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, February 8, 2019
Valentine’s Day Pottery For Couples
Feb 8 – Feb 9 all-day
Valentine’s Day Pottery For Couples

Valentine’s Day Pottery For Couples

Cayce Kolstad, Kelsey Sickmeyer, Nich Daunis, Sara Ballek

#1 Friday, February 8, 7-9pm
#2 Saturday, February 9, 7-9pm
#3 Sunday, February 10, 4-6pm
#4 Thursday, February 14, 7-9pm
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We have a special treat in store for this Valentine’s Day edition of Ready, Set, Throw. Come sip a glass of wine and nibble on chocolates while you and your partner explore the sensual aspects of clay. You can dig your hands in the clay, or work on a piece together. We’ll even help you re-enact the scene from Ghost! We will glaze and fire the work for you, so you can have a permanent reminder of your passion for each other. A great date for couples who don’t mind getting a little…dirty.

Level: All Levels Beginners Welcome
Tuition: $110 Per couple, per night

The Contenders
Feb 8 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The 1915

Join us on Friday, February 8th as we welcome the Contenders back to Wilkesboro. Doors will open at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:30. Local artist Shay Lovette will open the show. The Artisan Cafe will also be open for the show to serve coffee, drinks, beer, wine and handcrafted food.

Folkicana duo The Contenders released their debut full-length, Laughing With The Reckless on November 3rd via Rock Ridge Music. The pair traveled the world in support of the album, the follow-up to their 2014 EP, Meet The Contenders, which explores the perseverance of hope in dark times along with the powerful way that music can connect us to others, the value of maintaining old friendships, and finding comfort in the arms of loved ones.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2164670536884645/

Saturday, February 9, 2019
Charlie Hunter with Geoff Clapp
Feb 9 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
The Grind Cafe

Music to dine by. Sessions with Charlie Hunter and Geoff Clapp on drums in The Upper Room. Special entrees, craft beer and wine served at 6:30 with show starting at 7:30. Call to purchase tickets in advance. 828-430-4343

https://www.facebook.com/events/242438726667659/

Sunday, February 10, 2019
Wine Glass Painting Paint & Sip
Feb 10 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Join us for another fun wine glass paint party! Arrive with a design in mind, choose from our examples (Including Valentine’s Day options!) , or let us help you create something unique.

$25 per painter payable via cash or check the day of the party.
We encourage you to RSVP to this event by messaging our business page, Hues of Hendo, or emailing us at [email protected].

Price Includes:
2 wine glass per painter
Use of all painting supplies (paint, brushes, apron, etc.)
Personalized Artist Instruction

https://www.facebook.com/events/366664760803329/

Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Feb 13 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft (some exceptions apply) and fill a plēb 500mL growler for $12 or a 1L growler for $20. Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748734386260

Flow & Wine
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Unearthed Yoga

Come practice with me every Wednesday evening at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards at 6pm-7pm to get over that crazy mid week hump!

All levels welcome for an upbeat and energizing power flow while focusing on turning inward and cultivating an intention that you can take with you off your mat!

10$ for 60 minute power vinyasa flow and glass of wine!
6pm-7pm Please share and feel free to bring your friends!
DM if you have any questions! Hope to see you there✨✨

https://www.facebook.com/events/1224464734374111/?event_time_id=1224464737707444

Galentine’s Night
Feb 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fleet Feet Asheville

Alright gals, it’s time for hearts, glitter, flowers, bubbly — that’s right, you guessed it – February the 13th is Galentine’s Day! We’ve planned a night you don’t want to miss! Grab your best gal pals and join us in celebrating each other.

Becky, our Hoka rep, will be joining us! She’s bringing Hoka swag for the first 20 women and I’ve heard rumors of games!

Cara, our Brooks guru, will be with us helping with personalized bra fittings and answering any questions or concerns you might have. Every lady attending will receive a $15 voucher, good towards any Brooks bra.

We’ll have wine, bubbly, cheese, crackers, veggies– let’s just say, we will have all the snacks! Plus we will be doing raffles throughout the night!

It’s time for a much needed girls night!

** RSVP from Tickets Available link to reserve your spot **

https://www.facebook.com/events/1178876915602641/

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Valentine’s Sip & Play!
Feb 14 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Rustic Grape Wine Bar

Attention Couples, Singles, Besties…this night is for you!! Bring your besties to the RG on Valentine’s day for an eve of wine, fun and food. We will start the evening with a blind wine, cheese and chocolate tasting at 6:00, then move on to a rousing game of wino bingo. We will have drink and food specials including house made flatbreads for dinner and naughty themed wine cocktails.

