ARTicles: the Arts Council Newsletter, December 2024
ARTicles, the Arts Council’s e-newsletter, helps publicize Macon County's non-profit groups’ community arts programs. Submit next month's news by the 27the of each month, and we’ll help spread it. Thanks for sharing ARTicles!
December 2024 : All month
Feel the Heal Exhibit at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts – 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Various artists working in diverse mediums show how art can heal, inspire, provoke and challenge; hangs through Jan. 4, 2025. Full exhibit/event schedule, class and gift shop info at thebascom.org.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Tradition & Innovation – Macon County Public Library*
To commemorate Native American Heritage Month the Arts Council sponsors this exhibit of photographs, panels, and interviews of Cherokee artists, on tour from WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center, to hang through December. More info: [email protected] or 828-524-ARTS.
Holiday Market - The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Shop for items handcrafted by local and regional artists for holiday gift giving; runs through Dec. Exhibit/event schedule, class and workshop details at thebascom.org.
Feel the Heal Exhibit at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts – 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Various artists working in diverse mediums show how art can heal, inspire, provoke and challenge; hangs through Jan. 4, 2025. Full exhibit/event schedule, class and gift shop info at thebascom.org.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Tradition & Innovation – Macon County Public Library*
To commemorate Native American Heritage Month the Arts Council sponsors this exhibit of photographs, panels, and interviews of Cherokee artists, on tour from WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center, to hang through December. More info: [email protected] or 828-524-ARTS.
Holiday Market - The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Shop for items handcrafted by local and regional artists for holiday gift giving; runs through Dec. Exhibit/event schedule, class and workshop details at thebascom.org.
In Macon County in December 2024:
Dec 2, Monday, 7:00pm
Christmas with Mountain Voices – First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Ave., Franklin, NC
50-member mixed-voice Community Chorus helps us “Swing into Christmas” with secular and sacred songs of the season. Beverly Barnett directs, accompanied by Pianist Mary Pittman and other musicians including The Pinnacle Brass. Donations appreciated. 828-524-3644
Dec 6-22
Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season – Highlands Performing Arts Center
Mountain Theatre Company’s all-star cast in an all-new holiday musical with dazzling costumes, high energy choreography, magic galore. $58; tickets/dates/times mountaintheatre.com.
Dec 7, Saturday 10:00-3:00
Cowee Christmas & Balsam Bee - Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Dr. Franklin, NC, off Hwy. 28N
Free admission, 25 vendors sell hand-made decorations & gifts, open artists’ studios, make & take activities for kids including evergreen swags, free face painting by Macon Faces (ARTS Council sponsors), soup lunch 11:00-2:00, lots more. coweeschool.org
Dec 7, Saturday 11-2
FROG Quarters Christmas Party, 573 E. Main, Franklin, NC
Live music with Generations (Dave Stewart Family) 11-noon, crooner Barry Roma noon-1:00, Mountain Muse (Dunkle, Brown, & Stewart) 1:00-2:00; Friends of the Greenway
Dec 7, Saturday 5-6p
ARTS Council’s Carol-Along @Winter Wonderland - Wells Fargo Bank Main Street Door
Sing familiar carols at Franklin’s annual winter fest and stroll the shopping district till 8:00.
Dec 8, Sunday, 2:30
Lara Herscovitch in Concert - Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 89 Sierra Dr., Franklin, NC
The Listening Room presents this “new-folk music lyric poet” and “gem of a modern American troubadour.” $20 suggested donation; reserve at [email protected].
Dec 8, Sunday, 5p
Brasstown Ringers’ Caroling Bells! - First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Av, Franklin, NC
Beloved carols, classical and pop favorites played by advanced ringers on five octaves of bells and six of chimes, directed by Linda Sterrett. FUMC Chancel Choir joins in choral/bells selections and leads audience sing-along. Free; donations accepted. [email protected]
Dec. 10, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.
Cookies with Santa - Macon County Public Library*
Friends of the Library sponsor this free annual holiday event for children - a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, arts & crafts, refreshments, and photo ops with Santa! 828-524-3600
Dec. 10, Tuesday, 7:30p
Highlands Cashiers Players’ Holiday Special – 507 Chestnut St., Highlands
Highlands-Cashiers Players’ annual holiday fest features readings by community members, music by BLUE JAZZ, cookies & cider. Free, everyone welcome. highlandscashiersplayers.com
Dec 12, Thursday, 6:00p
Macon String Ensemble’s Holiday Concert – Macon County Public Library*
Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, and many other selections for all ages. Concert repeated Dec. 3 and 14 in other Macon County venues, email [email protected].
