Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Monday, July 27, 2020
Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed
Jul 27 all-day
Vance Monument

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed

This week, 3 local Asheville artists completed a Black Lives Matter mural in Pack Square downtown. The mural wraps around the now-shrouded Vance Monument.

The mural was approved by Asheville City Council, and coordinated via the Asheville Area Arts Council. The push for the mural comes on the heels of weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, heated debate over the Vance Monument and the memorial to Confederate soldiers in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse, and Asheville’s recent commitment to reparations.

Each artist took the lead on a different word in the mural.  Joseph Pearson was the lead artist for the word Black, Jenny Pickens for the word Lives, and Marie T. Cochran for the word Matter.

Grants and Funding of the Haywood County Arts Council
Jul 27 all-day
Online

As an advocate for the arts in our community, Haywood County Arts Council develops partnerships with schools, other nonprofits, county governments, schools, city revitalization boards, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, and tourism bureaus. These partnerships are often the catalyst for sustainable economic and community development using the arts and can lead to programs that connect diverse parts of the county through shared arts experiences.

With the assistance and support of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) has an important role in sustaining, growing, and advocating for the arts in Haywood County. The HCAC is a Designated County Partner (DCP) for the North Carolina Arts Council, and administers the Grassroots Arts Program subgrant process as well as the Artist Support Grant for Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 27 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020
“Say Their Names” Art Exhibit
Jul 28 all-day
Online

The “SAY THEIR NAMES” display at The Oak Street Gallery lists the names of more than 60 Black Americans killed by police officers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed
Jul 28 all-day
Vance Monument

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed

This week, 3 local Asheville artists completed a Black Lives Matter mural in Pack Square downtown. The mural wraps around the now-shrouded Vance Monument.

The mural was approved by Asheville City Council, and coordinated via the Asheville Area Arts Council. The push for the mural comes on the heels of weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, heated debate over the Vance Monument and the memorial to Confederate soldiers in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse, and Asheville’s recent commitment to reparations.

Each artist took the lead on a different word in the mural.  Joseph Pearson was the lead artist for the word Black, Jenny Pickens for the word Lives, and Marie T. Cochran for the word Matter.

Grants and Funding of the Haywood County Arts Council
Jul 28 all-day
Online

As an advocate for the arts in our community, Haywood County Arts Council develops partnerships with schools, other nonprofits, county governments, schools, city revitalization boards, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, and tourism bureaus. These partnerships are often the catalyst for sustainable economic and community development using the arts and can lead to programs that connect diverse parts of the county through shared arts experiences.

With the assistance and support of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) has an important role in sustaining, growing, and advocating for the arts in Haywood County. The HCAC is a Designated County Partner (DCP) for the North Carolina Arts Council, and administers the Grassroots Arts Program subgrant process as well as the Artist Support Grant for Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties.

Tebbe Davis Fine Art: Private Lessons
Jul 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
River Arts District Artists, Asheville

Image may contain: indoor

Come to my studio for private lessons in Creative expression and unlocking the Artist within.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 28 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Improvisational Hand Embroidery (Virtual)
Jul 28 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

No photo description available.

Together, we’ll explore the creative freedom and mental relaxation that comes from practicing hand embroidery without a preset pattern or design. We’ll set up our projects and free our minds to relax and wander while our hands create meandering designs. No sketching is involved, no hand sewing experience is required, and best of all, there’s no way to do it wrong!

See one possible result in this video: https://youtu.be/Rq9wzSWZsSM There will be a brief demonstration of this technique, and help getting started (for those who desire it). You are always welcome to go your own way and stitch what you wish.

We’ll gather around the virtual table to hand sew together on a series of Tuesdays:

July 7, 14, 21, 28 ~ 2020
from 1:30 – 3:30 pm and also
from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Show up once or every time – whatever suits you and your schedule.

This casual workshop takes place on Zoom. It is available live only and will not be recorded. A free Zoom account is required to participate. Click “Find Tickets” at the top of this event page to receive login instructions.

Each session is stand alone with no formal intent. There’s nothing to fall behind on if you miss a time or two.

Supply list:
~ a piece of clothing or fabric to sew on (woven non-stretchy fabric will be easier than stretchy knit)
~ an embroidery hoop (whatever size is comfortable for you)
~ a hand sewing needle
~ embroidery floss (in several colors, if you like)
~ snips or scissors
~ reading glasses (if you’ve reached that age)
~ needle threader (ditto)

(If you have a hand sewing project in progress and would just like some company, you’re welcome to work on that instead.)

