
The Rock School Arts Foundation’s mission is to offer new and exciting exhibitions, programs, and art education for adults and children. The Foundation serves as a cultural destination for tourists and visitors and a resource for our local art communities and is housed in the Old Rock School. This building was constructed from 1922 to 1923 and used as a school until the late 1970s. Today, the building is also home to numerous other community organizations. The history of the Town of Valdese is captured in the mural “Portrait of Valdese: A Story to Tell,” which covers multiple walls in the building.
The Rock School Arts Foundation has two gallery spaces with hardwood floors, track lighting, neutral-colored walls/hanging surfaces, and a wall of windows. Work displayed in the galleries comes from amateur and professional artists from western North Carolina and across the state. Most of the works are for sale. Each year the foundation holds five shows of 8 to 10 artists per show. In addition, there are two high school art shows and a middle school art show. The annual Open Art Competition is held each August and coincides with the Waldensian Festival.
The Rock School Arts Foundation utilizes its Studio 101 for classes and workshops in all art media for children and adults as well as for hosting the receptions for exhibitions. Workshops and classes are offered in stained glass mosaic, silver jewelry, paper making, watercolor, calligraphy, gel prints, etc.
Hours:
Monday–Friday 8:30 am–5 pm