Category: Past Events

On December 6, 2025, the Vance County Arts Council had the honor of serving as the coordinator for the entire Henderson, NC Christmas Parade. From organizing line-up details to working with community groups, performers, and local organizations, our team helped bring this beloved holiday tradition to life in the heart of downtown. The streets were lined with families bundled up in their winter coats, children waving eagerly, and the sound of carols and marching bands filling the crisp December air. In addition to coordinating the parade, the Arts Council was proud to have its own festive float in the lineup. Decorated with bright Christmas lights, holiday greenery, and creative touches that reflected the spirit of the arts, our float rolled through downtown as we waved to the crowd and celebrated the season. Seeing so many smiling faces and hearing the cheers along the route was a wonderful reminder of how much this event means to the community. Serving as both organizers and participants allowed the Vance County Arts Council to support local creativity from every angle—uplifting performers, showcasing community groups, and adding our own artistic flair to the celebration. The Henderson Christmas Parade continues to be a highlight of the holiday season, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help make it a joyful, well-loved tradition for all who attend.

On November 29, 2025, the Vance County Arts Council kicked off the holiday season with Tidings of Comfort and Joy, a free community concert at McGregor Hall. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered to enjoy an evening of music, celebration, and togetherness as the stage was filled with the sights and sounds of the holidays. From the moment the first notes rang out, the atmosphere was warm, festive, and full of community spirit.

The concert featured a wonderful variety of local artists, each bringing their own style and talent to beloved holiday favorites and seasonal selections. Vocalists, musicians, and performers from across Vance County shared the spotlight, showcasing the depth of creativity that exists right here at home. Audience members clapped, sang along, and smiled their way through the program, making the event feel less like a performance and more like a community gathering.

By offering Tidings of Comfort and Joy as a free event, the Vance County Arts Council reinforced its commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone. The evening not only celebrated the start of the holiday season, but also highlighted the power of the arts to bring people together, uplift spirits, and remind us of the comfort and joy we can find in our own community.

On October 31, 2025, the Vance County Arts Council joined families, businesses, and community groups in downtown Henderson, NC for the annual trick-or-treat event. The streets were filled with superheroes, princesses, ghosts, and giggling goblins as children made their way from stop to stop, collecting candy and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Our table was one of many along the route, and we were thrilled to hand out sweet treats and share in the fun of a safe, community-centered Halloween celebration.

As we passed out candy, we also had the chance to connect with families and neighbors, answer questions about upcoming programs, and spread the word about the arts opportunities available in Vance County. Events like this are a wonderful reminder that the arts are about more than performances and classes—they’re about being present in the life of our community, building relationships, and bringing a little extra joy to the moments we share together.

The Vance County Arts Council is grateful to be part of downtown traditions like the annual trick-or-treat and looks forward to many more opportunities to celebrate creativity, connection, and community spirit in Henderson.

In November 2025, the Vance County Arts Council returned to the Vance County Senior Center to host a special holiday-themed class for seniors and veterans. The room was full of festive spirit as participants came together to create their own Christmas wreaths and miniature Christmas trees, turning the center into a cheerful workshop of lights, greenery, and holiday music. The class offered a warm, welcoming space for those who have given so much to our community and our country to relax, connect, and enjoy a creative afternoon.

Guided step-by-step, attendees designed unique Christmas wreaths adorned with ribbons, ornaments, and seasonal accents, each piece reflecting personal style and tradition. They also constructed small Christmas trees—perfect for tabletops, apartments, or gifting—decorated with tiny ornaments and holiday touches that made every tree feel special. For many participants, the class was not only a chance to make something beautiful for the season, but also an opportunity to share memories, stories, and laughter with old and new friends.

Workshops like this highlight the Vance County Arts Council’s dedication to using the arts as a tool for connection, gratitude, and joy. By celebrating seniors and veterans through hands-on creative experiences, we aim to honor their contributions while bringing the community together during one of the most meaningful times of the year.

In October 2025, the Vance County Arts Council partnered with the Vance County Senior Center to offer a series of free floral classes designed to bring creativity, color, and community to local seniors. Participants gathered to learn simple, hands-on techniques for arranging seasonal florals, transforming everyday materials into festive works of art. Laughter, conversation, and the rustle of ribbon and greenery filled the room as everyone got the chance to explore their artistic side in a relaxed, welcoming environment. During the workshops, attendees created beautiful fall-themed wreaths and decorations, featuring warm autumn tones and textures that reflect the season. For many, it wasn’t just about the finished wreath—it was about the pride of making something by hand, the joy of learning a new skill, and the chance to connect with neighbors and friends. Several participants shared that they planned to hang their wreaths on their front doors or gift them to loved ones, extending the spirit of the class beyond the Senior Center walls. Programs like these floral classes are part of the Vance County Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to making the arts accessible, meaningful, and fun for all ages. By bringing creative experiences directly into community spaces like the Senior Center, we’re not only encouraging artistic expression, but also strengthening the bonds that make Vance County such a special place to call home.

 

The Vance County Arts Council recently brought color, creativity, and community spirit to life with a special Senior Arts Class, inviting older adults to explore their artistic talents in a relaxed and supportive environment. The event was filled with laughter, imagination, and hands-on projects that celebrated personal expression and connection through the arts. Participants gathered around tables adorned with bright supplies and welcoming smiles, ready for a day of creativity. From the moment the colorful palette was laid out, it was clear this would be more than just an ordinary arts and crafts session. One of the highlights of the day was the decorative wooden truck project, where attendees painted and embellished charming trucks with decorative cutouts, each one uniquely styled. The painted trucks, some adorned with seasonal accents and others with whimsical flair, reflected the individuality of each participant and sparked delightful conversations. At another table, seniors worked diligently on floral wreath designs, using their steady hands and artistic eyes to add fine details to each piece. One image captured the focus of a creative senior painting a floral wreath, showcasing the therapeutic power of the arts and the joy it brings to those involved. Meanwhile, others were seen painting wooden letters, preparing custom home décor pieces with uplifting words and vibrant colors. These personalized creations added another layer of meaning to the workshop, allowing participants to create items they could proudly display or gift. The setting itself was one of warmth and camaraderie. The class fostered a true sense of community, with attendees enjoying leisure time crafting in a communal environment. Conversations flowed as freely as the paint, and each brushstroke brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy. In every snapshot—from crafting at the table to the smiling faces of floral design enthusiasts with their completed projects—the success of the event was evident. The Senior Arts Class not only provided a creative outlet, but also affirmed the importance of arts programming in enriching the lives of older adults. The Vance County Arts Council continues to champion inclusive and engaging opportunities like this one, reinforcing their commitment to making the arts accessible and meaningful for all members of the community.

Eric Taylor treated us to his wonderful violin performance

December 2024 Youth Gingerbread Craft Class 7 Year Olds

December 2024 Senior Floral Crafts

December 2024 Holiday Craft Class with 5 Year Olds