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.

Friday, January 29, 2021
Help us Save Charlotte Street
Jan 29 all-day
Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Help us Save Charlotte Street
We need your help to stop this proposed development!  Please contact our City Council and let them know how you feel about the plan.  With lawyers and PR firms, we know the developers are, make sure you voice is heard too!
What else can you do?
  • Write letters to the editor
  • Sign the petition
  • Get a yard sign… when more arrive!
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the signs!  We are currently out but will let you know when more arrive.
We’ve heard your requests and this is coming soon:
HiHo Kids: Kids Meet an Opera Singer
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

HiHo Kids:
Kids Meet an Opera Singer

Curious kids meet–and interview–people with particular points of view.

January is National Blood Donor Month
Jan 29 all-day
The Blood Connection various locations

Amid the arrival of the long awaited COVID-19 vaccine, the demand for a well-known treatment for those battling the virus, convalescent plasma, has skyrocketed.

The Blood Connection (TBC), a non-profit community blood center, has seen the demand for this life-saving product triple in the past few months because of its effectiveness.
However, the need for convalescent plasma continues to far outrun the supply.
The release of the COVID-19 vaccine has created a challenge for TBC, as it reduces the number
of people who are eligible to give convalescent plasma. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
has recommended that donors who have received the vaccine should not donate convalescent
plasma but can donate whole blood (a regular blood donation). To give convalescent plasma,
donors must be symptom free for at least 14 days and must have proof of a positive COVID-19
test or positive COVID-19 antibody test.

Visit web site or call to schedule your donation appointment:
Hendersonville
825 Spartanburg Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Greenville
435 Woodruff Rd.
Greenville, SC 29607

Spartanburg
270 N. Grove Medical Park Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29303

Asheville
225 Airport Rd.
Arden, NC 28704

Local Charitable Giving Program Expands 2021 Charitable Giving Program
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Community Foundation of Henderson County

Nonprofit organizations wishing to apply for the 2021 Charitable Giving Program can access applications
online at www.horizonheatac.com/hha-community-fund. Applications will be accepted through Monday,
February 1, 2021. Last year, $24,000 was awarded to 14 nonprofits whose programs range from food
assistance to medical care and after-school education.

Look ahead: City of Asheville projects and initiatives for the new year
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Asheville City Government
Look ahead 2020 photo illustration

 

Asheville residents can look upon the new year with optimism. Together, we’ve weathered a pandemic and a vaccine will be available this year. Even so, the City of Asheville’s response to COVID-19 will continue in the new year, in coordination with the state of North Carolina and Buncombe County.

 

Residents can look forward to advances in social change in 2021 as well, as City staff incorporate Advancing Racial Equity in Asheville into the budget, reimagining public safety and all the other work that will go into serving this community in the coming year.

 

With that in mind, here are some initiatives coming our way. Look ahead: City of Asheville projects and initiatives for the new year | The City of Asheville (ashevillenc.gov)
North Carolina’s Modified Stay at Home Order Extended to Feb. 28th
Jan 29 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced that North Carolina’s Modified Stay At Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 pm – 5 am, will be extended. Face covering requirements and restrictions on individuals gathering in both indoor and outdoor settings are still in place. Executive Order No. 189 will be in effect through at least Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Governor also announced the extensions of executive orders for “to-go” or delivery sales of mixed beverages and evictions moratorium – Executive Order No. 190  and Executive Order No. 191.
Organic Growers School Apprentice Link database for Farming
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

The Apprentice Link database connects people who are serious about learning the sustainable farming trade with farmers who are willing to teach them in an apprenticeship setting. Our programs’ emphasis is specifically in the Southern Appalachians, with a focus on farms that participate in local Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) programs.

To be included in this listing, Organic Growers School has vetted each farm to determine of the following criteria has been met:

  • Farms are actively engaged in the local community.
  • Farms are using organic and/or sustainable production methods. Organic Certification and other certifications are not required, but we do ask that farms and farmers are “in-the-know” and conscientiously practicing organic standards.
  • Farms are dedicated to training new farmers by providing education as a pinnacle element of their apprenticeship program.
Public Transparency Dashboard released by Asheville police
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Asheville City Government
A new online database is available to the public with information on the Asheville Police Department (APD).

