Stecoah Receives Funding for Outdoor Cherokee Art Project

Stecoah Valley Center has received the $100,000 2017 Joy W. Pope Memorial Grant in the Arts from the John William Pope Foundation for the development of our Courtyard of the Cherokee project. The one-time grant funds an outdoor arts-based exhibit that will authentically represent the seven clans of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

The Courtyard project will provide awareness of the EBCI’s role in the Stecoah community and experiential learning opportunities for students and visitors in the area. The Courtyard of the Cherokee Project is part of a long-term plan to enhance the Center’s ten-acre property. The courtyard is depicted in the conceptual drawings below.

According to Executive Director Beth Fields “the Courtyard of the Cherokee project will authentically represent the Tribe’s seven clans through exhibit panels, native plantings, wind sculptures and original artwork made by members of the EBCI reflecting the arts and culture of the Tribe.”

Stecoah Valley Center's Big Plans for the Future

Stecoah Center's growth plans include enhancements to the existing 1/3 mile loop trail and playground, an outdoor restroom facility, a half basketball court, shuffleboard, picnicking areas with grills, tables, benches, and fire pits, horseshoes and/or corn hole, a wind garden and plantings that address storm water run-off. The plan also includes cabinettes which could be used for overnight lodging or artist residences.

We will begin project implementation this summer starting with the half basketball court, shuffleboard, wind garden and outdoor restrooms. We have secured some funding for these project elements, but need to raise additional funds for further plan implementation. Please consider making a donation today.

The Stecoah Valley Center Conceptual Master Plan and Site Design was made possible through a grant to Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) from the NCFS Urban and Community Forest Program through the Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) located at Virginia Tech. CDAC worked with a stakeholders committee and the community, through community workshops, to develop an overall master plan for the 10 acre site.