Ages 17+. No hand sewing experience required.

Suggested donation: $1 – $5 per session

Improvisational Hand Embroidery (Virtual)
Jul 28 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

No photo description available.

Together, we’ll explore the creative freedom and mental relaxation that comes from practicing hand embroidery without a preset pattern or design. We’ll set up our projects and free our minds to relax and wander while our hands create meandering designs. No sketching is involved, no hand sewing experience is required, and best of all, there’s no way to do it wrong!

See one possible result in this video: https://youtu.be/Rq9wzSWZsSM There will be a brief demonstration of this technique, and help getting started (for those who desire it). You are always welcome to go your own way and stitch what you wish.

We’ll gather around the virtual table to hand sew together on a series of Tuesdays:

July 7, 14, 21, 28 ~ 2020
from 1:30 – 3:30 pm and also
from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Show up once or every time – whatever suits you and your schedule.

This casual workshop takes place on Zoom. It is available live only and will not be recorded. A free Zoom account is required to participate. Click “Find Tickets” at the top of this event page to receive login instructions.

Each session is stand alone with no formal intent. There’s nothing to fall behind on if you miss a time or two.

Supply list:
~ a piece of clothing or fabric to sew on (woven non-stretchy fabric will be easier than stretchy knit)
~ an embroidery hoop (whatever size is comfortable for you)
~ a hand sewing needle
~ embroidery floss (in several colors, if you like)
~ snips or scissors
~ reading glasses (if you’ve reached that age)
~ needle threader (ditto)

(If you have a hand sewing project in progress and would just like some company, you’re welcome to work on that instead.)

Ages 17+. No hand sewing experience required.

Suggested donation: $1 – $5 per session

Wednesday, July 29, 2020
“Say Their Names” Art Exhibit
Jul 29 all-day
Online

The “SAY THEIR NAMES” display at The Oak Street Gallery lists the names of more than 60 Black Americans killed by police officers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed
Jul 29 all-day
Vance Monument

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed

This week, 3 local Asheville artists completed a Black Lives Matter mural in Pack Square downtown. The mural wraps around the now-shrouded Vance Monument.

The mural was approved by Asheville City Council, and coordinated via the Asheville Area Arts Council. The push for the mural comes on the heels of weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, heated debate over the Vance Monument and the memorial to Confederate soldiers in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse, and Asheville’s recent commitment to reparations.

Each artist took the lead on a different word in the mural.  Joseph Pearson was the lead artist for the word Black, Jenny Pickens for the word Lives, and Marie T. Cochran for the word Matter.

Grants and Funding of the Haywood County Arts Council
Jul 29 all-day
Online

As an advocate for the arts in our community, Haywood County Arts Council develops partnerships with schools, other nonprofits, county governments, schools, city revitalization boards, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, and tourism bureaus. These partnerships are often the catalyst for sustainable economic and community development using the arts and can lead to programs that connect diverse parts of the county through shared arts experiences.

With the assistance and support of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) has an important role in sustaining, growing, and advocating for the arts in Haywood County. The HCAC is a Designated County Partner (DCP) for the North Carolina Arts Council, and administers the Grassroots Arts Program subgrant process as well as the Artist Support Grant for Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties.

Grove Arcade Makers Market Accepting Vendor Applications
Jul 29 all-day
Online

The Battery Park end of the Grove Arcade is home to the Makers Market, an outdoor bazaar with a dozen stalls filled by artisans selling their craft directly to the public. The market is now accepting vendor applications for local artist to sell their wares, and the application fee is currently waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the process and vendor regulations, as well as how to apply, here.

The Dancing Pitcher w/ Sarah Wells Rolland: 2 Hr. Video Demonstration Workshop
Jul 29 all-day
Online

This form has been a signature piece in Sarah’s body of work for years. The award winning Dancing Pitcher celebrates gracefulness, soft lines, and movement. The process making this unique form is inspiring and challenging.

This workshop is designed to push our limits as potters and push the limits of clay. We will cover many techniques. The goal is to stretch our thinking when making and designing pots. Creating designs where the flow of line and space are key. The making of this sectional graceful pot is perfect for discussion about design and training our eye to see.

We will cover:

  1. Throwing w/excellence
  2. Throwing in Sections
  3. Throwing with larger volumes of clay
  4. Darting
  5. Fluid Handles
  6. Pulling a large handle off the pot
  7. How to glaze this 24″ tall form and not ruin it
  8. Art that functions and why it matters

I will have several Pitchers in the different stages so we can all see this pot made to completion in the set 2 hours.

