Friends Of The Center is a support organization of the Hiddenite Center, Inc. affording patrons opportunities to aid in the collective input into the Center's operation. In addition, Friends of The Center provides public support and community awareness for the Center's needs as well as the Center's programs.

Now, more than ever, the ARTS are a vital part of our lives! The ARTS play a role in the local economy, community development, travel and tourism, and the overall quality of life that we enjoy! The Hiddenite Center strives to be at the center of the action. We feel that we make a difference in this region! In order to assume our place and have the programs and services which make a difference, we need YOUR support.

Your support does make a difference.

• Receive our FriendsLetter along with announcements of upcoming events
• Save with a 10% discount on items from our consignment areas and gallery
• Visit the Lucas Mansion throughout the year with free admission
• Enjoy classes and educational programs at a discount
• Attend special events scheduled for "Friends Only"

Visit the First Floor...Museum
The first floor of the Lucas Mansion is a museum restored to reflect the turn-of-the-century era. You'll also enjoy the collection of local gemstones and minerals which are displayed on the first floor. There are special events such as the Christmas Open House, which are for "Friends Only" and as a Friend of the Center you tour the Lucas Mansion with free admission throughout the year!

Visit the Second Floor...Gallery & Gift Shop
Our gallery exhibitions are changed about ten times each year, so there is much to see and learn. Many of our gallery items are available for purchase as well as specialty items in the gift shop...and remember “Friends” receive 10% off!

Visit the Third Floor...Doll Collection
You will be amazed at the extensive doll collection displayed on the third floor of the Lucas Mansion. This impressive collection spans more than one hundred years and is on loan from the Center's founder, Eileen Lackey Sharpe.

Special Events at the Educational Complex...
As a “Friend of the Center” you will receive our FriendsLetter with announcements of upcoming events and invitations to special “Friends Only” events. Our performances range from outdoor programs to dinner theater settings at the Center's Educational Complex. Our wide spectrum of classes offer not only educational value but a chance to enjoy friendship and fun...and remember as a “Friend” you receive a discount on classes!

Did you know? The Hiddenite Center annually supports about fifty weeks of residencies in our schools to enrich the curriculum and the lives of our children. About ten exhibits each year expose us to quality arts, crafts, and heritage, while performances and classes thrill us with the accomplishments of others and our own efforts. These services are possible only through the generosity of a wonderful group of funders including the Alexander County Government, the Sharpe Family Foundation, the North Carolina Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, regional foundations, businesses, corporations, and the commitment of people like you!

Grants awarded annually:
Regional Artists Project Grants
Local Artists Awards through Local Financial Institutions

Funding Partners:
National Endowment for the ARTS
National Endowment for the Humanities
North Carolina Arts Council
Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina
Southeastern Museums Council
North Carolina Museums Council
Alexander County Schools
Alexander County Government
Winston Salem Foundation
North Carolina Rural Center
Unifour Foundation
Catawba Valley Foundation
Duke Power Foundation
Sharpe Family Foundation
Friends of the Center
Local Businesses and Individuals

Your membership and support are needed to keep special events like the Hiddenite Celebration of the Arts alive and well in our community. Membership forms are available at the Hiddenite Center welcome desk or just click above to print out the Membership Application online! The Hiddenite Center is truly a treasure of history and entertainment. You are invited to be an important part of this ever-changing treasure here at the Hiddenite Center.

All Friends Memberships run with the calendar:
January - December