“I have been involved in creating and administrating art programs for over 30 years. In addition, I have had tremendous experiences developing aspects of my own artwork during artist residencies in the US and France. I am moved by what happens when artists and writers spend time together in environments set apart for the sole purpose of facilitating creative work in the arts. When people are given space, inspiration, and time to do their creative work, it energizes and transforms them and their communities. That is what Cullowhee Mountain ARTS is all about. I know how good it feels to have time dedicated exclusively to focusing on our creative work without interruptions and to savor creative exchange with other artists.  I want to make sure participants can enjoy these same luxuries. It is important they are able to learn and pursue their passions while leaving housing, meals, and logistics to the CMA staff.

Norma Hendrix has been an exhibiting artist for over 40 years. She holds a BFA from Ohio University, an MA in Painting and Drawing from Western Carolina University and an MFA from Johnson State College, Vermont.  She has been an artist in residence and presenter at Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA, The Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT, and Atelier Four Winds, Aureille, France. Hendrix was a professor of Drawing, Painting and Art History for ten years at Western Carolina University. She founded and directed Studio 598 – a teaching studio and exhibition space, 2006 – 2009, She served as Education Director at the Bascom Art Center, 2009n – 2001, then founded Cullowhee Mountain Arts in 2011, now in its seventh year of programming. Norma has been guest curator at Western Carolina University’s Fine Art Museum, has shown her paintings and mixed media works in numerous group and solo exhibits. She recently was the recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council’s “Regional Arts Project Grant” that culminated in two solo exhibits; “!000 mornings” at the Fine Art Museum of Western Carolina University and Frank Gallery in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Hendrix’s artwork is held in private and public collections in the US and France and England.