreams exhibit at arts council to debut at Art After Dark

The Mountaineer August 1, 2023 The monthly gallery stroll throughout downtown Waynesville will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Tour studios, watch art demonstrations and meet a variety of Haywood County creatives while enjoying live music, refreshments, and hors d’oeuvres — with shops staying open late for the evening out. The Haywood County […]

Take in a poetry reading with a glass of wine

The Mountaineer June 30, 2023 Enjoy an artful evening at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Bosu’s Wine Shop, as the Haywood County Arts Council presents a poetry reading by guest artist Philip Shabazz. Shabazz, teaching artist and author, will share some of his poetic works and take part in a facilitated Q&A session with […]

Unleash your inner creativity at arts council

blue birdhouse with brown roof and garden painted on sides

The Mountaineer July 10, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council is full of opportunities to make art in July. Creation Classes There are four creation classes in July: Landscape Painting July 15, Paint a Barn Quilt July 22, Stamped Metal Earrings July 28 and Advanced Barn Quilt Painting July 29. Register at: www.haywoodarts.org/creation-classes/. Quilt Blocks The […]

New exhibit ‘Water’ to debut during Art After Dark in Waynesville Friday

Painting inspired by Water

The Mountaineer July 5, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will open its newest show “Water” with a reception at 5 p.m. Friday, July 7, in conjunction with Art After Dark art stroll held the first Friday of the month. With work created by more than 42 local artists inspired by water, this show demonstrates […]

More than a hangout: after school program fills a niche for middle schoolers

The Mountaineer by Vicki Hyatt May 17, 2023 This year’s afterschool program at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville was kicked up a notch with new partnerships — and new programs. The 150 middle-school students who flock to the church for a safe, fun place to hang out until their parents get off work had […]

Renewing the fire through education: A conversation with Lori Reed

Smoky Mountain News by Breanna Delannoy May 25, 2023 We can learn about cultures, history, social and economic structures, and more importantly ourselves — especially where we have come from and where we are going as a society. Every person has a story to tell, every community a culture and history. And teachers play a primary […]

Calling creative youth: make some mountain music and art this summer

The Mountaineer May 11, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will bring the hills alive with music and visual arts during its youth Mountain Music and Arts Summer Camp July 24-28 held at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The camp focuses on cultivating youth creativity, exploring different artistic mediums, connecting to traditional Appalachian culture and making […]

Arts council to unveil downtown Cherokee mural

The Mountaineer May 5, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council will hold an opening reception for a Cherokee art exhibit and dedicate the new Cherokee-themed mural on Wall Street in downtown Waynesville during Art After Dark on Friday, May 5. The exhibit, “Renewing the Fire Through Education,” features work from Cherokee High School students and […]

Help paint a new mural coming to downtown Waynesville

The Mountaineer by Eligiah Thornton April 19, 2023 Gather your brushes and artistic talent and come volunteer for the Haywood County Arts Council’s Cherokee Mural project this weekend, April 22 and 23, at the arts council headquarters in downtown Waynesville. The mural will adorn the back of the building, providing a colorful addition along Wall […]

Arts council raises the roof with traditional dance party

The Mountaineer April 12, 2023 Come one, come all and have a ‘hoot’ of a time at the Haywood County Arts Council Appalachian Dance Hootenanny from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. Join the Haywood Ramblers on stage for a community jam with flat foot lessons by Tyler Hughes […]

Projects enhancing life in Haywood get a boost from Fund for Haywood County

Exhibit Sponsorship of Haywood Arts Council

The Mountaineer March 29, 2023 A plethora of projects and programs elevating the quality of life in Haywood County have gotten financial backing thanks to annual grants awarded by The Fund for Haywood County. More than a dozen grants totaling $64,900 will help nonprofits carry out projects benefiting the community — including WiFi hotspots for […]

Executive Director Announces Departure

Photograph of Morgan Beryl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Waynesville, NC –  Morgan Beryl, the Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) Executive Director will leave the organization to relocate in May 2023. “Morgan’s energy, creativity and vision have brought a new vitality to the HCAC. We’ve been fortunate to have Morgan as Executive Director for the past 2 years and she will […]

All aboard the Quilt Trail: businesses can claim their own quilt block

The Mountaineer March 14, 2023 Businesses interested in joining the Haywood County Quilt Trail can get a custom quilt block designed to display on their building. The Haywood County Arts Council is looking for 11 businesses who would like to be part of the quilt trail, a self-guided tour of more than three dozen colorful […]

