By Calie Brummer
On Thursday, November 1, from 6–8 p.m., the Art League of Henderson County (ALHC) will host an opening ceremony to pay tribute to founder and teacher Georgia Etheredge (1905–1993). The fall exhibit may be viewed at CANVAS ArtSpace in downtown Hendersonville Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 10, and will showcase the work of member artists and pay homage to Etheredge’s contributions to the community.
“Etheredge, in addition to founding the Art League, had a huge impact on Hendersonville’s art community,” says Al Junek, publicity chairman of ALHC. “She was, foremost, a teacher, encouraging art throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. She initiated art classes in area high schools and was instrumental in establishing the Opportunity House for the teaching and exhibition of art.”
Etheredge organized the first of many public art exhibits in April of 1958, showcasing her students’ work in the lobby of the Skyland Hotel in Hendersonville. The following year, the exhibit spread to the sidewalks in front of the hotel and welcomed artists of all ages. In 1960, Etheredge helped form the Art League and continued the outdoor sidewalk show tradition. Soon, the sidewalk shows drew the attention of more than 100 local and national artists.
As the Art League continued to grow, the group designated an exhibit space at the current Opportunity House on Asheville Highway. The cultural center became the hub for art shows and receptions.
“Etheredge’s small exhibits of student work eventually grew to what is now the annual weekend event, Art on Main, which draws artists from all over the Southeast,” says Junek. “Today, to honor her contributions, Grace Etheredge scholarships are available to deserving college art students.”
This year, Etheredge was honored with a space on the Henderson County Walk of Fame for her contributions to the Art League and her founding work for the Opportunity House.
The fall member show will showcase original works of varied subject matters, including landscapes, abstracts and still lifes using mediums ranging from acrylic and pastel to watercolor and mixed media.
CANVAS ArtSpace is located at 212 South Church Street in Hendersonville. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. To learn more, visit ArtLeague.net.
What happened to Opportunity House ?
I remember it has offering classes, wood working, glass, painting, clay, painting and card rooms, community space
Who allowed all of that to be turned over to a private music school ?
Was that legal ?