ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — Joni Ray has loved art her whole life.

"It's really my time. It's something I get lost in. It's not just a way to express myself but to create something beautiful," Ray said.

It started as her and her dad time.

"My dad was a painter so he always had art supplies," Ray said.

That made her love for art grow fast. She is the executive director for the Ashe County Arts Council, a nonprofit displaying artists from all over. 

"It's a nice sampling of what our artists in the area do," Ray said."It's a nice sampling of what our artists in the area do," Ray said. "We have over six dozen artists represented in here at one time. We have books, CDs. We have got everything from candles and pottery. The goal here is to give local artists, crafters, musicians, a place to sell things, a place to be represented," Ray said.

Once a year, the arts council puts up a display with art from local children.

"We have everyone from 5-18. You would be shocked by what the 6- and 7-year-olds are producing," Ray said.

The children produce all different kinds of art from paintings to photography. 

"This is a 3D-printed cellphone holder," Ray said.

It is a chance for kids to truly express themselves any way they want.

"I think sometimes kids are better than adults at expressing through their artwork. They are probably a little less edited. As adults we edit more considering our audience more," Ray said.