Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Building Bridges of Unity in the Elk Knob Communities in Western North Carolina: Tourism, Local Culture, and State Parks
Session Abstract or Summary
Working with the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP), Appalachian State University has partnered with Elk Knob State Park in creative placemaking efforts to foster new opportunities for the citizens in rural communities around the park in western North Carolina. These projects are designed to increase local heritage tourism in communities surrounding the Elk Knob State Park, thereby bringing economic development to the people of the Elk Knob communities. Specifically, the projects of this year’s efforts are working in a three-pronged approach: to begin local old-time jams at the park’s amphitheater; working with local artwork to be installed on the Beech Creek Trail at the park; and planning a centennial celebration for the park in October of 2016.
We propose to present our efforts and results through video, photography, and quotes from participants. These areas of documentation will center this presentation so that our audience can gain a sense of our work through various sensory details. We also plan to discuss the pros and cons of applying creative placemaking as an economic development strategy in rural Appalachian communities, thus demonstrating our specific efforts to build unity between the NC State Park system, citizens of the Elk Knob communities, the surrounding towns in both Watauga and Ashe Counties, and tourists visiting the region.
Presentation #1 Title
Focusing on Extended Creative Placemaking for Economic Development
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
As moderator, I will focus the participants' discussions around the sustainability of their creative placemaking efforts in the Elk Knob communities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Forrest Gray Yerman is a graduate student at Appalachian State University (ASU), working towards a masters degree in Appalachian Studies and a Certificate in Rhetoric & Composition. He graduated from ASU summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing with a minor in Spanish.
Presentation #2 Title
Facilitating Creative Placemaking Between Students and Community
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
My presentation will focus on the multiple roles (teacher, planner, facilitator) required to build a long term partnership between an institution of higher education and a rural Appalachian community.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Tom Hansell is an assistant professor of Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He is a documentary filmmaker and installation artist who has worked on creative placemaking projects in Appalachia for more than 20 years.
Presentation #3 Title
Student Collaboration with Community - The Long View
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
My presentation will provide a student’s perspective on five years of collaboration with the communities surrounding the Elk Knob State Park.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Karen McConkey Russo is a Masters of Arts in Appalachian Studies candidate at Appalachian State University (ASU), and graduates in May 2016. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Appalachian Studies from ASU.
Focusing on Extended Creative Placemaking for Economic Development
As moderator, I will focus the participants' discussions around the sustainability of their creative placemaking efforts in the Elk Knob communities.
