Free admission to Willis Observatory for artists from four Western NC counties
Willis Observatory in Mitchell County is opening on July 1st and is offering free admission to artists in Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and McDowell counties. (Students, teachers and school employees in those counties are also eligible for free admission.) The current Mitchell News-Journal has a front page story about the observatory which can be read here: www.mitchellnews.com/local-news/observatory-allows-astronomical-discoveries
A little background on Willis Observatory...
Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers and his wife Vicky own the Willis Observatory. From the observatory website:
Chris is a retired liberal clergyperson, who continues to work for the equality of all people, especially LGBTQ people. Chris believes life and faith must be informed by science.
Vicky grew up on Bear Creek, and loves the mountains and her relatives who live in this beautiful area.
There have been negative responses locally to Chris and the observatory for his/their support for LGBTQ equality. Chris responded to this criticism on Facebook:
Chris Ayers
February 12
Willis Observatory has NOT received any official documents about criticism of the observatory due to my very public stances on LGBTQ equality, however, concerned people have had conversations with the Mitchell County school board and there have been many posts on FB, etc. so I thought a response would be in order. Feel free to repost on your FB page and share in conversations.
My calling from God to share that one's sexual orientation/gender identity are gifts from God and not a sin is widely known and has been for 25 years, including in Mitchell County. Nothing is more important to me, including the observatory, than the full equality of all people.
While inclusivity and diversity are listed as values of Willis Observatory in the draft below of our Mission Statement, please note sex education on school field trips to the observatory or any other observatory activity with school groups is NOT part of our mission. And for the record, sex education is NOT part of our mission at public star parties. At public gatherings, we may encourage everyone present to be who they are, be the best they can be, to reach for the stars, and not worry about what others think about them, but that message is important for all people, not just LGBTQ people. People, as the movie/musical The Prom, teaches should "wear their crown." At appropriate private star parties we will free to talk about anything and everything and fly our rainbow and trans flags.
Here is a draft of our Mission Statement.
Willis Observatory is a private astronomical observatory based in western North Carolina. Our mission is to educate and inspire; we hope to reach students and the public who previously have not had the opportunity to gain access to the wonders of the universe. We will mentor some students in astrophotography, enabling them to appreciate the colors and beauty of the cosmos.
We value diversity, inclusivity and above all curiosity, as we bring the universe to our doorstep through a sense of community, humility and awe.
We do this with high quality astronomical equipment, expertise from our community of professionals and always with a sense of fun!
Final comments for this post. Vicky grew up on Bear Creek. She was in the 1st graduating class of Mitchell High. I can't begin to tell you how much joy it gives us to be able to give back to the community. Vicky loves the mountains and her relatives who live/or lived in this beautiful area, and she loves even those who strongly disagree with her about LGBTQ not being a sin. We have made so many new friends in Western North Carolina because of the observatory and we feel so blessed. We can't wait to meet our new friends in person once Covid is solved.
(from www.facebook.com/christophermarkayers/posts/10218876114630100)
Kudos and thanks to Chris, Vicky and everyone at Willis Observatory for opening this cool and inclusive facility in Mitchell County!
Tickets required, including for free entry. Tickets available on the observatory website.
Willis Observatory
1456 Bear Creek Road
Bakersville, NC 28705
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