We invite you to join us for the annual Come to Leicester (“Les-ter”) studio tour. The Come to Leicester studio tour is held every year on the third weekend in August and will take place this year on August 16 and 17, 2025 (10:00 – 5:00 each day). The Tour is self-guided, and maps are available in the Brochure. Maps may also be picked up at the Leicester Community Center at 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester, NC 28748.

Our community of artists creates in a variety of mediums, including painting, iron work, woodwork, glass, textiles, pottery, jewelry, and brooms. We welcome you to our open studios and community hubs so that you can enjoy our work. Come to Leicester and see for yourself!

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age, focuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt
The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.
Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Cyrano de Bergerac tells the poignant story of the witty and courageous Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a big heart. In love with Roxane, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian win her affection, all while hiding his own feelings and sacrificing his love for her. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

35Below:

35below is a 40-seat black box theatre located at 35 East Walnut, Asheville, NC. The entrance is located on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance – right next to the Thomas Wolfe House & Museum.

Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind

August 15 – 24, 2025

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM

Title & Authors:
Created by Greg Allen
Performed by The Neo-Futurists

Prepare for a whirlwind of theatrical creativity in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind! This fast-paced and unpredictable show presents 30 plays in 60 minutes, each ranging from hilarious to deeply poignant. Known for its unique blend of performance art, satire, and audience interaction, Too Much Light guarantees a different experience every night. Audience participation and improvisation are at the core of this ever-evolving production.

Expect the unexpected as The Neo-Futurists deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, commentary, and absurdity. No two performances are alike—so roll the dice and get ready for a theatrical experiment like no other!

Run Time: 60 minutes

Content Awareness: This show contains strong language, mature themes, and occasional moments of audience participation. Some scenes may include references to violence, sexuality, religion, and other adult topics.

Join us for an enchanting evening at the
Flat Rock Playhouse Annual Gala,

“Vagabonds In The Vineyard!”
This year, we’re bringing the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean to the beautiful

Monday, August 18th

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Marked Tree Vineyards,

623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock, NC

Call the DEVO office at 828-693-0403 ext. 205 
Premier Table Seating
$250 per person
– Guaranteed seat at one of our limited reserved tables
– perfect for sitting with friends.

– Two complimentary drink tickets.
– Prime location close to the evening’s entertainment
– featuring various artists and performers from the Flat Rock Playhouse.

General Admission
$125 per person

– Seating on the scenic terrace of Marked Tree Vineyards
– One complimentary drink ticket.
– Enjoy the entertainment and ambiance of the evening.

Reserved seating is limited for the Premier Table option, so book early!
Dinner:

Indulge in a delectable array of dishes from

the curated food stations provided by

Evening Schedule:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Check-in and Happy Hour
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner served from food stations

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Silent Auction open for bidding
7:30 PM: Entertainment featuring Flat Rock Playhouse artists and performers
8:30 PM: Final Encore

Dress Code:
Embrace the spirit of the Mediterranean!

We encourage you to wear light, flowing attire suitable for strolling

the charming streets of Mykonos or Santorini. Think chic and comfortable.

Head on out to the ballgame at McCormick Field. Asheville is taking on Rome. Game starts at 6:35pm.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age, focuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Head on out to the ballgame at McCormick Field. Asheville is taking on Rome. Game starts at 6:35pm.

Monthly Visitor is a new class series by Period Nirvana. Every month, we will host a speaker to teach a class or lead a workshop in their area of expertise. The class will be about an hour long with the opportunity for questions and to shop for menstrual care and wellness products afterwards. Enjoy 15% off your purchase as a thank you for purchasing a ticket and attending!

This month, we invite Dr. Taylor Yankey to lead a workshop on contraception! This class will include a brief history, an overview of the hormones involved with menstruation to understand the variety of contraceptives, and a breakdown of all of the options for contraception. She will also cover how contraceptives can be used for more than preventing pregnancy.

This event is for anyone curious about contraception! Period Nirvana is an inclusive space and we welcome anyone who wishes to attend. This class is geared toward high-school and college aged folks, but is also appropriate for middle-schoolers who might be interested.

Get to know our August Monthly Visitor!

Dr. Taylor Yankey, PharmD, MPH is a pharmacist who currently serves as the primary pharmacist for the Sona Access Program at Sona Pharmacy & Clinic, a local independent pharmacy in Asheville, NC. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health degrees at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. Awarded the USPHS Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award in 2023, Yankey believes that a community pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare provider for rural and underserved communities. She strives to leverage pharmacy practice to enhance the holistic health of our community, working on projects related to medication adherence, medication access, health literacy, and the wellbeing of healthcare staff. When not on the job, you can find her meandering through the River Arts District or enjoying quiet time at home with her husband, Tanner, and feline companion, Lilly

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic is rolling our a brand new comedy showcase every Weds 8pm at the Asheville Music Hall. The best of local and not-so-local comedians that come through out comedy open mic. We hand pick them and they do their stuff. Free show like always