The 17th Annual Juried Art Exhibit will be held Jan. 18, 2008 through March 7, 2008 at the Blue Ridge Arts Center. Titled "Captured Imagination." the exhibit will feature original works of art created within the last two years and not previously exhibited with BRAC.  These works will be any medium.  The opening reception, sponsored by Applebee's, will be from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm on Jan. 18. 

The show is dedicated to Ruth Howell who died on December 30, 2007.  Ruth was a long time benefactor at BRAC.  An outstanding artist in her own right, she also supported and encouraged many friends through the years.  A display of her artwork will be shown in the studio, which she made possible, along with biographical info and photographs of her attending various events with her many friends.

For a second year, BRAC is partnering with the Seneca Woman's Club to sponsor a sister exhibit, "A Glimpse of Imagination".  This exhibit will feature over 99 pieces by 68 artists from 5 states in different mediums that was not chosen for the juried show and will be on exhibit at the historic Ballenger House.  Art enthusiasts will be able to view and purchase pieces on display.   The opening reception, also sponsored by Applebee's, is Friday January 18, 5:30 - 8:30 pm in conjunction with the BRAC opening and Seneca's Downtown Go Round. 

Entries must be submited January 11-12 at the Blue Ridge Arts Center.

Everyone is invited to attend an informational meeting about historic preservation.  Mike Bedenbaugh, Executive Director of the Palmetto Trust, will be conduct the workshop about the Trust beginning at 6 p.m.  at the Oconee Heritage Center at 123 Browns Square Drive in Walhalla.  The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit organization operating in South Carolina since 1990, dedicated to preserving and protecitng the irreplaceable architectural heritage of South Carolina.

Good music, fellowship and snacks from 2-9 pm.  No admission charge.  Bring an instrument or enjoy the talented musicians.  Take the East Gate Entrance to the Table Rock State Park Lodge.

Come join the Pickens County Museum friends as "Music in the Mountains 2008" continues at Hagood Mill from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  with their first "Kid Fest," a free conccert, workshop and celebration of kids making music.  Included with be Greg Barfield, Steve McGaha and Dean Watson.  A jump-roping troupe from Dacusville Elementary will perform at 11 am. followed at noon with youngsters from Holly Springs Elementary's "Young Appalachian Musicians" (Y.A.M.).  Kids will learn how to play a kazoo and washboard.  Bring your favorite kazoo and washboard to join in the fun.  Bar-b-q will be available for purchase.

 Hagood Mill is located just 3 miles north of Pickens or 5 1/2 miles wouth of Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. 11 off SC Hwy. 178 at 138 Hagood Mill Rd.

The 31st Annual Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee will be held on April 5-6, 2008.  This award-winning festival features juried arts and crafts, live entertainment, historic tours, bicycle rides and delicious food. 

The Center for Visual Arts Celebration is a fundraising event hosted by the Friends of the Center for Visual Arts, Department of Art and the Lee Gallery.  The event takes place from 6-10 p.m. in the WestZone and includes a silent auction of 250 original works of art and live auction items that range from art classes, a beer bash, to villa accommodations in Genoa, Italy, etc.  There will be an opportunity to preview the works of art from 1-4 p.m. the day of the event and online starting March 1 at www.clemson.edu.cva.  Tickets are $50/person and availbel by contacting 864-656-2137.

The Real Story of the Princess and the Pea presented at 7:30 on April 17-19 and 3 p.m. on April 20 at the W. M. Scott Auditorium at Easley High School at 510 S. Pendleton Street, Easley.  Tickets are $10/adults and $5/students and children.

Ever wanted to see where the artists and crafters created their beautiful works of art?  This is your chance.  The Blue Ridge Arts Center is sponsoring the "POP" tour of studios in Pickens ("P") and Oconee ("O") Counties and the charming town of Pendleton ("P") May 10 from 10 am - 6 pm and May 11 from 12 pm - 6 pm.   There is no admission to the studios - just your interest and glowing comments. 

An opening reception will be held to meet the artist on May 2, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Arts Center at 111 E. South Second Street in Seneca.  Call 864-882-2722 for details.  Maps and additional information is available at www.blueridgeartscenter.com

Patriots' Hall: Oconee Veterans' Museum and the Oconee Heritage Center will be celebrating HeritageFest on Saturday, May 17.  The area between the Museums will be filled with music, activities, dancing and special exhibits relating to our Patriotic and Cultural heritage. 

 Dance Artist/Educator Caroline Hoadley, as an Arts Partner with the Oconee Heritage Center, will co-ordinate a street dance with lessons open to public participation.  Ms. Hoadley will lead the audience in participating in various cultural and historical dances, including German Polkas, Appalachian Clogging figures, the Virginia Reel (the first American dance!) and the Shag, the South Carolina state dance.  The dance will take place from 12 noon - 2 p.m.

The American Girls Club will have their monthly meeting at the OHC on this day in conjunction with the HeritageFest and Armed Forces Day.  The club will meet from 1-3 p.m.

Patriots' Hall will be open for visitors from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  There will be continuous activities in and around the museum during this time.  There will be static military vehicle displays, re-enactors in military uniform, photos developed on site and military "duckie" races with prizes for the winners.  Lunch plates will be available from 11 a.m - 1:30 p.m.  The plate includes hot dog or chili dog, roll, baked beans, chips, cookie and a beverage for a $5 donation.

 Come and celebrate Patriotism and our Cultural Heritage!!!