Dec 13-14, Fri.-Sat., 7:00p
Once Upon A Christmas Star – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin, NC
Through traditional and sacred songs, dances, and stories, Overlook Theatre Company & Friends enact a heart-warming holiday tale of young Emily and her misplaced tree-top star. $15 advance, $18 day of event at 1028 Georgia Rd. box office, 828-524-1589, smokymountainarts.com.
Dec 19, Thursday, 6:00-9:00
Celtic Christmas Ceili – Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Rd., Otto, NC
Marie Dunkle produces this dancing/storytelling/singing gala event replete with fiddles, pipes, whistles, drums, Irish banjo, mandolins, and FUN. Bring friends and family; admission by donation, no reserved seating. Finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks available. go2ottonc.com
*Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. (828) 524-3600.
Dec 2, Monday, 7:00pm
Christmas with Mountain Voices – First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Ave., Franklin, NC
50-member mixed-voice Community Chorus helps us “Swing into Christmas” with secular and sacred songs of the season. Beverly Barnett directs, accompanied by Pianist Mary Pittman and other musicians including The Pinnacle Brass. Donations appreciated. 828-524-3644
Dec 6-22
Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season – Highlands Performing Arts Center
Mountain Theatre Company’s all-star cast in an all-new holiday musical with dazzling costumes, high energy choreography, magic galore. $58; tickets/dates/times mountaintheatre.com.
Dec 7, Saturday 10:00-3:00
Cowee Christmas & Balsam Bee - Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Dr. Franklin, NC, off Hwy. 28N
Free admission, 25 vendors sell hand-made decorations & gifts, open artists’ studios, make & take activities for kids including evergreen swags, free face painting by Macon Faces (ARTS Council sponsors), soup lunch 11:00-2:00, lots more. coweeschool.org
Dec 7, Saturday 11-2
FROG Quarters Christmas Party, 573 E. Main, Franklin, NC
Live music with Generations (Dave Stewart Family) 11-noon, crooner Barry Roma noon-1:00, Mountain Muse (Dunkle, Brown, & Stewart) 1:00-2:00; Friends of the Greenway
Dec 7, Saturday 5-6p
ARTS Council’s Carol-Along @Winter Wonderland - Wells Fargo Bank Main Street Door
Sing familiar carols at Franklin’s annual winter fest and stroll the shopping district till 8:00.
Dec 8, Sunday, 2:30
Lara Herscovitch in Concert - Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship, 89 Sierra Dr., Franklin, NC
The Listening Room presents this “new-folk music lyric poet” and “gem of a modern American troubadour.” $20 suggested donation; reserve at [email protected].
Dec 8, Sunday, 5p
Brasstown Ringers’ Caroling Bells! - First United Methodist Church, 66 Harrison Av, Franklin, NC
Beloved carols, classical and pop favorites played by advanced ringers on five octaves of bells and six of chimes, directed by Linda Sterrett. FUMC Chancel Choir joins in choral/bells selections and leads audience sing-along. Free; donations accepted. [email protected]
Dec. 10, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.
Cookies with Santa - Macon County Public Library*
Friends of the Library sponsor this free annual holiday event for children - a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, arts & crafts, refreshments, and photo ops with Santa! 828-524-3600
Dec. 10, Tuesday, 7:30p
Highlands Cashiers Players’ Holiday Special – 507 Chestnut St., Highlands
Highlands-Cashiers Players’ annual holiday fest features readings by community members, music by BLUE JAZZ, cookies & cider. Free, everyone welcome. highlandscashiersplayers.com
Dec 12, Thursday, 6:00p
Macon String Ensemble’s Holiday Concert – Macon County Public Library*
Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, and many other selections for all ages. Concert repeated Dec. 3 and 14 in other Macon County venues, email [email protected].
