A look back at the week in Asheville — and a sneak peek of Xpress’ upcoming issue, coming to a newsstand near you by Wednesday, Oct. 25.
John C. Campbell Folk School and Penland School of Crafts appoint new leadership
It’s the season of change for two of Western North Carolina’s craft institutions. In May, John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown named Jerry Jackson as its new executive director. A month later, Penland School of Crafts in Penland announced that Maria “Mia” Hall would take the reigns as director, effective Jan. 1, 2018.
Montreat conference explores aesthetics in activism
Through exploring the role of art and aesthetics in social activism, the Radical Beauty conference — a new event hosted by the Montreat Conference Center from Monday, Oct. 9 through Thursday, Oct. 12 — offers an alternative approach to promoting cultural change.
ICYMI: Xpress stories from the issue of Sept. 27, 2017
From the area’s largest single construction project to fall planting, Xpress has the scoop on local fall happenings. Here are some of our best stories from the previous week to keep you reading as you wait for our next issue, coming to a paper box near you on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
AAAC’s Indigo Ball celebrates local creativity
If you’re in downtown Asheville on Saturday, Sept. 9, and see people dashing down the sidewalks in blue outfits and other formal attire, don’t be alarmed. These costumed folks are out reveling in the name of the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Indigo Color Ball, a sight unseen for two years — and in many ways, even longer.
Asheville’s Solar Eclipse Festival celebrates an astronomical rarity
Beyond the astronomic phenomenon, Asheville’s Solar Eclipse Festival features food vendors, the Splashville interactive fountain and solar-inspired music curated by DJ Kipper of Mix 96.5.
Asheville Art Talk: Muralist Amanda Giacomini brings ‘10,000 Buddhas’ to Asheville
On Wednesday, July 26 , Amanda Giacomini will bring her mural project 10,000 Buddhas to Asheville. For two days, the artist will add to her ever-increasing count, as she works on the Walnut Street side of the Social Lounge.
Asheville Art Talk: Photographer Elia Lehman looks to spread empathy with latest exhibit
‘Streets of Ashe,’ is a series of portraits by photographer Elia Lehman. Starting Friday, July 14, the work will be on display at Pink Dog Creative.
Local painter Joseph Pearson talks about the art of communication
Art, says Joseph Pearson, helps facilitate conversation, which can lead to a better understanding among groups and individuals. The challenge, he notes, is getting people to address and discuss the issues in the first place.
A century celebrated at Biltmore Industries
Historic Grovewood Village, located on property adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn, celebrated the centennial of Biltmore Industries with a full day of tours, lectures and a cake cutting on June 17.
On the road again: A Q&A with author John Grisham
In conjunction with the release of his new book, Grisham has taken to the road for the first time in 25 years, making appearances at independent bookstores from Vermont to Tennessee. Xpress caught up with the prolific author during his stop at Malaprop’s.
Neil deGrasse Tyson visits Asheville to talk about science and pop culture
Tyson will present the talk “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies” at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Tuesday, June 13.
Three free summer festivals worth visiting
This season, two new events — the Better Dads Festival and Xpand Fest — are launching in downtown Asheville. A little further out in Hot Springs, ballad singers and hikers are coming together to celebrate the Bluff Mountain Festival’s 22nd year.
Never too late to create
Lifelong learning is OLLI’s primary goal. But its executive director, Catherine Frank, says the organization also aims to push back against ageism and the stereotypes it creates.
Asheville Art Talk: Stand Gallery opens at the Phil Mechanic Studios
On Saturday, May 20, the Phil Mechanic Studios is opening the Stand Gallery (formerly Flood Gallery). The launch will include a group show ‘Following Abstraction into Form.’
Asheville Art Talk: Celebrating spring with four RAD artists
On Saturday, April 29, whiteSPACE will present its latest works in an exhibit titled ‘Thallo: Four Artists Welcome Spring.’
Restoring the Dream finds community in creativity
Restoring the Dream project launched in January of this year. The open studio offers free art classes to members of the community. Like its founder, Joe Rob, many who attend have lived or currently live on the street.
Smart bets: The Creative Sector Summit
This year’s summit takes place on Friday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Collider.
Q&A: Photographer John Raymond Mireles sets to capture Asheville as part of his latest project
John Raymond Mireles has been traveling all across the country photographing strangers for his latest project, ‘Neighbors.’ He arrives to Asheville Friday, April 21.
Artspace may bring affordable housing to Asheville’s creative sector
Recently, members of Artspace, a Minnesota-based property development, assent management and consulting organization, visited to Asheville to explore the possibility of an affordable housing project geared toward local artists.
Asheville Art Talk: Intimacy and solitude in Heather Shirin’s latest collection
In her latest exhibition, ‘Following the Stars to Freedom,’ Heather Shirin draws on inspiration from the late 19th and early 20th century works of Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt. The collection will be on display at London District Studios Friday, April 14 through Tuesday, May 9.