COVID-19 Visiting Policy

Masks are required when entering the museum. This is for the safety of our visitors and our docents. Exceptions will be made according to ADA instructions. Visitors must make a reservation to visit the museum. Self Guided tour reservations are available Thursday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm. To make a reservation you can call (828) 669- 9566, register at the front desk, or click here. 

ACCESSIBILITY
The first floor houses our traveling exhibit gallery and our second floor houses “Our Pathways” exhibit.  The first and second floor are accessible by ADA standards.  A lift is available to take visitors to the second floor.

Upon reopening, the Nature Center will be open seven days a week, from 10 am until 4:30 pm.  Asheville residents receive a discounted rate with local ID and children under the age of 3 are free.

PRE-REGISTER BY OCTOBER 21 TO HELP US MEET MINIMUM ENROLLMENT.

James D. & Judith S. Moore have been collecting studio glass from Western North Carolina for the past 40 years. In honor of our reopening, the Moores have generously donated or promised much of their stunning collection to the Museum. This inaugural exhibition in the Judith S. Moore Gallery highlights the beauty of their collection and illustrates the depth with which they have collected certain foundational artists in the Studio Glass Movement.

50 Years of Western North Carolina Glass is organized by the Asheville Art Museum. This exhibition is supported in part by the Judy Appleton Memorial Fund.

Beginning October 7, the three-hour documentary-styled art installation Question Bridge: Black Males will be on view at the Asheville Art Museum. This innovative transmedia project facilitates a dialogue between Black men from diverse and contending backgrounds, and creates a platform for them to represent and redefine Black male identity in America. The work will be on view during regular public hours from October 7, 2020 through March 15, 2021.

Question Bridge: Black Males is a project that explores critically challenging issues within the African American male community by instigating a transmedia conversation among Black men across geographic, economic, generational, educational, and social strata of American society. Question Bridge provides a safe setting for necessary, honest expression and healing dialogue on themes that divide, unite, and puzzle Black males today in the United States.

Adonna Khare, Pool Party, 2015, carbon pencil on paper, 6 × 20 feet. Collection of the Artist. © Adonna Khare, image Phil Hatten.

An exhibition highlighting the works of John James Audubon juxtaposed with the work of 21st-century artists who continue his tradition of animal allegories and metaphors is currently on view at the Asheville Art Museum. The exhibition features more than 40 works and will be on display in the Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall through November 30.

Best of all, Porch Portraits by Suzanne will donate $15 of every session to our great friends at Flat Rock Playhouse. My goal is to raise $15,000 for the Playhouse by the end of the year so any money over and above the price of $65 will go straight to them.

Perhaps most exciting, an extremely generous Playhouse donor has agreed to a MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN up to $36,000.18! This incredibly generous donation draws on the magic of Chai, the Jewish belief that multiples of 18 bring good luck. Meaning that every session booked will result in at least $30 for the wonderful folks at Flat Rock Playhouse.

For decades, Flat Rock Playhouse has been opening their collective hearts and sharing their fabulous talents to bring joy and entertainment to western North Carolina. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude at a time when they really need our support.

Together, let’s make magic happen! Help us kick off this campaign by contributing today.

Virtual Visits for Students

Groups of pre-K–12 students are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge students to hone their observation skills. All pre-K–12 Virtual Visits make connections to the NC Standard Course of Study.

Virtual Visits for pre-K–12 groups are $50 for 5–25 participants from one or multiple devices through Zoom or Google Meet. Virtual Visits are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, and last 30–45 minutes. At least two weeks’ advanced notice is required.

For more information about Virtual Visits for adults, college, and university students, click here. For Virtual Visits for family and friend groups with children, click here.

Proceeds from this special brew will go to support The Pisgah Conservancy’s “Save the Hellbender Project” to improve the environment for the beloved Eastern Hellbender, a giant salamander that makes its home in the waters of the Eastern United States, including Pisgah Forest.

Cane Creek Cycling will unveil the 2020 Pisgah Project Mountain Bike at the event. Raffle tickets for the bike will go on sale for $20 each at noon, the proceeds of which will benefit The Pisgah Conservancy and the Pisgah Ranger District. In addition, Cane Creek Cycling is donating $10 to “Save the Hellbender Project” from each sale of their Hellbender 70 Bottom Bracket or Headset purchased through www.canecreek.com between October 15 and 31.