Message from the Chief

The Asheville Police Department is committed to improving transparency, building relationships, and improving trust with the residents of our community. The purpose of this dashboard is to provide our residents with the information needed to work collaboratively with law enforcement to develop solutions to make our community safer.

-David Zack, Chief of Police

Quarantine with The Sixteen: Recipes for Isolation
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center Staff Picks From Around the Web

Quarantine with The Sixteen:
Recipes for Isolation

Discover seven mouth-watering recipes recommended by members of the beloved UK-based choir.

Shiloh Peace Garden Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Jan 29 all-day
Shiloh Peace Garden

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

St. James AME Church Food Pantry + PPE Supplies for those In Need
Jan 29 all-day
St. James AME Church

Community Collaboration Helps Neighbors in Time of Need

Food insecurity has risen significantly across the country due to pandemic-related job losses and struggles, and in Buncombe County local food pantries are popping up to help feed neighborhood families.

A collaborative, community-led project between Bountiful Cities, St. James AME Church, East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, and Shiloh Community Association has neighbors helping neighbors to get non-perishable food and personal protective equipment (PPE) right where it’s needed most.

To serve people in need in the community, there are two new food pantries located at St. James AME Church and the Shiloh Peace Garden. Both pantries were handmade by Asheville local, Max Mandler of Mandler Construction. The pantry at St. James AME is dedicated to the memory of Bernadette Thompson, a longtime community activist and faithful member of the church for many years, and features artwork by local artist Jenny Pickens.

Community members will find both pantries stocked with non-perishable, nutritious food and free masks, hand sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and other items that will assist individuals in staying safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Upkeep and stocking the pantry will be a joint effort among the sponsoring organizations and the community-at-large. Thanks to CARES funding, Buncombe County government was able to help with initial supply efforts. The pantries will be open seven days a week and are set up to be self-serve. Everyone is welcome to utilize the pantries for both food and PPE needs.

State Re-Calibrates Vaccine Phasing, Vaccines for Health Care Workers and Adults 65 +
Jan 29 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

 

Today the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced that vaccine providers may vaccinate all health care workers and anyone 65 years and older.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) had begun administering vaccine to those 75 years and older per the previous NCDHHS plan and is committed to providing vaccinations to those 75 years and older until Feb 1, 2021. BCHHS will continue to provide appointments to those over the age of 75 and will begin to provide appointments for individuals 65 and older starting Feb. 1, 2021.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, states must make vaccine available in phases. View the phases at https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/vaccines/NCDHHS-Vaccine-Infographic.pdf.

NCDHHS determines the vaccine allocation to counties. Current vaccine supply remains low. BCHHS will alert our community of available appointments as more vaccine doses are received.

Currently, all appointments for available vaccines have been scheduled. Community members can receive information about vaccination phases, available appointments, and how to schedule appointments by signing up for the COVID-19 email newsletter at buncombeready.org. Community members can also receive alerts to their phones by texting “BCAlert” to 888-777.

TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 5
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Brevard Music Center

Digital BMC

Selected past performances by BMC orchestras, faculty, and guest artists on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Open Air Brevard.

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
IV. Finale. Andante maestoso – Allegro vivace
Brevard Concert Orchestra • Keith Lockhart, conductor
Recorded live on August 2, 2013,
at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at the Brevard Music Center.

Virtual Lessons: RiverLink River Rats Education Programs
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ RiverLink

The pandemic has been really hectic for all of us, but we know it’s been especially hard for the education world. At RiverLink we recognize all of the effort and sacrifices teachers have gone through, and we want to help!

