13th Annual Benefit for the Arts in Haywood County

Can you imagine watching an artist create a piece of artwork in one hour?

That is exactly what happens at the annual WNC QuickDraw benefit happening on Saturday, May 17 at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. There will be dozens of brave, talented artists who will partake in this exciting event. You will be able to participate as a spectator while the artists design a special piece out of pottery, glass, metal sculpture, fiber art, basketry, pastels, woodworking and more.

Witness art in the making as forty artists challenge the clock and attempt to finish a piece in sixty minutes. Spectators will be caught up in the excitement of watching artwork in a variety of mediums come to life before their eyes, and will have the chance to ask the artists about their work and inspiration. You can chat with them before the starting bell and stroll around their working stations as they create original art.

At the end of the hour these completed pieces plus other completed works are offered in a silent auction. Proceeds from the auction fund college scholarships and innovative art teacher grants. Bid on your favorite works of art produced at the event and take home a beautiful memory. Attendees will also enjoy a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet with the artists after the auction.

“QuickDraw has been the primary funding source for our local Art Education program for the past several years. This event has provided over $85,000 in the last ten years for grants and scholarships. Haywood County Schools are very grateful for the hard work of this committee and this successful event,” Jenny Wood, Cultural Arts Education Director.

WNC Quick Draw is a unique partnership of artists, organizers, and teachers who are committed to enriching the art experiences of children in our public schools. The fundraiser provides funds for art education in the public schools and awards scholarships for graduating seniors to pursue art-related studies. Since 2002 QuickDraw has funded over 18,000 art experiences in the elementary population alone not including elective courses in middle and high schools. This year’s event features many outstanding artists from across the region.

Artists find the event as intriguing as attendees: “I fly into color and design mode when I get the first QuickDraw letter of the year… exciting…  edgy…!” Vickie Beck, volunteer artist.

Painter Joyce Schlapkohl shares, “I’ve been involved (with Quick Draw) from the first year that Gretchen Clasby started it. It’s one of the most rewarding and exciting events that I’ve ever been involved with. It is so well organized and fun for everyone. Plus there are some very nice paintings on display and for the live auction. Quick Draw has benefitted so many art students and is great for our community.”

For artist Jon Houglum, QuickDraw is one of his favorite events of the year, “With the fellowship with other artists, food, auction and the lovely location, it has been a delight for my wife and I each year and shall remain on our calendar of annual events. The community support continues to blow me away, and I hope that the economic conditions nationwide do not have a negative impact on the Quick Draw and the purpose for which it is presented.”

Tara O’Loughlin, art teacher at Waynesville Middle School shares “QuickDraw has an understanding as to what art means to a culture and to our mountains. The funding QuickDraw provides my art program allows me to introduce mediums and materials that otherwise would not be monetarily possible. I cannot stress enough how integral QuickDraw is to sustaining a long history of arts in Haywood County.”

Tickets are $50 in advance. Purchase tickets online at www.wncquickdraw.com or at one of these fine area galleries: In Asheville – 310 ART Gallery/River’s Edge Studio. Waynesville area – Cedar Hill Studio*, Mahogany House, Hazelwood Soap Co., Gallery 86, Great Smokies Creations, Polly’s Florist, Robin Blu*, Teresa Pennington*. (Galleries marked with * can accept credit cards).

If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation to support art in the schools, make check payable to QuickDraw and mail to: QuickDraw, 6 Kims Court, Clyde, NC 28721.

WNC QuickDraw, Saturday, May 17, 2014, from 4:30-9:30 p.m. For more details please visit www.wncquickdraw.com or call (828) 456-6495 or (828) 734-8068.