Hiddenite Center, Inc. - Hiddenite, NC

An Evening of Music With
World Renowned Vocalists
Randall Outland and Mary Gayle Greene
Accompanied by Pianist Rodney Reynerson

The Hiddenite Center, in partnership with Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music, is proud to present a dinner theater of outstanding musical entertainment with world-renowned vocalists Randall Outland and Mary Gayle Greene accompanied by classically trained pianist Rodney Reynerson.

Audience members will enjoy a wide selection of love songs and piano solos including Broadway standards, popular jazz standards, and Italian art songs, while dining in an atmosphere of old world elegance. The Hiddenite Center will offer a menu of Beef Bourguignon, garlic mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, and a decadent dessert.

This unforgettable event will take place on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 7:00pm and will be held at the Hiddenite Center’s Educational Complex (70 Hiddenite Church Road). Cost for this event is affordable priced at only $15 per person with both dinner and performance included. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (828) 632-6966.

Both Randall Outland and Mary Gayle Greene have performed for Hiddenite Center audiences in recent years, receiving great admiration for their superior talent. Outland, a celebrated Tenor, has appeared in leading roles in major opera houses throughout Europe and the United States. Mezzo-soprano, Mary Gayle Greene’s combination of vocalism, stage presence and theatrical ability has earned her enthusiastic worldwide praise. Rodney Reynerson is a classically trained and highly acclaimed pianist who has performed solo literature, chamber music, and piano concerti throughout the eastern United States.

This programs is made possible through the Sharpe Chair for Fine and Applied Arts at Appalachian State University, which was established by the Hiddenite Center’s founders, the late R.Y. and Eileen Lackey Sharpe. Dr. Scott Meister, Sharpe Chair holder and President of The Hiddenite Center Board of Directors, is the lead organizer of this event.

“Through the Hiddenite Center’s partnership with Appalachian State University, we are able to bring performers from the world stage directly to Hiddenite,” said Dr. Meister. “We strive to make art and culture accessible to everyone in our region and we invite the public to join us for a truly outstanding program of music.”

Join The Hiddenite Center for a
“Cupcakes With HeART” Workshop
Saturday, February 11th

Cupcakes are on the menu for the Hiddenite Center’s new Valentine themed workshop, entitled “Cupcakes With HeART.”   This sweet treat will offer a delightful morning of creating and decorating delicious cupcakes that are perfect for giving and receiving on Valentine’s Day!

This fun and creative workshop will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 and will take place at the Hiddenite Center’s Educational Complex from 10:00am until 12:00noon. Kids ages 8 to 12 are encouraged to register for this hands-on workshop. Adults are welcome to participate as well! Martha Burgin, instructor of the The Hiddenite Center’s Adult Oil Painting Classes as well as Art After School , will direct the workshop.   Cost is $9.00 for members of the “Friends of the Center” dues program and $12.00 for non-members.

Participants will enjoy creating art with food and will of course be able to sample the delicious cupcakes that they create. There will even be a special take home gift to share with their special Valentine!

This hands on workshop will allow children to experience the thrill of piping butter cream roses, and they will be amazed as they learn decorating ideas and techniques. Instruction time will allow children to make their cupcakes, decorate them with their own artistic flair , and decorate a unique gift box!   Of course kids will enjoy cupcakes and punch before going home with their specially decorated cupcake!

Workshop space is limited so parents should call the Hiddenite Center at 828-632-6966 at their earliest convenience to register for “Cupcakes With HeART.”

For more information about The Hiddenite Center’s events, classes, and programs, visit www.hiddenitecenter.com , search “Friends of The Hiddenite Center” on facebook, or call (828) 632-6966.

Hiddenite Center Seeks Participants
in Annual Local Artists Exhibit and Competition

The Hiddenite Center, Incorporated believes that ART has an important role to play in each of our lives and in our community. Alexander County is blessed with many fine artists and the Hiddenite Center is honored to provide an opportunity for local artists to share their talent with the public. Each year for the last 30 years, the Hiddenite Center’s Annual Local Artist Competition has highlighted the quality and quantity of talented and creative local artists in our area. The Hiddentie Center is proud to once again recognize artists in Alexander County and is seeking participants in the 2012 Local Artist Exhibit and Competition, which will be featured in the Lucas Mansion Gallery during the month of March.

