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Symposium to explore Cherokee history
Some of the region’s leading experts on Cherokee history will take part in an all-day symposium hosted by the Cashiers Historical Society from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the High Hampton Inn.
“The Cherokee: Ancient Trails, Talking Leaves, Broken Treaties” will include talks by Tom Belt, Robert Conley, Eddie Swimmer, Ben Steere, Anna Fariello and Davy Arch.
$50 per person. Includes lunch based on traditional Cherokee recipes. 828.743.7710.
Open call for art grants in Jackson County
The Jackson County Arts Council is offering mini-grants for creative arts and cultural projects, community programs, education and events. Applications for Grassroots Grants are due by June 30.
The public schools may apply to support cultural enrichment programs in the schools. Colleges and universities may apply for funding if the proposed program will serve the broader countywide population. The council encourages applications that emphasize cultural diversity.
A grant application assistance day will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m. May 28 at the Jackson County Library Annex. The applications are available at www.jacksoncountyarts.org.
Funding for these grants is contingent upon the Jackson County Arts Council receiving funding from the North Carolina Arts Council and matching funds from Jackson County commissioners.
828.507.9820 or 828.354.0253.
Basket weaver demo at Mud Dabbers
Basket weaver Sandra Bowling will be giving a craft demonstration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Mud Dabbers in Balsam.
The event is part of an ongoing series of artists at Mud Dabbers Pottery who have offered free public demonstrations every Saturday this May.
All demonstrations are free, family friendly and open to the public.
828.456.1916 or www.facebook.com/muddabbersbalsam.
Student art on display in Highlands
Ceramic works from students at Highlands High School will be on display through July 14 at The Bascom in Highlands.
The pieces come from The Bascom’s outreach program, where it partners with the school to provide classes in ceramics. Available to students in grades nine through 12 the school, this hands-on course teaches far more than simply ceramics. Last August, each student made 10 bowls to donate to the Empty Bowls project to help raise funds for local food pantries.
www.TheBascom.org or 828.526.4949.
Reception to be held for glass artisans
There will be public reception featuring the glass artwork of Shane Fero and Tadashi Torii from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.
The two noted artists have been teaching and demonstrating their skills at the park as part of the growing partnership between Western Carolina University and the Green Energy Park. Both artists taught a 40-hour mini-semester class in their respective disciplines for a select group of WCU students.
The reception is free and open to the public.
Exhibit puts spotlight on Appalachia crafts
Showcasing local crafts and techniques, Appalachia, the newest exhibit from the Haywood County Arts Council, will run from May 30 through June 29, at Gallery 86 in Waynesville. An artist reception will be held at the gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 7.
The display focuses on the numerous genres of intricate local crafts and techniques. With the sheer importance of the arts and crafts movement amid the rich history of Southern Appalachia, the exhibit will highlight several local artists and how their work ultimately impacts the heritage of the region.
828.452.0593 or www.haywoodarts.org.
Rally rides into Maggie Valley
The Maggie Valley Spring Rally will run from May 24-26 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
The Memorial Day Weekend event will be filled with live music, bike shows, games, food vendors, rides and area motorcycle tours. The Hog Village will be hosting BBQ cooking onsite. Various artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting, demonstrating and selling their works.
Admission is free with paid parking.
www.maggievalleyrallys.com or 336.643.1367.
Open call for Macon veteran portrait tribute
The Macon County Art Association will honor local veterans by painting their portraits.
Submissions for candidates of the “Veterans Portrait Tribute” are due by Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day). Families interested are asked to submit a good quality clear photo and a brief biography to the Uptown Gallery in Franklin.
828.349.4607 or www.uptowngalleryoffranklin.com.
Ballroom dance class offered at WCU
A ballroom dance class will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays from May 13 to June 17 in the Breese Gym on the campus of Western Carolina University.
Learn the basics of leading and following in a social ballroom dance setting, along with dance styles such as the waltz, tango, cha-cha, swing and fox trot. Partners will rotate throughout the class and participants need not have a partner to attend.
The cost of the class is $59 or $49 for WCU students, faculty and staff.
learn.wcu.edu or 828.227.7397.
SCC offers summer clay classes in Swain
Southwestern Community College will be offering numerous classes this summer at the Swain Center campus in Bryson City.
• “Heritage Arts Independent Study: Ceramics” from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday from May 6-29.
• “Beginning & Intermediate Wheel” from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday from May 16 to Aug. 8.
• “Clay: Experimental Topics” from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday from May 16 to Aug. 8.
• “Clay: Throwing Problems” from 1 to 4 p.m. every Monday from May 20 to Aug. 12.
As well, there will be other classes starting throughout different periods of the summer.
828.366.2000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Last week, we set the stage for the 29th annual 
