In the month of February, join us for an exhibition that celebrates the captivating beauty of nature through the eyes of accomplished local artist Karen Breit. Entitled "Bloom Where You're Planted," Karen's breathtaking oil paintings invite you into the mesmerizing realm of botanical studies inspired by divine creation. The showcase runs from February 9th to March 30th at Bacchus Gallery at The Wisdom Table in downtown Elkin, with an opening reception on February 9th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

We hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same enthusiasm that propels our artistic endeavors forward. The journey of the Foothills Arts Council has been one of boundless creativity, collaboration, and community spirit for nearly fifty years. As we embark on this year's annual fund drive, we are thrilled to share remarkable updates that reflect our unwavering commitment to nurturing the arts in our region.

Cyanotype, a photographic printing process known for its distinctive blue prints, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. This alternative photographic technique has evolved from its inception in the 19th century to become a unique and enduring artistic medium. Whether you're a seasoned cyanotypist or a newcomer to the medium, exploring the history of cyanotype can deepen your appreciation for this unique and enduring photographic process.

As the vibrant hues of summer start to mellow into the warm, earthy tones of autumn, we find ourselves in a season that has inspired countless artists and writers throughout history. Jim Bishop once said, "Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons." It's a time when nature herself becomes a canvas, and our creativity soars amidst the fall foliage. Join us for seasonal inspiration at any of the following events and offerings as we welcome fall.

The picturesque Elkin Creek Vineyard and Winery recently played host to our first 2023 Plein Air Painters excursion, leaving participants enamored by the serene beauty of the location. Tucked away at the confluence of Big Elkin Creek and Mitchell River, the secluded vineyard offered a tranquil view of the historic Elkin Creek Mill.

Thanks to the generous support of the North Carolina Arts Council through their Spark the Arts grant, our dream of reinvigorating a vibrant Clayworks ceramics program is becoming a reality. We cannot express our gratitude enough for the tremendous support we have received on this journey.

In July, the Foothills Theatre staged three uproarious performances of Monty Python's Spamalot, captivating audiences at the Dixon Auditorium. The meticulously choreographed scenes had the entire venue echoing with laughter, as the talented performers brought the iconic comedy to life with their incredible acting and comedic timing. The theater's rendition of the beloved classic proved to be a resounding success, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and delighted throughout the shows.

Tapestry Weavers South is committed to the progression of the art and skill of tapestry weaving. Through their yearly New Works exhibition, generously supported by the Yadkin Valley Fiber Center, these gifted artists are actively achieving that goal. The showcase features a delightful array of expertly crafted tapestries, available for viewing at The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center, located at 113 West Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621.

We are delighted to share some exciting news and express our heartfelt gratitude to the North Carolina Arts Council for their generous Spark the Arts grant program. This funding has been instrumental in sustaining the exceptional violin luthier program at the Foothills Arts Center. Additionally, it has provided the fortunate opportunity for two like-minded individuals to collaborate, leading to the creation of a new traditional woodworking program. We are incredibly grateful for this fortunate turn of events.

This June, the Foothills Children’s Theatre preformed Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., inviting the audience to join Nemo, Marlin, and Dory on an unforgettable underwater adventure as they discovered the power of friendship and resilience.

Summer is finally here, and it brings with it an array of vibrant events and exhibitions at the Foothills Arts Center. We are excited to showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, foster community engagement, and create a space where everyone feels welcome.

We are thrilled to share the latest updates on the vibrant world of youth art education at our very own local Montessori school, the Yadkin Valley Community School in Elkin. Thanks to the generous support of the North Carolina Spark The Arts grant initiative through North Carolina Arts Council, a group of talented young artists have been exploring their creative potential through a series of engaging art classes.

During the 2023 NC Main Street Conference held in Statesville in March, Foothills Arts Council Executive Director Dan Butner was recognized as Elkin’s 2022 Main Street Champion, a prestigious award presented by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

A rigorous Master Weaving certification program is the most recent addition to the variety of fiber arts classes and courses offered through the Yadkin Valley Fiber Center. The creation and implementation of this five-step series was supported in part by funding awarded to the Foothills Arts Center through a new grant initiative offered through the NC Arts Council, called Spark the Arts.

This February, the Foothills Theatre dessert theatre production of Doublewide, Texas featured a hilarious plot set within a tightly-knit community.

Small Expressions is on display through March 31, 2023 at the Yadkin Valley Fiber Center, 113 West Main Street in downtown Elkin and can be viewed during the Open Studio on Friday, March 10 from 5:00-8:00 PM or by appointment by contacting Leslie Fesperman at yadkinvalleyfibercenter@gmail.com or calling 919.260.9725.

Exciting developments are underway for the new Foothills Arts Center at Historic Chatham Mill. The beloved landmark that serves as our new home is undergoing repairs and improvements designed to make the facility safe for all who visit our campus. Those renovations are the first of many that will transform the center into an open floor plan reminiscent of the original civic design, creating state-of-the-art studio, classroom, and gallery spaces.

“When painting and sketching plein-air I sink into the landscape, an attuned witness to its mood and beauty.” — Dianne Bersea

At the end of September, you’ll find our affiliates and allies busy organizing crowd-favorite events. If you schedule your time carefully, you might be able to pack the final weekend in September full of old-fashioned fun!

The Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention returns after a two year hiatus, and kicks off in true fiddler fashion with a square dance.

Our third Plein Air Painters excursion was to a private property owned by one of our generous board members, located on the New River in Sparta. The secluded home — nestled in the Allegheny Mountains — featured a tranquil view of the New River, where the water was high due to recent rain.