42 | Arts & Culture
Young Harris College Inspire Theatre John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival
Pottery, Paintings and Performance
Artsy Types and Culture Lovers Welcome!
TThere’s more to Blairsville-Union County than
flora and fauna. You’ll also discover a diverse assortment of
artisans, galleries, exhibits, theater and musical offerings.
The Mountains Are the Stage
The Peacock Performing Arts Center offers big city entertainment
in a quiet mountain town (Hayesville, NC). Built in the
1980s, the center holds four plays a year, musical concerts and
family entertainment. From rip-roaring comedies to eclectic
dramas, Blue Ridge Community Theater enjoys acclaim for
professional shows and live music concerts, as well as its
renowned children’s theater and summer camp.
Young Harris College’s wide variety of arts programming
includes theatrical productions, live concerts, lectures and readings,
visual art exhibitions, planetarium shows and other events
that enrich the cultural life of our small mountain community.
Goldrush School of Music provides music lessons for all ages,
plus hosts several recitals.
Art Is All Around Us
Small mountain towns have always been home to eclectic artists
and unique festivals, and we’re no exception! Goldhagen Studios
dazzles visitors with glass blowing demonstrations. The
Misty Mountain Quilters Guild meets regularly for programs
and workshops, and holds quilt shows throughout the year. At
the Olive Tree Art Centre, students take classes in clay and
painting in a studio housed in a renovated 1950s homestead.
And Lardworks Studio at Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm offers
classes in printing, yarn dying, felting, jewelry making and more.
The 80+ member Mountain Regional Arts & Crafts Guild
in nearby Hiawassee offers lessons for adults and children in
everything from watercolors and plein aire painting to alcohol
inks. There are also artist exhibits throughout the year. And the
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association brims with exhibitions,
classrooms, studios, galleries, youth art camps and even an
annual Writer’s Conference in neighboring Blue Ridge. It also
sponsors two Arts in the Park Festivals (May & October) that
draw thousands of visitors to the area.
Closer to home in beautiful Meeks Park, the Butternut
Creek Festival hosted by the High Country Artisans, is held
each July. You’ll enjoy a wonderful weekend of arts, crafts and
music along the shady banks of Butternut Creek.
The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, offers
week-long and weekend classes in arts, crafts, music, dance,