The Richard Low Evans Farm was a retreat for a regionally known oil and watercolor artist, Richard Low Evans. For decades, the Evans family have been strong supporters of art in our community. The Evans family set up a scholarship for the visual arts for the children of our community, they donated the remaining Evans’ artwork for the benefit of that scholarship and the continuity of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. In the spring of 2009, the Evans family donated the family farm/retreat to the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association in another effort to continue the vision of their father in continuing the visual arts in our mountains. The plan for this property is to build an Art Camp with the historic Evans’ farmhouse as a Gallery showcasing Evans’ remaining work, as well as other artists work. While the plans for the farm are in the “planning” stage, our goal is to begin construction of a pavilion in 2011, if funding can be found.

Evans Art Camp Naming Opportunities

Existing buildings on the property are the 1940s vintage farmhouse and a small outbuilding. In order to proceed, a covered pavilion and a barn/studio plus exterior lighting and power are needed. All gifts of $500 or more will be recognized with a plaque in the renovated farmhouse and/or existing outbuilding.

$250,000 — Barn/Cafeteria/Events Area
$150,000 — Activities Pavilion
$50,000 — Large Forge/Kiln Arts Studio
$25,000 — 2D Arts Studio or Covered Exhibit Area

Trail and Trail Benches Naming Opportunities

The Evans Farm includes 8.5 acres of forested and non-forested area. Walking trails would provide a tranquil and lovely spot for a bench in honor or memory of a loved one. The benches provided by The Art Center would be crafted locally with a commemorative brass plaque inscribed as you wish.

$5,000 — Trail Name

$1,000 — Teak Trail Bench