A new era began at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Sunday.
As a red ribbon floated to the ground, the PAC officially opened its new and improved facility on Chestnut Street.
Donors, board members and arts enthusiasts seized the opportunity to get their first look inside the new performing arts center theater. The facility features a state-of-the-art sound system, modern production equipment, upgraded theater seats and all the amenities associated with a new box office and concession area.
“It’s really an incredible facility, capable of hosting a wide array of events, from opera to bluegrass, and everything in between,” PAC board member Rick Trevathon said. “Everyone that has come in today has been amazed at just how impressive this place is.”
The new building, which took roughly 16 months to construct, hosted its first live performance on Saturday night when opera ensemble Bravo Amici graced the stage. The black-tie affair was a fitting way to unveil the $13 million venue.
Saturday’s official grand opening and open house was less formal as members of the public flooded in to get a sneak peek at what’s new.
“I have other government officials tell me all the time, the arts are ‘nice’ thing to have as an enrichment activity, you know, just as something to do,” Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor said. “I believe the arts are more than that. The arts are essential, and vital to our communities, to our young people, and to our sense of place.”
Taylor, an avid potter and former pottery instructor, noted that his weekend had been chocked full of the arts, culminating with the PAC’s open house.
“Yesterday I was at Western Carolina University to see the football game, but more than the game, I was there to see the band,” Taylor said. “The director of bands at WCU is a friend, and I can honestly say, what those young people do is amazing. Those students and their instructors don’t view the arts as just another enrichment activity.”
PAC Executive Director May Adair Trumbly thanked all the donors who made the new facility possible, and her board of directors for their long hours keeping the project on track during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What everyone needs to know is that this facility was built by the community, for the community,” Trumbly said. “We received $60,000 from Macon County, and other than that the entire amount put into this building has come via donations. It took untold hours of planning, and there are too many people to thank than I can possibly remember. We couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support of the community.”
Trumbly also took time to recognize the work of contractor Choate Construction, who made a dream into reality.
“The guys from Choate aren’t going to get up here and make a speech or anything, but their investment in this project has been remarkable,” Trumbly said.
Trumbly chose to expand on Taylor’s earlier thoughts when trying to put the impact of the arts into perspective.
“Julie Andrews had a quote one time, ‘Give the body food and water and it will survive, but give the soul art and music and it will live forever,’” Trumbly said. “We hope everyone will come out for a concert, a play, or any of our upcoming performances and be a part of the future of the performing arts in Highlands.”
The PAC hosted a community mental health and wellness event with Hall of Fame basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie on Wednesday night. The next performance on the PAC schedule is “Brother’s Revival” a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsperformingarts.com.