The N.C. Pottery Center in Randolph County has been awarded $32,497 from the N.C. Arts Council for State Arts Resources and the Traditional Arts Programs in Schools (TAPS). The funds will be used to support several major exhibitions curated by guest artists during the grant cycle, and the Traditional Arts Programs in the local elementary school.

"State funds allow Randolph County to provide quality arts programming for students and adults, while sustaining our local economy," said Linda Carnes-McNaughton, president of the NCPC board of directors. "Last year, the N.C. Pottery Center provided programming for more than 11,500 citizens, including adults, youth and children from all over North Carolina as many were day-travelers to the area. Visitors from all 50 states were represented, and visitors came from 27 foreign countries."

A highlight of the center's programming is the Traditional Arts Programs in the local Seagrove Elementary School, for fifth-grade students. The two sessions taught by fifth-generation potter Sid Luck of Luck's Ware, are scheduled for fall 2010 and spring 2011. The 10-week pottery program is so popular with students that it requires registration and a random drawing for participation.

"The support of our grants program by the General Assembly during these economically challenging times demonstrates the role the arts play in our economy and our quality of life," said Mary B. Regan, executive director of the N.C. Arts Council. "Nonprofit arts organizations employ workers, stimulate commerce, generate tax revenues and help communities retain their vibrancy."

More than 13.6 million people participated in N.C. Arts Council-funded projects last year in schools, senior centers, concert halls and community centers. Nearly 4.3 million of these were children and youth.

The N.C. Arts Council awards grant money each year to provide diverse arts experiences for citizens in all 100 counties of North Carolina. In fiscal year 2010-11, the Arts Council is expected to distribute $7.4 million in state and federal grant funds to arts organizations, schools and other nonprofit organizations that sponsor arts programs.

Exhibitions are made possible through the generosity of members, the Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation and the Goodnight Educational Foundation. These projects are supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The mission of the North Carolina Pottery Center is to promote public awareness of and appreciation for the history, heritage and ongoing tradition of pottery making in North Carolina. The center is located at 233 East Ave. in Seagrove. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (336) 873-8430 or visit www.ncpotterycenter.org.