We initiated the discussion by noting the thousands of miles of roadway and hundreds of bridges they were responsible for and assuring them our desire was to enhance their work and not add to it. We then presented our concerns about the issues of cost and safety and asking them about other issues we should be aware of. Our desire would be to build a collaborative relationship with the Department of Transportation and not add to their cost of operation.
We presented information about six Trails or Projects around the world that had characteristics worth emulating. We then discussed the trails that already existed in various forms in the Toe Valley. The Yellow Mountain Trail, the Civil War Trail, the Quilt Trail and th
e Handmade in America Craft Trails were examples we gave. We should have included the Appalachian Trail.
e Handmade in America Craft Trails were examples we gave. We should have included the Appalachian Trail.We pointed out that the concept of the Toe Valley Trail has been worked on for a little over 3 months. We have the beginnings of a blog site. We have 75 supporters on Facebook. We have the initial support of Handmade in America, Toe River Arts Council, EnergyXchange, May Coalition, Mayland/ Yancey Campus, Becky Anderson, and others considering their involvement such as Penland School.
We noted the work that Barbara Webster has done and the desire to have signage similar to the civil war signage for the Quilt Trail.
At this point, Geraldine explained the work that Handmade in America has done in the WNC Mountains, the Handmade Craft Trails and the economic impact professional craft has on the area. She pointed out the photo of the clock sculpture in Spruce Pine I had brought and how money was raised by giving people the opportunity to learn how to make the metal flowers at the Fire on the Mountain Ironworks Festive. A win/win situation for everybody.
We noted the work that Barbara Webster has done and the desire to have signage similar to the civil war signage for the Quilt Trail.
At this point, Geraldine explained the work that Handmade in America has done in the WNC Mountains, the Handmade Craft Trails and the economic impact professional craft has on the area. She pointed out the photo of the clock sculpture in Spruce Pine I had brought and how money was raised by giving people the opportunity to learn how to make the metal flowers at the Fire on the Mountain Ironworks Festive. A win/win situation for everybody.
We gave several examples of potential real projects along Highway 19. One example was to do a quilt sculpture on the new hillside at Prices Creek. Another was to preserve Fred Peterson's church as an example of the generous local culture. Another was to use the Glass factory Drive-in as a Neon/ Glass display wall.
We talked about land sculpture, topiary, natural planting, and highlighting the local landscaping industry.
An interesting note: I noticed when we walked in that this division of NC DOT had just won a National Award for the concrete work they had done. It just so happened that I had brought a small gift for the Department - a photo of a wonderful concrete road section of Route 66 done in the 30's! Geraldine and I worked great together and my sense was that we all left the meeting enthusiastic about the hard work ahead.
