ARTicles: the Arts Council Newsletter, January 2025
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!
Winter Weather Alert: When severe weather threatens, use the contact information in the listings to confirm that the event will be held. Stay safe and warm; think snow!
Winter Weather Alert: When severe weather threatens, use the contact information in the listings to confirm that the event will be held. Stay safe and warm; think snow!
January 2025: All month
Always something to see and do at The Bascom – 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Check the website for exhibits, classes, and workshops for all ages. Lots happening in the pottery barn in January. Full exhibit/event schedule, class and gift shop info at thebascom.org.
Notes:
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery
30 E. Main, closes for cleaning and rehanging. Visit in February for an all-new exhibit. franklinuptowngallery.com.
Macon County Public Library continues to be open regular hours
with access through the Meeting Room door on front of the building just beyond the main entrance, which is closed indefinitely from Jan. 6, along with the book drop, for building repairs. Visit their online calendar and take advantage of their wide array of programs & services. fontanalib.org.
Always something to see and do at The Bascom – 323 Franklin Rd., Highlands
Check the website for exhibits, classes, and workshops for all ages. Lots happening in the pottery barn in January. Full exhibit/event schedule, class and gift shop info at thebascom.org.
Notes:
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery
30 E. Main, closes for cleaning and rehanging. Visit in February for an all-new exhibit. franklinuptowngallery.com.
Macon County Public Library continues to be open regular hours
with access through the Meeting Room door on front of the building just beyond the main entrance, which is closed indefinitely from Jan. 6, along with the book drop, for building repairs. Visit their online calendar and take advantage of their wide array of programs & services. fontanalib.org.
In Macon County in January 2025:
Previously announced Jan 4 Contra Dance has been moved to third Thursdays monthly, see below:
Jan 9, second Thursday, 3:30-4:30
Old-Time Mountain Dance for Youth & Families Part II – Macon County Public Library*
Harrison Keely launches the Council’s 2025 “Second Thursdays at the Library” series with another fun-filled traditional Mountain Dance session, teaching and calling easy-to-learn square, circle, and contra dances geared to elementary school-age youth and their families. Wear comfortable shoes to dance on wood floor; no partner is needed. artscouncilofmacon.org.
>> The next 2nd Thursday youth event: Thursday Feb. 13, 3:30, Make & Take Valentine Cards with arts educator Carol Conti.
Jan 16, Thursday, 6:30-9p CANCELLED for lingering ice on the roads in our area.
Old Time Community Contra+ Dance – Macon County Public Library*
Harrison Keely calls contras, rounds, and other folk dances to lively music by Paddy's Return, a Brasstown-based high-energy Celtic band. Dancing is 7:00-9:00, with 30 minutes of beginners’ instruction at 6:30. All dances are taught; no experience or partner required. Water bottles and snacks are allowed. Admission by donation, $10 suggested; kids and first-timers free. Come and bring your friends; we welcome folks who just want to observe and hear some great music! More info below on this page, and at: the Arts Council's full description of this event. Or follow the contra dance on Facebook.
Jan 18 & 25, Saturdays, 11am-1pm
Mid-Day Music @FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main by the Little Tennessee River, Franklin
Free music on Jan 18 with crooner George James, and on Jan 25th listen to power-harmony with Bloodroot (Zip, Cricket, Paul, and Judy). Beverages, pastries, snacks, and gifts for sale. 828-369-8488, Friends of the Greenway.
Jan 26, Sunday 2-4pm
Piedmont Blues in Concert – Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center
Winner of Memphis’s 2019 International Blues Challenge, Durham-based Jon Shain combines improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. He appears here with FJ Ventre, his duo partner on two albums. Tickets $15 adult/$7.50 youth at coweeschool.org.
*Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. (828) 524-3600. Fontana Regional Libraries website.
