Arts Council board members say Miller provided the leadership to ensure the arts council maintained the energy and support necessary to promote all of its initiatives.

As Miller steps down, the Arts Council is marking 35 years of bringing art, crafts and music to Haywood County. Among the Arts Council’s initiatives are art programs in schools at all levels, exhibiting local and regional art in Gallery 86, funding the Junior Appalachian Musicians after school program, supporting the student honors recital showcasing tomorrow’s talented performers, putting on the International Festival Day during Folkmoot and expanding the Haywood County Quilt Trail.

The arts council has put into place several new initiatives that will help support their continued programs such as a corporate sponsorship program to partner with local businesses. It is also planning a new, major performing arts festival that will bring fresh arts energy and financial resources to Haywood County.

www.haywoodarts.org.