On Friday, April 25 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, the Florence Thomas Art School (FTAS), along with New River Conservancy (NRC), will host a special evening titled “Keepers of the New,” celebrating the past, present, and future of conservation of the New River and its vital role in our community.
Florence Thomas, the founder of the Florence Thomas Art School, believed in the importance of nature, conservation, and environmental preservation. To contribute to this cause, Thomas donated her farm in Grassy Creek to be a part of the conserved land in Ashe County.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the New River Conservancy’s conservation efforts, this event will feature a presentation by Executive Director Andrew Downs on the organization’s history and impact. Following the talk, a dynamic panel discussion will explore the intersection of conservation, art, public health, government, and place-based activism. Featured guests will include Steve Trinkle – NRC Board Member discussion on place based activism, Laurel Rumph – Ashe County artist; Shirley Warner – DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) from High Country House Call, and George Santucci – Town of Boone’s Sustainability and Special Projects Manager.
Concurrent with this event, the exhibition Weight is showing at FTAS. “Weight is a reckoning. It is the mental toll of witnessing environmental degradation, the anxiety of knowing our convenience gambles against our future. At a relentless pace 5 trillion plastic bags per year—1 million every hour—these whisper-thin conveniences accumulate into an unbearable burden. Kelsey Merreck Wagner’s trash weavings transform this staggering weight into something tangible, something undeniable. The discarded plastics are not just refuse but artifacts of our collective impact.”
Samantha Oleschuk, FTAS Director of Community Engagement says “We’re thrilled to highlight Florence Thomas Art School’s space and artwork as a way to frame NRC’s mission and work, connecting it to the artistry of recycled materials in Kelsey Merreck Wagner’s trash weavings and the natural beauty of Ashe County landscapes in Florence Thomas’ paintings.”
To conclude the evening, Oleschuk will guide a close-looking art exercise, inviting participants to reflect on their personal connections to the river and the power of art in shaping environmental awareness.
Come share your memories, gain new perspectives, and leave inspired to protect and celebrate our incredible storied river.
The New River Conservancy has worked every day since the early 1970’s to protect the woods, waters and wildlife of the iconic New River and its watershed. NRC is a 501©3 nonprofit. Donations are welcome and tax deductible. For more information, please visit their website at newriverconservancy.org, or any of their social media pages.