For more information on the event and to learn how you can support the “Save the Hellbender Project,” visit www.hellbenderdefender.com. Or to learn more about the Pisgah Project 2020 bike raffle visit www.pisgahconservancy.org.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Registration deadline: October 16
This program takes place virtually via Zoom. Space is limited; to register, click here or call 828.253.3227 x122.

In this workshop, learn how to paint loose but representational portraits from your own photos. Through demonstrations, students discover how to identify and mark the promotions of the face, block in shapes of value to articulate the form of the head, and mix skin tones. While some painting experience is helpful, all levels are welcome. Students may use acrylics or oils.

Instructor Ben Hamburger is a painter, socially engaged artist, and educator born and raised outside of Washington, DC. Working within the convergence of visual art and social engagement, he creates artwork and facilitates artistic experiences with communities in the US and around the world. He holds an undergraduate degree in visual arts from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, and a graduate degree in fine/community arts from Maryland Institute College of Art. His work has been exhibited internationally in numerous group and solo exhibitions and is part of the permanent collection of the city of New Orleans, Tulane Medical School, and private collections around the world

Taste 3 for Free when you join us in the shop for weekly Saturday Afternoon Tastings.

Each year, the downtown program hosts a live auction to raise funds for the Bearfootin’ Art Walk and the many non-profits that the bears represent. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the winning non-profit, while bid amounts that exceed $3,000 are directed to the non-profit in their entirety.

Aside from strolling down Main Street to take a look at the 20 bears, prospective buyers can check out the bears in Bearfootin’ brochure, available at the Visitors Center or online at DowntownHendersonville.org.

Those who can’t be in town are encouraged to use a proxy bidding option. All you have to do is pick your favorite bear, set a maximum bid and we will take care of the rest using a live on-site bidder to compete for the bear you’re interested in. Contact Meredith Friedheim at 828.233.3205 or [email protected] by Oct. 17 to place your proxy bid ($1000 minimum).

Stay tuned for more information!

The eighth annual CiderFest NC fundraiser will be held in a brand-new format this fall that offers loyal guests the chance to celebrate, sample and savor cider safely and responsibly.

While the large annual festival will not be offered this fall in light of current health concerns, the event will continue this year through CiderFest Tours: small-group curated tours of three Asheville cideries that are being offered in partnership with local business Leap Frog Tours.

The tours will allow participants to visit three of Asheville’s cideries — Noble Cider, Urban Orchard Cider Company – West and TreeRock Social Cider House & Mead Bar — for intimate, small-group tasting sessions to sample unique takes on the craft beverage on each of the locations. Proceeds will be shared between Leap Frog Tours, the three participating cideries and Green Built Alliance.

To offer the largest number of people the opportunity to participate, the four-hour tours will be offered from 3 to 7 p.m. on every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in October.

Tours can be reserved for groups of 2 to 14 individuals, and bookings open up today. To prioritize safety in light of COVID-19, all tours will be private without combining reservations from separate parties. (Visit our website or Leap Frog’s booking page for a full list of COVID-19 precautions being taken for the tours.)

The cost is $85 per person. The price includes a tasting at each cidery, a souvenir CiderFest tasting glass, and transportation by Leap Frog Tours from Aloft Hotel in downtown Asheville.

Since the event has sold out in recent years, people are encouraged to book their tours early. For more information and to book a tour, visit www.ciderfestnc.com.

Take a driving tour through the myths and legends of the Swannanoa Valley! This approximately two hour tour will take you to some of the most haunted, historical and mythological places in the Valley. Learn about the ghosts who haunt the windows of Black Mountain homes, the mystery skeleton of the McKoy Building, the Spanish Flu pandemic and much much more. Small car caravans will follow the lead car to each stop on the tour to see a ghostly scene from the past unfold before them. The drive will be accompanied by an audio tour, downloadable as an app for smartphones.

Taking place the evenings of Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th. Tours starting at 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, and 8:00pm. Attendees will drive their own cars.

Roads can accommodate minivans and SUVs. As many people as wished may ride in registered vehicles.

Presenting live reggae music by the Natti Love Joys on our Outdoor Stage on the French Broad River from 5-9pm. Full bar, amazing menu by Root Down Kitchen, and plenty of space to social distance in style with your pod of 6 or fewer friends. Check out our website for more info on our new safety measures so you know what to expect when you arrive. 21+ only. Rain or Shine. No reservations. Masks required unless at your table. Social distancing required while standing in line for drinks/food.

