Western Carolina University announced Friday, June 3, that John W. Bardo’s name will be permanently affixed to its Fine and Performing Arts Center in recognition of the retiring chancellor’s efforts to make the $30 million, 122,000-squarefoot facility a reality.

Announcement of the honor was made during the WCU Board of Trustees quarterly meeting, following action to name the facility the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center during a special called meeting of the board in April.

Steve Warren, board chair, said the trustees decided to name the building for Bardo in appreciation of his successful efforts to dramatically improve the university’s academic reputation, the quality of its programs, and its role as a center for the arts and economic development for Western North Carolina.

Library to host presentation, program of life and work of late local artist

On Saturday, June 11, at 3 p.m., the Macon County Public Library will host an exhibit and reception honoring the work of Franklin artist, the late Jim McRae.

The family of Jim McRae (1924-2010), an Atlanta artist who moved to Franklin in 1973, will present a painting, “Woman Reading,” to the Macon County Public Library at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11, together with an exhibit and slide presentation on his life and work. The exhibit, with sample works produced during McRae’s long artistic career, will hang in the meeting room through June. Friends of the Macon County Public Library will help sponsor this event.

Artisans fill the streets while music fills the air during the 27th annual Dillsboro Arts & Music Festival on Saturday, June 11.

The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the historic walkabout village of Dillsboro.

Featured will be two dozen juried artisans from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Attendees can browse and purchase a variety of crafts, including: pottery, paintings, metal works, gourd art, hand-made jewelry, wood carvings, basket weaving, quilts and homemade soaps. There will also be Raku and Horse-Hair Pottery demonstrations all day beside Tree House Pottery.

A drumming circle for all ages will be held Sunday, June 12, 4:00 till 5:30 p.m., on the Courthouse Plaza, Main Street in downtown Franklin.

Mary Eileen Ferrick is the circle leader.

People may bring their own drums and rhythm instruments, or choose from the wide assortment provided, including African djembes, guiros, shakers, and buffalo drums.