Madison County Arts Council

Education: Our Junior Appalachian Musician program had strong registration for the spring semester, and our JAM Summer Camp hosted 25 students and taught not only musical skills, but also community-building skills, which would be needed when Helene paused our Fall semester, in which 70 students were enrolled. The semester restarted on Halloween at Woodson Branch Nature School, providing students a chance to reconnect with their music and lean on their community as we all worked to process what had happened in and after the storm. Our First Stage Youth Theatre program also provided group educational opportunities in a Spring semester and a summer camp that culminated in a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Exhibits and Sales: Each year we host up to 8 gallery exhibits. In 2024, we hosted Youth Art Month, FRESH (a show of new work), a show with the Asheville Printmakers, and an Appalachian Barn Alliance Exhibit. Openings for each of the shows brought in strong crowds, and sales from the shows supported artist and MCAC. After Helene, we were able to host our annual Holiday Sale at Mars Landing Galleries in Mars Hill. This sale featured work from more than 47 artists, providing a much-needed economic boost for many who had experienced loss and damage from the storms. The Holiday Sale outperformed the 2023 version (grossing $23,341.36) and provided a community bright spot to end 2024.