Amanda Wray continues to expand the LGBTQIA+ Archive of Western North Carolina.
Fiber artist Paris Evans grows Milkweed from Instagram to brick-and-mortar
The Charleston transplant has struck a productive balance between commissions and featuring the work of brands she respects.
RADTIP celebrations aim to enhance revitalized river district’s future
City officials team with River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project partners for grand opening celebrations.
Around town: Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre concert series returns
Local bluegrass band Balsam Range will kick off the 2021 Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre concert series. Also: WNC History Cafe returns; Conserving Carolina hosts photo contest; and more.
Local artists work to inspire a picturesque America
For over a decade, local artists Scott “Doc” Varn has been searching out sites depicted in the 1870s publication Picturesque America. In more recent years, he’s put together a coalition of artists to reinterpret these sites as a way to draw greater attention the conversation movement.
Taking action: Stephanie Hickling Beckman
The Different Strokes managing artistic director discusses her theater company’s plans to sustain momentum built during summer 2020’s BLM protests and enact lasting change.
Around town: Asheville Art in Action benefits nonprofits and creators, local actors land major TV roles and more arts news
A new initiative more sustainably helps nonprofits and artists, more live theater returns and other area happenings.
Video premiere: Kathryn O’Shea’s “Fall”
Local singer/songwriter Kathryn O’Shea celebrates the release of her music video, “Fall,” recorded in the Black Balsam area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Local videographer Laura Boswell filmed the shoot. Xpress caught up with O’Shea to discuss the release. Below is the interview, along with the video premiere. Xpress: Can you speak to the inspiration behind the song? Kathyrn O’Shea: […]
Local musicians find new creative outlets to sustain them during COVID-19
Unable to perform live, many local musicians have redirected their creative talents and discovered new opportunities during the pandemic.
Around town: New books, Shakespeare, fundraisers and more
Transylvania County youth services librarian Laura Gardner celebrates her debut children’s book, Blue Ridge Babies 1, 2, 3. Also: Blue Ridge Community College Theatre Department presents William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors; Asheville Area Piano Forum hosts its 15th annual Spring Benefit Concert; and more!
Webinar series encourages collaboration through craft
The Center for Craft’s webinar series with UNCA views vital topics through the lens of craft.
Ann B. Ross concludes her Miss Julia series — maybe
The bestselling author discusses life during the pandemic, the decision to end her popular series and its potential second life on the screen.
Local music venues reopen at limited capacities
Representatives from White Horse, The Grey Eagle and The Orange Peel discuss their approaches to welcoming audiences back indoors.
Around town: Fairview painter’s work going to the moon, indoor theater productions returning soon and more arts news
Kimberly Dow will be part of the first group of women to have their art on the lunar surface; SART announces its 2021 season; and more area arts news.
Community efforts seek to stop the rise in musician ODs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Asheville-area musicians and harm reductionists work together to reverse a troubling trend.
Around town: Author Tommy Hays named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine and other arts happenings
Tommy Hays, local author and former executive director of the Great Smokies Writing Program, is named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Also: music contests, arts scholarships and more!
Holophonic Theatre debuts with audio-only dystopian cyberpunk musical
Nye and Terran discuss their labor of love and launching a new inclusive theater company.
Thomas Calder’s debut novel explores fraught relationships in contemporary Asheville
The Asheville-based author (and Xpress Arts & Culture editor) discusses his long, rewarding path to becoming a published novelist.
Arts programs help students make sense of a challenging year
Throughout the pandemic, local arts programs have rallied and adapted to the demands brought about by COVID-19, providing teachers much-needed relief and students a chance to express themselves during these trying times.
Around town: The latest in music, magic, quilts and history
The Center for Cultural Preservation is hosting A Special Evening with Dom Flemons. Plus, the Folk Art Center marks National Quilting Day, Kim Ruehl celebrates the release of her debut book, “A Singing Army: Zilphia Horton and the Highlander Folk School”; and more!
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo takes on Bach and folk tales on new album
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo returns with his latest album, “The Beat Bach Symphonies,” a collaboration with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and several international musicians.