“The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last forever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year – the days when summer is changing into autumn – the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change.” – E.B. White

We’ve had the pleasure of seeing so many of you out and about in the community showing your support of the arts this summer, whether at an exhibit opening, at the Foothills Kid’s Theatre production of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians in June or their summer musical performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in July, or at the Roots Music Fest in June or Reevestock Music Festival in August. We enjoyed inspiring young artists from all over to create with elements from the natural world during our Summer Art Adventures, and had an awesome time trying to capture that natural beauty ourselves with the plein air excursions to the historic Kapps Mill Estate in May and spectacular Piccione Vineyards in June.

With that busy summer winding down and the first few foggy fall mornings rolling in, we can’t help but feel a little thrill of excitement as we transition into a new season. Although our main building continues to be closed for repair, we can’t think of a better time of the year to enjoy a breath of fresh air or pick up a new pastime.

Give yourself something to look forward to by registering for a beginning weaving course! During August, you can learn to weave a rayon scarf or create a fiber-based painting with the beginning tapestry course in September, both of which are offered through the Yadkin Valley Fiber Center, temporarily housed at The Studio on North Bridge Street. While you’re there, you can enjoy the Tapestry Weavers South guild’s New Works exhibition on display through the end of August. The gallery space is open on Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at charcoal, we’re offering a beginning charcoal course on August 21, and you’ll learn tips and tricks for working with this forgiving — albeit, messy — medium. This afternoon class will explore a portrait of an expressive animal of your choice as our subject.

This month, our Plein Air Painter’s group excursion is to a private property on the crystal-clear New River in Sparta. We’ll meet in the morning of Sunday, August 21, to work from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and we welcome both experienced plein air artists and artists who are just beginning to dabble in the art of painting outdoors. Your ticket serves as your RSVP, and you’ll be greeted with a cup of local, freshly ground coffee and our newly formed creative community. We invite you to bring your sketchbook or a canvas and join us for an adventure!

If you’re already booking your weekends for September, be sure to include the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention on September 23 and 24 in Dobson for a square dance on Friday night and musical competitions that inspire and enthrall scheduled throughout the day on Saturday. We can’t wait to see you out and about as you continue to show your support of all things art this fall!

Sydney Sieviec, Assistant Director