The Arts are Alive

Art has provided the link between the past and the future of Ashe County. Formed in 1978, the Ashe County Arts Council has played a vital role in the preservation of traditional arts and crafts and in the development of the thriving West Jefferson Arts District. Located in downtown West Jefferson, the building in which the Arts Council is housed is itself a destination. Built in 1938 as a WPA project, it is a beautiful stone structure befitting its purpose. A wide variety of talent is regularly displayed within its walls where pottery, fine art, photography, jewelry and much more can be viewed and purchased.

The result of 30 years of dedication to the arts cannot be contained within the walls of one building, albeit a marvelous one. The buildings of downtown West Jefferson are themselves a palette upon which local artists share the history and heritage of the County. A mural of the Virginia Creeper Train, which connected Ashe County to the rest of the world during a time when transportation was limited, is among the many murals. Fifteen murals adorn the historic buildings throughout downtown depicting the musical heritage, colorful landscape and diverse culture of the region. A walk through town is, in itself, a visual delight.

The numerous galleries dotting the streets of West Jefferson are filled with objects d’art to delight the serious collector as well as the casual viewer. On the second Friday of each month during summer and early fall, a festive atmosphere fills the streets as the galleries open their doors to the sidewalks and host the monthly gallery crawl. The artists mingle with crawlers, share their vision and graciously provide tempting treats as well as musicians throughout the town.

A visit to a small country church is a delight in itself but the experience is enhanced when that church also houses world famous frescoes. Glendale Springs and West Jefferson are the locations of the Churches of the Frescoes. Holy Trinity and St. Mary’s are home to the first of Ben Long’s fresco work in the United States. The beauty of this art is truly enhanced by the sanctity of the settings.

Ashe County is also home to a thriving Little Theater group. Planning your visit to take in one of the four shows produced each year is well worth the effort. Experience the talents of the year-round and seasonal residents while enjoying the comfort of the 300-seat Ashe Civic Center Auditorium.

A relaxing drive through the country can turn into a treasure hunt as you seek to locate the Barn Quilts that adorn barns throughout the county. The Barn Quilt Trail combines the heritage of agriculture with traditional quilt patterns to extend the downtown murals project into the rural parts of our county.  A map can be obtained at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson. 

And while you are driving, visit Florence, a new school for the arts in Glendale Springs. Over three dozen classes in the visual arts and master crafts are offered each year in the beautiful pastoral setting adjoining the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Whether strolling through the Arts District or seeking out the many public art displays, a visit to Ashe County is a visual delight enhanced by the natural beauty of the region.  Where better to view the creativity of man, than the gallery of nature.

Click here to visit The Ashe County Arts Council