Previously announced Jan 4 Contra Dance has been moved to third Thursdays monthly, see below:
Jan 9, second Thursday, 3:30-4:30
Old-Time Mountain Dance for Youth & Families Part II – Macon County Public Library*
Harrison Keely launches the Council’s 2025 “Second Thursdays at the Library” series with another fun-filled traditional Mountain Dance session, teaching and calling easy-to-learn square, circle, and contra dances geared to elementary school-age youth and their families. Wear comfortable shoes to dance on wood floor; no partner is needed. artscouncilofmacon.org.
>> The next 2nd Thursday youth event: Thursday Feb. 13, 3:30, Make & Take Valentine Cards with arts educator Carol Conti.
Jan 16, Thursday, 6:30-9p CANCELLED for lingering ice on the roads in our area.
Old Time Community Contra+ Dance – Macon County Public Library*
Harrison Keely calls contras, rounds, and other folk dances to lively music by Paddy's Return, a Brasstown-based high-energy Celtic band. Dancing is 7:00-9:00, with 30 minutes of beginners’ instruction at 6:30. All dances are taught; no experience or partner required. Water bottles and snacks are allowed. Admission by donation, $10 suggested; kids and first-timers free. Come and bring your friends; we welcome folks who just want to observe and hear some great music! More info below on this page, and at: the Arts Council's full description of this event. Or follow the contra dance on Facebook.
Jan 18 & 25, Saturdays, 11am-1pm
Mid-Day Music @FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main by the Little Tennessee River, Franklin
Free music on Jan 18 with crooner George James, and on Jan 25th listen to power-harmony with Bloodroot (Zip, Cricket, Paul, and Judy). Beverages, pastries, snacks, and gifts for sale. 828-369-8488, Friends of the Greenway.
Jan 26, Sunday 2-4pm
Piedmont Blues in Concert – Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center
Winner of Memphis’s 2019 International Blues Challenge, Durham-based Jon Shain combines improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. He appears here with FJ Ventre, his duo partner on two albums. Tickets $15 adult/$7.50 youth at coweeschool.org.
*Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. (828) 524-3600. Fontana Regional Libraries website.
Outside Macon County but within reach
Jan 22, Wednesday, 7pm
Crankie Art Show & Concert – John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House, Brasstown, NC
The Folk School hosts A Night of Crankies & Songs with Jessica White and guest Tyler Ramsey. Kick off 2025 with the magic of stories through White’s scrolling crankies and singer-songwriter Ramsey’s musical accompaniment; suggested donation $5-$15. folkschool.org
Jan 24, Friday, 7pm
Light Chasers with Cloud Cult – Bardo Arts Center, WCU, Cullowhee, NC
This production uses dance, movement, lights, music, and imagery to tell the story of one couple’s life together, from childhood to departure, through art rock band Cloud Cult’s 2010 concept album, Light Chasers, performed live during the show. Tickets $25 adult, $20 senior citizen at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
Jan 22, Wednesday, 7pm
Crankie Art Show & Concert – John C. Campbell Folk School’s Keith House, Brasstown, NC
The Folk School hosts A Night of Crankies & Songs with Jessica White and guest Tyler Ramsey. Kick off 2025 with the magic of stories through White’s scrolling crankies and singer-songwriter Ramsey’s musical accompaniment; suggested donation $5-$15. folkschool.org
Jan 24, Friday, 7pm
Light Chasers with Cloud Cult – Bardo Arts Center, WCU, Cullowhee, NC
This production uses dance, movement, lights, music, and imagery to tell the story of one couple’s life together, from childhood to departure, through art rock band Cloud Cult’s 2010 concept album, Light Chasers, performed live during the show. Tickets $25 adult, $20 senior citizen at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
ARTBriefs, ongoing, most FREE for your pARTicipation:
Dance:
Contra Dance
Next dance THURSDAY, January 16, 2025, with Celtic band, Paddy's Return and caller Harrison Keely, Saturday at 6:30, MCPL*, Contra Dance 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, MCPL*.
