It was announced last month that John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown had selected Jerry Jackson as its new executive director. And this week, Penland School of Crafts in Penland named Maria “Mia” Hall as its next director.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands celebrates 70 years
The biannual event returns to the U.S. Cellular Center Friday, July 21, to Sunday, July 23.
The Big Crafty returns for its 19th season
Brandy Bourne and Justin Rabuck have seen indie crafts evolve firsthand. Nine years ago, they founded The Big Crafty, a biannual art and craft market. With eclectic products and a convivial atmosphere styled after Taiwanese bazaars, The Big Crafty proved to be an instant hit.
Independence Day events around WNC
Whether you favor pig pickin’ or watermelon, live music or a dramatic reading of the “Declaration of Independence,” there’s something for everyone this holiday, and Xpress has all your pie-flavored, freedom-filled needs covered.
Smart bets: Flag of US
The artistic collaboration takes place at The BLOCK off Biltmore on Sunday, July 2.
‘Forging Futures’ exhibition celebrates studio craft in WNC
The Center for Craft, Creativity and Design and Blue Spiral 1 team up again on the 10th anniversary that first survey of studio craft in the region. Forging Futures, an exhibition of 24 makers, opens on Thursday, June 29. Companion events including panel discussions, a lecture and a fundraiser run through Thursday, Aug. 17.
Rural artist studios are open to visitors during the spring TRAC tour
The country roads cut through the mountains, winding along the rivers and next to farmers’ fields. This is the landscape of Mitchell and Yancey Counties, where the 84 artists participating in the Toe River Arts Council’s studio tour — held Friday-Sunday, June 2-4 — live and work.
A week of wood-fired ceramics starts June 1
Local events — open to both potters and those who simply appreciate the art form — run from Thursday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 7, with a series of exhibitions, receptions, sales, studio tours and demonstrations.
‘Kibwe’ convenes marionettes, myth, music and visual art
“Kibwe is a Swahili word for ‘blessed,’” says Devin Lancaster. He chose it because, regardless of what we go through, whether positive or negative, the opportunity for the experience is a blessing, he says.
Smart bets: Kenilworth Art Studio Tour
Explore Kenilworth’s studios on Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features the inaugural product line by The Bright Angle, a recording project by the Mountain Chamber Jazz Ensemble and a community center called Songbird Sanctuary.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features Sustainable development in Malawi, the Asheville Movies website and The Resonant Rogues’ crowdfunding recap.
Two local artists follow their passions in the RAD
The River Arts District’s Spring Studio Stroll takes place over Mother’s Day weekend — Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21.
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area brings back the digital crafts trail
The Blue Ridge Craft Trails of Western North Carolina — Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s newest addition to its programming — “raises all boats” by connecting collectors with authentic makers.
The 44th LEAF features ‘Legends of Africa’
The program that emerged from Pickering’s trip, LEAF International Rwanda, is now sending four of its performers to LEAF. The young Rwandans will join over 400 other artists at the festival’s 44th edition, which takes over Camp Rockmont from Thursday, May 11, to Sunday, May 14.
Smart bets: Weaverville Art Safari
This spring’s safari takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30, with a preview party on Friday, April 28.
Conscious party: Magical Moments of Asheville
The Vanishing Wheelchair and Rainbow Community School are teaming up for a two-day magic festival that takes place on the school’s campus Friday-Saturday, April 28-29.
Conscious threads: Echoview Farm introduces recycled yarn
“Microfibers come off polyester clothes in the washing machine, and those particles pollute waterways,” says Grace Gouin, strategist at Echoview Fiber Mill in Weaverville. Streams are so loaded with the synthetic stuff that, in theory, fish are a certain percent yoga pant.
More than a dozen ways to celebrate Asheville Earth Week
This year, the city of Asheville and its partners got serious about the environment, scheduling not just a mere Earth Day celebration, but a full roster of activities for Asheville Earth Week.
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.
The Young Society: Sunday funday at MG Flea
We found artists and crafters who sold items ranging from photography prints to home grown plants.