Arts Council awards Hood-Sherrill Scholarships

One of the most fulfilling roles performed by the Avery Arts Council is the annual scholarship awarded to a deserving Avery High School student. This year, thanks to generous donors, the award was increased substantially. Chuck Hood and Paulette Sherrill, longtime supporters of the arts in the High Country, made the scholarship fund their particular focus. As a result, the Arts Council was able to award $1,000 scholarships to three students: Shaun Creech, Naomi Tatum, and Jordan Taylor. Read more ...

Donations for Mountain Palette Gala fundraiser
sparkle, glitter, and shine

Banner Elk – Spectacular jewelry designs, handcrafted treasures, and one of a kind outdoor experiences – these are only a few of the items up for bid at this year’s Mountain Palette Arts Gala.  The event takes place on Thursday, July 16 at Linville Ridge Country Club and is an annual benefit bringing the community together in support of the programs and services of the Avery Arts Council.

Last year more than 175 guests had their choice of hundreds of hand-crafted items and specialty services, all of which were donated by area artists and merchants. Gala co-chair Chris Petti reports that jewelry designer Mia Katrin is pulling out all the stops with her beautiful necklace, “Golden Glory” designed for this year’s affair.  The intricate necklace features nine opulent citrine briolettes accented with chocolate pearls in 14 karat gold.  Katrin’s designs are featured in  galleries nationally, including the High Country’s own Carlton Gallery and Hardin Fine Jewelry. The “Golden Glory” necklace and companion earrings are on view throughout June at Hardin Fine Jewelry in Banner Elk.

Fine craftsmanship as well as fine art is featured on the auction tables at the Gala.  Also up for bid are hand-pieced and quilted table runners made by Peggy Hobart and Barbara Piquet from the River Walk Quilt Guild.  Hobart and Piquet took their inspiration from designs found along the Avery Quilt Trail, and reproduced four of the patterns for four one-of-a-kind  items with a special Avery connection. 

Gala co-chair Rebecca Warner reminds patrons that the auction tables will hold more than beautiful things to view and wear – there are great opportunities for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts.  Golf packages from the area’s magnificent courses are a perennial favorite, and the exclusive guided hike courtesy of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will attract the naturalists in the crowd.  

Tickets for the Mountain Palette Gala are $125 per person, and can be purchased from the Avery Arts Council.  Guests enjoy cocktails and open bar while perusing the silent auction items, followed by a luxurious dinner prepared by Linville Ridge Country Club’s Chef Derek Smee. A live auction rounds out the evening.  Entertainment will be by Ottava Rima.

Gala sponsors helping to underwrite the costs of putting on the event are Hood, Hargett, and Associates, Dianne Davant and Associates, and Jason and Rebecca Warner. 

Cheese House Gallery feature
"Art by 3 Docs who paint"

Banner Elk June 2009 – Some people take a break from classes in the summer, but Andy Burnham, Mark Littlejohn, and Gerald Olsen find it the perfect time of year to learn. Read more ...