$15 gets you a seat at the blind tasting, which starts at 6pm so arrive early! Wino Bingo, Wine Opoly and other board games start at 7pm everyone welcome! Open 4-10pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/477335386127957/

Friday, February 15, 2019
Valentine Cabaret & Dinner Show
Feb 15 – Feb 16 all-day
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy an evening of Broadway classics, pop standards, heart-pounding love songs as a troupe of singing actors present dinner, fun, laughs and a few surprises- all served up live on stage! Space is limited- advanced tickets suggested. Presented in conjunction with the Christian Training Center International.

Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company

Saturday, February 16, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 16 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Global Wine Drinking Day!
Feb 16 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards

Join us in the celebration of Global Wine Drinking Day! An all day celebration with specials on our Unoaked Chardonnay and new 2016 Meritage!

One of our favorites, Caribbean Cowboys, will be providing the live music from 2-5! This free event will be held in our Summit space indoors. See you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/307995526588753/

Saturday Seminar: Pruning Tools Workshop—What Tools to Use and Tool Sharpening
Feb 16 @ 1:00 pm
NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center

Presenter: Alan Wagner, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Gardening tools are key to successful pruning. You need the right tool for the right job, and you need to correctly maintain those tools. Are you sure, for example, when to use your anvil pruners or your bypass pruners instead? This workshop will cover the different kinds of pruning tools, their uses, and their care.

Bring your small hand tools (pruners) and loppers to learn how to clean and sharpen them.

The talk is free but registration is requested by calling 828-255-5522.

An Old World Feast & Wine Tasting
Feb 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen

It’s a proper Old World Feast! Join us for a family-style 4-course dinner with pairings celebrating Old World-style wines.

Jill Wasilewski, Chef & Owner of Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen, and Rebecca Malecki of Mims Distributing’s have curated a menu designed out of appreciation for Old World European wines and culinary dishes.

Rebecca will share her knowledge on the history, evolution, and tasting notes of the wines and be ready to delve into the intricacies that separate the Old and New World style.

Stay tuned for the dinner and wine menu to be released!

$45 per person includes four course dinner + wine pairings. Tax and gratuity not included.

Reservations or further questions by e-mail at [email protected]. Please note number in party and any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

https://www.facebook.com/events/326276551303079/

An Evening With Spirit
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Violet Owl Wellnes Center

Valentines weekend is all about love. A beautiful time to reconnect with your loved ones in the spirit world. Anthony Mikolojeski and Jill M. Jackson have studied with some of the world’s gifted mediums and both attended Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, England,(The World’s foremost College for the advancement of Pyschic Science. Anthony and Jill will be receiving loving and healing messages from the Spirit World for the members of the studio audience. Go to ashevillemedium.com 2019-Upcoming Events

Sunday, February 17, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 17 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Creative Arts Market
Feb 17 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
THE BLOCK off biltmore

Asheville’s newest downtown market!
Featuring Conscious Consumption, Craft & Conversation.

Calling all revolutionary hearts and wild spirited folks! Join us for LIVE music, medicine, and metaphysics. This is an opportunity to get cozy with an amazing community of local vendors in the historic downtown YMI building. Market St. Mimosas and herbal cacao shots will be served and the astrologer and healer tables will be open!!!

Visit us on 2nd & 3rd SUNDAYS 12-4pm after your brunch or church of choice and see what’s happening!

Asheville Music School Benefit Concert with Underhill Rose – Feb 17
Feb 17 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
721 Streamside Dr

February 17 (Sunday) at 3pm, doors at 2:15.
Suggested donation $20.
Refreshments will be served (with beer and wine) for donations to benefit Asheville Music School.

Harmonies. Soul-touching lyrics. Eye-catching stage presence. Underhill Rose has become synonymous with beautiful music, charming personalities, and rippling success. In the last four years, the band from Asheville, North Carolina has independently released two albums in the top of the Americana Music Association Airplay Chart and Roots Music Report Chart, all the while garnering critical acclaim from around the globe.

