Expanding the Arts at Avery's Creek

A brand new arts wing at Avery’s Creek Elementary helped students shine during this week’s holiday performance.

Article/Photos By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

A brand new arts wing at Avery’s Creek Elementary helped students shine during this week’s holiday performances and rehearsals! As the students sang, danced, and twirled silk scarves, they did so on their recently renovated stage that includes state-of-the-art lighting, projection, and sound systems. Their public ‘Let’s Make It Shine’ performance took place on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6pm, led by music teacher Ms. Melody McGarrahan.

The new art spaces opened for students on September 8, adding about 6,370 square feet to the school’s footprint. The renovation performed by Hendersonville’s Cooper Construction included an updated gymnasium with an attached stage and backstage areas, dedicated and well-lit rooms for music and visual arts, a kiln, and a new outdoor artspace. The holiday program marks the second school-wide production using the new facilities, after the Veteran’s Day program on Nov. 8.

Four students enjoy a new, expansive art room at Avery's Creek Elementary.

Art teacher and UNC Asheville alum Mr. Ernest Wince is thrilled about the new classrooms spaces, particularly the outdoor art studio. The area features a dedicated water supply, drainage, power sources, and workbenches.

“It has opened up endless possibilities!” he said. “We can papier-mâché, paint, throw paint - anything. The sky is the limit.”

Wince explained that because of the new opportunities, this was the first week crayons had even been used in his art room this fall.

“It’s because we’re painting, drawing, working in clay, ink, print-making…” he said. “The kids are crazy about it.”

Principal Denise Montgomery said she loves how the addition looks when she arrives to school each day. But it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a foundation in the arts that expands into every other subject at Avery’s Creek and in every Buncombe County school.

“It’s part of our focus on STEAM - science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics - and it broadens their horizons,” she said. “We want to create learners that someday are able to compete and contribute in a global society.”

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