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.
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 Board
Our board is a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to advance our mission.
Dayna Guadagno
Co-President
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!
Laura Paynter
Co-President
I am an amateur potter who cherishes the wide open vistas, and cozy hollers of these beautiful mountains. With the conviction that art has the power to bring splintered communities together, I joined the arts council in 2018.
Liz Redding
Secretary
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.
Steven Rash
Treasurer
A proud graduate of the Alleghany Trojan Class of 2000, I ventured from our slice of Heaven here in the Unspoiled Province to Asheville, NC, and later Portland, OR. Despite these adventures, the allure of the rolling hills of my hometown never faded. I returned home in 2021 and now work as an Asset Manager for United Fund Advisors. As a Del Reeves Scholarship recipient upon graduating high school, I had the honor of contributing to the Del Reeves mural as one of my first Arts Council projects. I currently serve as the Treasurer for the AAC, where my art is spreadsheets and budgeting—crafting intricate and precise financial structures that sustain the Council’s mission.
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.
Trish Gardner
I have lived in Alleghany County for over 8 years, and live in Ennice where I grow flowers with my husband and a menagerie of pets. I love discovering the beauty of our county and its people.
John Porta
I enjoyed my younger years growing up in a small town in NY. I spent 45 years in Florida raising a family and teaching on all levels. My love for art and woodworking has given me great joy over the years both professionally as well as closet artist. As a teacher and coach, I have been involved in many community projects and have continued to pursue these efforts. In retirement as a Laurel Springs resident since 2007 and a business owner in Sparta, I’ve had the pleasure to be a volunteer on the Blue Ridge Parkway, planted and maintained the Brinegar Cabin, and have served on the Arts Council for 4 years.
Drew Van Fossen
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.