STOKES OF ART, STORIES AND SONG
Telling Our Stories in Harmony
On November 18, 2006 at the Swain County Center for the Arts (1415 Fontana Road, Bryson City), Catch the Spirit of Appalachia presented its 2006 Holiday Celebration of the Arts performance and exhibit. This year, the performance was called “Stokes of Art, Stories and Song, Telling Our Stories in Harmony.”
During the year previous to the performance, Doreyl and Amy held classes for the general public in the areas of creative writing and visual art. Held at thier respective homes, the classes meet once a month. Encouraged to write and draw from the heart, many studendts have evolved into published writers, speakers, and artists.
On Going Creative Writing Classes
Within the warmth of the mountain town of Sylva, classes are held in a 1925 farm house, conducted the home. The Saturday class begins at 10am and ends at 3pm, with time out for lunch. (Call 828-631-4587 for more information on the upcoming creative writing classes.)
On Going Visual Art Classes
Held within the nature of the mountains on the first Saturday of each month, and inside Doreyl's yurt, these art classes allow the students to experience first hand the natural environment as they learn the basics of pastel dust illustration. (Call 828-293-2239 for more information on Doreyl’s upcoming visual art classes.)
Performance
The 2006 Holiday Celebration of the Arts program (Admission $5) opened with stories, songs and spontaneous art in a fast-paced production, showcasing the Ammons Sisters and the creative talents of Gail Nolen, Whittier; Irene Hooper, Cullowhee; Judy Rhodes, Arden; Eloiza Claire, Asheville; Chelsea Greene, Asheville; Victoria McDonald, Sylva. 6:45pm—Intermission. Special Entertainment at 7pm with the Muses, a 3-woman a cappella group singing an ingenious mix of Celtic, traditional Appalachian, Americana, and World music. Their repertoire covered a wide range and included original compositions, spirituals, soul numbers, and songs from Scotland and Ireland. From 7:45—8:45pm, Artists’ Reception with refreshments.
Exhibits and Holiday Gifts
On exhibit through January, 2007 will be original pastel art by Kim Lewis, Sylva; Kamen Lewis, Sylva; Lucius Salsbury, Franklin ; Margo Johnson, Glenville; Terry Michelsen, Cullowhee; Pam Dengler, Sylva; Becky Nelson, Whittier; Eloiza Claire, Asheville; Doreyl Ammons Cain, Tuckasegee. Also shown is original photography by Ray Menze, Cullowhee and Etheree Chancellor, Cullowhee.
Books, Cards, Giclee Prints, and Framed Art Work is on sale in the lobby of the Center.