Cultivating creativity: Haywood artists receive support grants

Image of Frayed Denim

Smoky Mountain News February 7, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), along with regional partners — including the Asheville Area Arts Council, Transylvania Community Arts Council, the Tryon Fine Arts Center, and the Arts Council of Henderson County — recently announced the 2022-2023 Artist Support Grant awardees.  Grants were provided to 24 artists in Haywood, […]

‘Love’ for Haywood Arts

Smoky Mountain News February 7, 2023 This February, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) in Waynesville is all about love — for your friends and family, for your animals, for yourself, and of course, for art.  “We want to be part of our community’s celebration of this place and each other,” said Morgan Beryl, HCAC’s executive […]

From murals to festivals, tourism dollars will liven up spring in Haywood

The Mountaineer By Vicki Hyatt January 28, 2023 Tourism leaders gave out $225,000 in their latest round of grant funding, including support for a number of new events and projects that locals and tourists alike can look forward to this spring. Among the events will be an antique car and truck show with a novel […]

Arts Council exhibit to showcase smorgasbord of 12 local artists

The Mountaineer January 30, 2023 A new exhibit opening at the Haywood County Arts Council Handmade Gallery in February debuts the work of 12 local artists who will be highlighted as featured artists each month of the year in 2023. An opening reception will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, with harp music […]

Meet Artist Lauren Medford: HCAC Art and Gallery Manager

Lauren A. Medford, Art & Gallery Manager

Rumble By Susanna Shetley January 18, 2023 Artist Lauren Medofrd was recently promoted to art and gallery manager with the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC). A native of Waynesville, Lauren holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in advertising and graphic design from Southwestern Community College and a Master of Fine Arts from Western Carolina University.  […]

An Introduction to Green Infrastructure

Temboo By Madee Ku January 12, 2023 …. 2. Rain Garden in Waynesville, North Carolina A new rain garden was installed behind the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) in western North Carolina in an area that was previously susceptible to being waterlogged during heavy rain events and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitos in warm […]

It’s time to jam! Learn mountain music with Junior Appalachian Musicians

The Mountaineer January 14, 2023 Celebrate Appalachian music and how it is passed along to young Haywood County musicians. An open house for the Junior Appalachian Musicians program will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center. “The open house is a great opportunity to meet the instructors, ask questions, […]

Open call for HCAC volunteers

Smoky Mountain News January 10, 2023 The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) mission is to promote art, art education, and innovation in art. Located on Main Street in Waynesville, the HCAC Haywood Handmade Gallery is currently seeking volunteers to help keep the gallery open this winter.  The gallery is open seven days a week, from […]

‘Small Works’ showcases art for all, even small spaces and small budgets

basket woven star for small works show

The Mountaineer November, 30 2022 An opening reception for Small Works, an art exhibit featuring handmade ornaments and eclectic wall art sized under 12 inches, will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville. Created by the Haywood County Arts Council, the exhibit features more than 40 […]

Great line-up to perform at Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival

Crowd-at-2022-Bluegrass-festival, photograph by Lauren A. Medford

The Mountaineer October, 27 2022 Get ready for a fine day of bluegrass Saturday, Oct. 29, during the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The day features Haywood County’s own bluegrass sensations, Balsam Range, plus Sister Sadie and the Amanda Cook Band. The festival, which is a fundraiser for the Haywood […]

Studio tour showcases the county artists

The Mountaineer By Vicki Hyatt September, 24 2022 For those who missed the Haywood County Studio Art Tour on Saturday, there’s still time to take the event in Sunday, Sept. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. There are two dozen working art studios and galleries on the self-guided tour, giving tour goers a chance to […]

Arts Council ‘Meet the Makers’ event is Sept. 23

The Mountaineer September, 22 2022 Join an exclusive Night Before Studio Tour event from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, to meet and hear two Haywood Arts Council artists and Canton natives, Lisa Conard and Cheryl Summey, hosted by Canton’s Southern Porch. Event goers will enjoy food and drink provided by Southern Porch, plus paint a […]

Opening the doors of creativity: Haywood Arts Studio Tour to be held Sept. 24-25

Smoky Mountain News September 21, 2022 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. The tour is a two-day, self-guided, free event where Haywood County artists open their studios to the public. For 2022, the celebration will feature 24 studios and over 40 artists in various locations around our backyard. […]