An event celebrating the official opening of the Old Jail Museum will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23. The museum will have a program at 12 p.m. recognizing the special displays in the exhibit room. The Clay County Historical & Arts Council is pleased to announce two seasons for this year that are sure to delight and amaze museum visitors. The wood carvings of Helen Gibson and art work by students from the Hayesville High and Middle School Art Department.
The student work displayed at the museum for the season represents a gift to the community as students are willing to contribute the work produced through an abundance of technical skill as well as a depth of thought, insight and creativity. The art show held this past week represented work from students grades 6-12 and indicated that they had been provided thoughtful prompts enabling them to produce very creative responses. Their work demonstrated and understanding of techniques and artistic processes on a high level of excellence. They have received instruction from a gifted educator who understands the importance of providing an avenue for students to develop their creativity and visual communication skills.
The CCHAC is proud to include as a special season exhibit the wood carvings of Helen Gibson, of Brasstown. Gibson is well-known in the local area for her years of carving and teaching numerous students both from close by and surrounding states. She began carving at age 10 when her mother, Dot McClure became a member of the Brasstown Carvers, then became her first teacher. Gibson gives credit to master carver, Jack Hall, who influenced and inspired her as she developed her craft. She also formed an association with the John C. Campbell Folk School where she took classes and soon became an instructor. She became involved with folk schools' mentor/apprentice program and resident carver. Accomplishments of Gibson's carvings and promoting the craft have been recognized and rewarded with the 2025 North Carolina Heritage Award given by the North Carolina Arts Council. Rae Bachus, a long-time student of Gibson's, shared this comment, "I was so blessed to have Helen in my life as a teacher, mentor and a dear friend. The days we spend carving are priceless.
The special exhibits for this season are sure to create positive responses from museum visitors this year. CCHAC is very excited to plan an event to showcase them and focus on the museum and the organization as a whole. There are several projects and activities being planned and under way. Sharing details of those undertakings will be on the program for Saturday's Old Jail Museum Opening. Plan to be there and bring all the family and friends. Come early, take a leisurely tour of all the exhibits and stay for the program.