A journey into the arts with Thomas Odell

Thomas Odell is a local artist majoring in Studio Arts and while he enjoys the arts right now, he was not always in studio arts and had a much different career path before switching in his sophomore year. Odell is a student from Charlotte, NC that decided to go into the arts after discovering that […]

Lavender Lynn Design is turning Franklin’s gems into jewelry

From resin coasters and art palettes to wired-wrapped jewelry, 20-year-old Franklin local Avery Mcgaha handcrafts these creations using locally sourced gems and butterfly wings. The young entrepreneur is a jack of all trades and has been self-employed since May 2021. She is also a pet sitter and student. Mcgaha is expected to graduate in December […]

Mountain Heritage Center: A regional heart of Appalachian traditions

Story co-written/produced with Charles Gadie Walking through the door, visitors are greeted with a smile from the student workers at the front desk and a sense of curiosity. Many wondering ‘what is this hidden place’. The Mountain Heritage Center is Western Carolina University’s museum of southern Appalachian history and culture.  Currently in their gallery exhibit, the […]

WCU student makes all kinds of art

Story co-written/ produced with Rachel Lepine and Jessica Stephens. A jack of all trades is a master of none, but why not master them all? WCU student, Gillian Kaminski, seems to be doing just that with her artwork.  Kaminski is a sophomore at WCU. She is an art education major with a passion for creating […]

The quilts in the Mountain Heritage Center tell a story of traditions

Story co-written/produced with Charles Gadie There are 21 quilts displayed in the Mountain Heritage Center’s main room, each with a story behind it. Whether it’s a story on the pattern, the fabric or the maker, each quilt is original.   Generally, a quilt is made up of a decorative top, a warm filler called batting or […]

International Festival’s celebration of cultures returns

The International Festival returned to Western’s fountain area Thursday, April 28 to bring awareness and celebration of other countries’ cultures within and across our campus. This was the first festival since the spring of 2019. The festival went from noon to after 3 p.m. The festival, hosted by WCU’s Global Ambassador Program, a subdivision of […]