Get to know the joyful soaring voice of Molly Rose and her acoustic guitar and the distinctive styling of Eleanor Underhill’s open-back banjo and salty-blues vocals. Their close harmonies and charisma make most think they are sisters, and with their song-centered original compositions, Underhill Rose creates music that is real and inspired. See them on PBS Television, hear them on nationally-syndicated radio and at live performances, and you will know how Underhill Rose has carved out a distinctive place in the Americana-folk scene.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/aC83fnyh62o

Asheville Music School: Strengthening WNC communities through music education and outreach.

Launched as a community business in 1996, Asheville Music School transitioned to 501(c)(3) status in 2012, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The school, located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville, is open 7 days a week and lessons can be scheduled any time of the day or evening.

AMS strives to provide a family-friendly, all ages, supportive environment. Our instructors are professional music educators, many of whom also perform at local and regional venues.

DIRECTIONS TO 721 Streamside Dr, Arden, NC

DIRECTIONS

From I-26 take EXIT 37, LONG SHOALS Rd.

Drive WEST (away from Biltmore Park).

LEFT at the 2nd traffic light @ BREVARD RD. 300 yards.

RIGHT on AVERY’S CREEK RD. There is a cute little white church with a red door on the right at the intersection.

3.5 miles until the road ends at a gate labeled AVERY PARK.

APPLE MAPS and possibly other GPS systems will tell you to turn at Mt. Laurel Rd. DO NOT TURN THERE.

Continue on Avery’s Creek Rd until it ends at the Avery Park gate.

At the call box, if the gate is not open scroll to SPARKS with the A-Z buttons and press CALL. We will buzz you in.

1/2 Mile to the STOP sign.

LEFT on STREAMSIDE DR Go past the first driveway on the right and take the next right, which is a GRAVEL road.

Sally and Lora

721 Streamside Dr Arden, NC 28704

828-654-7357

https://www.facebook.com/events/1075292289298680/

Sunday at the Tasting Room
Feb 17 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Geriatric Jukebox

Come on out to Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard Flat Rock for an afternoon of music and great wine and cider.

https://www.facebook.com/events/770474476654954/

Monday, February 18, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 18 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 19 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 20 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Feb 20 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748747719592

Flow & Wine
Feb 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Unearthed Yoga

Come practice with me every Wednesday evening at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards at 6pm-7pm to get over that crazy mid week hump!

All levels welcome for an upbeat and energizing power flow while focusing on turning inward and cultivating an intention that you can take with you off your mat!

10$ for 60 minute power vinyasa flow and glass of wine!
6pm-7pm Please share and feel free to bring your friends!
DM if you have any questions! Hope to see you there✨✨

https://www.facebook.com/events/1224464734374111/?event_time_id=1224464757707442

Thursday, February 21, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 21 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Gardening in the Mountains presents: Living Soil
Feb 21 @ 10:00 am
NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center

Presenter: Phil Roudebush, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

Given the vital importance of soil to our hobby and avocation, it is amazing that most
gardeners don’t venture beyond the understanding that good soil supports plant life and poor soil doesn’t. You’ve undoubtedly seen worms in good soil and have come across other soil life: centipedes, springtails, ants, slugs, ladybird beetle larvae, and more. Healthy soil, however, is not just a few animals. Healthy soil is absolutely teeming with life.

This presentation focuses on all the forms of life found in healthy soil and how we can use this information to improve our gardening techniques.

The talk is free but registration is requested by calling 828-255-5522.

Friday, February 22, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 22 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Saturday, February 23, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 23 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Chefs in the House Micheal Wilson
Feb 23 @ 6:30 pm
Half-Mile Farm

This Italian themed “Chefs in the House” dinner at Half-Mile Farm is the perfect excuse to cozy up in a luxury mountain inn for some delicious food, beverages and camaraderie. Chef Michael Wilson focuses on Italian ingredients and classic flavors to create modern versions, adapted for the contemporary palate of New Orleans. At all three of the restaurants he spearheads, Domenica, PIZZA Domenica, and Shaya, Chef Michael prides himself on leading teams that provide elevated guest experiences with a spirit of genuine hospitality.

COST AND DETAILS
Tickets are $155 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Call 828-787-2635 or 828-787-2620 to reserve your seats.
Check overnight lodging availability (not included in ticket price).

Sunday, February 24, 2019
*Assembly Required: Ashevile Designer Toy Expo
Feb 24 all-day
Highland Brewing Company

Adding a Southeast destination for designer toy makers and collectors, *Assembly Required brings designer, bootleg and art toy artists from around the country, to present and sell their work.

