Rockingham County Arts Council’s Grassroots Grants Applications Due – June 30, 2015

Grassroots Grants are investments in the local community, bringing Culture and Arts programming through collaboration and support with funds from the Rockingham County Arts Council and the NC Arts Council.

Grassroots Grants applications provide funding for a variety of arts programs each year throughout the state of North Carolina. As the Designated County Partner of the NC Art Council, the Rockingham County Arts Council in Wentworth, NC, will be accepting Grant Proposals through June 30, 2015.

Organizations that are non-profits or considered non-profits are encouraged to apply, with any questions welcome by the Director.  “Grassroots Grants are an opportunity to fund projects in our community and schools, helping to increase budgets of non-profits. New applicants are invited to contact us, discuss their project and receive assistance with the application. This is not a difficult grant application, though there are several important qualifications and documents needed. ”  Grant applicants should read the guidelines, applications and report to determine if this is a grant that fits their project.

Grant guideline and applications may be found online at (http://artsinrockingham.org/grants-and-programs/grassroots-grants/) and by contacting the RCAC. After applications are collected, a committee selected from Rockingham County will review the proposals. After this review, the Rockingham County Board votes on accepted proposals and organizations are contacted.

Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. The program distributes funds for the arts in all 100 counties of the state primarily through partnerships with local arts councils.

Other funding provided through the Rockingham County Arts Council maybe found on the website at (http://artsinrockingham.org/grants-and-programs/).

The Rockingham County Arts Council is the focal point/umbrella organization for the arts and information about the arts in Rockingham County. Our mission is to nurture and enrich the cultural life of Rockingham County. We seek to encourage excellence in the arts and to make fine arts experiences.

Rockingham County Arts Council Announces Deadline for Penland Scholarship for Rockingham County, NC, Residents – Feb. 17, 2015

This full scholarship is an opportunity for Rockingham County, NC, residents to expand their knowledge of visual art through a full scholarship provided by the Glass/Apple Foundation.

The Rockingham County Arts Council in Wentworth, NC, is excited to support this scholarship with Penland School of Crafts. The Glass/Apple Scholarship Fund was established by Ed & Sue Glass and the Apple Foundation, providing one 2-week work-study scholarship for a resident from Rockingham County, NC, at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC. While there are several scholarship opportunities, this opportunity is specifically for Rockingham County residents.

Penland School of Crafts is an international center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also offers artists’ residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center

Application format has been changed from mailing in the forms, images and other information. For 2015 scholarship applications must be made online, using (Slideroom.com), by midnight on Feb. 17, 2015 and must include your letters of reference along with other information. Scholarship applicants pay a nonrefundable $50 processing fee. Applicants will be notified by Apr. 1, 2015.

The Rockingham County Arts Council offers guidance to applicants as to the procedure, online application and has Penland course catalogues available at the Dan River Art Market & Gallery. Please contact us with any questions.

The Rockingham County Arts Council is the focal point/umbrella organization for the arts and information about the arts in Rockingham County. Our mission is to nurture and enrich the cultural life of Rockingham County. We seek to encourage excellence in the arts and to make fine arts experiences available throughout our community.

For further information e-mail to (director@artsinrockigham.org), call 336/349-4039 or visit (www.artsinrockingham.org),

Dan River Art Market & Gallery in Wentworth, NC, Announces Annual Holiday Open House Dec. 6, 2014

Dec. 6, 2014, from 10am-5pm, the Dan River Art Market & Gallery in Wentworth, NC, opens its’ doors to the public to share art, live music, light refreshment and a make-and-take holiday ornament.

The annual Holiday Open House, presented by the Rockingham County Arts Council, celebrates the bounty from the creative local artists in Rockingham County. Each year the Holiday Season presents the perfect opportunity to share a hand-made gift from a local artist. Supporting the local creative economy is a special part of the giving community that is unique to Rockingham County.

“Artists throughout the county are sharing their talents in so many ways and the holiday gift-giving season is a great way to show community support by choosing to #ShopLocal and #BuyRockinghamArt. A unique gift of pottery, a handmade scarf, painted picture, handcrafted jewelry, book by a local author and a CD of music by a local singer/songwriter is a unique gift that will be appreciated for its’ beauty and support! Our artists exhibit artwork and crafts at many of our #SmallBusinesses and gift shops. The Dan River Art Market is a central location with a sampling of our own arts community with a celebratory Holiday Open House.”

Artists are welcome to bring artwork, crafts, books, CD’s and other items that our arts community can purchase for holiday gift-giving to the Art Market by Dec. 4, 2014. Many holiday shoppers are searching for simple gifts that are festive and affordable.

The Holiday Open House celebration will feature live music from ”Chords and Strings” dulcimer group and possibly more live music, along with light refreshments and make-and-take holiday ornaments. Artists will be on hand to demonstrate and can take commissioned orders.

The Dan River Art Market & Gallery will be open Thursdays from 11am-4pm, Fridays 11am-2pm through Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am-5pm and Dec. 12 from 11am-pm.

This Holiday Season, #ShopLocal and #BuyRockinghamArt !

RCAC is the focal point/umbrella organization for the arts and information about the arts in Rockingham County. Our mission is to nurture and enrich the cultural life in Rockingham County. The Dan River Art Market & Gallery supports local art and artists through exhibition, performance and education.

For more information, to volunteer and exhibit please visit (www.artsinrockingham.org) or call 336/349-4039.