The performing and fine arts are alive and well in Boone and Watauga County! The very presence of Appalachian State University helps ensure that the community is culturally enhanced.

Thanks to Appalachian's Performing Arts Series and Forum Lecture Series, offerings by the School of Music, the Department of Art, Department of Theatre and Dance, there's always something to do and see year-round.

Gil Morgenstern, the director of An Appalachian Summer Festival, says, "We are working to create an atmosphere - far from the lights of Broadway - where some of the country's finest creative and performing artists can come to develop new works and to explore new art forms in collaboration with their peers.

"The Festival and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are an ideal setting for artists to develop - and audiences to experience - some of the most creative works being produced today."

The overall entertainment scene has reached new heights in the 21st century, with the opening of the university's new George M. Holmes Convocation Center, which is designed to host athletic events, concerts and community performances.

The new Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on West King Street is scheduled to open in May 2003, and is being touted as the "community's largest classroom for the visual arts."

For ASU's complete arts and entertainment schedule, contact the Office of Cultural Affairs - (828) 262-4046 or (800) 841-ARTS.

The university also provides for the public:

Appalachian Cultural Museum - (828) 262-3117
University Hall, Boone, NC 28608
To learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of mountain people, make a point to visit the Appalachian Cultural Museum in Boone. Through displays, educational programs and special events, the museum presents the rich traditions of the region.
Exhibits highlight mountain music, the art of snowmaking, the origin of Winston Cup/NASCAR racing, the science of moonshining, the craft of storytelling and more. Closed Mondays. Admission.

Catherine Smith Gallery - (828) 262-3017
Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608
Located in the Farthing Auditorium on the university campus. This gallery features rotating arts and sculpture exhibits. Open year-round. Free.

Watauga County Arts Council - (828) 264-1789 or (828) 262-4576
604 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
At the center of the arts community in the Boone area is the Watauga County Arts Council, which was founded in 1981 to support visual and performing arts.

The agency provides artists-in-residence programs to local schools and maintains the Jones House Community Center, which is residence to three art galleries that are open to the public 1-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. Admission is free during art gallery hours.

The arts council strives to create a center for discovery and celebration of the arts and humanities. Membership includes a newsletter, invitations to special events and special discounts on workshops and other programs.

The Blowing Rock Stage Company - (828) 295-9627
P.O. Box 2170, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
This non-profit organization has been presenting professional theatre as a community service since 1986. Productions include dramas, musicals and comedies with a variety of shows from mid-June into September and holiday performances in December at the Blowing Rock Arts Center. Reserved seating. Admission.

Horn in the West - (828) 264-2120
Daniel Boone Amphitheater, Horn in the West Drive
P.O. Box 295, Boone, NC 28607
Each summer, Horn in the West explodes into action on three spectacular stages to relive the incredible saga of the struggles of Daniel Boone and the rugged mountain settlers of the late 18th century and their role in the winning of this great country from British oppression.

Blue Ridge Community Theatre - (828) 963-2552
P.O. Box 229, Boone, NC 28607
This all-volunteer troupe has been providing high-quality entertainment in the Boone area for more than 25 years. Spring and fall productions.

Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre - (828) 898-8709 or (828) 898-8721
P.O. Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Three main stage productions and "Theatre for Young People."

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