The McDowell County Quilt Trail Program is sponsored by the McDowell Arts Council Association. The trail program began in June 2009 as part of a grassroots interest to extend the Quilt Trail of Western North Carolina to McDowell County. As work to establish quilt blocks between Nebo and Old Fort continues, the Quilt Trail Committee is actively seeking support from local organizations, businesses, and citizens.

On February 28, 1972, a group of fifty-two local residents created the McDowell Arts Council Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. These people were proud of their local, artistic heritage and wanted to share this legacy while promoting local artists and enriching cultural life in McDowell County. Thirty-five years later, the arts council continues to encourage local artists providing gallery space, a retail shop, teaching opportunities and theater space for the performing arts.