Hosting our first Summer Events Series, the University Libraries offered our donors and patrons three learning opportunities.
Our first event, held on June 2, Watercolor Painting with Cathy Futral offered participants instruction on drawing and painting flowers. Supplies were provided for each registering participant. Participants were offered the option of two different times for the workshops and a bagged lunch at no cost.
“I love this summer series. We are so grateful to Cathy Futral for sharing her time and talents with us today. I learned so much!” said Martha Marking, Faculty member in Theatre and Dance and LAC Board member.
Our second event, held on July 24, Sips & Reads: Dean’s Book Club Event which featured Dean Sue Polanka’s presentation at the Watauga County Public Library. During the event, Dean Sue completed a reading performance of Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club. Dean Sue Polanka embodied book character Grace March and interacted with one of the largest, most engaged audiences of her book club season.
“This is the first time I’ve presented at the Public Library but hopefully not our last. We love collaborating with our friends at the Public Library.” said Dean Sue Polanka.
Our third event, held on August 14 was a field trip and guided tour to Historic Fort Defiance and to the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center in Happy Valley, North Carolina. The group was led on a tour of the house and grounds by the Ft. Defiance grounds keeper, Sandra Watts. Fort Defiance, the historic home of Major General William Lenoir, offered a glimpse into the history of the Yadkin Valley during the 18th and 19th centuries. Built between 1788 and 1792, the property served as a plantation, a U.S. Post Office, and a lumber office. In 1978, the house opened as a historic site to preserve its history and grounds. Fort Defiance is operated by an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving this important piece of local history.
At the Western North Carolina Sculpture Center, the group was met by a tour guide for a walk around the museum and the garden. Located on 12 acres in the Yadkin River Valley, the WNC Sculpture Center was created to be a place where people can create, explore, and appreciate art while enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The site features more than 100 sculptures along a free outdoor trail that is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The center also supports artists and the community through artist residencies, internships, workshops, and public events throughout the year.