Four years after a group of parents founded Harding Academy, the independent school hosted its biggest fundraiser, which was then called the Arts Festival. The event — initially held to display student art — eventually became known as the Harding Art Show. 

Over the years, it added an auction, began to include artisan booths and was promoted with student-designed bumper stickers and posters. The event’s incredible growth allowed the school to put money toward landscaping, playground equipment, new scholarships and the institution’s first-ever computers. 

Now, the art show — recognized as one of the largest and most profitable fine art exhibitions in the Southeast — is gearing up for its 50th anniversary event in April 2025. Led by featured artist Laura McCarty, the three-day festivities expect to attract upwards of 5,000 visitors to campus for adult events, a Family Day of fun and, of course, admiring — and purchasing — incredible paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more.