Our RiverRATS program works to virtually engage your students in topics related to water quality. Whether it’s stormwater, erosion, macroinvertebrates or any other river-centric topic you need to cover, our educators are here to help! Some examples of possible programming include:

  • Microscope Macros: Using our digital microscopes we can take a close look at the body parts of various stream dwelling macroinvertebrates and discuss how they fit within stream ecosystems.
  • Pre-Recorded Video Lessons: We’ve created a couple videos using our interactive stormwater and stream table models. Our educators can share these with your class and facilitate a discussion afterwards.
  • Ask an Expert: Let your students lead the lesson and ask any burning questions they might have about rivers or water quality. We can also coordinate with City of Asheville staff, other environmental groups, and local scientists to have them join your class as well.

Our program is mainly focused on working with grades 3rd-8th; however, adjustments can be made to cater our content to grades K-12 as well.

If you’d like to schedule a virtual lesson with us or discuss other ways we could engage with your students, you can send us an email at [email protected].

What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

WNC Nature Center Critter Covid Masks
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ WNC Nature Center

May be an image of 1 person, standing and outerwear

We’ve been getting rave reviews about our Nature Center masks!
“I am an aficionado of masks now, and this is a superior mask.”
“The best mask I own. I feel protected.”
Our masks come in a variety of sizes for youth and adults. Purchase yours in person at the Gift Shop, located in the barn, or online at http://wildwnc.org/gift-shop!
Woods + Wilds: The Podcast Ep. 9 featuring Allison Maria Rodriguez
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Dogwood Alliance

Allison-Maria-RodriguezQuickening-the-Dustsolo-show-openingphoto-by-Tory-Corless-1024×683

Hosts Kimala Luna from Dogwood Alliance and Elizabeth Lashay from SlayTheMic talk with artist Allison Maria Rodriguez about her artwork and how she creates immersive experiential spaces to challenge conventional ways of understanding the world. Her work delves into climate change, species extinction, humanity’s relationship to nature, and the pervasive sense of loss for that which can never be recovered.

Year in review: Asheville Police Department looks back at 2020
Jan 29 all-day
Online w/ Asheville City Government

2020 has been a difficult year for our world, our country, our City. As we look to the new year, the Asheville Police Department would like to thank partner organizations and community members for supporting APD and contributing to what makes Asheville a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. Year in review: Asheville Police Department looks back at 2020 | The City of Asheville (ashevillenc.gov)

You Put An AmazonSmile On Our Face Flat Rock Playhouse
Jan 29 all-day
Online
Flat Rock Playhouse. When
                    you shop at AmazonSmile.com, Amazon donates.

You Put An AmazonSmile On Our Face

Sign up for AmazonSmile today and support FRP at no cost to you. Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase price directly to FRP. Participation is easy, and, once you’re set-up, you shop online and Amazon takes care of the rest. To register, visit http://smile.amazon.com/Make sure to select Vagabond School Of The Drama Inc!

Recycling day changes to affect 1,400 customers
Jan 29 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
City Asheville
AVL collects app logo

Starting in January 2021, the recycling week (A or B week) will change for about 1,400 City of Asheville residents.  The recycling DAY will remain the same, but the alternating WEEK will change.

 

Residents who will be impacted by this change will receive a sticker on their cart notifying them of their new schedule, and those who are signed up for alerts with AVL Collects will receive a notification. These residents may also notice the change on the calendar mailer they will receive from the Sanitation Division.  For the most up-to-date information on Sanitation schedule changes, go to ashevillenc.gov/AVLcollects, check your personalized calendar by entering your address, and sign up for alerts.

 

No residents with Tuesday collection will be impacted.

 

Residents in these areas will be affected by the change and should look for a sticker on their cart.

 

Call Curbside Recycling if you experience any issues with the transition.  828-252-2532

Monday Recycle Customers changing from B week to A week. 

January collection will be 1/4, 1/18, and then every other week thereafter.

Wednesday Recycle Customers changing from A week to B week. 

January collection will be 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, and then every other week thereafter.

Thursday Recycle Customers changing from B week to A week. 

January collection will be 1/7, 1/21, and then every other week thereafter.

