A homecoming for an award-winning Appalachian artist, an evening of original artwork and live music, and a chance to support the arts right here in Carter County. That’s what’s coming up tomorrow night at the Grayson Gallery and Art Center.
The gallery will welcome Michelle Ward Ciancio, an award-winning artist originally from Olive Hill, for a special solo exhibition titled Reflections in Color. The free opening reception takes place tomorrow, Friday, September 25th, from 6 until 9 PM, as part of the gallery’s monthly Final Fridays Art Walk.
Nearly 50 pieces of Ciancio’s artwork will be on display through mid-October. The collection features her best-known expressionistic portraiture, along with landscapes, florals, and more. Ciancio is a self-taught artist now living and working in Northeast Ohio, but her roots in Eastern Kentucky continue to influence her work. Her portraits often use unexpected colors, textures, and exaggerated features to express personality and emotion. Rather than simply recreating someone’s appearance, she hopes to capture the humanity and story behind the person.
Her work has earned regional recognition, including an Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Award for Best Painting. She was also named the 2022 Summit Artspace Champion for her contributions to the arts community.
This exhibition is especially meaningful because it brings her work back to the community that helped shape her. And there’s a charitable component, too. A portion of proceeds from art sales and donations will go to the local endowment through the Carter County Community Fund, helping make future grants possible for nonprofit organizations in Carter County.
The evening will also feature live music from Corduroy Brown, a Huntington, West Virginia native and award-winning musician who describes his sound as feel-good Appalachian rock. Refreshments will be provided by Sheila Marie Catering.
Looking ahead, the gallery’s annual Halloween Art Show and Costume Party is scheduled to open October 30th, kicking off Grayson’s Octoberfest activities the following day.
So, make plans to stop by the Grayson Gallery and Art Center at 301 East Third Street tomorrow night, Friday, September 25th, from 6 until 9 PM. Admission to the Final Fridays Art Walk is free, with donations appreciated.
Come enjoy the artwork, hear live music, and welcome Michelle Ward Ciancio back to the area for Reflections in Color. For more information about the gallery, upcoming events, volunteering, or exhibiting artwork, contact director Dan Click at graysongallery@gmail.com, or find the Grayson Gallery and Art Center on Facebook.
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This evening will see an amazing weekend full of events all kick off right here in Carter County. Following this evening’s fun at the Grayson Gallery the community is being invited to come out and join in on the AppalachiaKY Herb and Handcraft Heritage Festival at Grayson City Park on Saturday. Organizers are calling it a full day celebrating our heritage, history, herbs, arts, handcrafts, community, and so much more. Events and offerings will be available from 9am through 4 on Saturday evening. All festival workshops are free, so make plans to stop by and learn something new.
Most importantly the weekend’s fun doesn’t have to end there as Saturday evening is playing host to the dinner variety show at 6:30. It is a fundraiser benefiting the Grahn School Community Center and its community missions with lots of local talents lined up. Dinner show tickets are set at $25.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a weekend, then look no further. With so many was to enjoy Carter County on display this weekend has you covered. Come for the art, stay for the festival, and finish the weekend with a wonderful evening of food and entertainment.
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Today marks the final opportunity this week for residents in Western Carter County to take advantage of the county-wide clean-up campaign, as dumpsters will be available at the Carter County Maintenance Garage on US 60 until 2:30 p.m. The Solid Waste Department reminds all participants that dumpster access has now returned to its regular three-day weekly schedule and urges the public to follow the updated disposal guidelines.
A number of items will not be accepted, including refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, and batteries. In addition, all items must be either bagged or boxed — loose trash will not be collected.
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign operates on a rotating schedule, providing disposal opportunities for both the eastern and western ends of the county. After today’s event, dumpsters will return to the maintenance garage in Grayson from September 30th through October 2nd.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful. Let’s all do our part to keep Carter County looking its best.