thru March 18 - The New Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft - The Asheville Art Museum presents The New Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft from November 18, 2011 – March 18, 2012. Curated and organized by Fuller Craft Art Museum in Brockton, MA, this exhibition tests the boundaries that currently exist between technology, art, and craft. The featured artists use new technologies as materials to be manipulated in tandem with traditional craft materials – clay, glass, wood, metal and fiber – to forge new artistic directions and means of expression. To book private group tours of The New Materiality: Digital Dialogues at the Boundaries of Contemporary Craft and other exhibitions at the Asheville Art Museum, please contact Adult Programs Manager, Nancy Sokolove at 828.253.3227 ext. 120 or email nsokolove@ashevilleart.org.

thru March 9 - 5th annual Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest - The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 to celebrate our Earth and the wonders it provides, as well as to recognize and address the problems facing it. The "Voices of the River Art and Poetry Contest" is held each year to honor Earth Day. This contest allows students to explore the French Broad Watershed through art and writing. This program can be combined with a Voices of the River poetry and Art lesson presented by RiverLink staff. All entries should be submitted to RiverLink with a completed submission form attached. Entries will be judged by local artists, RiverLink staff, and volunteers. Visit http://www.riverlink.org/earthdaycontest.asp.

thru February 28 - LUNCH-HOUR CLIMBING AT MONTFORD CLIMBING WALL ON TUESDAYS - Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural is offering open climbing at the Montford Climbing Wall on Tuesdays, from 10am-1pm, starting January 10 through February 28. Beginners through advanced climbers are encouraged to come inside to boulder and climb while the weather outside is cold. Fees: $2 per session for Asheville city residents; $5 for non-residents. Includes belaying (when available) and harness rental. If Asheville City Schools or Buncombe County Schools are closed for inclement weather, the climbing wall will be closed. For more information, contact Christen McNamara at 828-251-4029, or email outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov.

thru February 4 - Fight Girl Battle World - North Carolina Stage Company’s Catalyst Series kicks off the New Year with the award-winning sci-fi play Fight Girl Battle World written by Qui Nguyen. The play is opening Thursday, January 19th and running through February 4th. Charlie Flynn-McIver, Artistic Director and co-founder of NC Stage is the director of Fight Girl Battle World, and it stars many local actors seen on stage everywhere from UNCA and Warren Wilson College to Montford Park and NC Stage. Cast includes Rebecca Morris (last seen at NC Stage as Harper Pitt in Angels in America), Jake Bowden, Lauren Kriel, Bobby Abrahamson, Jessica Lewis, Alison Young, Bradshaw Call, Travis Kelley, and Jason Williams.

thru February 28 - “Caprice” – Exhibition by Russian Artist Vasily Polevoy at UNC Asheville - “Caprice,” an exhibit of paintings and mixed media by Russian artist Vasily Polevoy, is now on display in the Blowers Gallery at UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library. Polevoy’s works have been shown throughout the former Soviet Union, many European nations, Israel and the U.S., but his paintings from the pre-Glasnost era were once “underground,” since they did not meet the ideological approval of Soviet authorities. Polevoy’s work combines the fantastic with the realistic, and sometimes involves humor and caricature. He is a graduate of the Higher University of Art and Science in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Polevoy has also created several mosaics for churches in Hendersonville, N.C. and Greenville, S.C., where he now lives. Blowers Gallery is free and open to the public. The gallery is open daily through February 28 with some evening viewing hours. For more information, visit unca.edu/library or call 828/251-6436.

thru March 31 - Winter at Biltmore - Enjoy even more of Biltmore in Asheville, NC with special seasonal events. From Christmas at Biltmore's awe-inspiring decorations to Festival of Flowers' amazing blooms, our events give you a new, fun way to experience the estate. Visit biltmore.com for more information.

