Highland County Arts Council

Twentieth Anniversary Celebration
8 November 2009

Last Update: 8 November 2009    

Close to 100 people gathered at The Highland Center to participate in the Highland County Arts Council’s Twentieth Anniversary Celebration on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The entertainment opened with excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by members of The Highland Ballet Academy (left, photo by Lee Taplinger), Anna Gregory, Director. Next, Jason Canze joined members of the Highland High School band in various selections. They played intermittently through the afternoon as everyone visited and enjoyed refreshments provided by Blue Roof Caterers.

Overview of the Highland Center auditorium during the celebration.
All photos by John Sweet except as noted.


The Highland High School band, led by Jason Canze.

There was time for all to peruse the many displays. Informational exhibits were provided by the Quilter’s Guild, Fiber Guild, Allegheny Highlands Woodworker’s Guild, Highland County Arts Council, and Highland County Crafts (Highland’s non-profit artisans cooperative). A wonderful exhibit of various works of 35 individual area artists/artisans as well as books by local authors and performance information from area musicians demonstrated just some of the multitude of talent present in our community.

Above and below, some of the art and craft work on display.

Door prizes donated by Chuck Dubois, Barbara Hevener, Pat Lowry, Liz Delahoussaye, Tate Swecker, and Suse Field were awarded throughout the afternoon. Susan Applegate shared the story of the beginnings of the Arts Council and founding members were honored. Debbi Stephenson updated everyone on scholarship recipients of the past ten years as well as on the many performances, classes and drama camps made possible by Arts Council member donations. Posters from many years of summer drama camps prompted memories.

During a brief membership meeting new Board members were elected. They are Gretta Sanberg, Carolyn Campbell (re-elected) and Patti Reum (re-elected). Other current Board members include: Bernice Eubank, Liz Delahoussaye, Debbi Stephenson, Heather Scott, Caroline Smith, and Dorothy Stephenson (retiring). Bylaw changes were approved including the designation of the first $5 of each contribution to Highland County Arts Council as membership dues and the remainder as tax-deductible donation. Those interested in joining the Arts Council may send contact information and check to HCAC, PO Box 175, Monterey, VA 24465. The Arts Council thanks our many supporters/members/patrons and the community at large for making the past 20 years of Arts Council activities possible.

People visited, ate, and enjoyed the music.


Founding members of the Arts Council, left to right:
Bernice Eubank, Susan Applegate, Char Sweet, Debora Ellington, Lee Beasley, and Debra Timberlake.



Original artwork for the HCAC logo by Debra Timberlake.