Local arts leaders in various mediums identify up-and-coming or underseen peers that readers should be on the lookout for in 2021.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival embraces digital format
The festival’s 19th edition features shows designed for online presentation, plus a few socially distanced outdoor events.
Green in brief: SAHC conserves nearly 3,000 acres; OGS gets social
The Asheville-based nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s work included both valuable wildlife habitats, such as the Wiles Creek and Little Rock Creek preserves, and prime farmland at risk of development. Sandy Hollar Farms in Buncombe County and Bowditch Bottoms in Yancey County were among the agricultural projects completed in 2020.
Checkmate: The Neal Harris experience
Neal Harris — one of only 10 members of the N.C. Chess Hall of Fame — discusses the game’s recent rise in popularity and the challenges of teaching local chess players amid COVID-19.
A&E Roundup: ‘Minari’ wins top honors from NC critics
Lee Isaac Chung’s ’80s-set drama wins four awards from the NCFCA, Jonathan Ammons releases a new album and more area arts news.
Submit student art, writing for 2021 Kids Issue
Xpress is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Kids Issue! The theme: “My Great Idea.” Deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.
Ryan Bush examines psychology, spirituality and emotion in new book
In his new book, local author Ryan Bush builds on the philosophies of Buddhism and Stoicism to describe a system for rewiring the brain’s response to external events, a method he dubs psychitecture.
(HUMOR) Mime plot silenced
Proposed changes to the city noise ordinance were part of a nefarious, multiyear plot by mimes, hell-bent on monopolizing the vibrant arts scene with their quiet ways.
Dave Desmelik ruminates upon the months with “The Calendar Album”
With time on his hands, songwriter Dave Desmelik decided to complete a long-shelved project that focuses on the 12 months of the year — but not necessarily 2020.
A&E Roundup: Parallel Project shares three-part series at Revolve
Asheville-based artists Isa Bowser and Josh Finck present a three-part experimental series, galleries open new shows and more area arts news.
Corrective lens: Edwin Arnaudin’s favorite articles in 2020
Our A&E Editor was inspired by creative work from social justice advocates and an increased sense of community.
Local arts figures reflect on a tumultuous year
Stephanie Hickling Beckman, Danielle Dror, Sekou Coleman and Bruce “Akitchitay” Carlino look back on 2020.
New KISMET, Slow Packer and Carly Taich EPs share creative DNA
The three EPs were recorded at Cat’s Claw studio and feature brothers Mike Johnson and Jack Victor.
Author Denise Kiernan examines the history and benefits of gratitude
In her latest book, “We Gather Together: A Nation Divided, a President in Turmoil, and a Historic Campaign to Embrace Gratitude and Grace,” author Denise Kiernan examines the history of Thanksgiving as well as the psychological and physical benefits that come with showing gratitude.
Field to Shroud seeds healthy death culture
Burnsville resident Katherine Savage feels a unique kinship with a small patch of ground on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The 5-foot by 60-foot plot was home this year to a crop of flax, a traditional Southern Appalachian fiber plant, which she is helping process into linen that she will someday wear as her burial shroud.
A&E Roundup: YMI, local artists celebrate Kwanzaa
Community leaders and local musicians bring the annual celebration of African American culture online, a local screenwriter’s film debuts online and more area arts news.
MOTHER HOOD and Joe Grisly combine talents on new album
Cliff B. Worsham and Joey Metcalf discuss bringing their long-held goal of a collaborative album to fruition.
Local hip-hop artists share messages of hope
“I believe I’m talented and gifted but because of my messages, a lot of times people will disregard it,” says hip-hop musician Kia Rice. “It’s evident that there aren’t a lot of artists who are faith-based who are given the opportunity or the stage to present their music to the community.”
A&E Roundup: Digital music showcases bring seasonal cheer
Asheville Music School and A Swannanoa Solstice go digital for the holidays, Moves places a song on TV and more area arts news.
Local writer finds meaning through brevity
In her debut collection, local author Arlene Duane Hemingway creates stories in 100 words exactly.
VIDEO PREMIERE: “Montana” by Hustle Souls
The Asheville-based soul rockers go poolside and underwater in their latest video.