Schaefer Center Update

Last week changed the lives of many in Boone and all of Western North Carolina. We have seen destruction and trauma, but standing greater is an exceptional level of resilience, strength, compassion and selflessness.

Boone is a special place, one that we are lucky to call home. The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and Turchin Center for the Visual Arts share our hearts and energy to bring people together. We are now overwhelmed by the generosity and support coming forth from our patrons, neighbors, and strangers following Hurricane Helene, a level that demonstrates the definition of community.

We will be back. We will not forget the losses and tragedies that continue to expose themselves, but we will use those memories to move forward together in spite of last week’s events.

What is special about the arts is its ability to bring people together for a shared experience. During that time, we have uniquely individual reactions and takeaways, but together we are invited to use the arts to make the world a better place. This collective gathering is an opportunity for reflection and introspection, both inward and outward. Notes spark memories, colors create emotion, and movement soothes the soul. We look forward to once again bringing our community together for opportunities to heal, to hope, to celebrate.

As for the status of events scheduled at the Schaefer Center and Turchin Center, we are taking it day by day. Both buildings came through with minimal damage, and, most importantly, our staff is safe. Now, as the university is in condition 3, meaning complete closure due to emergency conditions, we are honoring the essential workers caring for those on and around campus who need assistance, as well as the incredible teams working to repair buildings that sustained much greater damage. Our websites — TheSchaeferCenter.org and TCVA.org — will continue to post the most current information about upcoming events.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris and the university will continue to provide updates as they become available along with resources and ways to support the community. The latest university information and messages from the Chancellor can be found here.

Our hearts are with those dealing with loss and destruction, and we look forward to when we can gather together again.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Auer

Executive Director, Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources