Abby Roach, aka Abby the Spoon Lady

Is Asheville’­s creative community getting priced out?

“Many artists, creatives, musicians and performers are leaving due to the rapidly increasing cost of living, putting Asheville’s culture at risk,” says Stephanie Moore of the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design. Despite a flurry of concern and initiative, local leaders and developers are finding that providing affordable living and working space for the area’s working artists remains a difficult challenge as property values and rents continue to climb in the city.

Checking in on staffing, strategy shifts at local nonprofits

When the time comes for a new leader or a new strategic direction, nonprofits recognize that sound decisions can mean the difference between a sustainable future and irrelevance. That’s why Mountain Xpress took a look at a spectrum of local nonprofits that have recently experienced significant change s or are now in the midst of transformative shifts in management or focus.

AAAC’s Indigo Ball celebrates local creativity

If you’re in downtown Asheville on Saturday, Sept. 9, and see people dashing down the sidewalks in blue outfits and other formal attire, don’t be alarmed. These costumed folks are out reveling in the name of the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Indigo Color Ball, a sight unseen for two years — and in many ways, even longer.

Grand opening: The Refinery Creator Space

Last night, the Asheville Area Arts Council presented The Refinery Creator Space grand opening. The 15,000-square-foot industrial building is home to resident artists as well as non-profits, in an effort to promote collaboration, cooperation and growth. The evening’s events included art exhibits, open studio strolls, live music by The BeaTeam, a performance by The Djembeso LEAF […]