Sensory Storytime: all Tuesdays 10:00 a.m., for youth. MCPL*.
Writers Group: alternate Mondays 1:00, MCPL*; email Jim at [email protected].
In Between Book Club Wednesday Jan. 15, 3:30, kids age 8-12, MCPL*.
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. Jan 18 George James; Jan 25 Bloodroot.
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 May be cancelled for January, call to check, 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 Celtic band, Paddy's Return and caller Harrison Keely, Saturday at 6:30, MCPL*, Contra Dance 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, MCPL*.
Sensory Storytime: all Tuesdays 10:00 a.m., for youth. MCPL*.
Writers Group: alternate Mondays 1:00, MCPL*; email Jim at [email protected].
In Between Book Club Wednesday Jan. 15, 3:30, kids age 8-12, MCPL*.
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. Jan 18 George James; Jan 25 Bloodroot.
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 May be cancelled for January, call to check, 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.
Paddy's Return, a lively Celtic band from Brasstown, pictured with a fraction of their instruments — will play for the Jan 16 Contra Dance! Dancers' favorite, Harrison Keely will be calling!
AND…
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin:
closed for January cleaning and re-hanging of art; franklinuptowngallery.com, 828-349-4607.
Give CONTRA DANCE a try Thursday Jan. 16!
Considered the most accessible and sociable (we might add enjoyable) of all dance forms, contra dance was brought to America from the British Isles and France. Over time it became a traditional American dance form, with participants moving in two long facing lines or in groups, frequently changing partners to allow dancers to meet new friends and experience different dancing styles.
Hoping to grow our attendance, we moved this month’s dance from Saturday to Thursday night, since so many local presenters hold weekend events, and we’re featuring a new variety of great bands and callers. Join us in the Library’s Living Room, with hardwood floor, ample lighted parking, and wheelchair access. Come for any part of the session; wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, and bring a partner or come alone. No perfumes or strong scents, please.
Before the dance professional a caller walks us through 30 minutes of basic instruction, and our more experienced dancers are always happy to partner with novices. If your new year’s resolutions include expanding your circle of friends or increasing your exercise, contra dancing delivers both! Our most heARTy thanks to Cricket Woodward for her ongoing gifts of time, effort, and expertise in coordinating this project.
"All of the arts — poetry, music, ritual, the visible arts, the theatre — must singly and together create the most comprehensive art of all, a humanized society, and its masterpiece, free man."
—Bernard Berenson, American Art Historian
Macon County Art Association’s Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main, Franklin:
closed for January cleaning and re-hanging of art; franklinuptowngallery.com, 828-349-4607.
Give CONTRA DANCE a try Thursday Jan. 16!
Considered the most accessible and sociable (we might add enjoyable) of all dance forms, contra dance was brought to America from the British Isles and France. Over time it became a traditional American dance form, with participants moving in two long facing lines or in groups, frequently changing partners to allow dancers to meet new friends and experience different dancing styles.
Hoping to grow our attendance, we moved this month’s dance from Saturday to Thursday night, since so many local presenters hold weekend events, and we’re featuring a new variety of great bands and callers. Join us in the Library’s Living Room, with hardwood floor, ample lighted parking, and wheelchair access. Come for any part of the session; wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, and bring a partner or come alone. No perfumes or strong scents, please.
Before the dance professional a caller walks us through 30 minutes of basic instruction, and our more experienced dancers are always happy to partner with novices. If your new year’s resolutions include expanding your circle of friends or increasing your exercise, contra dancing delivers both! Our most heARTy thanks to Cricket Woodward for her ongoing gifts of time, effort, and expertise in coordinating this project.
"All of the arts — poetry, music, ritual, the visible arts, the theatre — must singly and together create the most comprehensive art of all, a humanized society, and its masterpiece, free man."
—Bernard Berenson, American Art Historian