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 individual artists in mediums of all types including ceramics, photography, quilting, woodburning and more.

Many artists based in Haywood County share a sense of place that is reflected in their work.

“I am inspired by the natural world and love to try new techniques,” said Bonnie Calhoun, who is exhibiting cyanotype prints with metal leaf, watercolor and pen work.

Rose Hardesty, a new HCAC artist member and first time participant in Small Works, said she loves using local materials to create objects that will be enjoyed for generations. “My work gives vintage slip casting molds new life, showcasing how local clays react to the process of wood firing,” she said.

Wanda Ann Kinnaman, an artist who transforms digital imagery into mixed media encaustic work, hopes visitors are transformed when viewing her art.

“Assembling the inspirations found in the quiet places and open spaces of solitude and beauty that I come across both in my explorations of the Smoky Mountains and my journey of life not only describes my works of art, but it is what drives it,” said Kinnaman.

The arts council reception, which is being held in conjuction with Art after Dark, will have live music from Stephen Swilling and other notable musicians, and a free DIY lantern making opportunity, hosted by Daydreamz Project, for a community lantern stroll at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

The lantern stroll will travel from Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street to Shelton House, at 49 Sheltton St., just in time for the Appalachian Family Christmas and opening of the Tinsel Trail that same evening. The Daydreamz Project is supported by the Haywood Arts Council with an N.C. Arts Council grassroots grant.

HCAC will continue the celebrations into December with a basket weaving star ornament class Dec. 16, for $20, taught by local basket weaver, Debbie Mills.

“Students will be taught the art of basket weaving through the creation of two woven star ornaments,” said Mills, who also sells her skillfully made baskets in the gallery.

“We had many requests for Debbie to teach a class on how to make her star ornaments, which sell almost as quickly as we get them on the tree,” said HCAC executive director Morgan Beryl.

Register for classes at: www.haywoodarts.org/creation-classes/.

Visit www.haywoodarts.org.