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.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Beacon Blankets: The Mill, A New Exhibit
Nov 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center

This fall, the Swannanoa Valley Museum is exploring the story of the textile industry in Western North Carolina through its new exhibit “Beacon Blankets: The Mill.” This multimedia exhibit delves into the history of Beacon Blankets, a New England textile company that migrated to the town of Swannanoa, near Asheville, North Carolina, during the Depression. The Beacon Manufacturing Company was once the largest blanket manufacturer in the world and today, many Beacon blankets are collector’s items. The exhibit highlights several aspects of Beacon’s history, including its controversial use of the term “Indian Design” when advertising its blankets, workers’ striking and unionizing efforts, and the lives and culture of Beacon’s Swannanoa mill town community.

Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Storytime & Art
Nov 6 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at North Asheville Library on First Wednesdays.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Performance: AKI ONDA
Nov 6 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

A multi-media performance exploring the interplay among luminosity, acoustic, architectural, and emotional relationships within the space. Performing with various types of lighting equipment such as theater lights, flashlights, bare light bulb, mirrors and other objects, Onda arranges and rearranges the tools composing the visual and aural as a total environment. Aki Onda is a New York-based artist, composer and curator. He is known for his “Cassette Memories”—works compiled from a “sound diary” of field-recordings collected by using the cassette Walkman over a span of last three decades. Onda often works in interdisciplinary fields and collaborates with filmmakers, visual artists, musicians, and choreographers. For the last fifteen years, he has worked with artists such as Ken Jacobs, Michael Snow, Paul Clipson, Raha Raissnia, Daisuke Yokota, Annea Lockwood, Loren Conners, Alan Licht, David Toop, Rie Nakajima, and Akio Suzuki. Onda has presented his work at The Kitchen, MoMA, P.S.1 MOMA, REDCAT, Time-Based Art Festival, documenta 14, Louvre Museum, Palais de Tokyo, Fondation Cartier, Présences électronique, Bozar, ICA London, Queen Elizabeth Hall, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Nam June Paik Art Center, and many others.

Thursday, November 7, 2019
Beacon Blankets: The Mill, A New Exhibit
Nov 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center

This fall, the Swannanoa Valley Museum is exploring the story of the textile industry in Western North Carolina through its new exhibit “Beacon Blankets: The Mill.” This multimedia exhibit delves into the history of Beacon Blankets, a New England textile company that migrated to the town of Swannanoa, near Asheville, North Carolina, during the Depression. The Beacon Manufacturing Company was once the largest blanket manufacturer in the world and today, many Beacon blankets are collector’s items. The exhibit highlights several aspects of Beacon’s history, including its controversial use of the term “Indian Design” when advertising its blankets, workers’ striking and unionizing efforts, and the lives and culture of Beacon’s Swannanoa mill town community.

Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Friday, November 8, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 8 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Saturday, November 9, 2019
15th Annual Fairview Craft and Gift Fair
Nov 9 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fairview Community Center

15th Annual Fairview Craft and Gift Fair

Forty-five crafters of handmade arts come together to help you get started on your holiday shopping. Wide variety of crafts and gifts in all price ranges. Lunch and refreshments will be available.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Asheville City Schools Craft Fair
Nov 9 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Salvage Station

Asheville City Schools Craft Fair

This event at the Salvage Station celebrates art and craft from 30+ local makers. Come enjoy live music, food and beverages – and you can buy locally made, beautiful handcrafts from vendors that include community members as well as staff, students and ACS families! Parent and family teams from Asheville Primary, Claxton Elementary, Hall Fletcher Elementary, Ira B. Jones Elementary, Vance Elementary, Isaac Dickson Elementary, North Star, and Asheville Middle are joining in this year to make this a great community event that.

Craft Fair benefitting Asheville City Schools
Nov 9 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Salvage Station

This event at the Salvage Station celebrates art and craft from local makers. Come enjoy live music, food and beverages – and you can buy locally made, beautiful handcrafts from vendors that include community members as well as staff, students and ACS families!

Parent and family teams from Claxton Elementary, Asheville Primary, Hall Fletcher Elementary, Ira B. Jones Elementary, Vance Elementary, Isaac Dickson Elementary, North Star and Asheville Middle are joining in this year to make this a great community event that supports our city’s public schools.

