Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

An Evening of Art And Music April 18

Story by Garrett Simmons

Take a quick glance around Boone and you’ll quickly perceive that many ASU students reach the end of their four years and decide to stay a while longer. Unwilling to trade the mountain air for a climate-controlled office, they forego the big city and begin the next phase of life in Boone.

Kyle Stout, who graduated in May 2006, is one of the many who made that decision. She received her degree in recreation management and now works as both an assistant preschool teacher and a risk management specialist with ASU’s Recreation Management Department. “Boone is more of a home to me than anywhere,” she said. “I’ve lived in other places, but I always love coming home to Boone.”

But as Stout admitted, even the most devoted resident can sometimes feel the limitations of a small town. So when she felt herself growing tired of the same places and activities, Stout and her friend Rebekah Purifoy decided to do something about it. “At some point I realized that you’ve got to create your own fun,” she said. “So Rebekah and I started considering the possibilities.”

What they came up with was an evening of art and music, put together for the community, by the community. And because most college graduates’ finances are limited, community involvement became especially important.

“When we first began planning, we weren’t sure exactly what we were capable of putting together,” said Stout. “But we’ve gotten help from so many people.”

Taking place Friday, April 18, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Living Water Church, the event costs $5 and will include local art and music, refreshments and a chance to socialize with new and old friends.

Stout was a member of the church throughout college and said it seemed like a natural choice for a location. “It’s a great space for art and music. And when people at the church found out what we were organizing, they were eager to help.”

The building has been given a fresh coat of paint for the event as well. Stout approached Sherwin Williams for help and said the people at the store went out of their way to support the event. Sherwin Williams donated enough paint to cover the entire exhibit space.

Even some of the refreshments have been donated by Food Lion. “We started talking to someone in the bakery who thought he could help us out, and he then introduced us to other departments in the store,” said Stout. “It was totally unexpected, and it was a perfect example of how positive energy works.” Refreshments will include cheese and bread, a vegetable tray, and coffee and punch.

Stout is currently recruiting musicians for the event. She said, “The musicians will most likely be students. We’ve listened to several groups that have formed out of programs at the university and high school, and we’ve been blown away by all of them.”

Stout said she hopes to showcase a wide range of local artists, from seasoned artists who have lived in Boone for years to students at ASU. “Everyone is welcome,” she said. “The event is something fun. It’s not a competition, just an opportunity for anyone to show their work.”

The fee for artists who want to exhibit is $20 for two to five pieces, plus 25 percent of sales.

Stout said the help she has received has given her a new perspective on what it means to be part of a community. “I quickly got the feeling that everyone was working together, helping each other out,” she said. “One person does a favor for another, and it continues. Everyone benefits.”

Stout said she hopes the event will lead to more of its kind. “Throughout the whole process we’ve been coming up with new ideas for future events,” she said. “And that’s where it all starts.”

For more information and instructions on how to submit art for the exhibit, contact Stout at 828-264-4070 ext. 14, 828-773-1231 or boone.community.events@gmail.com.

Want To Go?

Date: Friday, April 18
Time: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Living Water Church (Next to Boone Bowl)
Cost: $5