Calendar of Events

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 4 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 4 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

Old Farmers Ball: Swannanoa Gathering musicians and callers

Jul 4 @ 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa Gathering Fiddle and Mando & Banjo week
Free lesson 7:30-8, dance 8-11

Categories: Dance

Old Farmer’s Ball Thursday Dance

Jul 4 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Bryson Gym Warren Wilson College

Our Thursday Dance

This dance is fragrance-free (no perfume, cologne, strong deodorant, etc.), out of respect for those with sensitivities.

Schedule

Every Thursday night (except as indicated on the calendar)
Beginner lesson at 7:30 pm (advanced dancers are welcome to help out during the lesson!)
Dance 8 pm – 11 pm

Cost

Non-members: $12
OFB Members: $10
Warren Wilson community: $1

If this is your first time dancing with us, your second dance is free!

Categories: Community Dance

Friday, July 5, 2024

Farm Beginnings® Program: Farmer program applications open

Jul 5 all-day

Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

The OGS Approach

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Categories: Education Garden Garden Events

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 5 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 5 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

Saturday, July 6, 2024

Farm Beginnings® Program: Farmer program applications open

Jul 6 all-day

Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

The OGS Approach

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Categories: Education Garden Garden Events

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 6 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 6 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

Farm to Fiber: From Indigo Plant to Indigo Dye

Jul 6 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

R Farm

Indigo, a deep blue dye derived from the indigo plant (Indigofera), has a rich and complex history in North America. This workshop will incorporate the history of the indigo plant, how artists use it today, and how to grow and use indigo on a small scale. We will visit the field where a local farmer’s indigo plants are growing, harvest our own stalks, use them in a fresh leaf extraction method for dyeing a variety of materials, as well as see a demo of the multi-day traditional dyeing process.

This class includes a silk scarf, indigo supplies, and all the tools you’ll need to dye your scarf.

Categories: Garden Garden Events

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 7 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 7 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

“I SCREAM” Social Soirée

Jul 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Blue Spiral 1 Gallery

SPEAKING OF PARTIES!

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT #2 – Welcome to the “I SCREAM” Social Soirée!

Join the Terpsicorps dancers on July 11, at Blue Sprial 1 in downtown Asheville, as we celebrate the upcoming premiere of Heather Maloy’s Before The Scream. Mingle with fellow dance and fine arts enthusiasts while enjoying wine, beer, delicious food from Asheville restaurants, and of course, ice cream from The Hop!

Event Highlights:

Enjoy a performance by Terpsicorps’ stunning international cast, followed by a meet-and-greet with the dancers.
Get an exclusive first look at the new photography series by renowned photographer Parker J Pfister, featuring the Terpsicorps dancers.
Have fun in a The Scream-themed photo booth and take home unique party favors.
Participate in a silent auction featuring art, jewelry, and gift certificates to Asheville’s top attractions and businesses.
Savor wine and beer (tickets include two free drink vouchers).
Indulge in food from some of your favorite Asheville restaurants, including Strada Italiano and The Hop.
Experience the incredible artwork on display at Blue Spiral 1. July’s exhibition, The Nod, is a celebration of both historical artists and art movements, and how contemporary makers pay homage to them. A perfect fit with Maloy’s new work inspired by Edvard Munch!

Join us for this unforgettable evening and proudly say, “I Was There BEFORE the Scream!”

Categories: Art & Craft Dance Food & Drink Theatre

Monday, July 8, 2024

Farm Beginnings® Program: Farmer program applications open

Jul 8 all-day

Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

The OGS Approach

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Categories: Education Garden Garden Events

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 8 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 8 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

Monday Night Dance: Community contra dance

Jul 8 @ 8:15 pm – 10:30 pm

St. George's Center for Art and Spirit

Welcome to our weekly community contra dance in West Asheville! The Monday Night Dance has been around for decades, and we are carrying the torch forward! We are a loving, kind, and safe dance community and highly encourage masking during the dance. No derogatory comments in relation to masking will be tolerated! We encourage non-maskers to mask while partnering with a dancer wearing a mask, or to at least ask if the person would like them to mask while they dance with them.

Practicalities

Time: Contra dancing 8:15–10:30pm, with a beginner lesson starting at 7:45 and a waltz session ending the evening.

Location: St. George’s Center for Art and Spirit, 1 School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806

Cost: $12–$45 sliding scale, CASH ONLY. Please pay as much as you can afford to cover the cost of the wonderful live music, the caller, sound person, rent, and other expenses! ATMs are available at banks on Patton Ave., as well as cash back options at local gas stations and grocery stores.

Requirements: Face masks and sign-in agreeing to the dance’s Safety Guidelines.

Please enter through the front red doors to the sanctuary. Extra parking available in the lots between Moore’s Foot and Ankle and St. George’s (please avoid parking in front of their practice.) This is a scent-free dance. Please bring your own water and water bottle. Beginners are encouraged to attend! Beginner-friendly dances start the contra dancing in lieu of a lesson.