thru February 26 - Western North Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Awards - The Asheville Art Museum annually partners with the Asheville Area Section of the American Institute of Architects to sponsor the Western North Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Middle and high school students from 20 Western North Carolina school districts are invited to submit work for this special juried competition. Award recipients’ art will be featured in a group exhibition showcasing the emerging artistic talent of the region. The exhibition opens in the Museum’s (first floor) Holden Community Gallery on January 21, 2012 and will remain on view through February 26, 2012.

thru May 27 - Pat Passlof: Selections 1948 - 2011 - The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition, Pat Passlof: Selections 1948-2011 focusing on the work of painter Pat Passlof, an accomplished Black Mountain College alumna, member of the New York School and under-recognized figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition will open at the museum in downtown Asheville on January 27, 2012 with a reception from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. A companion show will open at Western Carolina University's Fine Art Museum the night before. This collaboration between the two museums will enable us to show a significant number of works by Passlof, from her early work made while a student of Willem de Kooning at BMC to her final paintings made in 2011. Ms. Passlof recently passed away at the age of 83.

thru March 10 - The Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition - The North Carolina Writers' Network is now accepting submissions for the 2012 Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition. This contest honors the late poet Randall Jarrell and is administered by Terry L. Kennedy and the MFA Writing Program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The nonprofit North Carolina Writers’ Network is the state’s oldest and largest literary arts services organization devoted to writers at all stages of development. For additional information, visit www.ncwriters.org.

- Mike Birbiglia - The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SC. For tickets and information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org.

- UNCA Men's Basketball - At Liberty, 7 p.m. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

- UNCA Men's Basketball - At WMI, 7 p.m. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

- UNCA Men's Basketball - Vs. Radford, 4:30 p.m. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

- WNC Nature Center Groundhog Day Prediction - All activities are included with paid admission to the WNC Nature Center. Admission to the WNC Nature Center is $6 for adults ($8 for non-Asheville residents), $5 for seniors ($7 for non-Asheville residents), $4 for youth ages 3-15 and children age 2 and under are free. For more information including directions and special programs visit the WNC Nature Center website at www.wncnaturecenter.com or contact Chris Gentile, Director of the Western North Carolina Nature Center, at 828-259-8090.

thru February 5 - Celtic Adventure Weekend - Celebrate the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in dance, literature, food, drink and music! Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC. GroveParkInn.com.

thru February 12 - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SC. For tickets and information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org. SC Children's Theatre.

- Aquila Theatre in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest - Crammed full of larger-than-life characters with comic timing as sharp as Wilde's witticisms. Diana Wortham Theatre, dwtheatre.com.

- Aquila Theatre in Shakespeare's Macbeth - "Fair is foul and foul is fair" in Aquila's rendering of the chaotic world of Shakespeare's "cursed play" Diana Wortham Theatre, dwtheatre.com.

- CONTRA... Advanced Dance - 8-11pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. Music by Land of Sky with caller Vicki Herndon. Experienced Dancers Only - Not For Beginners Or New Dancers. Ages 14-17 - $5, 18 and above - $8. Info hotline including cancellations due to weather recorded by 2 PM at 864-836-2986. For general information call David White at 828-545-0689 .

- Friday Parties - $10 per person with DJ.

- LEARN TO SKI & SNOWBOARD PROGRAM FOR TEENS - The program is geared for 12-17 year olds, and offers five, Friday-evening sessions of ski or snowboard this winter at Cataloochee Ski Mountain in Maggie Valley, NC. Trip dates are January 6, 13, 20, 27, and Feb 3, with a make-up date February 10. Package prices begin at $225 for Asheville residents, $230 for non-city residents, and include lift tickets, lessons, and transportation on a charter bus. Ski, snowboard and helmet rentals are available for additional, one-time cost for the program. For more information about the program and to register, contact Christen McNamara at 828-251-4029, or outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov.

