Our Programs
Arts in Appalachia
A performing arts series bringing six concerts and three storytelling events to Cherokee County each year. Students and teachers attend all events free. In April 2026, CCAC hosted the world premiere of Shards of Hope, a chamber music song cycle by UK composer Andrew Wilson, built around the poetry of Cherokee County resident Mary Ricketson. 109 people filled the venue; 261 have since watched the recording online.
School Programs and Field Trips
Two of CCAC's nine board members are teachers in the Cherokee County school system - Cristen Clonts at Hiwassee Dam School and Ryan Gaither in Murphy. Our connection to local schools isn't just organizational, it's personal. In the 2025-26 school year, we served 425 students through field trips to our facility, an on-site school visit, and a student exhibition for grades 6-12. We project reaching 600 or more students by the end of 2026.
Open Studios
The Open Studios program hosts a collective of working artists who maintain studio space at our facility and sell their work directly to the public. Members staff the space, demonstrate their process, and engage with visitors. For most of them, it's the only dedicated studio space available in Cherokee County.
Workshops and Classes
CCAC offers hands-on workshops and classes in visual art, traditional craft, and related disciplines, taught by working artists from the region. Classes are open to adults and students of all skill levels