Calendar of Events

The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.

Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.

Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.

Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.

Come “blaze a trail” to breakfast with us at Blaze Pizza! A percentage of food purchases on November 30th will go to LOT. You have to tell them that you are there to support Least of These or we don’t get credit for your purchase. We would love to see you there! Post of pic of you eating at Blaze!

https://www.facebook.com/events/554519948329772/

As Virginia Woolf said, “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food and water are essential for survival, but mankind’s relationship to food has transformed over time from one of sustenance to one laden with personal and cultural significance.

A Matter of Taste explores depictions of food and drink in art and reveals how images of fruits and vegetables can function as complex metaphors for excess, status, memory, and politics. Drawn from southern museums and private collections, this exhibition showcases over 35 paintings, decorative arts, and works on paper by artists such as Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Claes Oldenburg.

This show spans 400 years and multiple continents, revealing the evolving role of food and drink in various media and cultural contexts. While depictions of fruit and vegetables appeared in ancient times, still life painting as an independent genre dates to 16th-century Holland.

In 19th-century America, still life paintings remained popular but evolved in terms of subject matter, media, and message. Painters such as Thomas Wightman, George Forster, and De Scott Evans embraced Dutch still lifes and used food as commentary on the current political climate and the transient state of the human condition.

Illustrated newspapers led to an increase of cartoons by artists such as Winslow Homer and William Hogarth, who utilized food and drink as social satire. The 20th-century modern art movement further changed the perception of food. The culture of mass production enabled Pop artists to elevate seemingly mundane foodstuffs to high art. Yet, other contemporary artists explored the symbolic and nostalgic role of food seen in works by Tim Tate, Linda Armstrong, and Laquita Thomson.

Visitors will also experience an elaborately set dining table fit for a sumptuous feast. Dining became its own art form over time and communicated one’s social standing and wealth. Each of the table’s six place settings represent a different culture and offer a glimpse into global dining customs. Selective drinkware will accompany this section revealing how tea sets and even punch bowls reflected an owner’s prestige.

Middle School Movie Night sponsored by the FSI Community Council at the Bent Creek Baptist Church, 1554 Brevard Road-
Middle School movie is 4:30-6:30- “Home Alone”
$5 Tickets and pizza/snacks/drinks will be sold at the door!
This is a fundraiser for the Athletic Department!

https://www.facebook.com/events/290912594873138/

Join us and share the love as we celebrate the season by supporting local non-profits that concentrate on the homeless population and those in crisis throughout our Asheville and WNC community. *Admission is by donation at the door, you choose what you want to give!* Your gift will go a long way to help members of our community have a place to call HOME.

We have chosen 5 local non-profits to help support this year: Homeward Bound of WNC, Helpmate, BeLoved Asheville, Eliada, & Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s Steadfast House!

We have set our goal to raise $20,000 and we will be matching all donations up to $10,000!
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We are thrilled to have kids’ activities, visiting with Smokey Mountain Santa & Mrs. Claus, LIVE LOCAL music, ShutterBooth Asheville’s photo booth, LOCAL drinks, incredible silent auction & raffle with amazing finds donated from generous local businesses + more!

Schedule:

5pm – 6:30pm – Kids’ activities including photos with Smokey Mountain Santa & Mrs. Claus, games, face painting with The Page for Gyspy face & body art and more!

7pm – Dinner with amazing LOCAL food donated from all over Asheville & Western NC – PLUS Catering By Corey, LLC & MORE!

7:15pm – 10pm – Live Local Music from Leeda Lyric Jones & Swing Step!

