Contemporary art, interdisciplinary research communities, and the inspiration of Appalachia converge in Rural Avant-Garde: The Mountain Lake Experience. This exhibition showcases a selection of collaborative creative works that emerged from nearly four decades of the Mountain Lake Workshop series, a program sited in rural southwestern Virginia.

Founded by artist and scholar Ray Kass in 1980 and co-organized with influential art critics Dr. Donald B. Kuspit and Dr. Howard Risatti, as well as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), the Mountain Lake Workshops integrated the arts and sciences in a dynamic experimental creative process that pushed past the traditional boundaries of art, dance, and performance.

Community-centered from its inception, the Mountain Lake Workshop demonstrated the relevance of the arts across disciplines, as well as social and participatory learning. This exhibition offers a focused look at art that investigated new conceptual limits, born of the region in southwestern Virginia, just a few hundred miles north of Asheville, NC. Works range from large-scale watercolors and photographic installation to relics of performances and other experimentations in artmaking.

Highlights include composer and conceptual artist John Cage’s New River Rocks and Washes(1990). A significant late-career work by Cage, this rarely exhibited watercolor extends nearly 30 feet in length, produced using methods of chance to trace stones gathered from the workshop’s natural surroundings.

This exhibition was organized by the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts at Longwood University. Generous funding was provided in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Artist Walter B. Stephen (Clinton, IA 1875–1961 Asheville, NC) contributed to Western North Carolina’s identity as a flourishing site for pottery production and craftsmanship in the early 20th century. Walter B. Stephen Pottery: Cameo to Crystalline features art pottery and functional vessels from each stage of Stephen’s career, from his origins discovering the medium alongside his mother Nellie C. Randall Stephen in Shelby County, TN from 1901 through 1910 to his multi-decade production just outside of Asheville. This exhibition will be on view in the Asheville Art Museum’s Debra McClinton Gallery July 28, 2021 through January 17, 2022.

In 1926, Stephen founded his third and last pottery studio, Pisgah Forest, in Arden, NC, which he operated until his death in 1961. It was at this studio that the artist perfected the “cameo” decoration technique for which he became best known. His hand-painted images, achieved with layers of white translucent clay, often feature American folk imagery, from covered wagons and livestock to cabins and spinning wheels. A selection of works from the Museum’s Collection showcase his innovation in form and in decorative surface details, including experimentation with crystalline glazing.

Starting this weekend, we’ll be selling local heirloom and edible pumpkins from Sandy Mush, NC, and decorative gourds from Union Grove, NC!

Come join us at the farm as we get into the fall spirit & celebrate the harvest 

OAKS Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
September 7-December 17, 2021 | Monday-Friday | 2:30-5:30pm
An inclusive recreation program designed to support rising 1st5th graders and their families. OAKS will provide homework
assistance and opportunities to play through a variety of activities
and field trips. Participants will benefit from lower child to
staff ratios, continuation of scholastic goals (as applicable),
and individualized treatment plans (facilitated by LRT/CTRS
and program staff). Participants who cannot meet eligibility
requirements may attend with a 1:1 worker.
Location: Oakley

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Tech Week (Group 1): Nov 1-4 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Tech Week (Group 2): Nov 8-11 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 PM
Tech Week (Group 3): Nov 8-11 | Monday through Thursday | 6:30-8:30 PM

Performances (Group 1): Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Nov 7 at 6:30 PM
Performances (Group 2): Saturday, Nov 13 at 2:30 PM and Sunday, Nov 14 at 2:30 PM
Performances (Group 3): Saturday, Nov 13 at 5:30 PM and Sunday, Nov 14 at 5:30 PM

What goes on behind the curtains? In this course students learn the ins and outs of technical theatre and backstage work, including safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by covering all technical and backstage roles during the Youth Clue performances. Students will split tech and performance dates so some scheduling conflicts may be accommodated.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Wednesday, September 1st for consideration.

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Build on the fundamentals of musical theatre technique by integrating acting, singing, and basic choreography in the development of a musical revue. Expand on principles of vocal technique, music theory, knowledge of Broadway repertoire, expression of character through movement, and learn how to elevate performances by making specific and unique choices on stage. Apply your skills in an informal showcase for friends and family. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times!

Notes: To ensure increased ventilation, this class will be held outside whenever possible. If rain forces the program indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep our community safe. Read more about our Covid Safety Guidelines here. 

*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more below about payment plans and multi-student discounts.

Registration deadline: September 13

In this four-week virtual class, explore natural and artificial light using digital photography! Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, and capture landscapes, portraits, and more in a variety of lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts, short readings, and journaling.

This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind. Previous knowledge of digital photography is not needed to participate in and/or benefit from the class. Learning how to use a digital camera is not a focus; however, the instructor can answer specific questions about digital camera functions and use as requested.

M. Paige Taylor has a background in art and photography, earning an undergraduate degree from Bard College (NY) and a graduate degree from the Art Center College of Design (CA). Currently, she teaches online photography courses for the University of New Mexico and is the Asheville Art Museum’s learning & engagement assistant. Before joining the Museum’s staff, she held positions at 516 ARTS (NM) and the Robert & Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (CA). She is a member of the Society for Photographic Education, and enjoys meeting new people of all ages and engaging them in a thoughtful exploration of art.

STUDENT SUPPLY LIST

 Blue Ridge Humane Society knows how difficult the loss of a loved pet can be, and to support grieving pet owners, is offering a new peer support group with a professional group moderator.