Sunday, November 10, 2019
Woodturning Demo
Nov 10 all-day
Foundation Woodworks

Visit and shop Gallery 17 at Foundation Woodworks, 17 Foundy St., Asheville during Studio Stroll weekend in the River Arts District, Nov. 9 & 10 (Sat. 11 – 5, Sun 12 – 5) and watch live lathe woodturning demo with Allen Davis and Mike Juett of Winchester Woodworks, Waynesville, NC. Kids of all ages welcome!

Monday, November 11, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 11 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 11 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 13 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Thursday, November 14, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Asheville Art Museum Announces Grand Opening!
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

November 8, 2019
4–7pm
(Patron Level Members and above)

Grand Opening Celebration
November 9, 2019
6–10pm
Tickets: $225

Members-Only Preview
November 10, 2019
11am–6pm
Free for all Members

Ribbon-Cutting & Public Preview
November 13, 2019
1–6pm
FREE

Opening Day
November 14, 2019
11am–6pm

After-Hours Party (21+ only)
November 16, 2019
8pm–midnight
Tickets: $75

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Storytime & Art West Asheville Library
Nov 14 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
West Asheville Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at West Asheville Library on second Thursdays.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

Markers on the Trail Asheville Art Museum
Nov 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Appalachia Now! artist Clarissa Sligh and special guest Kimberly Purser perform a reading of excerpts from Sligh’s artists’ books: Transforming Hate: An Artist’s Book (2016) and My Mother, Walt Whitman and Me (2019). Historical elements, photography, and memory are used as framing devices to construct the evolution of personal and social identity. Both books were published in Asheville.

Free for Members or included with Museum admission, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Friday, November 15, 2019
Of Threads, On Place: A Selection of Historical and Contemporary Textiles from Buncombe County
Nov 15 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Refinery Creator Space

Explore just how far back our fiber art roots go by viewing centuries old textiles alongside contemporary works. Partnering archives reveal the cultural impact cloth and making have played in our region, while local makers of today continue to investigate place, process, and storytelling through the manipulation of fibrous materials. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, appliqué, natural dyeing, pulled-work, bobbin lace, and quilting.

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 15 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Art Break: 50 Years of WNC Glass
Nov 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Harvey K. Littleton, Lyrical Movement (Lemon-Cranberry), 1989, glass. Gift from the James & Judith Moore Glass and Craft Collection, 2018.55.09.

Drop in to one of our lunchtime Art Breaks! Taking place on selected Fridays at 12pm, these informal gallery talks and presentations both inform and engage you in dialogue with our curatorial and education staff, docents, or special guests.

Saturday, November 16, 2019
Adult Studio Drawing Journey Journals Asheville Art Museum
Nov 16 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Art Museum

Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.

Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.

Crafty Historian: a Crafty Hodge-Podge
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Smith-McDowell House

Hodge-Podge is a mixture of different things!

It’s time to use up lots of leftover craft supplies. You can choose from a variety of beading, weaving, decoupage, and much more. Crafters are welcome to bring objects that you want decorated with beads, sequins or decoupage (like picture frames, glass bottles, etc).

 

Here is a link to some ideas of things to bring that you might like to decorate, but I’ll have lots of things to make that you won’t need extra items. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oXICKNyAwSoj0pD0s3NRmLjevxazIG2ORoGsp8PQg24/edit?usp=sharing

 

Be prepared for a bit of confusion with lots of things going on, but it will be LOTS of fun!!

This might be the last Crafty Historian since our resident Crafty Historian will be resigning as of Nov 30 – so if you’ve been a fan of these events, this is not one you want to miss!

 

Fill out the reservation form here  https://forms.gle/AL1sAdv7PTZ11ZuZ6 , and I’ll email a confirmation to you. If you have questions before or after your reservation, be sure to email Lisa at [email protected]

 

Live Glassblowing Demos
Nov 16 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Grove Arcade - Suite 123

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Center for Craft Grand Reopening
Nov 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

The Center for Craft will host a Public Reopening in their newly renovated space in downtown Asheville to welcome and connect the community.

About Organizer:
The Center for Craft advances the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development.