Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm

For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.

“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times

Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.

Spotlight on Ailey II:

Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey to spotlight rising dance talent and visionary choreographers
Bridges the gap between student training and professional performance for early-career dancers
At least half the members of the main company are Ailey II alumni
Led for 38 seasons by Sylvia Waters, handpicked by Ailey himself
Now under the direction of Francesca Harper, a former student at The Ailey School, bringing bold, inclusive, and experimental energy

Wortham Presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance

Wortham Center Student Series Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm

For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.

“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times

Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.

Spotlight on Ailey II:

Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey to spotlight rising dance talent and visionary choreographers
Bridges the gap between student training and professional performance for early-career dancers
At least half the members of the main company are Ailey II alumni
Led for 38 seasons by Sylvia Waters, handpicked by Ailey himself
Now under the direction of Francesca Harper, a former student at The Ailey School, bringing bold, inclusive, and experimental energy

Wortham Presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

MIXTAPE! THE BEST OF THE 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s (Vol. 3) 

February 19 – 22

Did you really think we’d stop at Vol. 2? Not a chance! Your favorite rock ’n’ roll time machine is back and spinning another round of greatest hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. From the musical masterminds who brought you The Music of Queen, The Eagles, and The Beatles, Mixtape Vol. 3 is jam-packed with the songs that defined decades — the anthems you danced to, sang along with, and still know by heart. Get ready for pure retro joy. It’s a hit parade for the ages. Rewind the memories.
Turn up the fun!

​Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

TICKETS STARTING AT: $48

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.

Wortham Center Student Series

Joshua Lozoff: Life is Magic

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

MIXTAPE! THE BEST OF THE 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s (Vol. 3) 

February 19 – 22

Did you really think we’d stop at Vol. 2? Not a chance! Your favorite rock ’n’ roll time machine is back and spinning another round of greatest hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. From the musical masterminds who brought you The Music of Queen, The Eagles, and The Beatles, Mixtape Vol. 3 is jam-packed with the songs that defined decades — the anthems you danced to, sang along with, and still know by heart. Get ready for pure retro joy. It’s a hit parade for the ages. Rewind the memories.
Turn up the fun!

​Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

TICKETS STARTING AT: $48

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Fri, Feb 20 • 7 pm

Awe-inspiring illusions. Mind-boggling mental demonstrations. Captivating storytelling. Prepare to be astonished as Joshua Lozoff includes audience members of all ages in this highly interactive show. As seen on Clueless, Cheers, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, this enchanting performer will ignite your imagination.

Spotlight on Joshua Lozoff:

Former film and TV actor turned magician, with credits including Clueless, Cheers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Combines sleight-of-hand, mentalism, and storytelling in a highly interactive show
Known for mind-reading feats, Rubik’s Cube wizardry, and illusions that spark wonder
Millions have watched his appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Honored as one of only two magicians invited to perform at the World’s Fair in Japan

Wortham Presents Joshua Lozoff: Life is Magic

Dwight Yoakam is a legendary artist whose influence has reshaped the landscape of country music and beyond. With over 25 million albums sold worldwide, he is a 21-time GRAMMY® nominee and multiple GRAMMY® Award winner. His catalog includes 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum releases, with five topping Billboard Country Albums chart and 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of his singles have charted on Billboard, including 14 Top 10 hits.

Grovewood Gallery is pleased to present Carl Powell: 50 Years of Glass & Photography, a retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable career of Asheville artist Carl Powell. The exhibition will open with a reception on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 2–5pm, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the artist. On view through April 5, 2026, this special showcase brings together Powell’s evocative photographs alongside his innovative glass sculptures.

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

MIXTAPE! THE BEST OF THE 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s (Vol. 3) 

February 19 – 22

Did you really think we’d stop at Vol. 2? Not a chance! Your favorite rock ’n’ roll time machine is back and spinning another round of greatest hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. From the musical masterminds who brought you The Music of Queen, The Eagles, and The Beatles, Mixtape Vol. 3 is jam-packed with the songs that defined decades — the anthems you danced to, sang along with, and still know by heart. Get ready for pure retro joy. It’s a hit parade for the ages. Rewind the memories.
Turn up the fun!

​Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

TICKETS STARTING AT: $48

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Grovewood Gallery is pleased to present Carl Powell: 50 Years of Glass & Photography, a retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable career of Asheville artist Carl Powell. The exhibition will open with a reception on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 2–5pm, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the artist. On view through April 5, 2026, this special showcase brings together Powell’s evocative photographs alongside his innovative glass sculptures.