
Posted April 18
Paint a Patriotic Welcome Sign
May 15, May 22, May 29 and June 5
9 am until 1 pm each date
Instructor is Jean Slaughter
- This is a 4-day class to complete this wonderful project.
- Students must furnish their own 9" X 12" surface to paint on.
- Class size is limited to the first 12 paid in full students.
- Fee is $45 (for all 4 days) plus additional $5 for instructions and supplies.
- Registration is easy and required.
- Call the gallery at 828.360.3038 with your credit card information or stop by in person at The MAC located at 33 Valley River Avenue here in Murphy, NC.
- If you have questions about the class please email Jean here, or call her at 828-835-8218.

Posted April 18
Paint a Watercolor Batik Iris
June 15
1 pm until 5 pm
Instructor is Verlee Jones
- Learn watercolor batik methods, while painting an image of a colorful purple Iris - to be matted to an 11" x 14" mat.
- All supplies except an assortment of watercolor brushes are provided.
- No experience necessary.
- Class size is limited to the first 10 paid in full students.
- Fee is $51
- Registration is easy and required.
- Call the gallery at 828.360.3038 with your credit card information or stop by in person at The MAC located at 33 Valley River Avenue here in Murphy, NC.
- If you have questions about the class please email Verlee here.

Can you believe it has been another year? We want to THANK YOU.
The Valley River Arts Guild was formed in March 2010 to serve the artistic community of the region; by showcasing regional arts, providing opportunities for artists to show and sell their work, developing an artists' network, and sponsoring monthly art events to establish the region as an arts destination. In line with that mission, we have opened Valley River Arts, 33 Valley River Ave. in Murphy to showcase regional artworks and sponsored Murphy Art Walk. The Art Walk serves to promote the area as an arts destination, provide an opportunity to raise the awareness about the arts and to promote cooperation between the arts and business communities. Working together, we get things done.
VRAG is a not-for-profit organization created to support local artists and promote art in the community such as Art Walk and the annual Student Art Show, and classes for art / education in the community.
Valley River Arts Gallery
The gallery is housed in a lovely, two story red brick building in downtown Murphy, NC. Original and affordable, works of art, from dozens of artists from the Valley River Arts Guild are on display and for sale.
Open House - Join Our Guild
On Saturday, April 14, from 10 am until 5 pm our guild members will give tours of our facilities and answer questions on how you, too, can be a member of the Valley River Arts Guild. Plan now to stop by to visit our Gallery and understand our purpose in the community.
Light snacks and beverages will be available all day. Mark your calendars today, plan to visit and drop by. Be inspired by fellow local artists and their one of a kind pieces of art.
Since we are more than half way through our fiscal year, the membership fee will only be $15 with renewal Sept 1st.
For answers to any questions, contact our President, Tim Ford here.

Posted March 30
"Silver Arts Showcase" is presented by the Cherokee County Arts Council
The best of local art from our seniors!The Silver Arts is a celebration of the creative expression of seniors in Cherokee/Clay County.
The event begins at 10 am on April 30 at the Murphy Art Center (MAC) and ends on Saturday, May 12, 2018. The celebration includes competition in Visual, Heritage, and Literary arts.
Registration for the 2018 Silver Arts Showcase is now open. Register online at http://torch.ncseniorgames.org. The event is presented by the Cherokee County Arts Council. If you have questions, please contact the Arts Council's Director by email: director@cherokeeartscouncil.org or call this number: 828.835.0550.
"Silver Arts Showcase" is presented by the Cherokee County Arts Council
The best of local art from our seniors!The Silver Arts is a celebration of the creative expression of seniors in Cherokee/Clay County.
The event begins at 10 am on April 30 at the Murphy Art Center (MAC) and ends on Saturday, May 12, 2018. The celebration includes competition in Visual, Heritage, and Literary arts.
Registration for the 2018 Silver Arts Showcase is now open. Register online at http://torch.ncseniorgames.org. The event is presented by the Cherokee County Arts Council. If you have questions, please contact the Arts Council's Director by email: director@cherokeeartscouncil.org or call this number: 828.835.0550.

Posted March 19
Our very own member artist, Dianne Gardner has been honored with a Art Wine and Cheese Reception scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, April 27th at the Andrews Library.
Wine provided by FernCrest Winery. Art will be for sale, 25% of the proceeds go toward Andrews Friends of the Library to benefit a scholarship fund and other library needs.
Mark your calendars today, plan to attend this worthwhile event and meet and greet this outstanding artist.
Our very own member artist, Dianne Gardner has been honored with a Art Wine and Cheese Reception scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, April 27th at the Andrews Library.
Wine provided by FernCrest Winery. Art will be for sale, 25% of the proceeds go toward Andrews Friends of the Library to benefit a scholarship fund and other library needs.
Mark your calendars today, plan to attend this worthwhile event and meet and greet this outstanding artist.