The free program will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for members of the community to come together to support one another through their loss and grief of their beloved pet(s).

Sign-up is required and the sessions are limited to 20 participants. Sessions will be held via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month, 6pm-7pm. Registration will be open for the first session until Friday, May 28, 2021, or until full, whichever occurs first. Registration is available at www.blueridgehumane.org/pet-loss-support/

“Pet loss is the worst part of being a pet owner. Our pets are family. Every pet is different and brings a unique light into our lives. The loss of that light can be devastating. Coping with grief, especially in today’s world, is a difficult process,” shares Angela Prodrick, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Humane Society. “We at Blue Ridge Humane Society feel it is important to help people navigate that time of mourning and offer what support we can.”

The sessions will be moderated by BRHS staff and led by Judi Moolten. Judi is a former clinical social worker, with a PhD certificate in Stress and Somatic Psychology. In addition to being a stress coach Judi lives and resides in Hendersonville. Judi comes to BRHS as a volunteer, but also as a pet parent who uses animals to help heal stress and more! Judi also has suffered many losses during COVID-19 and beyond and will be available to just listen, or when requested offer feedback.

Pet loss and grief can trigger intense emotional responses that may need to be addressed with professional resources which is beyond what BRHS is able to provide through the Peer Support group. This cannot to take the place of professional counseling and therapy.

Additional info or support for those who have suffered the loss of a pet can be found at The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement https://www.aplb.org/.

If you feel that you’re in distress or having thoughts about harming yourself, please call:

• 2-1-1. A 24/7 national free and confidential service that helps you find the resources you need including crisis and emergency.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call (800) 273-8255. The lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress

Its Wednesday people. Come join me at the wicked weed in downtown Asheville as we take a much needed brake from our workweek! We will enjoy great food, wonderful fall weather and some drinks too! Please do not forgot to bring your food donations and to arrive promptly. I will do my best to sit us outside but cannot guarantee it until arrival.

What we’re about

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Event: “Preservation Through Art: Along the French Broad” Fall Art Sale and Exhibition

Dates: September 16th – October 27th, 2021

Artist Reception Dates:

• September 16th –  6-8 pm
• September 29th – 6-8 pm
• October 13th – 6-8 pm

Meet the Artists Q&A:

• September 22nd –  6-8 pm
• October 6th – 6-8 pm
• October 20th – 6-8 pm

If you are unable to attend one of our scheduled events, we invite you to contact us at 828-628-0006 or 828-273-5383 to schedule a showing. This will give you an extra opportunity to see the artwork and/or purchase a piece to support our conservation efforts. The Wedge at Foundation is open seven days a week, but viewing availability is limited, so call us and we will gladly set a personal showing for you.

There are 3 collections of artwork, with each collection on display for a two-week period.

Sept 16 – Sept 29 (Collection 1): Featuring Chimney Rock, Lovers Leap in Hot Springs, Scenes on the French Broad, Pisgah View from Biltmore

Sept 30 – Oct 13 (Collection 2): Featuring The Smoky Mountains, Farm on the French Broad, Paint Rock, Long View of Lovers Leap, Ferry Site on the French Broad, Portrait of Harry Fenn

October 14 – 27 (Collection 3): Featuring Mountain Island, The French Broad, Old Mill at Reems Creek, Team on the French Broad

Preserving A Picturesque America (PAPA) will hold its annual Fall art sale and exhibition “Preservation Through Art — The French Broad” from Sept. 16 through Oct. 27 in the Cloud Room at the Wedge at Foundation. Many local artists have contributed art works in a variety of mediums, depicting scenes along the French Broad River from the original 1870s publication “Picturesque America.”

This art sale and exhibition is PAPA’s major fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will not only support PAPA with its ongoing mission but will also contribute to the conservation efforts of such organizations as Riverlink, Asheville Greenworks, MountainTrue, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Friends of Pisgah National Forest, and Friends of Chimney Rock State Park.

Dust off your thinking caps, grab your friends, and join us for Trivia Night at the taproom every Wednesday at 6pm!

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Haunted Hendo is the end result of a massive collaboration between Blue Ridge’s Theatre Department and its community.

Theatre Department faculty Jennifer Treadway explained that Haunted Hendo is composed of 10 short films highlighting mountain mysteries and local lore.

Some of the highlighted stories include the unexplained phenomena in the Henderson County Historic Courthouse, reported ghost sightings in The Poe House, the Cherokee legend of a siren in the French Broad River, and even a spotlight on Western North Carolina’s very own Bigfoot-like cryptid, the Boojum.

Each short film, being the creation of different groups of students, carries a completely different film style from the last.. A good example of this is telling the Boojum legends through musical songs.

The documentary Treadway mentioned will feature White Rock Hospital, a location that served as a tuberculosis clinic around WWI and has earned a reputation for strange happenings since then. Students interviewed the current owners as well as those who’ve had unusual experiences at the site in order to create this film.

The event’s production team consisted of more than 50 current and former theatre and film students, community members, and theatre and film professionals. One such person is Hendersonville native Z. Joseph Guice, an award-winning actor, filmmaker and industry professional.

To prepare the public for the event, Blue Ridge students are gradually releasing teaser videos on the Theatre Department’s Facebook page.

You don’t have to scream your head off worried about admission costs, as Haunted Hendo is free to attend virtually; however, the Theatre Department will have a donation link available. While the donations aren’t required, they are very much appreciated.