“I think people enjoy seeing the windows decorated,” says Margaret Lancaster, owner of Dog & Pony Show in downtown Asheville. “I think it’s part of what downtown stores should do just to make it special, to make it different.”
Around town: The Odd Doll Exhibit
A doll show at The Odd. Plus, whirling dervishes at Warren Wilson; the return of Swannanoa Winterfest; and more.
Around town: Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam returns for 32nd year
Christmas Jam returns for its 32nd year. Plus, SART offers “pay-what-you-wish” tickets for its annual Christmas revue; 250 nativity sets on display; and more.
The story behind Asheville’s reputation as a bonsai destination
“The way [my bonsai] are constructed, it’s not based on what I was taught or what the books tell you to do,” says Arthur Joura, bonsai curator at The N.C. Arboretum. “It’s based on what I’ve seen in my own experience and run through the filter of my knowledge of art.
12 Baskets Café’s arts programs build community
The nonprofit’s writing, craft and visual arts groups forge a strong sense of belonging among participants.
Around town: A psychedelic circus comes to town
A local rock band’s musical circus at Asheville Music Hall. Plus, Asheville’s annual holiday parade; a new album from Blue Ridge Music Trails; and more.
Around town: Burial Beer Co. opens new music venue on the South Slope
The South Slope gets a new music venue. Plus, AIGA Asheville’s second annual design weekend; a paint pouring exhibit; and more.
Around town: Day of the Dead
Asheville Sister Cities brings a Day of the Dead celebration to Weaverville. Plus, a moonlit paddle down the French Broad River; the return of Surreal Sirkus; and more.
Around town: An evening of scary stories from Appalachia
Seasonal regional tales at the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site’s annual event. Plus, the 14th annual Queer Girls Literary Reading; a new collection of poems from Hendersonville writer; and more.
Renovated Phil Mechanic Studios primed for next chapter
Though it never officially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the midst of renovations, the Phil will hold a symbolic grand reopening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 14, to reintroduce the building and its new roster of artists.
Around town: The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival returns
The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival returns for a second year. Plus, former Kentucky poet laureate speaks at UNCA; a new book of poems from local author; and more.
Four of a Kind: Hali Macko on the local painting scene
The painter talks new projects and the city’s visual arts scene.
Around town: Making things happen at Rare Bird Farm
Rare Bird Farm receives green light to hold events in Madison County. Plus, Blue Ridge Pride; a graffiti tour in the RAD; and more.
Mother-daughter duo prepare for artists residency in France
Amid the pandemic, Juniper Winnecour and her mother, Meg, applied for the Chateau Orquevaux residency in France. Two years later, the pair of local artists are preparing for their travels abroad.
Around town: A weeklong celebration of women musicians
The second annual Women to the Front Festival expands to a weeklong celebration. Plus, “The Village Witch” releases her new book; A-B Tech’s student and faculty literature and arts publication “The Rhapsodist”; and more.
Four of a Kind: Julie Armbruster shares insights on the local visual arts scene
The painter talks new projects and the city’s visual arts scene.
Four of a Kind: Micah Mackenzie talks local photography scene
The photographer talks new projects and the city’s scene.
Around Town: DIYabled stages second annual Disability Pride Art Show
Disability Pride Month is celebrated with an art show in West Asheville. Plus, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance turns 20; a parade of lake monsters in Black Mountain; and more.
Shunyu Huang’s Story Parlor residency explores senses and memories
The Chinese native and West Asheville resident discusses her July series.
Around Town: Steep Canyon Rangers kick off summer tour at home
The Steep Canyon Rangers’ Graham Sharp on hometown shows. Plus, Citizen Vinyl gets a new producer in residence; a new art exhibition at Wedge Brewing Company; and more.
Harrison Greetings draws on the past
Greg Harrison is introducing his father Bill’s classic greeting card designs to a new generation.