Asheville’s premiere designer toy expo, *Assembly Required, is presented by Unboxing Asheville, Morgan’s Comic’s, 103.3 Asheville FM and Appalachian Pinball Museum. Focusing on this artistic movement, designer toys are a form of lowbrow pop art. These toy makers pull inspiration from a variety of subversive segments of culture, as well as subcultural elements, including (but not limited to) comics, tattooing, street art, and everything related to toys of the 60’s through the 80’s.

Echoing production methods of traditional toy manufacturers, designer toys are usually intended to be displayed as collectibles, rather than to be played with. Toy makers mediums range from resin to vinyl, from plastic to plush; with molding, and production techniques such as kitbash, sofubi and bootleg (recently coined ‘Artisanal Action Figure’, by New York Times writer, Rich Juzwiak [11/23/18]). (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/style/bootleg-toys-action-figures.html).

Juzwiak interviews such artists as the Sucklord and Killer Bootlegs, both of whom will be present at *Assembly Required.

Author and Environmental Award Winner Mark Warren Presents “Secrets of the Forest”
Feb 24 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Malaprops Bookstore and Cafe

Mark Warren, owner of Medicine Bow Wilderness School in Dahlonega, GA has been teaching the survival skills of the Cherokee for more than 45 years. Finally, all those years of teaching have culminated into his highly anticipated series of books called “Secrets of the Forest.”

Mark believes today’s society can — and should — learn some valuable lessons and skills from the Cherokee people who inhabited the southeastern part of the United States hundreds of years before European explorers ever landed on its shores. He will be discussing how some of the most common native plants and trees were used by the Cherokee for food, medicine, shelter and fire and he will bring along a few of his handmade crafts.

Quote from Mark, “All of us who live in the Southern Appalachians reside on land that once belonged to the Cherokees. While these native people led lives of intense daily interaction with their natural surroundings, most folks today have reduced nature to a backdrop of scenery. The great deficit in this scenario is our lack of understanding that we still depend upon nature. That dependency is largely hidden to us, especially to the new generations that come along to take over the ‘rules’ of how we behave with nature — air to breathe, water to drink, energy to consume for our daily actions. These are commodities that are easy to take for granted. If taken for granted, humans will have no reason to respect and conserve the pieces of the puzzle we call ecology”

Mark wrote the “Secrets of the Forest” books with three purposes in mind:
1) To provide clear instructions in primitive survival skills for anyone wanting to better his/her self-sufficiency in wilderness . . . by learning the old Indian ways of living comfortably in the forest.

2) To offer parents, teachers, scout leaders, and outdoor educators a guide to engage their students in Nature . . . at a time when our young ones so desperately need this connection, as does Nature itself.

3) To win over a new generation of environmental advocates who will look after this world.

Praise for “Secrets of the Forest”:
“If you’ve ever wondered how to transfer lost knowledge and skills to our next generation, this book series is your guide. Mark is no newcomer in the world of primitive skills and nature study. He’s been passing on his knowledge to young and old for over a half century. I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of his classes in Dahlonega, Georgia. Mark is a walking encyclopedia of earth-lore and the skills required to call Nature home.” ~ Todd Walker from Survival Sherpa

“Secrets of the Forest is an invaluable teaching tool for my staff at Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center. Countless times, I have seen them visit our library in the office and pull this volume off the shelf to aid them in planning classes. The structure and phrasing of Mark’s work really speaks to the experiential educator. The content, and breadth of knowledge, contained within the pages is a true gift to anyone seeking a greater understanding of the natural world and really nurtures a connection with the earth!” ~Nathan Roark, Executive Director Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center

“Mark Warren is an authentic educator who links his vast knowledge of plants and animals to skills necessary for survival, a combination that creates an active and exciting experience for children and adults. The series has begun to take our school in directions we never imagined possible.”~O.J. Morgan, Head of School at The Bright School, Chattanooga, Tennessee

“Through Mark Warren’s Secrets of the Forest, educators, leaders, stewards, interpreters, learners, and students of connecting with and through nature have access to his spirit, insight, and generosity. These [books] are a ‘must have’ for anyone wanting to inspire, and to be inspired by, ancient wisdom and knowledge based in a deep reverence for the Earth.” ~Joseph A. Pate, PhD Department Chair – Outdoor Leadership Assistant Professor Young Harris College

Check out this review for Secrets Volume 1 by Survival Sherpa: https://survivalsherpa.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/secrets-of-the-forest-the-best-outdoor-education-book-ive-read/

The “Secrets of the Forest” book series will be available for purchase and signing at the event as well as “Two Winters in a Tipi” a memoir, and his historical fiction series “Wyatt Earp, An American Odyssey.”