FOR MORE INFO VISIT:
https://www.townandmountain.com/ashevillefundraiser/

Thanks so much to our sponsors so far: Lancaster Law Firm, PLLC, Goosmann, Rose, Colvard & Cramer Law Firm, Prestige Subaru, Diane Bauknight – State Farm Agent, Asheville-NC, Personal Touch Movers, Homes & Land of Asheville, Phillip C Price, Attorney at Law, United Federal Credit Union, The Hands of Sean Perry Co., ALCOVA Mortgage – Asheville, The Juengel Agency, Acopia Home Loans, PrimeLending – Asheville, Blue Mountain Pizza, L’optique, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, Chestnut, OysterHouse Brewing Company, Quality Home Consultants, Blue Sky Cafe, Doc Brown’s BBQ & Blue Dream Curry House!

https://www.facebook.com/events/260693891232998/

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Beautiful and traditional Christmas songs, performed a cappella, in the most amazing setting ever. BUY YOUR TICKETS SOON – THEY SELL OUT WAY IN ADVANCE!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2017597855172472/

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/2014125145534975/?event_time_id=2167409533539868

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/2014125145534975/

Objective:
Create a new greenway where the approved path will run alongside NC 280 through the heart of Mills River, connecting the town to the French Broad River at Westfeldt Park, near the Asheville Airport.

Beer Release:
MRVT Oatmeal Stout — 5.3% ABV, 29 IBUs. Lots of flaked oats, chocolate and roasted barely went into this classic recipe.

Fundraiser:
$1 of every pint sold will be donated to the greenway project. The Town of Mills River successfully applied for grant funding to pay for 80% of the cost of the engineering phase of this project. But to receive this funding, a match of 20% of the cost must come from the local community. That means that every $1 given results in $5 of funding. So have a MRVT Oatmeal Stout and do your part!

Food:
The Hungry Ghost will be open from 4-9PM

Music:
Derek McCoy Trio will take the stage from 7-9PM

More info:
https://conservingcarolina.org/280-path/

https://www.facebook.com/events/259638288044671/

The official lighting of the Sylva Christmas tree takes place on Friday night. There will be a special concert with the WCU University Chorus, the Concert Choir and Geoff McBride. Luminaries will add an extra glow to this special night.

https://www.facebook.com/events/314142839165044/

Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season with an evening of live music, dance, and comedy that’s sure to become an annual tradition! This family-friendly, Broadway-style show features the finest performers from Asheville and Western North Carolina and special guest artists. Directed by musical theatre veteran and funnyman Mario Morin, and choreographed by former Radio City Rockette Lucinda Morin, this professional production presents Christmas favorites including Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, and Go Tell it On the Mountain. Relax, unplug, and take time to share the joy, laughter, and peace of the season with your friends, neighbors, and families at The Asheville Christmas Show! Discounts for military and groups of 10+. Kids age 2 and younger sitting on lap admitted free.

Home Free is bringin’ their A Country Christmas Tour to the Niswonger Center for the Arts in Greeneville, TN on November 30, 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1402104439933679/

Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)

*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”

Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655767136634

Christmas in the Mountains. 9 am – 2 pm. Indoor art and craft show and sale with visiting artisans just in time for holiday giving. Free cookie decorating table for kids. The Schoolhouse Cafe will be open all day and the Gallery is open until 5:00 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/166606457597798/

HCA is hosting the annual Holiday Market at Webster Baptist Church on December 1st from 9am-3pm. We will have over 30 vendors with unique and handmade products! Come shop for Christmas, or just treat yourself!

https://www.facebook.com/events/954403111415814/

Our Annual Christmas Show is Saturday, December 1st 10am-5pm.
All Vendor Spots have been filled for this Show.

WoodMill is happy to welcome back previous vendors as well as some new!

