The clay studio has an opening for a new artist.  The space will be available the beginning of February.  This was an unforeseen opening, and our hope is to fill it as soon as possible.  The clay jury, who is also the selection committee, will review candidates on a monthly basis.  The first applicant that shows him/herself to be a good fit for the program at EnergyXchange will be offered the opportunity. 

The Craft Studio Incubator Program is an opportunity for artists to develop their craft business.  They learn how to expand the love of their craft into a livelihood.  The studio space is 30x50 and is shared with three other artists, each given a quarter of the studio.  There are 2 electric kilns for bisque firing, a methane (landfill gas) kiln for high firing, and soon the new wood pallet-fired kiln will be ready for use.  In the visitor center each artist is given office space, desk, cumputer with wireless internet, and we share the copier, fax, and credit card machine. Business classes are arranged through Mayland Community College to address topics such as, marketing, bookkeeping, tax reporting, gallery relations, etc.

If you are interested in applying, please go to the 'How to Apply' page within the craft studio segment of the website.  We look forward to hearing from you.

EnergyXcahnge has commissioned Mark Peters of Pine Root Pottery to design and build a pottery kiln that will burn whole used wood pallets as its fuel source.  A new pavilion has been constructed to house the kiln and up to 100 pallets.  Construction of the kiln is underway.  We're hoping for a first firing in early December.  Stay tuned for pictures, details and a confirmed first fire date.

EnergyXchange, a nationally recognized landfill gas project that "turns trash into art and horticultural treasures", celebrated its tenth anniversary on Earth Day (April 22nd) 2009. Board members, staff, artists, graduate artists, past board members and partners gathered for a potluck at 5pm on the Yancey-Mitchell landfill campus to commemorate the occasion.

The Yancey County Commissioners, Walter Savage, Jerri Storie, and Johnny Riddle, attended the celebration and provided an added surprise to the momentous occassion. The County Commissioners presented an official Resolution which read as follows:

Resoultion Recognizing

EnergyXchange 10th Anniversary

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange is a nationally recognized landfill gas project that "turns trash into art and horticultural treasures"; and

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange is a multi-use facility that demonstrates different uses of several alternte energy sources through Environment, Education, and Economic Development; and

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange utilizes fuel-burning appliances that are powered by methane in the landfill das that is collected from th closed Yancey-Mitchell Sanitary Landfill; and

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange provides outreach to the community through guided tours that focus on environmental issues concerning alternate energy use and waste management; and

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange mission statement reads "To apply the use of renewable resources and practices for education opportunities and economic development in the fields of art and horticulture"; and

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange vision statement reads "To pioneer the use of alternative energy in promoting our unique local resources for the purpose of implementing and sustaining successful rural development",

WHEREAS, EnergyXchange was founded on Earth Day, April 22, 1999, and this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Yancey County Board of Commissioners that Earth Day, April 22, 2009, shall be proclaimed EnergyXchange Day in Yancey County.

ADOPTED this the 14th Day of April, 2009, by unanimous vote of the Yancey County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners: Walter Savage, Jerri Storie, Johnny Riddle

"At the foot of the Black Mountain Range in Burnsville, a landfill gas-to-energy project is fueling the creative work of artists and horticulturists at the Energy Xchange. Wells situated over the landfill pull methane to a central collection station sending it to boilers and craft studios. The gas also heats the greenhouses where native ornamental shrubbery is raised and sold wholesale locally. The two-fold aim of this enterprising organization is promoting responsible energy use as well as expanding economic development in the area. Visitors are often treated to the amazing site of watching a work of art being created right before their eyes and can purchase some of them in the on-site gallery."

-UNC-TV, Our State: The On-Air Magazine

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