- Winter Exhibition Celebration - Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is welcoming the winter season with the celebration of six new exhibitions on Friday, February 3, as part of Downtown Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl. From 7-9 p.m., the Turchin Center will be open for all visitors to take their first look at the current exhibitions on display, meet some of the artists, listen to live music and enjoy a refreshing beverage from the cash bar. A special “Donors Only” preview will be held prior to the reception from 6-7 p.m.

February 4 - Asheville Dance-A-Thon! - The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) announces the inaugural Asheville Dance-A-Thon! The Asheville Dance-A-Thon! will take place on Saturday, February 4th at the UNCA Justice Athletic Center, from 11:59 am to 11:59 pm. The event will feature a talented crew of Asheville's most dynamic dancers and instructors, with sixteen genres of dance available under one roof, in one day, all for a great cause! Website for detailed information about ticket levels and to purchase tickets on line at http://www.ashevilledanceathon.com.

February 4 - Asheville's Odyssey Community School To Host Open House - Odyssey Community School invites you to attend their next Open House on Saturday, February 4th, noon – 2 pm for Pre-k through 8th grade, and 2 – 3:30 pm for high school. Meet the teachers, administrators, and parents, and tour the beautiful, six-acre campus. Learn more about an integral education and its relevance to your child’s future.

February 4 - BC “Love the Arts” Fine Arts Gala - The gala will feature student performances as well as an art gallery exhibition. Guests will also have an opportunity to bid on a wonderful array of silent auction items. A variety of one-of-a-kind items will also be available during a live auction led by Brevard Mayor and College Trustee Jimmy Harris. Delicious foods, fine wine and dancing will round out the evening’s festivities. Tickets for this special black tie optional event are $50 per person. All proceeds benefit the Fine Arts programs at Brevard College. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-514-3849 or online at www.brevard.edu/fineartsgala.

February 4 - BENEFIT... Asheville Dance-A-Thon! - 1:59 am-11:59 pm at UNCA Justice Athletic Center. Presented by The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC), featuring a talented crew of Asheville's most dynamic dancers and instructors. Sixteen genres of dance under one roof, in one day, all for a great cause! Love To Dance? Take advantage of the opportunity to dance for 12 hours straight! With two dance floors jam packed with excitement, you'll be itching for an after party. New To Dance? This is a great opportunity to be exposed to many different genres of dance and to find out which genres you'd like to pursue. Visit http://ashevilledanceathon.com/.

February 4 - Cecilia St. King, Peace Troubadour - Blue Ridge Community College with support from United Religious Initiative on Feb 4th at 6:30 pm. Attached is a concert poster. Admission is a donation of any amount. Her story is great.....9/11 survivor, subsequent throat cancer survivor, Peace Troubadour.

February 4 - Contra Dance - 7:30-10:30pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center in Jonesborough, TN. Music by The Inexplicabilies with caller Terry Doyle. Class for beginners at 7:00pm. Regular dance admission $7, $5 HJDS members and $5 students.

February 4 - Contra Dance - 8-11pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. Music by Morning Coffee (Diane Baker, Jeff Baker, Steve Kemble) with caller TBA. Potluck 6:30, Lesson 7:30. Ages 14-17 - $5, 18 and above - $8. Info hotline 864-836-2986. For general information call David White at 828-545-0689.

February 4 - International Playback Theater Trainer Hannah Fox - 0:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville Cost: $40. Space Limited - Reservation Required. Call 828-274-8315

February 4 - Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo - The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SC. For tickets and information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org. SC Children's Theatre.

February 4 - Putts for Pet - Brother Wolf Animal Rescue presents Putts for Pets on Saturday, February 4th at Sweet Tea Mini Golf in the Biltmore Square Mall. Admission is $5 for Tournament (begins at 3pm), or free play from 2-5pm for $8. Prizes for ever child, with grand prizes for Tournament winners! Drinks and snacks available for purchase, beer available for adults. Go to www.bwar.org for more info or to sign up.

