A View Into HCC’s Creative Arts Program

by Greg Vineyard

The value of education and life experiences in any field cannot be overstated.

Like millions in our country, I am someone who has considered regional community colleges an integral part of any area in which I’ve lived. Friends received degrees. A teaching parent put food on our dinner table. I returned to one as a “non-traditional age” student (I prefer “NTA”: it sounds like a spaceship hyper drive device) to pursue additional schooling in the arts. And I always cross paths with folks who are affiliated with Haywood Community College (HCC) in Waynesville, NC.

HCC’s Mission, to “provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education, workforce training, and lifelong learning,” is supported by the campus’ physical environment. Tucked just off US 19, one is transported onto a calm, winding, tree-filled greenspace. The green-built wonder that is the Creative Arts Building is the epitome of support for what lies within.

There are folks in the WNC arts collective who do some really cool things, and inspire us. Not just the makers, but also the leaders. Kari Rinn, Director of Creative Arts, carved some valuable time into her schedule to answer my questions, which ranged from her own history to more about craft and the arts in our region. Like many who tend the fires of creativity for others, Kari’s thoughts provide evidence that hands-on creative experience is intrinsically intertwined with the goals of the community.

Greg Vineyard (GV): What brought you to the craft/non-profit world, and what are some things you have done along the way to heading up Creative Arts at HCC?

Kari Rinn (KR): It has been a fabulous journey to this point. I attended community college and took nearly every art class they offered. I spent nearly ten years traveling, working, seeing a lot of art and culture, and saving for school. After living in Montana, Michigan, Germany & Colorado, visiting more than half the states in the US, and 14 countries later, I finally made it back to art school.

I attended Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in Crafts and Material Studies. Education changed my entire perspective. I saw things differently, I learned to question and how to really see. It changed me as a maker and also as a person.

After school I received a fellowship to Ox-Bow School of Art in affiliation with the Art Institute of Chicago. This eventually led me to Chicago where I managed a contemporary handmade jewelry and fine craft gallery. It was an absolutely wonderful experience, which allowed me to work with the artists I loved and help the public to understand the importance of handmade.

I held a brief position with HandMade in America, which is what brought me to this area. What a beautiful place that has a rich history in crafts, world renowned makers, community support and amazing educational opportunities.

I am glad to have found a place at HCC. And what a dynamic, inspiring and exciting place to call home!

GV: What are your personal creative endeavors in the arts?

KR: My personal goals relate to simply using my voice. I hope to be an advocate for craft, working to educate the public on the importance of handmade.

Through my position at the college, I am able to work with so many talented, passionate and extremely qualified instructors, faculty and staff to create a dynamic offering of classes. I find the continuing education program a great fit for me because it is ever changing. I never know what course someone might propose, from printing photos on fabric and altering them, to Japanese silk rag weaving – there is always something new. Even the classes we offer on a regular basis are continually new, (with) new students learning for the first time, being introduced to a new material.

It is great being a part of the creative culture in this region; we are part of an important history. Several community members worked very hard to bring crafts into the educational system here at HCC. It was offered first through continuing education, and was so well received it was developed into a curriculum offering. That was 40 years ago next year!

For more pictures of the Creative Arts programs at HCC, go to www.creativearts.haywood.edu, and for more information about HCC, go to www.haywood.edu.

Stay tuned for Part II of this article in the August issue of Rapid River Magazine.