Dec 13-14, Fri.-Sat., 7:00p
Once Upon A Christmas Star – Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin, NC
Through traditional and sacred songs, dances, and stories, Overlook Theatre Company & Friends enact a heart-warming holiday tale of young Emily and her misplaced tree-top star. $15 advance, $18 day of event at 1028 Georgia Rd. box office, 828-524-1589, smokymountainarts.com.
Dec 19, Thursday, 6:00-9:00
Celtic Christmas Ceili – Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Rd., Otto, NC
Marie Dunkle produces this dancing/storytelling/singing gala event replete with fiddles, pipes, whistles, drums, Irish banjo, mandolins, and FUN. Bring friends and family; admission by donation, no reserved seating. Finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks available. go2ottonc.com
*Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. (828) 524-3600.
Outside Macon County but within reach
"over the river and through the woods…"
Dec 6-7, Fri-Sat, 6:00-9:00
“The Nutcracker” - Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Full length ballet performed by professional classical dancers and The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville. Tickets/times at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828-227-ARTS.
Dec 6-8 & 12-15
“A Christmas Carol” – Dillard Playhouse, Town Hall Building, 892 Franklin St., Dillard GA
Back by popular demand, North Georgia Community Players perform Dickens’ classic tale in this Jerry Patch adaptation. $25; tickets/times at ngcommunityplayers.com.
Dec 7, Saturday, 1:00
Leo Lagrimas Holiday Piano Recital – Jackson County Public Library, 310 Keener St., Sylva
Free program of classical and seasonal selections for piano and voice performed by Lagrimas and tenor Matt Blanks, with Christmas carol-along and refreshments. All ages welcome.
Dec 12, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Eireann’s Call: A Kilted Christmas – Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville, NC
Popular Celtic Rock band’s family-friendly, always-a-sellout show features their unique take on Christmas throughout the Celtic world with songs, dances, and a dramatic/humorous narrative. Taco truck on site; pay-what-you-can tickets $25, $15, or $10 at folkmoot.org.
"over the river and through the woods…"
Dec 6-7, Fri-Sat, 6:00-9:00
“The Nutcracker” - Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
Full length ballet performed by professional classical dancers and The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville. Tickets/times at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828-227-ARTS.
Dec 6-8 & 12-15
“A Christmas Carol” – Dillard Playhouse, Town Hall Building, 892 Franklin St., Dillard GA
Back by popular demand, North Georgia Community Players perform Dickens’ classic tale in this Jerry Patch adaptation. $25; tickets/times at ngcommunityplayers.com.
Dec 7, Saturday, 1:00
Leo Lagrimas Holiday Piano Recital – Jackson County Public Library, 310 Keener St., Sylva
Free program of classical and seasonal selections for piano and voice performed by Lagrimas and tenor Matt Blanks, with Christmas carol-along and refreshments. All ages welcome.
Dec 12, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Eireann’s Call: A Kilted Christmas – Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville, NC
Popular Celtic Rock band’s family-friendly, always-a-sellout show features their unique take on Christmas throughout the Celtic world with songs, dances, and a dramatic/humorous narrative. Taco truck on site; pay-what-you-can tickets $25, $15, or $10 at folkmoot.org.
ARTBriefs, ongoing, most FREE for your pARTicipation:
Dance:
Contra Dance
Next dance THURSDAY, January 16, 2025, with Harrison Keely calling, Saturday at 6:30, Macon County Public Library, website.
High Mountain Squares
Dances first, third, and fifth Fridays 6:15-8:30, Carpenter Community Building, square dance classes required; email Charles Nuckolls for details, [email protected].
Literary (Books, Stories & Writers):
Family Storytime: all Mondays 10:00 a.m., kids age 0-5, Macon County Public Library.
Sensory Storytime: all Tuesdays 10:00 a.m., for youth. Macon County Public Library.
Writers Group: alternate Mondays 1:00, Macon County Public Library; email Jim at [email protected].
Music:
Live Music with The Vagabonds first and third Mondays 2:00, MCPL*.
Song Circle first Tuesday 3:00-6:00, musicians’ song-sharing sessions, MCPL* blue room; Cricket 541-771-7788.
James Thompson Music Nights first and third Thursdays 6:00-8:00, Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Rd., go2ottonc.com.
Open Mic Night second Friday 6-8, Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center., 51 Cowee School Dr., Hwy 28N.
