Group wants to make Hoschton an art destination

Could Hoschton become a destination for those interested in the arts — featuring a folk art school and a wide-ranging variety of classes?

That’s what a newly-established group — called the Hoschton Heritage Arts Council (HHAC) — wants for the small town in West Jackson. One of the council’s goals is to make Hoschton a destination for art enthusiasts.

“Everything is wide open for us right now,” said Robbie Bettis, one of the council’s members. Other members include Dianne Blankenship, Carol Tanner, Martha Martin, Jean Beck, Astra Graham, Donna Bailey, Re’gie Kennedy and Debra Brooks.


And while the women — most of whom have other experience with civic groups in Hoschton and Braselton — have been considering such a venture for years, the council’s establishment was announced on Monday.

Bettis said the group has plenty of work ahead to make the arts a draw in Hoschton.

“We have hefty ideas of offering art classes in painting, wood working, stain glass, jewelry making and more,” she said in a statement. “We hope to have performing arts with theatre productions, vocal and instrument performances, dance recitals and more.” For now, the council’s top goals are to start visual and performing arts classes, establish a folk art-type school with courses in traditional arts, and to conserve historical buildings to use for businesses and studios.

The potential folk art school in Hoschton may be similar to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. — where participants may spend a weekend or a week on a “creative vacation” learning anything from basketry to writing.

A possible home for the school in Hoschton may be a more than 100-year-old house on White Street, just one block behind city hall. The former home of Dr. L.C. Allen has also been a tea room and attorney’s office, but is currently vacant.

Bettis said the HHAC hopes to rent the historic house for its school and classes, and purchase it when it has the funds.

As for its classes, the council may offer both traditional and unique courses with an emphasis on survival — anything from gardening and food storage to digging a well and living in the wilderness. Artists teaching the classes would also have an income.

“We hope some of our courses will lead to jobs or the selling of crafts for extra income, such as basket weaving, upholstery, blacksmithing, jewelry making, potter making, sewing, quilting and more,” Bettis said in a statement.

The HHAC won’t compete with other programs or businesses offering similar courses, as the council hopes to cooperate with those groups, Bettis said in an interview. She compared a similar cooperation among area antique stores, who often refer customers to other stores, share advertising costs and sponsor special events.

In the case of dance classes, the council may ask a local business offering instruction to hold a class once a week through the HHAC, Bettis said.

In the meantime, the council is working on the details on establishing its nonprofit group — including a business plan, locations, budget and fundraising. The HHAC may be supported by fundraisers and membership fees.

“Once we get started the marketing and operational goals must be met,” Bettis said in a statement. “The undertaking is enormous but the planning is worthwhile and the group who has come together to do this has excellent credentials and they have the ‘sticktoittiveness’ to get the job done.”

The Hoschton area is “sorely lacking” in the arts for people of all ages, Bettis said. The council would offer programs for children and adults, and classes may be enjoyed as a hobby or supplement an income. Its name with the word “heritage” also reflects the historical offerings planned by the council, she added.

The HHAC’s first project will be a fundraiser — called Auction Extravaganza — set for Friday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m., at Auction Ventures in Hoschton.

Door prizes, a silent auction, a live auction, gift bags and a drawing for a big giveaway will be part of the event. Food and drinks will be sold.

To donate or learn more about the event, call Auction Ventures at 706-654-2693 or e-mail auctionventures@yahoo.com.