JP Chalarca discusses his new oral history project, which tells the stories of people who live and work in the West End Clingman Avenue Neighborhood.
Local artist honors Black female domestic workers
In 16 paintings, local artist Connie Bostic pays tribute to the many local Black women who cared for white children in the first half of the 20th century.
Artists retrace historic route, mount conservation benefit show
The nonprofit Preserving a Picturesque America hosts a benefit art sale and exhibition that reinterprets scenes from the historic Buncombe Turnpike.
Around town: Pride stays visible with Pack Square art project
Blue Ridge Pride installs art project in Pack Square Park. Plus, Art in Autumn returns to Weaverville, the Southern Highland Craft Guild celebrates Appalachian heritage, and Pan Harmonia plans Asheville concerts.
Street performers contemplate their future in Asheville
Local buskers chat with Xpress about the current challenges they face in Asheville. From the pandemic to robbery, life as a street artist isn’t always an upbeat song.
Green in brief: Ecusta Trail land purchase complete
On Aug. 12, a subsidiary of nonprofit Conserving Carolina completed the $7.8 million purchase of the currently unused Ecusta rail line, stretching 19 miles between Hendersonville and Brevard, from the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad.
Around Town: Paved Paradise music pop-up stops at Archetype Brewing
Paved Paradise music pop-up stops at Archetype Brewing. Plus, blu29 showcases underrepresented artists, North Carolina honors Rafael Guastavino, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Around town: Goombay Festival celebrates 40 years
The Goombay Festival celebrates African and Caribbean heritage in Asheville. Plus, the N.C. Apple Festival returns for its 75th year, Weaverville gets ready to open a new community center and a local author publishes a children’s book.
Around town: Cat Fly Film Fest returns with live events
The Cat Fly Film Fest returns with live events after last year’s virtual gatherings. Plus, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival offers a sneak peak, a South Carolina musician brings jazz to downtown Hendersonville, and a UNCA professor is on the move.
Around town: Marshall’s Mermaid Parade returns to its roots
Downtown Marshall once again hosts the Mermaid Parade, but with some changes. Plus, Come to Leicester offers tours of artists’ studios; WNC author talks about the Tar Heel State; and the Moog Foundation raffles off a vintage synthesizer.
Around town: Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre returns to indoor shows
The Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre prepares to greet live audiences again. Plus: Panelists will discuss Asheville’s historic Shiloh community; Hendersonville gives an up-close look at its vehicles; and the Sourwood Festival returns.
Around town: Local creator uses art to fight injustice
Jenna Jaffe presents Swinging the Pendulum: From Patriarchy to Empowerment, at The Refinery AVL Creator Space and Gallery. Plus: Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair returns; two new art exhibits; and a look at a new novel set in Asheville.
Revised noise ordinance clears Council in 5-2 vote
The new rules will take effect Wednesday, Sept. 15.
Arts Council forms new Arts Coalition
Ten local arts leaders comprise the inaugural Arts Coalition leadership team. Also, Folkmoot returns to in-person events, plus more area arts news!
Around town: New gallery launches in Mars Hill
Mars Landing Galleries opens in Mars Hill. Plus: Yolanda Rabun takes the stage after a hiatus, Shindig on the Green returns and summer workshops for writers begin.
Recent grants generate new arts and culture initiatives
A pair of recent grants to Warren Wilson College and Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts Center focus on the region’s cultural history and traditions.
Around town: Radio Free Asheville celebrates its launch
Radio Free Asheville recently premiered in WNC. Plus a new three-day festival debuts, the latest from the Western North Carolina Historical Association’s lecture series and more!
Local board game designers unite
Local board game designers team up to create new adventures.
Around town: New music series brings the love of vinyl to the South Slope
Lonesome Station music series partners with American Vinyl Co. for a new music series. Plus, two exhibits celebrate Juneteenth all month long; the return of the Blue Ridge Orchestra; and more!
Around Town: Purl’s Yarn Emporium leaves Wall Street behind
Purl’s Yarn Emporium relocates from downtown to Hendersonville Road. Also: The Bluff Mountain Festival goes virtual; local poet wins award; and two calls go out for Asheville-area artists.
Racial justice in the local arts community, one year later
Local artists and arts leaders discuss the state of racial justice in the creative community, one year after George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter protests.