| inspire, create, contribute | fund drive 2023
Dear Members and Friends of the Foothills Arts Council,
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.
The historic Gilvin Roth building at Chatham Mill that will serve as the new home for the Foothills Arts Center is currently undergoing essential renovations and enhancements, aimed at creating a safe and vibrant space for all who visit. These renovations are just the beginning of our vision to craft a regional collective for creativity, complete with open and inviting floor plans, state-of-the-art studios, enriching classrooms, and inspiring galleries.
As we eagerly await the completion of these initial renovations, we are thrilled to witness the thriving arts community in our region, made possible through productive partnerships with nearby businesses and schools. Throughout this period, exhibits and events have continued to flourish, celebrating the sheer joy of creative expression, and highlighting its significant role in our daily lives and the cultural tapestry of our community.
By becoming a valued member or sponsor of the Foothills Arts Council through a charitable contribution, you not only play a vital role in supporting our mission but also gain tax-deductible benefits. Your generous gifts aid us in our mission to enriching lives through immersive arts and craft education and entertainment. Our yearly programming initiatives encompass a wide array of engaging activities; annual programmatic updates are detailed below.
Additionally, your contribution resonates beyond these programs — it's a direct investment in preserving a beloved historic structure that will stand as a beacon of creativity and innovation in our region. The Foothills Arts Center is poised to be a haven for the visual and performing arts, heritage crafts, and local history. Together, we can cultivate a thriving artistic community that leaves an indelible mark on generations to come.
Your participation in this year's fund drive isn't just a donation; it's an investment. Let’s continue to harness the power of creativity to weave together culture and community, enriching lives and inspiring minds. Your commitment to the arts has never been more vital, and we wholeheartedly invite you to be a part of our journey.
With gratitude,
Dan Butner, Executive Director Sydney Sieviec, Assistant Director
| Affiliates | Foothills Theatre, Reevestock Music Festival, Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center
| Board of Directors | Marianne Luther President, Mike Cheek Vice-President, Jay Morphis Treasurer, Debra Garing Secretary, Jill Bellia, Leslie Fesperman, Joe Fisch, Laura Garing, Jacey Gorman, Susan Pasch, Beanie Taylor, Beth Sumner-Wall, Jennifer White
As we reflect on the past year of artistic endeavors, we are thrilled to share the remarkable programmatic updates that have enriched the cultural landscape of the Foothills Arts Center. Your unwavering support has fueled our mission to nurture creativity and provide a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds. With our annual fund drive underway, we invite you to revisit these remarkable updates as we continue to inspire and innovate.
1. | Affiliate | Foothills Theatre and Foothills Children’s Theatre presented an array of captivating performances that entertained audiences throughout the year. In February, they delighted audiences with the dessert theatre production of "Doublewide, Texas." In June, the enchanting underwater world came alive with Disney’s "Finding Nemo Jr." July saw uproarious laughter with a riotous rendition of "Monty Python’s Spamalot," showcasing the vibrant talents of the theatre group.
2. | Affiliate | Reevestock Music Festival rocked Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater in August. This charitable festival brought the vibrant music of the Yadkin Valley to life, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and drawing music enthusiasts from the Carolinas and beyond to celebrate music in Elkin.
3. | Affiliate | Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention showcased regional musical talent, including youth and adults, through competitive performances. The event featured square dancing and celebrated the rich tradition of fiddling, fostering a sense of cultural pride and musical camaraderie.
4. | Affiliate | Yadkin Valley Fiber Center expanded its influence in the realm of fiber arts as hub for education, dye labs, and exhibitions. The development of a national Master Weaving program, supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council Spark the Arts grant, further elevated the center's impact. Throughout the year, noteworthy showcases like the Handweaver’s Guild of America’s Small Expressions traveling exhibit, SCRAP Earth Day exhibit, and the Tapestry Weaver’s South 2023 New Works exhibit enchanted viewers.
5. Foothills School of Violin Making continued to flourish as a distinctive program under the expert guidance of master violin maker Joe Thrift. This program provided students with an exceptional opportunity to learn the art of violin making through semester-based and summer-intensive instruction. Students from all corners of the country were welcomed, enriching the program's diverse community.
6. Merry Maker’s Market, a cherished celebration of creativity and craftsmanship held in collaboration with The Wisdom Table during Elkin's Light Up weekend, once again brought cheer to the Yadkin Valley. With free general admission, the annual market featured handcrafted creations from fifteen regional artists and artisans, offering visitors a wonderful selection of unique treasures just in time for the holiday season.
7. Plein Air Painters' Group & Foothills Plein Air Festival flourished in its first full year of activity. Throughout the spring and into early fall, artists embarked on monthly outdoor excursions, culminating in the four-day Foothills Plein Air Festival in October in collaboration with Grassy Creek Vineyard. This event featured a Fresh Paint Sale, drawing artists from across the state to capture the scenic beauty of Historic Downtown Elkin and the Yadkin Valley. Expansion of the event is planned for this October.
8. Visual Arts Instruction prospered with visiting and local artists sharing expertise in drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques. These foundational classes empowered aspiring artists to hone their skills and express their creativity.
9. Youth Art Enrichment thrived with weekly sessions throughout the spring semester. This initiative, supported by the North Carolina Arts Council’s Spark the Arts grant and in collaboration with the Yadkin Valley Community School, provided young artists with valuable creative experiences.
10. Exciting news on the horizon: Foothills School of Traditional Woodworking and Clayworks Ceramics Studio, made possible in part by the North Carolina Arts Council's Spark the Arts grant, are set to launch. Registration opened in August, promising aspiring artisans the chance to delve into traditional woodworking and ceramics under expert tutelage.
With these remarkable updates, the Foothills Arts Council and affiliates continue to thrive, enriching the lives of artists and art enthusiasts alike. As we gather support during our annual fund drive, we invite you to be part of this journey. Your contribution fuels creativity and ensures that these transformative programs remain accessible to all.