For three local makers and educators, keeping art available is important to the local economy and to the Asheville area’s need for creative outlets as part of recovery from COVID-19 and quarantine.
WNC craft schools prepare for a summer without courses
Executive directors from the John C. Campbell Folk School, Penland School of Craft and Tryon Arts & Crafts School share their experiences since COVID-19 changed their seasonal plans.
Local women artists take on welding, metalwork and engineering
Artistic modalities aren’t gendered any more than, say, cuisines, dance styles or literary genres. Yet, historically, certain forms of making have been more associated with female-bodied people (fiber arts and jewelry design among them) while other skill sets, such as electronics, blacksmithing and welding, have been associated with male artists. “I really like being able […]
Smart Bets: Asheville Mardi Gras
“Superstition” is the theme of the 13th City-sanctioned parade, which takes place Feb. 23.
Give!Local 2019 wraps up banner year for grassroots fundraising
A heartfelt thanks is in order, to the 414 individuals who donated to 2019’s Give!Local partner nonprofits, generating a total impact of $178,804. Every dollar goes directly to local nonprofits making a difference in the WNC community. Mountain Xpress’ fifth annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for local organizations benefiting the community has nearly […]
BMCM+AC opens an exhibition spotlighting women artists
The show is set to open on Friday, Jan. 24. A wide array of accompanying programs, from music and spoken word to workshops and film screenings, run through April 25.
Craft fairs and holiday pop-ups offer unique gifts
Not only is purchasing handmade goods more inspirational than stressful, buying local puts more cash into the pockets of area artists and back into the local economy.
Smart Bets: Bannerman Folk Camp
The 50th edition of the annual folk dance camp returns to Blue Ridge Assembly, Nov. 28-Dec. 1.
Center for Craft celebrates its grand reopening
On Saturday, Nov. 16, after nearly a year under construction, the Center for Craft will celebrate its grand reopening. The free event will feature new exhibits, a building tour, future-themed immersive installations, hands-on activities, music and food.
CURVE Studios & Garden commemorates 30 years
When Pattiy Torno (who moved to Asheville in the mid-’80s, attracted by creative culture and health consciousness) purchased the former Standard Oil distribution center, “this was out in the middle of nowhere,” she says.
Smart Bets: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s 72nd annual event returns to the U.S. Cellular Center, Oct. 17-20.
Asheville Art Museum readies for its grand reopening
The Asheville Art Museum re-opens with two major exhibitions, Intersections in American Art and Appalachia Now!
The Village Potters Clay Center honors influential women
On Saturday, Oct. 12, The Village Potters Clay Center will celebrate its eight year anniversary with a new exhibit, Women of Influence: Honoring Women Who Shape Us.
$125K grant expands Blue Ridge Craft Trails
Thanks to new grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, says BRNHA Executive Director Angie Chandler, counties in WNC’s High Country are next on the list for craft tourism development and its projected economic benefits.
When local craft studios meet the interior design industry
“I wish I could make a proclamation for Asheville: If you move here, you have to buy local art,” says Sherry Masters of Art Connections.
American Craft Week events around WNC
The 10th annual American Craft Week takes place Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 13.
Smart Bets: Mountain Heritage Day
Western Carolina University’s annual celebration of Southern Appalachian returns to campus on Sept. 28.
Smart Bets: Natural Disaster
Seung Jun Seo debuts his new ceramics show on Sept. 13 at Gallery 101.
Community Heritage Festival celebrates an African American neighborhood
The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival offers a celebration specific to that section of town and its past and present inhabitants. Organizers will recognize the oldest living residents of the neighborhood — one is a nonagenarian — and Aggie Jean Jackson, author of two books set in Asheville’s East End, will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of her works.
Art & Craft Exhibition highlights black history and culture in Henderson County
Crystal Cauley has scheduled a second Black Art & Craft Exhibition for Saturday, Aug. 10, at Emanuel’s Corner in Hendersonville. It will showcase art and craft, highlight local African American history, and celebrate Jamaicans living in the area.
Smart Bets: Village Art & Craft Fair
The 47th annual showcase returns to Biltmore Village on Aug. 3-4.