Allen St 

Brookshire Pl

Brotherton Ave

Burk St

City Homes Pl

Courtney St

Cowan Rd

Dale St

Drake St

Durham St

Emmett Ln

Fairfax Ave

Galax Ave

Gratitude Dr

Greeley St

Grinnell St

High Ct Ext

Holly St

Hubbard Ave

Hudson St

Langwell Ave

Leita Ln

Lilac St

Lufty Ave

Maple St

Montana Ave

Nebraska St

Nevada Ave

New Jersey Ave

Parkman Ave

Pennsylvania Ave (165 – 237 only)

Rich St

State St

Stewart St

Trellis Ct

Virginia Ave

W Oak St

Yale Ave

Alexander Dr 

Ardmion Park

Bauhaus Ct

Baxter St

Buchanan Ave

Buchanan Rd

Carroll Ave

Circle St

Clemmons St

College St (501-612 only)

Curve St

Dundee St

Edgehill Ave

George Washington Carver Ave

Grail St

Hazzard St

Hildebrand St

Hunt Hill Pl

Jordan St

Knob St

Latta St

Lincoln Ave W

Martin Luther King Jr. Dr

Max St

Miller St

Mountain St

N Skyloft Dr

Pine St

Ridge St

S Beaumont St

Tuskeegee St

Vance Place Dr

Weaver St

White Fawn Dr

Wynne St

Bellevue Rd 

Cady Ct

Cheyenne Ct

Cimarron Dr

Edgewood Rd S

Jan Dr

Le An Hurst Rd

Magnum Way

Mill Stone Dr

Oak Pl

Rock Hill Cir (Johnson Syler MHP)

Rock Hill Pl

Rock Hill Rd (53 – 130 only)

Round Top Rd

Sweeten Way

Whispering Pines (MHP)

 

BCHHS Opens Wait List for Adults 65 and Older and All Health Care Workers
Jan 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
BCHHS

 

Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) has launched a COVID-19 wait list for individuals in the first two phases of the state’s vaccination priority list: adults 65 and older and all health care workers. Individuals can sign up for the wait list by calling (828) 250-5000 or by going to www.buncombeready.org. As vaccines are received from the state, representatives from the Ready Team will contact individuals on the wait list via phone and email to schedule their appointments. This is a different process from scheduling appointments to date, and BCHHS will no longer open up appointments for direct scheduling by the public.

Vaccine supplies remain much lower than demand, so wait list opportunities are only available at this time to those active groups identified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). As new phases become active, those wait lists will be opened up. View the phases here: https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/vaccines/NCDHHS-Vaccine-Infographic.pdf. While Buncombe County has bolstered its web and phone infrastructure, we anticipate that phone and web traffic to be heavy, and we ask the community to continue to be patient.

a graphic that explains how to sign up for the waitlist

Vaccine supplies are distributed weekly from the state and are currently very limited. More appointments will be added as vaccines become available. As we move through the wait list, our staff will make two attempts to reach individuals using the contact information on the wait list registration. If individuals cannot be reached after first attempt, they will remain in their position on the list and a second attempt will be made as appointments remain available or in the event appointments fill, when additional appointments are available. The second attempt may not occur on the same day if appointments fill completely. For planning purposes, individuals will receive a call from the Ready Team at (828) 419-0095. If an individual misses their call, they can call  (828) 250-5000 with their wait list number provided in the voicemail or email, and if an appointment is available, it will be scheduled. After two unsuccessful attempts, individuals lose their position on the waitlist and will be moved to the end of the waitlist for available appointments. Please know demand is incredibly high, and staff is working to contact those who sign up as quickly as possible.

Please be sure contact information is accurate before submitting. Individuals should not sign up for the waitlist more than once.

Second dose information

Individuals who received their vaccines prior to Jan. 20 will be contacted individually by a Ready Team member with next steps including date, time and location of next dose. Those who receive their vaccines on or after Jan. 20 will receive a card with next steps at the time of their first vaccination. Persons in need of a second dose do not need to go online or call to schedule that appointment.