Music, storytelling, dance, poetry, etc. (most months, check coweeschool.org)
C-Square Band Rocks Las Barricas fourth Friday 11:31-1:01, 2722 Georgia Rd., Franklin, 828-524-ARTS.
Mid-Day Music @The FROG Saturdays 11:00-1:00, Friends of the Greenway, 573 E. Main, Franklin, 828-369-8488, free. Dec. 7 on calendar above, Dec 14: Charlie Simmons, Al Scortino & Greg Thomas, Dec 21: Lady & the Tramps Dulcimer Group.
Visual Arts & More:
Macon Chips Wood Carving Club all Tuesdays 10:00-noon, MCPL*, and all Thursdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Franklin High woodshop. All skill levels welcome, 828-349-6109.
Paint Parties Thursdays 10:00-3:00, bring project/lunch, Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin, 828-349-4607.
*Note: Macon County Public Library (MCPL): 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin, NC, 828-524-3600, MCPL website.
Dance:
Contra Dance
Next dance THURSDAY, January 16, 2025, with Harrison Keely calling, Saturday at 6:30, Macon County Public Library, website.
High Mountain Squares
Dances first, third, and fifth Fridays 6:15-8:30, Carpenter Community Building, square dance classes required; email Charles Nuckolls for details, [email protected].
Literary (Books, Stories & Writers):
Family Storytime: all Mondays 10:00 a.m., kids age 0-5, Macon County Public Library.
Sensory Storytime: all Tuesdays 10:00 a.m., for youth. Macon County Public Library.
Writers Group: alternate Mondays 1:00, Macon County Public Library; email Jim at [email protected].
Music:
Live Music with The Vagabonds first and third Mondays 2:00, MCPL*.
Song Circle first Tuesday 3:00-6:00, musicians’ song-sharing sessions, MCPL* blue room; Cricket 541-771-7788.
James Thompson Music Nights first and third Thursdays 6:00-8:00, Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Rd., go2ottonc.com.
Open Mic Night second Friday 6-8, Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center., 51 Cowee School Dr., Hwy 28N.
Music, storytelling, dance, poetry, etc. (most months, check coweeschool.org)
C-Square Band Rocks Las Barricas fourth Friday 11:31-1:01, 2722 Georgia Rd., Franklin, 828-524-ARTS.
Mid-Day Music @The FROG Saturdays 11:00-1:00, Friends of the Greenway, 573 E. Main, Franklin, 828-369-8488, free. Dec. 7 on calendar above, Dec 14: Charlie Simmons, Al Scortino & Greg Thomas, Dec 21: Lady & the Tramps Dulcimer Group.
Visual Arts & More:
Macon Chips Wood Carving Club all Tuesdays 10:00-noon, MCPL*, and all Thursdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. Franklin High woodshop. All skill levels welcome, 828-349-6109.
Paint Parties Thursdays 10:00-3:00, bring project/lunch, Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin, 828-349-4607.
*Note: Macon County Public Library (MCPL): 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin, NC, 828-524-3600, MCPL website.
AND…
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin:
where you’ll find unique, high quality gifts for everyone on your list (treat yourself and your artistic friends to MCAA workshops and memberships). Open 10:00-5:00 Mon.-Sat. (except Wed.); franklinuptowngallery.com, 828-349-4607.
The ARTS Council Board of Directors wishes you all an ARTS-filled Holiday Season!
"Societies are not remembered by their battlements, but by their art. Art is an essential reminder of what it is in life that lasts — of why one lives. Art communicates, clarifies, celebrates, mourns, and remembers. What else in our lives can do this?"
—Bella Lewitzky, Modern Dance Choreographer/Dancer
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin:
where you’ll find unique, high quality gifts for everyone on your list (treat yourself and your artistic friends to MCAA workshops and memberships). Open 10:00-5:00 Mon.-Sat. (except Wed.); franklinuptowngallery.com, 828-349-4607.
The ARTS Council Board of Directors wishes you all an ARTS-filled Holiday Season!
"Societies are not remembered by their battlements, but by their art. Art is an essential reminder of what it is in life that lasts — of why one lives. Art communicates, clarifies, celebrates, mourns, and remembers. What else in our lives can do this?"
—Bella Lewitzky, Modern Dance Choreographer/Dancer