In 1790, 90 percent of Americans were farmers. Today that figure boils down to less than 1 percent. The change is particularly noticeable in the South, which up until the 1950s, was a largely agrarian society. Now, some are calling for a rebuilding and supporting of a locally-focused food system — which used to be prevalent in Appalachia.
Commemorating 35 years of modern dance, ACDT recreates its signature ballet, “Looking for Frida.” First choreographed in 1998, and staged in Asheville; Montpellier and Toulouse, both France; and Merida, Mexico, the production embodies the company’s mission to produce to daring and often haunting performances inspired by the work of great artists and writers.
The March Against Monsanto/Local Food and Farm Street Jam, held Saturday, May 24, brought an estimated 250 activists to protest the chemical and biotechnology corporation. Organizers say they were still pleased with the turnout but attribute the decrease in attendance to an unexpected change in venue.
Groundswell’s Asheville and U.S. program focuses on advocacy, education and awareness about the importance of sovereign seed systems. Locally, Groundswell has partnered with Sow True Seed, a supplier of open-pollenated, non-hybrid and non-GMO seed, to encourage heirloom seed cultivation.
The 2014 March Against Monsanto and Asheville GMO-Free Street Festival is slated for Saturday, May 24, at Pack Square beginning at noon.
When Xpress asked local nonprofits about the role of collaboration in empowering their respective missions, one thing became crystal clear: We stand stronger and serve better when we work together.
“The opening of this film is important because it’s telling a David and Goliath story,” says Carol Koury about the screening of the documentary GMO OMG, presented by the Organic Growers School in honor of Earth Day at Asheville Community Theater.
For vegans, vegetarians and those who are gluten-free, Thanksgiving meals can be somewhat challenging. The national holiday comes with clear cultural expectations about food and what should be placed on the table — a big, golden bird; buttery mashed potatoes; bread-based stuffing and wobbly cranberry jelly.
Not only is Ann Patchett an acclaimed novelist, essayist, and nonfiction writer, she’s also an international spokesperson for the independent, locally-owned bookstore. At a reading hosted by Malaprop’s and staged at the Lipinski Auditorium at UNCA on Tuesday, Nov. 5, an impressive crowd gathered to hear Patchett present her latest literary offering. “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage” is a collection of thoughtful, beautifully written essays about life, love, writing and books. Photo by Kevin Mann.
Local cider-makers are ready to unveil themselves at the first CiderFest, an event that promises to celebrate the sweet flavors of fall, while benefiting green and sustainable building practices in Western North Carolina.
In keeping with its commitment to producing provocative work, the company will present The Decent Women of Calle 58, a performance that strives to recreate the struggles and courage of Mexican women working as prostitutes in the Yucatán, a state in southeastern Mexico.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in an effort to raise money for Helpmate, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving women and children in Buncombe County, the Chocolate Fetish in downtown Asheville presents a simple and delicious notion: artisan high-heeled shoes crafted from milk and dark chocolate.
La Reina doesn’t have a genre to contain it. The show features a collage of ancient texts and travels from Antiquity, the Golden, Classical and Dark Ages, to the Medieval and Reformation period. Using shadow puppetry, brightly-illuminated backdrops, stunning costumes, movement-theater and a live electronic soundscape, the production takes on a dream-like quality. It is as if a wild, somewhat surreal vision is playing out before the audience, and its tempo is slow and unhurried.
When Julia Bramsen diagnosed herself with autism three years ago while living in Missouri, she soon learned how deep the misunderstandings run and how meager services are, especially for those diagnosed as adults. Most telling, it took a series of efforts to find a doctor who could give an official diagnosis.
More than 1,000 people gathered at Pack Square in downtown Asheville on May 26 to protest Monsanto, a multinational agriculture biotechnology corporation, and the world’s largest producer of genetically engineered seeds and pesticides. The rally and demonstration were part of an international “March Against Monsanto,” involving 36 countries worldwide. (Photos by Jordan Foltz)
The WNC Business & Information Technology Summit, slated for Tuesday, June 4, at Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, strives to empower small business owners to rid any fear of “geek speak,” and embrace the tools of the times.
Earlier this spring, a new local group started meeting, discussing and thinking about ways to apply “new economy” concepts and approaches in the Asheville area. On May 8, Co-Creating the New Economy group held its third in a series of monthly meetings, each held at EarthFare’s Westgate location. This month, the featured speaker was Thomas […]
According to Transition Trainer and Organizer Dylan Ryals-Hamilton, “there are 458 official Transition Initiatives worldwide, and 137 of those are here in the U.S. We live in a world of volatile gas prices, extreme and unpredictable weather and an unstable global economy. To some the future may look bleak. We’re looking for the positive angle, designing and creating the future we want to see here in Asheville.”
"Corporate capitalism is unable to meet the needs of people and planet," said community economic development specialist Howard Nemon, speaking on April 10 at the West Asheville EarthFare. He was introducing the "New Economy," an initiative that strives "to find an economic structure that works for everyone." Nemon asserted that we must work together to […]
“Corporate capitalism is unable to meet the needs of people and planet,” says economist and independent nonprofit organizer Howard Nemon. On April 10, he introduced Ashevilleans to the “New Economy,” an enterprising initiative that strives “to find an economic structure that works for everyone.”
“Women veterans the fastest-growing population of homeless in America,” says retired Staff Sergeant Alyce Knaflich. Yet there are not enough beds available for them in local shelters.
