At the start of COVID, local historian Mary McPhail Standaert began sending out emails to friends and family featuring tidbits of local history. She considered it a fun and creative way to stay in touch amid the pandemic. But as the project evolved, she came to realize she had unintentionally launched her latest book.
In his latest book, local author Terry Roberts takes readers out of the South and onto Ellis Island for a murder mystery set in 1920.
Aquatic creatures flock to Lake Tomahawk, two pairs of artists form new studios and more area arts news.
The findings of Priscilla Robinson’s 14-year project are published, a recent Asheville High graduate earns a spot in the prestigious GRAMMY Camp and more area arts news.
Local writer Robert “Zack” Zachary discusses his debut essay collection, Forgotten Stories Remembered.
The travel writer and longtime Asheville devotee discusses narrowing down her list of 100 local activities for a new publication.
April Bennett, Jaze Uries and Brennan Dugan take to the sea; the Historic Montford Garden Tour returns; and more area arts news.
In his latest novel, One Kind Favor, local author Kevin McIlvoy examines racial violence in a small, rural North Carolina town.
The YMI Cultural Center and First Congregational United Church of Christ renew their partnership; Asheville Pizza & Brewing reopens its theater; and more area arts news.
Local poet Peggy Weaver earns the 2021 top finish in Xpress’ annual poetry contest.
Multidisciplinary artist Kira Bursky celebrates her first print collection. Also: new theater, live music, books, exhibits and more!
The bestselling author discusses life during the pandemic, the decision to end her popular series and its potential second life on the screen.
The Asheville-based author (and Xpress Arts & Culture editor) discusses his long, rewarding path to becoming a published novelist.
“Kids don’t actually care about what other people believe,” says children’s author Vicki Garlock. “They don’t care about dogma. A good way to educate kids is through traditions — holidays, rituals, food and stories.”
Over the last two years, writer Wayne Caldwell has written poems based on imaginary conversations with his fictional character Posey Green. His forthcoming poetry collection, Woodsmoke, comes out Tuesday, Feb. 23.
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.
There are plenty of free virtual and in-person exhibits and educational opportunities in and around Asheville. Poets and visual artists are also being called to submit works for a pair of contests.
Xpress caught up with three local artists to discuss how COVID-19 has altered their creative approach.
Local arts leaders in various mediums identify up-and-coming or underseen peers that readers should be on the lookout for in 2021.
Xpress is now accepting submissions for the 2021 Kids Issue! The theme: “My Great Idea.” Deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.
In his new book, local author Ryan Bush builds on the philosophies of Buddhism and Stoicism to describe a system for rewiring the brain’s response to external events, a method he dubs psychitecture.