February 4 - UNCA Women's Basketball - At Charleston Southern, 2PM. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

February 4 - Winter Tree ID (bud & twig) - Join RiverLink for a series of guided nature walks on the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay! The best way to develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is by getting out there and experiencing the beauty firsthand. Keep that New Year's resolution and get fit in body and mind while exploring the wonderful treasures the greenway system has to offer. The new season is set to begin in February and extend through August. To volunteer to help lead a tour, suggest ideas for topic themes, or any other questions regarding the program, contact worth@riverlink.org, or call at (828) 252-8474 x 17.

February 4 - ‘Ask a Lawyer’ Free Event in Asheville - A panel of local attorneys will be available to answer legal questions to individuals for free. There will be attorneys representing a variety of practice areas available to talk to participants on a one-on-one basis. All members of the general public are invited and encouraged to come with legal questions.10am-2pm (Spanish speaking attorney from 11am-noon.) Pack Memorial Library, Asheville.

February 5 - Hunter Pace - FENCE, Tryon, NC. Visit FENCE.org for more info.

February 6 - Bingo for Seniors - Asheville Mall Chick-fil-A will be kicking off it’s 1st Monday Bingo for Seniors on February 6 at 9am in the Asheville Mall Food Court. This free monthly event will feature a lively bingo game with prizes, food specials, and service from the employees at Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall. Join us for food, fellowship, fun and BINGO!

February 6 - ENVIRONMENTAL ATTORNEY D.J. GERKEN - D.J. Gerken, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center in Asheville, will speak Feb. 6 at Warren Wilson College on "Using the Power of the Law to Protect the Environment." His talk, free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in Canon Lounge of the Gladfelter Student Center.

February 6 - UNCA Women's Basketball - At Coastal Carolina 7PM. Www.uncabulldogs.com.

February 7 - Hobey Ford and Golden Rod Puppets' Animalia - The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Greenville, SC. For tickets and information, visit http://www.peacecenter.org. SC Children's Theatre.

February 7 - Poet and Zen Buddhist Priest Norman Fischer - Fischer will read from his forthcoming book-length poem, “Conflict,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 in Karpen Hall’s Laurel Forum on the campus. His talk, “God, Sin, Pain, Song and Jewish Meditation,” will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the Sherrill Center, Mountain View Conference Room 417. Both events are free and open to the public. UNCA.edu.

February 8 - Building a Sustainable Community through Sharing w/ Author Janelle Orsi - Posana Cafe, Asheville.

February 8 - Cultural Conversations - The Asheville Art Museum invites visitors to enjoy a casual reception and evening of conversation with Asheville Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Musical Director, Daniel Meyer, and Asheville Art Museum Executive Director, Pamela Myers, on Wednesday, February 8 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Held at the Museum, this event is free to Symphony and Museum Members; tickets are $5 for non-Members.

February 10 thru June 29 - Torqued & Twisted: Bentwood Today - Torqued & Twisted, a new exhibition at UNC Asheville's Center for Craft, Creativity & Design, explores the work of nine furniture makers and sculptors from the United States who use the technique of bending wood in innovative, unusual and eloquent ways.

February 10 - Drag Queen Bingo - To benefit Brother Wolf, bwar.org.

February 10 - Firecracker Jazz Band - 9:30PM at MoDaddy's in downtown Asheville. Firecracker Jazz Band includes includes JE Widenhouse (trumpet and cornet), Earl Sachais (trombone), Andrew Fletcher (piano), Hank Bones (guitar), Russ Wilson (drums) and Rick Neiman (tuba).

February 10 - Friday Parties - $10 per person with DJ.

February 10 - Saturdays at ACT! - Tickets only $5 at the Door! Visit ashevilletheatre.org. 9:30 am: Aesop’s Fables (Best for ages 3-10). 11:30 am: Heroes of the Underground Railroad (Best for ages 7-adult)

February 10 - solas - This Irish-American super group is a lightning rod of talent and inspiration. Diana Wortham Theatre, dwtheatre.com.