Calendar of Events

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Back by popular demand! “The Unruly Mystic: John Muir” explores the remarkable life and writings of famed environmentalist, conservationist, and founding father of America’s National Parks, John Muir. Using interviews from noted psychologists, theologians, historians, members of the National Park Service, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and others, this inspirational documentary seeks to look deeper into how people from around the world have been inspired by Muir to use nature to strengthen their own personal spiritual connections.

Featuring the artwork of Western North Carolina artists Connie Bostic, Brenda Coates, Linda Larsen, Marya Roland and Alice Sebrell, AKA The Faux Book Club.

The Faux Book Club was loosely formed some twenty years ago. Yet to this day, the artists haven’t been able to agree upon a single book to read together. Instead they’ve pivoted their attention to their top priority: making art. They concentrate especially on contemporary art that is more engaged in asking questions than having answers, more concerned with process than product, and that hopefully challenges their own thinking along the way. When they do have an exhibition, they seem to be able to agree on a theme, but beyond that, the work expresses the explicit individuality of its maker. The Faux also eventually agree on a show’s title as, over the years, their work has been exhibited in venues as far-reaching as the Meadows Museum in Shreveport, LA to a local tattoo parlor.

Their irreverent curiosity takes their work into a variety of cross-disciplines that includes painting, sculpture, installation, mixed media, the written word and always kitsch. The current show, Domestic Bliss 2019 has it all.
Through May 26.

In the mountains of North Carolina you’ll find one of America’s hippest cities. On this fun-filled Asheville scavenger hunt, we loop around the city center in search of the city’s best sights and hidden gems.

Does an obelisk impress? Where can you play 75 pinball machines? Find out on this scavenger hunt of Asheville!

Mayfest is the one of the longest running festivals in N.C., drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of springtime, family fun. Annual entertainment and traditions will be enjoyed including live music from Rutherford County Line and the Houston Bernard Band, a Car, Truck and Bike Show, and a variety of artisans and crafters showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. Youngsters will have a ball in the Kids Playland featuring inflatables and rock climbing walls, plus obstacle courses, face painting, and the Pinewood Derby Race. Local dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders will perform, a Doggie Kissing booth will be open, and friendly fur babies will take the spotlight during the 4 Paws Kingdom Pet Contest. No festival is complete without fabulous food vendors. Indulge yourself with delicious BBQ, turkey legs, roasted corn, stir-fry, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and much more.

Today’s woman is a go-getter, independent and above all, polished and confident! Your makeup should help reflect that!

Learn how to create a look that you can wear during the day and then easily transition into nighttime wear! Learn how to utilize certain products for more than just one purpose, how to create a flawless complexion using minimal tools and help deciding what products are best for you!

Don’t be intimidated by your makeup bag! Be excited about it! Join the talented Liz Black on Sunday, May 5th, and let’s margarita and makeup! She will be doing a live demo on a model as you sip and watch or follow along with her using your own makeup (list of her favorites suggested products arrive via email after sign up)!

Class includes a makeup bag, the ever essential beauty sponge (one of her secret weapons) and bottomless margaritas.

Note from Liz Black:

I am a self taught, freelance makeup artist in the Asheville area. I have always had a passion for makeup and all things glam! In addition to that, I am a hustler at heart, a people person and a busy body. Combine all those ingredients and you have an individual who decided three years ago to take a chance… and that is how I created my business Liz Black Makeup.

Since then, I have met so many incredible women and made so many friends, been a part of some seriously amazing events, helped bring life to brides’ perfect makeup vision and above all, I have found a sense of accomplishment and contentment that I’ve never felt before. To be proud of oneself is something that isn’t easy to obtain. When I see a woman’s face light up with genuine satisfaction because of something that I did, I feel pride and excitement! To know that I’ve helped an individual feel good about their self is so encouraging for me! My goal is always to make my client, my new friend, feel special and confident in their own skin!