Tenants
Allegheny Mountain String Project
Founded in 2010, the Allegheny Mountain String Project (AMSP) is a program of the Garth Newel Music Center that provides K-12 students in our communities with the opportunity to learn a string instrument.
AMSP students learn a wide variety of musical styles, based on the guidelines of the American Music System which includes American & Appalachian folk songs and fiddle tunes for early instruction. Students learn to improvise and learn by ear as well as read music. They play Bach and Bluegrass both. Many students work through the Mark O’Connor Method books which provides historical information for each piece that gives the music context. Scholarships are available for tuition assistance. Scholarships and support for AMSP activities are made possible through funding from the Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge, the Bolar Ruritan Club, Bath County Arts Association, the Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust, the Alleghany Foundation, and private donations. Contact Jaime Blees, Program Director by email at Jaime@GarthNewel.org or call Garth Newel Music Center at 540-839-5018 for information to enroll in classes or donate to support AMSP.
Artist Studio
The Center includes a working studio space for visual artist, Liz Delahoussaye. The studio is open for many events and has works which are for sale. The large windows in the Center’s old classrooms provide ample natural light and artists find encouragement and inspiration working in a cooperative environment.
The Gallery of Highland is located in the board room on the upper level of The Highland Center. The gallery features the work of our talented Highland County artists and authors. Purchases can be made with check or credit card and a portion of the profits benefits The Highland Center. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm and during special events.
Highland Children's House
Highland Children’s House opened its doors in August 2019 in the lower level of The Highland Center and is a business incubator client of the Center. Highland Children’s House offers care for children 8 weeks through 12 years in a homelike setting. For more information, visit highlandchildrenshouse.org or contact the director, Callie Smith, at 540-468-1100 or at highlandchildrenshouse@htcnet.org.
Highland County Arts Council
The Highland Arts Council seeks to enhance the life of the community through a diversity of performances, exhibitions, and workshops. Representing more than 300 artists in the county in live arts, fine arts, literature, and crafts, the Arts Council nurtures artists and audiences to help them grow in skills and appreciation. For more information, visit their main website at Highland Arts Council or the Council Facebook page.
Highland County Visitors' Center
The Visitor Center is located on the upper level of the Center and showcases available tourist, recreational, historical, and lodging opportunities in the area. It also highlights the maple syrup producing heritage of Highland County.
