Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working. ― Pablo Picasso

Dearest Members and Friends,

In 1973, a group of progressive citizens committed their time and energy to creating the Foothills Arts Council, designed to serve Elkin and the surrounding counties of Surry, Yadkin, and Wilkes. By 1975, the council was granted non-profit status as a charitable organization with a mission to “foster community and creative practice through arts education, collaboration, and entertainment.”

Nearly half a century later, we are continuing in our commitment to enhance the arts in our community, with our sights set on an ambitious goal: restoring the historic Gilvin Roth building, and transforming it into the Foothills Arts Center, a regional destination for vibrant visual and performing art experiences.

Once complete, our eight-acre campus will feature a traditional craft school and expanded visual arts center, along with a theatre dedicated to performing arts. On our historic grounds, visitors and members of our community will discover:

AVAILABLE NOW

— The Yadkin Valley Fiber Center ensuring the continued practice of traditional handweaving within our community and introducing modern techniques and costume/garment design

— Luthier Program violin semester boasting full enrollment (January semester SOLD out, join the waitlist now for the August 2022 semester)

— Eidson Gallery featuring a curated selection of regional fine art and craft

— Artist Studios (additional studios available; visitors by appointment)

ARRIVING SOON

— Clayworks (2022) a 4,000 square foot ceramics studio dedicated to hand building, throwing, firing, and glazing

— After School Art and Summer Art Camps (2022) designed to provide engaging experiences for our youngest artists

— Studio Courses (2022) including printmaking, bookmaking, calligraphy, sculpture, drawing, and painting

— Glassblowing Program (2023) a 1,000 square foot glass production and education studio

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

— Artist-in-Residence and Instructor Housing located on campus to promote an immersive art experience

— Performing Arts Center home to the Foothills Theatre, our community theatre group since 1969

— Chatham Museum & Gallery showcasing our areas rich textile heritage and contemporary textile arts.

— Café and Gardens serving visitors and providing a backdrop for movies under the stars, garden galas, and festivals

As eager as we are to continue to expand programming, we must first address damages incurred by years of neglect. The historic center and mill offices have sustained significant water damage. Electric, plumbing, HVAC, and fire/safety issues further render portions of these buildings unusable until addressed.  

This year, your contribution is not only to support of the vitality of the arts — your donation is also an opportunity to be part of a monumental project to preserve and restore our history and heritage. The Foothills Arts Center at Chatham Mill will provide enjoyment and enrichment for generations to come. 

We cannot achieve our goals without your generous support. As a 503(c) nonprofit organization, your charitable gift is tax-deductible. You can give in any of the following ways: 

— Donate online at bit.ly/facdonate

— Text GIVEFAC to 44-321

We thank you wholeheartedly for your support!

Dan Butner

Executive Director

Sydney Sieviec

Assistant Director

P.S. Want to see your donation go further? Please join us on Tuesday, November 30 at 8:00 am for Facebook’s Giving Tuesday match campaign. The first two million will be matched at 100%, and the remaining six million will be matched at 10%. To participate, go to https://bit.ly/facgtfb (Additional details below)

Board of Directors: Marianne Luther (President), Beanie Taylor (Vice-President), Mary Keller (Treasurer) Debra Garing (Secretary), Jill Bellia, Mike Cheek, Judy Deck, Leslie Fesperman, Joe Fisch, Laura Garing, Jacey Gorman, Susan Pasch, Susie Ridenour, Kimberly Seipel-Parks, Jennifer White

Affiliates: Elkin Roots Music Fest, Foothills Theatre, Reevestock Music Festival, Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Yadkin Valley Fiber Center