Our History
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center is a non-profit organization located in the Hiddenite community of Alexander County and serves the people of northwest North Carolina by providing quality arts and cultural heritage programming.
Founded as The Hiddenite Center by the late Eileen Lackey Sharpe and R.Y. Sharpe in May of 1981, the Center has profoundly impacted the region, inspiring generations of artists by providing opportunities to develop, express, and share creative talents. Now in its fourth decade, the Center continues to grow and thrive and adopted an enhanced brand name, The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, in May 2015. With eyes firmly fixed on the future, the Center has embraced a renewed vision, an impactful mission, clear values, and a determination to offer new and innovative arts programming.
Volunteer Today
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with Hiddenite Arts.
828-632-6966 info@hiddenitearts.org
About Hiddenite Arts
Our Mission
Our Programs
Our Programs
At the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center, our mission is to serve and promote the talented local and regional artists and craftspeople at The Lucas Mansion and the Educational Complex. The Center endeavors to connect the public with the rich arts and cultural and natural heritage of the northwest NC region by making quality arts and heritage programming accessible for all.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Our Programs
In alignment with our mission to provide quality arts and heritage programming, we proudly offer a variety of programs, classes, and workshops for people of all ages and walks of life. In addition to offering onsite classes and workshops, the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center also collaborates with neighborhood schools, businesses, and i
In alignment with our mission to provide quality arts and heritage programming, we proudly offer a variety of programs, classes, and workshops for people of all ages and walks of life. In addition to offering onsite classes and workshops, the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center also collaborates with neighborhood schools, businesses, and individuals to share the arts at various sites within our community and region.
Our Impact
Our Programs
Our Impact
For over four decades, the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center has profoundly impacted the region, inspiring generations of artists by providing opportunities to develop, express, and share creative talents. The Lucas Mansion features an art gallery with rotating exhibits that promote and showcase the works of regional artists. The Cente
For over four decades, the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center has profoundly impacted the region, inspiring generations of artists by providing opportunities to develop, express, and share creative talents. The Lucas Mansion features an art gallery with rotating exhibits that promote and showcase the works of regional artists. The Center's galleries and artist receptions are always free and open to the public.
Our Team
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center's Staff are ready to assist you with any questions you may have regarding tours, classes, events, or other Center activities.
Kara Smith, Executive Director
karahiddenitearts@gmail.com
Allison Houchins, Director of Education/Gallery Curator
allison@hiddenitearts.org
Jennifer Hester, Office Assistant
jenniferhiddenitearts@gmail.com
Susan Stidham, Finance
susanhiddenitearts@gmail.com
Wyatt Smith, Reception/Tours
Cathy Rhyne, Reception/Tours
Robert Walker, Maintenance Staff
Elijah Byers, Maintenance Staff
Roxanne Byers, Housekeeping
Shirley Flowers, Housekeeping
Sarah Loudermilk, Marketing Assistant
Our Partners
The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center events, exhibits, and programs are made possible in part through the generous funding of the Eileen and R. Y. Sharpe Family Foundation, The Winston Salem Foundation, and the N.C. Arts Council, a Department of Natural & Cultural Resources division, the Sharpe Chair of Fine and Applied Arts, Alexander County government, the Town of Taylorsville, and the Friends of the Center membership program.
The Hiddenite Center wishes to thank its sponsors:
Emerald Hill Weddings and Gatherings
National Endowment for the Arts
Sharpe Chair of Fine and Applied Arts at Appalachian State University
