LENOIR, N.C. – A couple of days ago, I introduced our new venture, Grassroots Appalachia. The purpose of Grassroots Appalachia is to help create conditions favorable for community life. With this new outreach comes a new location on Harper Avenue – and our first exhibit. Titled, “An Exploration: Creating Conditions Favorable for Community Life,” it is a consideration of how we can utilize the creative and performing arts to help build the community we desire.

The opening begins on Tuesday, Aug. 18 with an art exhibit. It considers people and places from the past through the storytelling brush strokes of Fred Boger (1857-1936), a painter of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. An itinerant artist, he wandered the nation seeking out people and scenes which inspired him. There is no better way to consider the Conditions Favorable for Community Life than through the eyes of an itinerant artist, who made a living intentionally wandering the land. Mr. Boger’s art reminds us that our art, however we express it, can live beyond us and lead others to wonder about the past as they wander forward on their own paths.

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, we will explore weaving and fly-tying under the guidance of two local artisans, Karin Anderson and Gretchen Griffith respectively. That evening, Amber Shoemake will teach an arts and crafts class with a few fun surprises thrown in.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, our focus will be on Caldwell County literature. In the morning we will hear from the Foothills Writers Group. In the afternoon, Griffith, a member of the group, will be speaking about her three books on women as we explore the concept that women are the center of community life. In the evening, Tony Deal will be reading from and speaking about his new book, “But that’s not true!”

Grassroots Appalachia will feature an Appalachian Fair Trade Arts & Crafts store, books by Caldwell County authors, Our State magazine for sale, as well as teaching, exhibits, book signings and more. Paintings, sculptures of various materials, tinctures, jewelry, furniture, woven products, musical instruments, quilts, books and novelties of various types will be displayed for sale.

We are also holding classes, from small home-schooling gatherings, to college professors moonlighting in our facility to help you increase your skills, and if desired, marketability. Music and art lessons, as well as book signings and community discussions will be held. Art exhibits will be creative, history exhibits robust and thought-provoking.

Grassroots Appalachia Opening Dates and Events

Tuesday, Aug. 18: 6:30 – 8 p.m.: Art Exhibit – Fred Boger

Wednesday, Aug. 19: Karin Davidson, weaving, 11 – 12:30; Gretchen Griffith, fly tying, 2 – 3:30 p.m.; Amber Shoemake, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20: Foothills Writing Group, introducing themselves, sharing work and inviting others to join, 11 – 12:30; Gretchen Griffith, local writer, speaking on her books about women, tying the importance of women to the Conditions Favorable for Community Living, 2 – 3:30 p.m.; Tony Deal, reading from and discussing his book– “But that’s not true!” 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. with illustrator Tonja Smith (invited).

Grassroots Appalachia is located at 458-B Harper Ave. in Lenoir. We are on the web at grassrootsappalachia.com.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2026. Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash