Our Vision
The vision of the Jackson County Arts Council is to promote individual artists, foster appreciation of the arts, provide art education and inspire creativity in Jackson County.
Our Mission
The Jackson County Arts Council believes that exposure to the arts, and participation in the arts, are uniquely important to every community and should be encouraged and supported on several levels:
- Promoting excellence in artistic expression, citizen engagement and community enhancement.
- Encouraging a culture of creativity expressed through ground-breaking approaches to educational and economic development.
- Supporting the arts at all levels to accomplish viable economic growth and enrichment of community life for all citizens.
Together, we can create a bright future for the citizens of Jackson County.
Our History
The Jackson County Arts Council was founded in 1976 by Dr. Perry Kelly, art professor and head of the Art Department at WCU for many years. The council’s primary interest was providing more artistic exposure and opportunities for school students via the public schools. (more of story)
Today, with an increased budget and many more supportive members, JCAC regularly funds many local groups and individual artists through scholarships and grants.
The original goal of increasing artistic exposure and opportunities within the public schools has remained a high priority. However, the means to achieve these goals has expanded over the years, increasing the effectiveness of the initial goals, as well as peripherally enhancing other projects, goals and groups of citizenry.
In March, 2011, a new era began for the JCAC as they occupied their beautiful and centrally located office in the newly completed Jackson County Public Library, a 20,000 square foot addition to the historic court house in downtown Sylva, the seat of Jackson County. This new location is more visible and accessible to the public, thus facilitating the accomplishment of mission goals.
Our Board of Directors
The Jackson County Arts Council Board of Directors includes members of the Jackson County community and Western Carolina faculty and staff who appreciate art and its impact on the community. The 2012-13 Board of Directors are:
Executive Committee: Sylvia Smythe (President), Claire Collins (Vice President), Liz Mainwaring (Secretary), Henry Mainwaring (Treasurer)
Board: Amy Cherry, Denise Drury, Norma Hendrix, Susan Lanier, Joseph Meigs, Erin Tapley, Yona Wade