The power of cinema to keep community

In a divisive time, with heated political and social climates, anything that creates unity is valuable. Theaters could play a great role in this than we realize. Greg Israel, the owner of Sylva’s “Catamount Cinemas” and “Smoky Mountain Cinemas” in Waynesville, says “Theaters create social opportunities and unify people in many ways.” Israel, among many […]

WCU art students create books for Cherokee learners

Story co-produced with Madison Pait WCU art students create and donate books for Cherokee learners in WCU’s Introduction to Printmaking course.   “We’re partnering with the Cherokee learners to create a children’s book. And the hopes for this book is for all of the students in the class to create a picture that sort of symbolizes […]

Cat Singers: An ensemble of diversity

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Carolina University vocal ensemble Catamount “Cat” Singers saw a revitalization with the end of a campus-wide mask mandate and the hiring of Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson in 2021. As Assistant Voice Professor, Jackson sought to lead this ensemble with a new and improved philosophy: the power of inclusivity. Jackson […]

Matthew McCrary: Talented Trombone Musician

Matthew McCrary is a junior student at Western Carolina University. A fan of classical, 50s, and 60s music, McCrary majors in Music Education and plays the trombone. He is a part of the School of Music, which is a program that provides student musicians with academic, performance, and recording experiences that prepare them for careers […]

Local glass blower shows us how it’s done

Did you know Sylva has its very own glass blowing studio? The glass blowing studio is located at the Jackson County Green Energy Park and pre-COVID it was a popular place. People could rent the studio and work for a few hours and make their own art or attend classes. At the moment the studio […]

Into the world of WCU Winter Guard

As intimidating as it might look to spin a 6-foot metal pole in the air, if you want a sport to keep you active but still have a creative outlet- consider trying out for Catamount Color Guard. The Catamount Color Guard (CCG) is a part of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and performs […]