Chris Abell’s latest exhibit, “This is Not Rush Hour,” debuts at Pink Dog Gallery on Friday, Dec. 9.
Library’s special collections suffer from funding snag
Although an $870,000 trust fund exists to support the Buncombe County Public Libraries’ historical archives, manager Katherine Cutshall says she’s been locked out of accessing that money for years due to the county’s legal confusion.
Q&A: Mary Crowe on the community effort to rename Clingmans Dome
Mary Crowe shares her experiences in a community-based effort to restore Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi.
Xpress surveys WNC’s independent voters
Over 140 people responded to an Xpress questionnaire designed to learn more about Western North Carolina’s unaffilaited voters. Their answers show that, at least in WNC, the simple label of “unaffiliated” elides a wide diversity of ideologies and concerns.
Across WNC, high school football is king
High school football is king in the Haywood County communities of Waynesville and Canton, and they’re not alone. Throughout many towns Western North Carolina, Friday night football provides the glue that brings people together.
Local entrepreneurs pitch business plans during annual Mountain Raise
This year, seven companies were ready to pitch. Xpress takes a look at them all.
From Asheville Watchdog: Trustee who criticized director is ousted from art museum board
Michelle Weitzman, the only trustee to speak publicly about employee complaints of mistreatment at the Asheville Art Museum, was removed from the museum’s board Nov. 15.
Local companies prioritize hands-on giving
Local nonprofit leaders say they’re seeing more companies prioritize volunteering and service projects rather than just giving money. They’re also seeking long-term relationships with specific organizations rather than just one-off collaborations.
Whatever it takes: Volunteers are our lifeblood
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.
Whatever it takes: Staying true to the vision
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.
Whatever it takes: Moving out of survival mode
The nationwide shortage of direct support professionals has created many challenges for Open Hears Art Center, says Debbie Harris, the organization’s co-executive.
The rise of Indigenous land acknowledgments
Indigenous activists offer their thoughts on a trend that’s recently gathered local momentum.
Q&A: Future hopes and plans for Esther Neonatal Kitten Rescue
Xpress speaks with Andee Bingham, executive director of Esther Neonatal Kitten Rescue, about her organization’s future goals, advice she’d offer those launching a nonprofit and her favorite kitten story.
Culture war comes to Asheville school board
Two people speaking during public comment revealed brewing tensions around critical race theory and sexuality education in the Asheville City Schools district.
$2.5M city grant approved for 153-unit East Asheville complex
With a unanimous vote during their Nov. 15 meeting, Asheville City Council members approved their fourth land use incentive grant of 2022. The award to South Carolina-based Orange Capital Advisors LLC brings the city’s spending on the affordable housing program this year to nearly $5.4 million.
Whatever it takes: Making it work despite costs and delays
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.
Arts nonprofits share insights on finding success
Leaders for the two local arts nonprofits discuss their recent doings and tips on getting started in a challenging environment.
Nonprofits play essential roles at local historic sites
Members of friends groups discuss their organizations’ roles in assisting local historic sites and special collections.
Conabeer Motor Building sports an unusual history
Built in 1928 and designed by the architectural firm of Beacham and LeGrand, the three-story space at 162 Coxe Ave. has been home to Well Played Board Game Café since summer 2022.
Whatever it takes: Never lose hope
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.
Buncombe tests and tweaks Code Purple plan
As presented to the county Board of Commissioners Nov. 15 by Jennifer Teague, Buncombe’s aging and adult services program manager, the Asheville-Buncombe County Homeless Coalition called the first Code Purple of 2022 on Oct. 15 — the first day this year’s program went into effect. After evaluating the results of that first night, the coalition decided to extend entry times for Code Purple shelters.