Mark Warren is also a Western historian,and has researched the Frontier West and especially the life of Wyatt Earp for more than 63 years. His trilogy, Wyatt Earp, An American Odyssey,” has met with the approval of a discerning group of Western historians as well as lovers of the historical fiction genre.

Synopsis for “Born to the Badge:”
In Wichita, Kansas, Wyatt Earp answers his most innate calling and returns to law enforcement, where he excels by sheer force and an utter lack of fear. When town leaders become disenchanted with his hardline methods, he moves to a place where an iron-rule is needed – Dodge City. With him comes Mattie, a runaway prostitute, who, like Wyatt, is searching for a chance at a new life.

As assistant marshal in Dodge, Wyatt stands at the center of a volatile arena, which pits celebratory cowboys against the economic security of the merchants. Wyatt’s performance as a proficient officer earns him respect among the citizens, but it does not provide the social standing he desires.

After a disappointing venture into the gold fields of Deadwood, Dakota Territory, Wyatt returns to Dodge to find no marshal’s job waiting for him. Mattie has fallen back into prostitution. Regressing to foot-soldier status, Wyatt takes a job as detective for the A.T. & S.F. Railroad to hunt down train robbers. Heading south from Kansas he once again tries to outride his failures.

In Texas he meets a man whose name will be forever linked with his own. Doc Holliday is a testy, Southern ex-dentist turned gambler, who is dying from tuberculosis. By giving Wyatt information about the train robbers, Doc offers the first thread in an unlikely friendship that will weave the two men’s lives into a common story that will be told through the ages.

READ CHAPTER ONE of “Adobe Moon” for free, now! www.wyattearpanamericanodyssey.com

Reviews:
“In 1896, Ed Colburn, who had been a Dodge City attorney during that town’s turbulent early years, remembered Wyatt Earp: ‘While there (Dodge City), I saw Wyatt Earp do things you wouldn’t undertake for a million dollars, and yet he did it every day just as a street car conductor rings up fares or a banker receives deposits.’ In Born to the Badge Mark Warren follows Earp through the Kansas cow-towns where he first makes a name for himself. They still talk about Wyatt Earp in Wichita and Dodge City. After reading this book, you’ll understand why.” ~Jeff Morey, Historical Consultant for the movie “Tombstone.”

Mark Warren is the first writer to illuminate the Earp story from the inside. Adobe Moon and Born to the Badge show you why Wyatt Earp became a legend and what that legend was born out of. ~Allen Barra, author of Inventing Wyatt Earp, his Life and Many Legends.

“Not every writer understands that the most important line in any book is the hook – that opening sentence which grabs your attention and makes you eager to read on. Born to the Badge opens with the following line: ‘Wichita, Kansas,was hell in the making…’ and there I went – engrossed for hours…Warren is able to convey scenes with a cinematic clarity. In this way, I can see the store room lit by the warm glow of a single lantern; and the prairie crossing at night, guided solely by the stars above and the subtle shapes of the land smudged on a distant horizon” ~Peta Stevalli, New Zealand Booklovers

“Warren’s novel paints a vivid picture of the lawlessness of the American Frontier…Although this book is a fictionalized account, its dedication to facts will keep history buffs satisfied, and its colorful similes will put a smile on any genre-fiction lover’s face.” ~ Booklist

“Historian Mark Warren’s second volume in his trilogy on the life and times of Wyatt Earp is an excellent story of Earp’s adventures and misadventures in Kansas, the Dakotas, and Texas. The dialogue is virtually true to life and gives the feeling the author must have been present when the words were originally spoken. This volume has been anticipated and meets all expectations. Whether one is new to the story of Wyatt Earp or a seasoned historian of the Wild West, there is something here for everyone who loves stories of adventure, law and order, and life on the western frontier of the 1870s. A most worthwhile contribution to the story of “Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp, Brave, Courageous, and Bold!” ~ Roy B. Young, author and Western historian, Wild West History Association