Hang on to you potters stool because you are in for a beautiful ride!

The video workshop is available for 30 days after purchase.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Live Marbling
Jul 29 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

VIRTUAL: Live Marbling

Virtually enjoy the process of marbling, the antique process of floating paint on a thickened water surface. Watch as Pam Granger Gale drops paint onto the surface and each drop expands. More and more paint drops push others around without mixing. Then combs and rakes are used to create both historical and freeform patterns. Paper is placed on the surface and captures this monoprint forever.

Thursday, July 30, 2020
“Say Their Names” Art Exhibit
Jul 30 all-day
Online

The “SAY THEIR NAMES” display at The Oak Street Gallery lists the names of more than 60 Black Americans killed by police officers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Jul 30 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 30 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed
Jul 30 all-day
Vance Monument

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed

This week, 3 local Asheville artists completed a Black Lives Matter mural in Pack Square downtown. The mural wraps around the now-shrouded Vance Monument.

The mural was approved by Asheville City Council, and coordinated via the Asheville Area Arts Council. The push for the mural comes on the heels of weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, heated debate over the Vance Monument and the memorial to Confederate soldiers in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse, and Asheville’s recent commitment to reparations.

Each artist took the lead on a different word in the mural.  Joseph Pearson was the lead artist for the word Black, Jenny Pickens for the word Lives, and Marie T. Cochran for the word Matter.

Grants and Funding of the Haywood County Arts Council
Jul 30 all-day
Online

As an advocate for the arts in our community, Haywood County Arts Council develops partnerships with schools, other nonprofits, county governments, schools, city revitalization boards, economic development councils, chambers of commerce, and tourism bureaus. These partnerships are often the catalyst for sustainable economic and community development using the arts and can lead to programs that connect diverse parts of the county through shared arts experiences.

With the assistance and support of the North Carolina Arts Council, the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) has an important role in sustaining, growing, and advocating for the arts in Haywood County. The HCAC is a Designated County Partner (DCP) for the North Carolina Arts Council, and administers the Grassroots Arts Program subgrant process as well as the Artist Support Grant for Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties.

Grove Arcade Makers Market Accepting Vendor Applications
Jul 30 all-day
Online

The Battery Park end of the Grove Arcade is home to the Makers Market, an outdoor bazaar with a dozen stalls filled by artisans selling their craft directly to the public. The market is now accepting vendor applications for local artist to sell their wares, and the application fee is currently waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the process and vendor regulations, as well as how to apply, here.

The Dancing Pitcher w/ Sarah Wells Rolland: 2 Hr. Video Demonstration Workshop
Jul 30 all-day
Online

This form has been a signature piece in Sarah’s body of work for years. The award winning Dancing Pitcher celebrates gracefulness, soft lines, and movement. The process making this unique form is inspiring and challenging.

This workshop is designed to push our limits as potters and push the limits of clay. We will cover many techniques. The goal is to stretch our thinking when making and designing pots. Creating designs where the flow of line and space are key. The making of this sectional graceful pot is perfect for discussion about design and training our eye to see.

We will cover:

  1. Throwing w/excellence
  2. Throwing in Sections
  3. Throwing with larger volumes of clay
  4. Darting
  5. Fluid Handles
  6. Pulling a large handle off the pot
  7. How to glaze this 24″ tall form and not ruin it
  8. Art that functions and why it matters

I will have several Pitchers in the different stages so we can all see this pot made to completion in the set 2 hours.

Hang on to you potters stool because you are in for a beautiful ride!

The video workshop is available for 30 days after purchase.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 30 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020
Jul 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020

Asheville Gallery of Art

July Show

“Infinite Possibilities”

Asheville Gallery of Art’s July show, “Infinite Possibilities,” is a multi-member show highlighting the insights artists gained during increased time in their home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show runs July 1-31 during gallery hours.

Change can be good! As members of a cooperative, the 31 artists of Asheville Gallery of Art are used to being and working together to keep the gallery functioning. With COVID-19, everyone is working in their home studios and finding that they have the chance to do what they might not have tried before. Many say they have found infinite possibilities within their work as well as new ways to sell work they’ve been creating.

Friday, July 31, 2020
“Say Their Names” Art Exhibit
Jul 31 all-day
Online

The “SAY THEIR NAMES” display at The Oak Street Gallery lists the names of more than 60 Black Americans killed by police officers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Jul 31 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jul 31 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 31 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.