Alpaca Barn returns with Hats, Socks, Scarves and Gloves.
Darby’s Kitchen featuring Elderberry Syrup, Jelly, Jam & Apple Butter.
Willona Apiary Honey.
Blue Goat Dairy Goat Cheese.
LadyBug Bakery Bread, Cookies & elderberry syrup.
Delightful Dips with yummy homemade dips and cheese-ball mixes.
Scentsy has fragrance for your house, car, laundry, and your skin with Warmers, Wax, Diffusers, Lotions, Sprays
Zendays Designs Home wood signs.
Pink Zebra Home Fragrance Sprinkles, that allows you to create your own personal recipe of fragrance and color.
Leatherman Farm Tin Signs, Books & Crafts.
Young Living Essential Oils & Products.
Walnut Creek Pottery & Leather.
Pampered Chef Kitchen Utensils.
Tuppperware.
Spi Rolls will have her delicious Cake Rolls. Homemade specialty cake rolls in a large variety of flavors.
Black Pug Pottery, featuring pottery for Animal Lovers.
31 Gifts.
Now That’s Fudge.
Try Something Wild Game Jerky.
Whimsies & Whatnots Gemstone Jewelry and Yard Art.
Udderly Simple Soap Company Goat Milk Soap, Organic Lip Balm, Mineral Toothpaste & More!
Paparazzi Jewelry.
LuLaRoe Dresses, Tops & Leggings.
Oragami Owl with custom jewelry known for telling stories through signature Living Lockets, personalized Charms, Bracelets and Earrings, Sugar Hand Scrub & Soap. .
Ricky’s Originals Wooden made Christmas Crafts.
Rainbow Vacuum.
Art by Todd.
Katie’s Kissable Klub, LipSense.
Turned Bowls & Wooden Cowboy Hats.
Randy Rocks of Fire Candles.
Home Improvement vendor; Universal Windows Direct.

Complimentary Wine Tastings and Winery Tours will be available throughout the day.

Wine Specials – 10% off 3 or more bottles of wine and 20% off cases of wine during Event!

Free Admission / Free Parking / Free Wine Samplings
Rain or Shine Event – No Pets Allowed

1350 John Beam Road – Vale, NC 28168 / (704)276-9911

https://www.facebook.com/events/904210969781700/

The annual Holiday Fair kicks off the Christmas shopping season in the Upstate. The Holiday Village area is for crafters, and the Christmas Bazaar area is for commercial/retailers and crafters, and people with a mix of products. This show is juried on the Holiday Village (crafter side).

https://www.facebook.com/events/2194188284161948/

When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.

In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.

Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.

Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.

Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.

Over a hundred regional artisans have their handmade on display for sale in this folk and heritage craft show. The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers and more. Started in 1987, the event has grown every year and now takes place at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Children under 12 free & free parking.

https://www.facebook.com/events/217373352220720/?event_time_id=217373365554052

Join us for the 2nd annual Tis the Season Christmas Market!
FREE ENTRY
December 1st 2018
10-4
Come get your shopping started early and support local business!
Over 50 vendors!
More details to come!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1839356512767653/

As Virginia Woolf said, “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food and water are essential for survival, but mankind’s relationship to food has transformed over time from one of sustenance to one laden with personal and cultural significance.

A Matter of Taste explores depictions of food and drink in art and reveals how images of fruits and vegetables can function as complex metaphors for excess, status, memory, and politics. Drawn from southern museums and private collections, this exhibition showcases over 35 paintings, decorative arts, and works on paper by artists such as Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Claes Oldenburg.

This show spans 400 years and multiple continents, revealing the evolving role of food and drink in various media and cultural contexts. While depictions of fruit and vegetables appeared in ancient times, still life painting as an independent genre dates to 16th-century Holland.

In 19th-century America, still life paintings remained popular but evolved in terms of subject matter, media, and message. Painters such as Thomas Wightman, George Forster, and De Scott Evans embraced Dutch still lifes and used food as commentary on the current political climate and the transient state of the human condition.

Illustrated newspapers led to an increase of cartoons by artists such as Winslow Homer and William Hogarth, who utilized food and drink as social satire. The 20th-century modern art movement further changed the perception of food. The culture of mass production enabled Pop artists to elevate seemingly mundane foodstuffs to high art. Yet, other contemporary artists explored the symbolic and nostalgic role of food seen in works by Tim Tate, Linda Armstrong, and Laquita Thomson.

Visitors will also experience an elaborately set dining table fit for a sumptuous feast. Dining became its own art form over time and communicated one’s social standing and wealth. Each of the table’s six place settings represent a different culture and offer a glimpse into global dining customs. Selective drinkware will accompany this section revealing how tea sets and even punch bowls reflected an owner’s prestige.