Community Focus

The Monday Night Dance is more than just a dance; the community is deeply rooted. Folks are welcome to sell their wares, like jewelry, dance shoes, dance clothes, pottery, etc. They are also welcome to leave business cards and help wanted or work needed ads. Additionally, the Take Some Leave Some Closet is a new feature of the MND. You can take any clothes, food, produce, feminine products or first aid supplies that we have, and as you are able you can also leave some to replenish. Private times to receive from the closet can also be arranged during the week depending on to the dance organizer’s availability.

Safety

We emphasize safety here at the MND. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged, and courtesy to those choosing to mask is required. No discrimination to those wearing masks will be tolerated! In addition, this is a family and LGBTQ-friendly dance and a safe event for ALL races, ethnicities, genders, ages, shapes, and sizes. Accordingly, no discrimination, inappropriate sexually predatory behavior, racist or discriminatory comments, bullying, or verbal or physical abuse of ANY kind will be tolerated. See our Safety Guidelines for more info.

Volunteers and Donations

Ours is a dance built on volunteerism, and we need your help to survive! Please consider volunteering or becoming a patron by giving a monetary gift. Opening, door and closing help are some of the volunteer jobs available. Those completing their entire shift dance free! Email [email protected] for more info and to sign up.

Finally, please follow, like and join us on Facebook!

Thanks so much and see you on the dance floor!

Categories: Community Dance

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 9 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 9 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.

Categories: Garden Garden Events Tours

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Jul 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

NC Arboretum

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai is a challenging and rewarding horticultural activity, in which ordinary plants are grown in an extraordinary way. Through rigorously applied cultivation techniques, trees, shrubs, vines and even herbaceous plants are kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and then displayed in special containers.

What makes the Arboretum’s bonsai endeavor unique among all other public collections in the United States? Regional Interpretation. Visitors will find the Arboretum’s bonsai collection of more than 100 specimens carefully cultivated with a Southern Appalachian accent. The collection draws inspiration from the traditional roots of bonsai, but takes the form of a contemporary, Southern Appalachian influenced American garden. Plantings in the landscape include species and cultivars of American, European and Asian origin.

The Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Established in October 2005, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a world renowned garden that displays up to 50 bonsai specimens at a time. Represented are traditional Asian bonsai subjects such as Japanese maple and Chinese elm, tropical plants such as willow-leaf fig and bougainvillea, and American species such as bald cypress and limber pine. Of particular importance are the plants native to the Blue Ridge region, such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine, which enable the Arboretum to bring the thousand-year tradition of bonsai home to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Interpretive signage throughout the garden conveys information about the art and history of bonsai, and the Arboretum’s own creative approach to it.

Outdoor Bonsai Exhibition Garden

Bonsai on Display Mid May – November; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Garden Open Year Round

Parking Fees
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Categories: Family Fun Garden Garden Events Outdoors

Sand Hill Nursery Workday

Jul 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park

Join us for weekly workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

Categories: Garden Volunteers

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Farm Beginnings® Program: Farmer program applications open

Jul 10 all-day

Organic Growers School

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

The OGS Approach

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

What does Farm Beginnings® include?

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning
Sessions taught by regional, experienced farmers
One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership
Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan
Access to field days with regional partners
Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference
15 hr mentorship with an experienced farmer mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Categories: Education Garden Garden Events

Volunteer w/ The Old Farmer’s Ball

Jul 10 all-day

Asheville NC

We need volunteers to make our dance happen

Please go to oldfarmersball.com and sign up to help – and you can dance for free!

Early Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 7pm
Greet the sound tech, band, and caller
Count money
Complete pay-out sheet
Supervise volunteers
Time commitment: 30 – 60 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Opener

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Sweep the hall
Set up chairs
Clean / stock bathrooms
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Door Person

Arrive by 7pm
Check in with Early Host
Work when needed to take money at the door
Alternate with other Door People and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances
Slots available: 2
Time commitment: goes until break

Benefits: Dance free one whole night

Closer

Arrive by 9:15pm
Check in with Late Host
Fold and store chairs and tables
Sweep the floors
Empty and take out trash
Confirm completion of tasks with Late Host
Time commitment: 15 – 20 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Late Host (Board members preferred)

Arrive by 9pm (unless other arrangements have been made with Early Host)
Complete payout
Supervise Closers
Close the hall
Slots available: 1
Time commitment: 10 – 15 minutes

Benefits: Dance free the same night

Upcoming Dances

Three dances in July will be hosted by Swannanoa Gathering

July 4,

July 18 and

July 25

The July 18 dance will be a special Ceilidh Dance.

A reminder – We are NOT dancing on Aug 1 and 8

Be sure and save the date for our NYE dance

Categories: Dance Volunteers

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Jul 10 all-day

Asheville Area

Become a CRAFT member and join us for some incredible CRAFT farm tours this summer!

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

Why join CRAFT?

Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Farm tours are held monthly from April through October and focus on a specific aspect of sustainable farming. Check out the tour schedule and read blog posts about past tours.
Gain access to the CRAFT Farmer Handbook: farmer-generated, regionally-specific information on all aspects of farming.
Round-table discussions provide a place for farmers to discuss advanced farming topics.
The farmer network includes farmers and farm workers and is built on a farmer-to-farmer exchange of ideas.