The exhibit itself may include work from artists in surrounding communities. However, the Annual Local Artists Competition is open to Alexander County residents and students only. Artists who have work that was completed in 2011-2012 are encouraged to contact the Hiddenite Center at (828) 632-6966 to receive entry forms for participation. Due to limited space, only three entries in each category can be accepted. Entry areas are:

ADULT CATEGORIES

Adult Painting (oil and acrylic)
Adult Watercolor
Adult Drawing (colored pencil, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen and ink)
Adult Other (Mixed-media, collage, prints and photography)
Adult 3-Dimensional (pottery and sculpture)
Adult Quilting (quilts, wall hangings, clothing etc.)

YOUTH DIVISIONS

High School Students (grades 9 – 12) all media
Middle School students (grades 6 – 8) all media
Elementary Students (grades 3 – 5) all media
Elementary Students (grades K – 2) all media

This competition is limited to residents and art students of Alexander County. Last year’s first place winners are encouraged to exhibit, but will not be eligible to win in the same category. All entries must have an entry form attached to the back of each work, and each piece must be equipped with a sturdy device suitable for hanging. If a work falls due to poor hanging device, the work will not be re-hung and will not be eligible for judging.

All competition entries will be viewed by a qualified judge who will select one first place winner in each category (additional awards may be given at the judge’s discretion). An award will be given to each first place winner. Ribbons will be awarded to first place and honorable mention entries.

Entries must be delivered to the Hiddenite Center’s Offices (Lucas Mansion) no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2012. (Absolutely no entries will be accepted after this date).

A reception honoring all participants in this local artist competition will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 4 from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. at the Historic James Paul Lucas Mansion. Awards will be made around 3:30 p.m. Awards are made possible through the Grassroots Fund of the North Carolina Arts Council, local financial institutions, and the Hiddenite Center.

For more information about The Hiddenite Center’s events, classes, and programs, visit www.hiddenitecenter.com , search “Friends of The Hiddenite Center” on facebook, or call (828) 632-6966.

Hiddenite Center Gallery to Feature
Exhibit by Joseph Eck :
“People, Places, and Pets”
Drawings in Pencil, Pastel, and Charcoal

Born and raised in Reading, PA, Joseph Eck has had an interest in drawing since the young age of 8 years old. What began as a fascination with Sunday comic strips has blossomed into a finely honed set of skills. This newly discovered artist works primarily in pastel and has a keen mastery of portraiture and landscape.

Eck now finds his roots in Ellendale, North Carolina and is exhibiting for the first time at The Hiddenite Center’s Lucas Mansion Gallery during the months of January and February 2012.

“We are so pleased to present these incredible works by a budding new artist in our community,” said Gallery Curator, Allison Houchins. “Part of our mission at the Hiddentie Center is to provide a forum for emerging artists , encouraging them to grow in their considerable talents. Joseph Eck possesses a real mastery of the pastel medium and we look forward to seeing many more great works from this new artist.”

With an emphasis on realism, Eck’s exhibit features detailed landscapes, incredibly life like portraits of celebrities ranging from The Beatles to Mae West, as well as touching portraits of family members and pets.

Entirely self taught, Eck has devoted countless hours to research, study, and development of his natural talent.

“ I strive for perfection in every piece of art that I complete,” says artist Joseph Eck. “I get great enjoyment from the work that I create and I look forward to sharing it with the public during my exhibit at The Hiddenite Center.”

The public is invited to a “Meet the Artist” reception, which will be held at the Lucas Mansion on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 3:00pm until 4:30pm. Light refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand to discuss his work with visitors.

The Hiddenite Center’s Lucas Mansion Gallery is FREE and open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am until 4:30pm and on Saturday from 10:00am until 3:00pm. For more information about Hiddenite Center events and programs, visit www.hiddenitecenter.com , search “Friends of the Hiddenite Center” on facebook, or call (828) 632-6966.