Thursday, Jan. 17
• “Asheville Art Museum is delighted to present a rare screening of a program from the Fluxfilm Anthology in16mm on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 18 at 12 p.m.,” begins an event page on its website. “Lent to us by the NY Filmmakers Cooperative, these special screenings allow viewers to experience the Flux films as closely as possible to the original intentions of the artists participating in the Fluxus art movement. According to the Electronic Arts Intermix, a nonprofit arts organization and international resource for video and media art, the FluxFilm Anthology is a series of films dating from the sixties and compiled by George Maciunas (1931–1978), founder of the Fluxus movement, as part of the events and ‘happenings’ of the New York avant-garde. Made by artists ranging from Nan June Paik to Yoko Ono, the films exemplify the ephemeral humor of the Fluxus movement.” 2 S. Pack Square. Free with membership/$5 plus regular admission for nonmembers.
• Nourish and Flourish, 347 Depot St., Suite 201, hosts a reception for a joint exhibition of works by local artists. From a Facebook event page, “Join us for a new art show opening this Third Thursday! River Arts District artists Mark Bettis and Vicky Pinney are teaming up to do a wonderful show here. Come enjoy the rich color and texture of these abstract works! We will be serving food and drinks, so pop in to chat, enjoy the art and snack a bit!” 6-8 p.m. Free. Info: 255-2770.
• From a Highland Brewing Company event page, “‘The greater things in life that you learn are never taught to you. It’s just the questions and remarks that spark the greater thought in you.’ Words from the next generation. BIGGZ GENERAL, grandson of the HON. Robert Nesta Marley, is a thriving force among peers and a positive voice for his generation. With inspirational lyrics and a militant outlook on life, this soldier in Jah Army is on a mission to seek the truth, uphold the teachings of The King and promote oneness among his people. … These sentiments are well reflected throughout his music, which focuses on empowering the mind of the weak and teaching oneness and self-reliance while helping to mold the mind of future generations. The pulsating sound behind his words of wisdom is a thoughtful mix of dancehall, reggae, roots rock, jazz and ska, touching down in the rapper zone.” Biggz General visits the brewery for a free performance in its Tasting Room at 7 p.m. 12 Old Charlotte Highway.
• The Center for Craft, Creativity and Design presents “Bernard Leach and the Fine Art of Pots,” “an illustrated lecture that makes a case for the centrality of drawing, watercolors and print making to Bernard Leach’s career and practice as an artist.” More from an event page, “Bernard Leach is celebrated as a potter, but, as Emmanuel Cooper argues, his stature as ‘one of the great figures of 20th century art’ also rests on the interconnections of his work in ceramic art, writing and poetry. Leach travelled to Japan in 1909 with the intention of teaching etching. He returned to St. Ives in the southwest of England as a revered potter. But Leach never stopped drawing. Although many of his works are speculative or private, some imagery translates directly from the pen to the surface of the pot, and Leach’s facility with slip ware helped to transform a tradition of work with its vitality and immediacy. Using rarely seen images of drawings and prints and with a special focus on Leach’s output as an etcher, the lecture will reveal Leach to be an artist of sometimes powerful grace and sensitivity, using natural imagery with symbolic intensity and capturing the spirit of people close to him with a deft, spare line. The lecture draws on the remarkable Leach archive donated by the artist to the Crafts Study Centre towards the end of his long life.” Held at the Black Mountain College Museum + Art Center, 56 Broadway St. Free.
Friday, Jan. 18
• Theatre of the Oppressed hosts a “public forum” theater performance at West Asheville Vineyard, 717 Haywood Road. More about the performance from the Vineyard’s calendar, “Theatre of the Oppressed engages actors and non-actors in games that build community and provide a place for dialoging about justice issues through theatrical exercises.” 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info and registration: sastockholm@gmail.com.
• Think your pooch knows some impressive tricks? Check this out: The Blue Ridge Agility Club of WNC hosts dog agility trials at the WNC Agricultural Center’s McGough Arena, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road. Free. Please leave family pets at home. Info: 713-3278.
• Static Age Records hosts an eclectic evening of psychedelic droning, sludgy rock, experimental electronics and more with Jovontaes, Soft Opening, Lazy Magnet and Mendocino. 110 N. Lexington Ave. 10 p.m. $5.
Saturday, Jan. 19
• “The Asheville Storytelling Circle (ASC) is a nonprofit organization of folks who love stories,” begins the group’s website. “Some of the members are professional tellers, others are amateur tellers and still others just love listening to stories. However, all are interested in cultivating the traditional art of storytelling.” Members of the group perform this weekend at Fletcher’s Feed and Seed, 3715 Hendersonville Road. 3-5 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info: 467-9955.
• The Curiosity Shoppe, 3028 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain, hosts a wine and cheese artist reception featuring painter Ruth Sausman, photographer Fran Roberts and jeweler Chelsea Morning. 6-8 p.m. Free. Info: 669-7467.
• ”Tess Brunet is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and drummer who has recorded and performed under the band names Au Ras Au Ras, Generationals, Deadboy and the Elephantmen and Animal Electric,” according to an Apothecary event page for her upcoming performance. “She will be touring in support of her latest record, The Great Nothing.
More on the openers: “Jaye Bartell (Pilgrim)‘s baritone conjures deep, masculine feelings. He runs with folks as diverse as Bonnie Prince Billy and Bill Callahan, giving us that important reminder ‘that we feel bad [only] because we feel bad.’
“On record, Oliver Kalb produces lush, intimate songs as Bellows. In the live setting, backed by a three-piece band, the songs get an anthemic makeover that demonstrates the true power of Kalb’s melodic content.
“Abraham Leonard‘s songwriting speaks for itself. A longtime local favorite, he returns to Apothecary with a two-piece backing band.”
39 S. Market St. 9 p.m. $5.
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