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Opportunity House, Inc., Hendersonville, N.C., was originally chartered as The Opportunity Group. It was founded in 1958 by a group of 30 conscientious citizens who saw a need for a new kind of organization in their community. Their mission was to create a cultural center for fellowship and activities of interest in the fine arts and crafts. The center would serve newcomers, retirees and hobbyists. Hendersonville First United Methodist Church immediately offered the group the use of its facilities, and the organization was founded as non-denominational and open to all ages. The group^s membership and influence in the community and surrounding area grew steadily. By the early 1960s, the facilities at the church had reached capacity. It was time to look for a larger home. In 1961, Grace Etheridge, a founding member and director, purchased a house on the corner of Fleming and Connor Avenue in Hendersonville and deeded the property to the organization. But by the early 1980s, despite several additions to the house and the construction of an Arts & Crafts building on the property, Opportunity House was again in need of larger quarters. The membership undertook a fund drive and for the first time, reached out into the community for financial support. The response from members and the community was gratifying. The money contributed was added to the proceeds from the sale of the existing property to Pardee Hospital. On July 28, 1983, the formal dedication of the present building at 1411 Asheville Highway, formerly an A&P Food Market, took place with James B. Hunt, governor of North Carolina, as speaker. In 1992, a major addition was made to the facility; it is now referred to as "the Annex."OpportunityHousecelebrated its 45th anniversary in 2003. The Art League of Henderson County meets monthly at Opportunity House and hosts new exhibits of original artwork in its halls, the Sylvia Campbell Gallery, and in the Grace Etheridge room. Opportunity House also sponsors an annual Arts&Crafts Fair at its building as an official event of the N.C. Apple Festival weekend. Some 30 regional crafters show, sell and demonstrate their work on Friday and Saturday. The fair is open to the public; no admission is charged. Membership to Opportunity House is kept at an affordable rate and is open to all. Individual, couple (open to partners sharing an address), student, family and corporate memberships are available. More information is available by calling (828) 692-0575.