Our Board of Directors
Rachel Watson
Executive DirectorRachel Watson is a contemporary artist and arts administrator based in North Carolina. Her creative practice spans installation, alternative photography, printmaking, woodworking, jewelry, book arts, and textiles, often exploring material, place, and the ways people connect through making. She received her Master of Fine Art from the University of Georgia in 2020.
After graduate school, Rachel digitized the 7,000-piece collection at the Newcomb Art Museum in New Orleans, an experience that deepened her interest in preservation, access, and the role institutions play in supporting artists and cultural history. She previously served as the 2D Coordinator at the John C. Campbell Folk School, where she worked closely with instructors and supported a wide range of traditional and contemporary arts programming.
Rachel is the Founder and Executive Director of Elf School of the Arts, a nonprofit artist residency dedicated to providing time, space, and resources for artists to develop their work. She is also the owner and promoter of Elf Hall, a concert venue that hosts live music and performance, and serves as the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Arts Council. Across her artistic and administrative work, Rachel is committed to building inclusive, vibrant creativecommunities and creating sustainable opportunities for artists.
Nathan Baerreis
PresidentNathan is a second generation artist from a family of professional artists. He grew up going to art shows but never grew out of art – these days he’s working on a collection of poetry and creating art with lasers, wood, and paint. He’s also an accomplished photographer and a good listener. He believes art is a lifestyle and a calling, but that it should never be taken too seriously.
Nathan has lived in the southern Appalachian region for the last 26 years, and shows his work in select other galleries around the southeast.
In 2025-26, he completed 66 hours of nonprofit management training through WNC Pathways.
Vice PresidentDenise Gainey, DMA
Denise Gainey brings a deep passion for music, education, and artistic collaboration to the Cherokee County Arts Council. With over 30 years of experience as a performer, professor, and clinician, she exudes joy and dedication in everything she does. Her energy is contagious—whether she’s sharing the stage, mentoring students, or championing chamber music. A nationally recognized clarinetist and former president of the International Clarinet Association, Denise brings both artistic excellence and a generous spirit to our community. Her presence at CCAC is a gift to anyone who values music, learning, and connection.
SecretaryCristen Clonts
Cristen is a former Army kid who lived in many places before finally settling in Murphy in 2013. She graduated with a BFA in Studio Art – Ceramics at Western Carolina University in 2012, where she also met her now-husband, a Murphy native. While her concentration is in ceramics, she also has strong interests in metal sculpture, photography, printmaking, and book arts.
Cristen has been teaching visual arts at Hiwassee Dam School since 2015 and currently teaches grades 6th to 12th. She is a firm believer in all ages having access to the arts in order to fuel creative thinking and innovation. Her goal is to foster collaborative creative relationships between Cherokee County students and their communities through art.
Through her position at Hiwassee Dam School, she is the direct institutional link through which CCAC's partnership with Cherokee County Schools runs.
TreasurerBecca McNabb
Becca McNabb is co-owner of McNabb Properties, one of the few independent, family-owned real estate brokerages in Cherokee County. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she moved to Murphy in 2003 and quickly became a champion for the community, coining the phrase “Where NC Begins” and actively blogging to spotlight local businesses and culture. Becca serves as Vice President of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Cherokee County Arts Council, and a founding director of the Murphy Business Association, where she organizes the annual Murphy Spring Festival. She and her husband Lawrence are raising four daughters and remain deeply engaged in service, coaching, and volunteer work across the region.
Member At LargeRyan Gaither
Ryan “Gater” Gaither is a lifelong resident of Murphy, NC. He has always been a strong supporter of the local art and music scene and is a performing artist, using his talents as a festival MC and open mic and trivia night host. His voice has been used for many commercials on radio stations in the Tri-State area.
Gater has a degree in education and is an employee of Cherokee Co Schools; he has created many opportunities for students by starting garden clubs and a chorus group that performs holiday shows and at a nursing home. Gater’s mission is to broaden middle school students’ access to the world of art.
Member At LargeGraciela Laurent
Graciela Laurent is an award-winning, published, and professionally certified portrait photographer based in Murphy, NC. As the founder of Graciela Laurent Photography, she creates deeply personal, human-centered portraits that celebrate authenticity, dignity, and self-expression. Known for her compassionate approach, Graciela is widely recognized for crafting transformative experiences and imagery praised for their emotional depth and artistry.
Graciela has held leadership roles within civic and professional organizations and has been the recipient of multiple awards recognizing her contributions to community advocacy and service. As a member of the Cherokee County Arts Council Board, she is committed to advancing inclusive, meaningful arts programming and strengthening the region’s creative community.
Member At LargeMike Lalone
Mike has been working in clay for over 20 years. Returning to Dr. Phillips High in Orlando, FL, he proceeded to build one of the nation’s top ceramic programs, where he built wood and salt kilns, a raku area and the traditional electric firing that is the mainstay of the program. He spent 15 years as the resident potter of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC where he built up the program and brought in top talent.
Teaching for 30+ years has allowed him to fulfill his dream of giving back to others. Mike is currently an adjunct professor at Young Harris College in YH, GA.