Our Why
Our mission at the Alleghany Arts Council is to create an environment in which the arts flourish and enrich the cultural lives of the citizens of Alleghany County. We believe in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds, leading to a more vibrant and connected community.
Our values include:
- Diversity and inclusion: We are committed to creating a welcoming and equitable environment for all.
- Creativity and innovation: We support artistic exploration and experimentation.
- Education and lifelong learning: We believe in the transformative power of the arts education.
- Community engagement: We strive to build strong partnerships and foster a sense of belonging.
Our Work
Throughout the year, we cultivate a rich calendar of music performances, classes, and events, believing that the arts bridge connections to the wider world and foster community. Our Saturdays in Sparta series offers free summer concerts, uniting us all, while our Taste of the Arts workshops introduce diverse artistic experiences. Our work extends beyond walls, enriching streets and parks with murals, music, and more. We provide moments of inspiration and beauty, and now, we invite you to support our mission. Please consider a gift today!
Our Board
Our board is a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to advance our mission, sharing their time and talent selflessly.
Liz Redding
Chair
I grew up in Charleston, SC but have always loved the mountains. My husband and I bought our property in Laurel Springs almost 30 years ago and spent our weekends here. After a long career in corporate IT and working for several non-profits in the Winston Salem area, we decided to become full-time residents in 2021. I am also an acrylic artist and you can find my work at Alleghany Arts & Crafts. Joining the Arts Council seemed to be a natural extension of both my love of the arts and my love of Alleghany County.
Liz Redding
Chair
I grew up in Charleston, SC but have always loved the mountains. My husband and I bought our property in Laurel Springs almost 30 years ago and spent our weekends here. After a long career in corporate IT and working for several non-profits in the Winston Salem area, we decided to become full-time residents in 2021. I am also an acrylic artist and you can find my work at Alleghany Arts & Crafts. Joining the Arts Council seemed to be a natural extension of both my love of the arts and my love of Alleghany County.
Teri Hipp
Vice Chair
Bio coming soon!
Drew Van Fossen
Secretary
My wife and I moved to the area from Montana in 2021 to be closer to family. I am a lifelong artist, and my professional career has included serving as a graphic designer and creative director, newspaper editor, and, for the last twenty years, higher-ed communications and marketing executive. I currently work remotely for the Montana State University Alumni Foundation as a semi-retired director of publications and design. We love our new life in Alleghany County and are thrilled to both serve on the board and help bring the arts to our adopted community.
Secretary
Kym DiNapoli
Bio coming soon
Dayna Guadagno
I moved here part-time in 2020 and full time in 2023, just a few miles north of town. I love how I can be so close but still feel so rural, and how much Alleghany has to offer without feeling overwhelming. I love the small town and big nature. I love how much our small Arts Council provides for the county, and all the innovation it creates. As a lifelong lover of crafts, creativity, and all things colorful, it felt only natural to join the board. And when you don’t see me out and about, I’m probably hanging out with my dogs, working on my property, or relaxing down by the creek or in the hot tub!
Phyllis Fournel
I grew up in Alleghany County and was a cheerleader at Alleghany High School.I was also involved in theater and pageants, and continued my involvement, supporting my children as a “Stage Mom” in Raleigh. In my professional career, I have worked as a mental health professional for 40 years and currently work with Easterseals UCP. I have recently returned to Sparta and I am looking forward to being more engaged in the development and promotion of this beautiful mountain community.
Lilia Rallison
I am a passionate advocate for the arts, I relocated to Sparta from Orlando, FL, in 2024. My professional experience in Orlando was split between managing a vibrant medical spa and organizing events at a goat yoga farm, where I found joy bringing people together through unique experiences. My artistic journey began in high school with a focus on both visual arts and performing arts, eventually leading me to study the Meisner method before returning to my roots in visual arts. I am a hobbyist painter and potter, and am so excited to be part of the Alleghany Arts Council, where I hope to inspire others to explore their creative potential, foster a strong sense of community and support fellow artists.
Brian Reece
I’ve resided in NC for over three decades, having recently relocated from Charleston, SC, in 2023. Growing up in Kansas, I realized at a young age that I yearned for a location closer to the mountains and the ocean, neither of which are present in Kansas. Upon arriving in NC many years ago, I recall someone sharing that they didn’t travel extensively because everything they needed was just a few hours away. While residing in Raleigh, I owned a small business for over two decades, where I analyzed commercial real estate for investors and the local real estate market. After a successful career, I decided to take a break and explore new adventures while I was still young. My new path has led me to Sparta, where I intend to open new doors and become more involved in the community. As a member of the Alleghany Arts Council, I eagerly anticipate my involvement and the fresh beginnings that await me here.
Jennifer Swenk
Bio coming soon