As the popularity of automobiles grew in Western North Carolina, traffic issues soon followed. One of the earliest problems involved drivers parking their cars on the trolley lines. By 1923, residents and city officials alike began seeking answers to the conundrum.
In this month’s poetry feature, we speak with Michael Hettich about the way poetry connects readers to the living and the dead, the art forms ability to capture the unsayable and the influential and metaphorical power nature plays in his work.
Local topics featured in Billy Borne’s 1923 collection include issues concerning the city’s growth, Asheville’s improved economic outlook, marketing efforts, tourism and hotel development.
Xpress speaks with local writers, visual artists, musicians and other members of the creative community about the benefits humor brings to artistic projects and productions.
Featured here are 12 of our top favorites from 2022.
Three of Asheville’s top chefs contemplate the local food industry’s 2022 achievements and setbacks.
Reparations, the Vance Monument and the future of Pack Square Plaza are on the minds of local historians, as 2022 comes to a close.
“To me, [poetry is] more about the act of moving someone from one space into another space, to startle them out of their regular way of seeing the world,” says poet Mackenzie Kozak. “I think that is ultimately what builds awareness about ourselves and our environment.”
Though Black Wall Street AVL got its start amid the COVID-19 pandemic, founder J Hackett says the organization continues to grow thanks to support from the community as well as the organization’s dedicated group of volunteers.
In 2020, the Organic Growers School transitioned to a lateral executive team. The move, says Cameron Farlow, the nonprofit’s executive director, has led to a more dynamic approach to leadership.
The nationwide shortage of direct support professionals has created many challenges for Open Hears Art Center, says Debbie Harris, the organization’s co-executive.
Rising costs and red tape led to many delays for Asheville Music School this year. But its executive director, Ryan Reardon, says there’s plenty to remain hopeful for come 2023.
Despite the many challenges True Ridge has faced over the last 2 ½ years, its founder Lori Garcia-McCammon says the organization remains strong and determined to carry out its work.
Asheville Tool Library saw plenty of change in 2022, including a new location, says board member Stephanie Kane.
Stigma remains the biggest challenge for the work Amy Upham and her dedicated staff perform at Eleanor Health Foundation.
Though recent years have been challenging, Sam Ruark says Green Built Alliance has persevered and continues to find new ways to support its missions.
Xpress speaks with local poet Lee Stockdale about his past trauma, his early exposure to poetry and his passion for introducing others to the form. Along with the conversation is his poem, “Are You Jackie Kennedy?”
In the spirit of All Hallows Eve, Xpress reached out to local authors, memoirists and booksellers to offer their recommendations for seasonally appropriate, scary reads set in the South. Bonus points were offered to those whose selection featured a local author.
Despite her failing health, Cynthia Hill Wolfe owned and operated the Millinery and Notion Store during the final years of her life in Asheville. Though her death in 1884 did not inspire an outpouring of grief by members of her community, aspects of her life and personality were revived by Thomas Wolfe in his 1929 novel, Look Homeward, Angel.
Kaye Bentley, founder and owner of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, reminds entrepreneurs that all businesses take time to generate revenue.
“There aren’t a ton of women who offer both photo and video services, but we refuse to let that lack of representation hold us back,” says Eric McGrady, co-founder of Authentic Asheville.