COVID-19 testing is still widely available and can be accessed at www.buncombeready.org.

 

Asheville Community Development CDBG and HOME applications now open
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ City of Asheville
Block grant illustration

Virtual assistance available for applicants

 

The City of Asheville’s Community Development (CD) Department is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME, “Home Investment Partnerships Program” program.  The deadline for applications is 5 p.m Feb. 5, 2021.

 

Community Development Staff is happy to offer virtual assistance during the month of January  (from Jan. 4-29, 2021).This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the application and the award process, as well as to meet members of the Community Development staff.

 

To set up a 30 minute meeting for technical assistance, please email Christina Harris at [email protected]. Please include the type of project that you are proposing to ensure we connect you with the best Community Development team member, as well as a day and time that best works to meet.

 

CDBG and the HOME are federal grant programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which provide grant funds for eligible projects that serve low- and moderate-income residents, eliminate slums and blight, and create decent affordable housing for low-income households.

 

The Community Development Division manages and administers programs within the Asheville City limits related to affordable housing, micro-enterprise assistance, youth services, and services supporting access to employment, as just several examples.  Affordable Housing is the main focus for our four county consortium region (HOME), consisting of Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Madison  counties.

 

To learn more about previously funded subrecipients, as well as projects and programs, please see the link below under Annual Action Plan:

Community Development Plans and Reports

 

 

City of Asheville shares Update on completed Transportation bond projects
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Online w/ City of Asheville

bond transportation lead photo

 

It’s not just that the bond program paved the way for more street resurfacing — the $32 million in transportation bonds approved by voters in 2016 allowed the Asheville Public Works Department to incorporate major stormwater and sidewalk improvements to its resurfacing projects as well as greenway upgrades and improvements for ART bus riders.

City of Asheville: Recognizes onsite + frontline employees names displayed on the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Marquee
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
City Asheville
Caption: Andy Whitner is shown filling a chemical day tank, one of many Water Resources employees masked up and socially distancing to deliver water to our customers.

At the City of Asheville, all employees are essential workers, because all City jobs have to be done in order to provide our community with vital City services. During the pandemic, approximately 20% of the workforce was able to work from home. For the remainder of our workers, this was not an option.

 

While the governor was encouraging North Carolinians to stay safe and stay home, these employees’ jobs couldn’t be done from the safety of home. So they consistently came to the jobsite each day.

 

For that, the City of Asheville recognizes those employees – in Public Works, Public Safety, Water, IT, Capital Projects, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Transportation, Communication and Public Engagement, and Employee Health Services – who were required to work onsite or in the frontlines for the majority of the time that City Hall was closed to the public.

 

In addition to receiving a one-time monetary recognition, the City’s onsite and frontline employees will be acknowledged at the January 12 City Council meeting with a Resolution of gratitude for their service under these difficult circumstances. Their names will also be displayed on the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Marquee the week of January 11.

 

The City of Asheville is deeply grateful to each of these onsite and frontline employees, along with the many other community heroes that have worked tirelessly during this pandemic. Thank you for everything you’ve done to keep our community healthy.

Community Resources + Assistance
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Manna Food Bank

FOOD, RENT, UTILITIES & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

We recognize now is a time that many people are struggling to make ends meet. Please go ahead and review the following resources, while also sharing them with your networks.

Buncombe County Rent, Utilities & Mortgage Assistance. On Jan. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved accepting $900,000 of federal funding. This money will be used exclusively to help with financial hardships stemming directly from economic impacts of COVID-19. To learn more, Buncombe County encourages possible applicants to check their website for more information.

FNS Enrollment. The MANNA Food Helpline is here to help people register for FNS benefits. These benefits are one of the most effective ways to combat hunger and food insecurity. If you’re experiencing food insecurity, or know someone who may be, call 1-800-820-1109 to apply for FNS benefits. If you prefer, you can also contact the MANNA Food Helpline via email at [email protected].

Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

Free transportation to COVID-19 Immunization Clinics throughout Henderson County
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Henderson County

Fre

You have a spot – Need a lift?

WCCA cares about our community’s health! Apple Country Transportation is offering free rides to Henderson County vaccination sites for Covid-19 immunizations. A pre-scheduled vaccination appointment is required. Call Apple Country Transportation at (828) 698-8571 for more info and schedule a ride today!

Seniors (65+) in Henderson County can schedule an immunization appointment in one of 4 ways:
1) Pardee UNC Health: Call (828) 694-8222 or visit: www.pardeehospital.org/covid-19
2) Advent Health: Visit: www.AdventHealthNC.com
3) Henderson County Health Dept: Call (828) 585-4700

Once a vaccine appointment is scheduled, individuals may contact Apple Country Transportation
at (828) 698-8571 to schedule to immunization clinic sites in Henderson County including East
Henderson High School, Blue Ridge Community College, Apple Valley Middle, North Henderson
High School and other community sites as they become available.

LEAF Global Arts center CLOSED for the month of January
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts center
If the last ten months has taught us anything, it’s the fact that we must be willing to make hard decisions in the present so that we can have a brighter future. And with that said, out of an abundance of caution and with respect to Governor Cooper’s new executive order, LEAF has decided to close our LEAF Global Arts center for the month of January.

We hope that this will allow the COVID-19 numbers in our community to decrease and restrictions to be lifted. We encourage everyone who can to stay home, wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. In standard LEAF fashion, music & arts won’t stop. We will continue to offer virtual programming and resources to our community. To stay up to date with all things LEAF, be sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook and catch up on all our past videos on our YouTube page.

Mel Chin’s Wake Sculpture
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

Wake, Mel Chin’s giant animatronic sculpture, installed in New York City’s Times Square last summer, will be on view in Asheville through March 15, 2021, at 44 Collier Avenue. Chin, a WNC based conceptual artist, was named a MacArthur Fellow in September 2019.

Wake was commissioned as part of Mel Chin: All Over the Place, a multi-site survey of his works from across many decades that took place in several New York City locations. A collaborative group, led by UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio and The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, formed to plan and raise funds for the sculpture to be seen locally.

Wake – 60 feet long, 34 feet wide and 24 feet high, conceived and designed by the artist – was engineered, sculpted and fabricated by an interdisciplinary team of UNC Asheville students, faculty, staff and community artists led by Chin. The sculpture is interactive and features decks and places to sit and contemplate.

Wake evokes the hull of a shipwreck crossed with the skeletal remains of a marine mammal. The structure is linked with a carved, 21-foot-tall animatronic sculpture, accurately derived from a figurehead of the opera star Jenny Lind that was once mounted on the 19th century clipper ship, USS Nightingale. Jenny Lind moves subtly as she breathes and scans the sky.

Visitors can experience Wake daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 44 Collier Avenue. For more details and a schedule of programming, visit ashevillearts.com.

Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC National Mentoring Month
Jan 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC various branches

January is National Mentoring Month, and this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is celebrating it by recruiting more adult and high school volunteers, as well as children and youth who need an extra someone on their side.


“One truth I know,” said Lelia Duncan, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North
Carolina, “is that we are all called to take care of one another, to encourage, to uplift, to hold a space for
others to be listened to and valued. There is nothing more important, nothing closer to the divine, than
to be present and to take a moment to nurture those around us, especially children and youth.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC is especially effective in helping young people feel valued and heard.
Surveys of school personnel in the 2018-2019 school year show that, among BBBSWNC Littles in
community- and school/site-based programs

National Mentoring Month is the time of year where engagement from community members interested
in becoming a mentor is highest. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is
encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement – and become involved in real life.
Mentoring relationships are at their best when connections are made between a caring adult and a
young person who knows that someone is there to help guide them through real-life decisions.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister in Henderson County, contact Program
Coordinator Morgan Harris at (828) 507-6644 or email [email protected]. You can learn more
about serving across the 18 county region by visiting www.bbbswnc.org.