Posted March 19
We cordially invite you to join us! Lunch and snacks are provided!
The 2nd Annual Plein Air Paint Out and Wet Paint Sale at Hamilton Gardens on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA will be held on May 5, 2018. The garden is filled with rhododendron, azaleas, native wildflowers and spring bulbs providing beautiful subjects for painting. In addition, the garden sits on a mountainside that is on the shores of Lake Chatuge! It is truly a gem in the spring!
Please share with your artist friends. Forms and information are below as a PDF. Email me if you have questions. There is also a Facebook page set up for reminders “Plein Air Paint Out at Hamilton Gardens”.
Warm regards,
Helen Sturgeon and Carol Duckworth
Co-chairs
We cordially invite you to join us! Lunch and snacks are provided!
The 2nd Annual Plein Air Paint Out and Wet Paint Sale at Hamilton Gardens on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA will be held on May 5, 2018. The garden is filled with rhododendron, azaleas, native wildflowers and spring bulbs providing beautiful subjects for painting. In addition, the garden sits on a mountainside that is on the shores of Lake Chatuge! It is truly a gem in the spring!
Please share with your artist friends. Forms and information are below as a PDF. Email me if you have questions. There is also a Facebook page set up for reminders “Plein Air Paint Out at Hamilton Gardens”.
Warm regards,
Helen Sturgeon and Carol Duckworth
Co-chairs

plein_air_paint_out_and_wet_paint_sale_2018.pdf |

Posted March 19
Rabun County Civic Center
201 West Savannah Street
Clayton, GA 30525
Saturday ~ July 14 ~ 10 - 5
Sunday ~ July 15~ 11 - 4
Mail Application & Check
By May 15th
Visit Website
Rabun County Civic Center
201 West Savannah Street
Clayton, GA 30525
Saturday ~ July 14 ~ 10 - 5
Sunday ~ July 15~ 11 - 4
Mail Application & Check
By May 15th
Visit Website

Posted March 3
Rubber Stamping Card Making Classes
May 2, 2018 or
May 16, 2018 or
May 30, 2018
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm each date
Instructor is Sharon Francis
Rubber Stamping Card Making Classes
May 2, 2018 or
May 16, 2018 or
May 30, 2018
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm each date
Instructor is Sharon Francis
- Class fee is only $15 each date
- March 7 class - birthday cards.
- These classes are designed for FUN - beginners most welcome.
- Make several hand stamped greeting cards, with envelopes, in each class.
- All materials are included in the price of the class.
- Class size is limited to the first 15 paid in full students.
- Registration is easy and required.
- Call the gallery at 828.360.3038 with your credit card information or stop by in person at The MAC located at 33 Valley River Avenue here in Murphy, NC.
- If you have questions about the class please email Sharon here, or call her at 828.644.1105.

Posted February 6
19th Annual
Celebrate Clayton
Art Festival
April 28 & 29, 2018
Click here for more information
North & South Main Street
Clayton, GA 30525
19th Annual
Celebrate Clayton
Art Festival
April 28 & 29, 2018
Click here for more information
North & South Main Street
Clayton, GA 30525

Posted January 15
The Best of Cherokee County Student Art
2018 Student Art Show
The Spring Student Art Show is always a highlight of the year at The MAC. Students from all Cherokee County High Schools and home schools are invited to participate. Over $800 in prize money will be awarded to the top artists this year.
For more information, stop by The MAC at 33 Valley River Ave in Murphy, NC or call us at 828-360-3038.
The Best of Cherokee County Student Art
2018 Student Art Show
The Spring Student Art Show is always a highlight of the year at The MAC. Students from all Cherokee County High Schools and home schools are invited to participate. Over $800 in prize money will be awarded to the top artists this year.
- Opening reception and awards are scheduled for April 20 beginning at 5 pm
- Show runs through April 28
- Exciting addition to this year's show:
- In addition to the first, second and third place awards in each category
- Honorable Mention prize will be added to each category!
- In addition to the first, second and third place awards in each category
For more information, stop by The MAC at 33 Valley River Ave in Murphy, NC or call us at 828-360-3038.
Posted March 10
The Valley River Art Guild is comprised of dedication volunteers who work hard to keep the Guild looking beautiful. Each month the store windows are changed out with fresh artwork. There are four large rooms filled with local art by local artists. Shoebooties, a local restaurant downtown has 30 framed pieces of Guild artwork hung in the hallway.
The Valley River Art Guild is comprised of dedication volunteers who work hard to keep the Guild looking beautiful. Each month the store windows are changed out with fresh artwork. There are four large rooms filled with local art by local artists. Shoebooties, a local restaurant downtown has 30 framed pieces of Guild artwork hung in the hallway.

Posted March 9
Call For Instructors
Valley River Arts Guild is seeking instructors in all art mediums. Our classroom facilities have recently undergone renovation and are ready for new instructors and more students in the New Year.
Please click on the two documents below for all information. For answers to any questions, contact information is also available.
Call For Instructors
Valley River Arts Guild is seeking instructors in all art mediums. Our classroom facilities have recently undergone renovation and are ready for new instructors and more students in the New Year.
Please click on the two documents below for all information. For answers to any questions, contact information is also available.
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Congratulations are in order to VRAG member, Nadine Yawn who won first place the 15th Annual Photography Show conducted by The Bowen Center for the Arts. The theme of the show was “Light on Subject”. Nadine’s image title is “Destination Dawn”.
Congratulations are in order to VRAG member, Debra Vanderlaan who won first and third place in Digital Art category in the 2017 National Juried Photography Show conducted by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. Hover images below for image titles.

Member Artist Wins Top Honors
Heartfelt congratulations go to Ann Thompson, a Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and VRAG active member.
Her Kaleidoscope painting has recently been accepted into the Cumming First United Methodist Church’s Festival of Arts. This is her 5th year in having a painting accepted into this very prestigious show.
For more information on this outstanding artist and to view more images of her paintings, visit here.
Heartfelt congratulations go to Ann Thompson, a Signature Member of the Georgia Watercolor Society and VRAG active member.
Her Kaleidoscope painting has recently been accepted into the Cumming First United Methodist Church’s Festival of Arts. This is her 5th year in having a painting accepted into this very prestigious show.
For more information on this outstanding artist and to view more images of her paintings, visit here.