Blowing Rock Arts Center Approved For Loan From Staff Reports U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-Fifth District) announced on Thursday the proposed Blowing Rock Community Arts Center will receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan of $6.2 million. The money will be used to construct a 26,500 square-foot arts center. “The economy of this region relies heavily on tourism,” Dole said. “The Blowing Rock Community Arts Center will provide a home for the arts, theater, dance and music and attract tourists and residents alike.” “I am pleased that the 43,000 residents of Watauga County will soon have access to a state of the art facility to enjoy the arts,” Foxx said. “The Blowing Rock Community Arts Center will benefit the entire region by providing a focal point for artists and art enthusiasts to come together. I congratulate the BRCAC board of directors for making this possible. ” According to a press release, the facility will include an auditorium, a proscenium stage, an orchestra pit and pull-down movie screens. The lobby area will showcase permanent and rotating art displays. Additionally, the facility will house a 100-seat children’s theater, kitchen, conference room and office space. It will be built on a 3.5 acre site.