This week, The Breath Project announced the lineup for the inaugural virtual festival on October 24 and 25. In partnership with Flat Rock Playhouse and 23 other theater companies across the country, the free festival will feature 24 world premiere works created by multidisciplinary theater artists of color that are all 8 minutes and 46 seconds in length

The Breath Project was formed in response to the current global spotlight on racial injustice against Black people. Learn more about The Breath Project.

October 24 at 2pm PDT (5pm EDT): Aldo Billingslea — “3 Story Walk Up” | Ananya Dance Theatre — “Just Breathe” | Angela G. King — “8:46” | Giovanny Camarena — “Don’t Be Afraid” | Harvey — “Breonna’s Prayer” | Henri Franklin — “Views of Color in 8:46” | Palo Alto Children’s Theatre – “Say Hello Stewart” | Yetta Gottesman — “Oh, Maria”

October 24 at 5pm PDT (8pm EDT): Alumni Theater Company — “Perspectives | ”Bil Wright — “Pulse” | Bruce Lemon, Jr. — “The Act of Ownership” | David Guster — “Nice to Meet You” | El Colectivo de Dramaturgos de Puerto Rico – “Inhala – Exhala” | Ilasiea Gray — “Acting While Black” | Josh Richardson — “Choosing Sides” | Tyharra Cozier — “Breath”

Hustle Souls is an Asheville, NC based band who fuse nostalgic, dust-covered-vinyl soul aesthetics with modern sensibilities; recently named one of “Music Connections” Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands. Driven by a lust for songwriting, the band’s fervid live performance is heightened by undeniable instrumental prowess and 3 part vocal harmony. With relentless touring, sold out shows and major festival appearances the band has earned a reputation as one of the East Coast’s most promising acts.

Take a moment away from the busyness of life to breathe in breathtaking vistas as the sun sets before you. Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop and sink into a lovely all levels yoga practice on the summit while soaking up the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A unique way to practice self care and social distancing ;)

Need a different date? Sunset hikes are available daily for private groups of 1-20. Message me with your desired date and group size or visit the website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/ to browse options.

Covid Considerations: for a detailed rundown of the precautions we’re taking, visit our website at https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/tour/yoga-hikes/

Lazybirds is a classic American roots band from the mountains of North Carolina. Specializing in good time music that is just about impossible not to move to, there is also a depth to the band that faithful fans have treasured over the years. According to the legendary Doc Watson, “Lazybirds play a good variety of blues, jazz, and that good old ragtime sound, and you will hear the flavor of that in anything they play.” The ‘Birds cover a lot of musical ground, from early American stringband music to Dylan classics, as well as classic sounding originals, but deep roots are what hold all of these sounds together.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Haunted Farm is Back! This year we are celebrating #10YearsOfTerror! Opening Night is Friday, October 9th, 2020! Are you ready for a night of terrifying Fun and Excitement you won’t soon forget?! Come see what The 2020 Haunted Farm has in store for our Biggest and Best year yet! ARE YOU PREPARED TO BE SCARED?!

The Adventure Center of Asheville is excited to be the 2020 venue for the 8th Annual The Haunted Trail presented by Mellow Mushroom. The no-touch no-contact outdoor Haunted Trail is the only Halloween event in Asheville that is ideal for children ages 3-12 years old. Experience a family-friendly heart pumping walk with live actors (at a distance), spooky sounds, and spectacular props. The younger ghouls can enjoy the (actor-free) “Sweet Peek Tour” of the Trail at 6:30pm before it gets dark.
This year The Treetops Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail will also be available for ages 4 and over. Climb on one family-friendly aerial trail while it is illuminated with thousands of colored twinkle and laser lights.
In addition to the Trails, there will also be spooky live entertainment, no touch activities while in line, and food and beverages available including hot chocolate. It is a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season with the family.
As the Haunted Trail and the Adventure Center are committed to safety, Social Distancing and Wearing Face Masks (for ages 4 years old and over) are required. The Haunted Trail Scenes will have barriers and at least a 10-foot space between guests and the performers. Guests lining up for both activities will be separated into Family Groups.

1 TICKET = 1 CAR (good for up to 4 people max per car)

At a time when America seems to grow more divided by the day, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong still believes in the power of music to bring people together.

“We want to offer people an escape, a place where they can leave all their troubles and worries behind and embrace the joy of human connection,” says guitarist/vocalist Greg Ormont. “Our mission with our music is to create the most blissful, carefree experience possible.”

Judging by the band’s remarkable growth, it’s a mission well accomplished. In the past two years alone, the psych-funk trailblazers have co-billed at Red Rocks, played halftime at Madison Square Garden, performed on Adult Swim’s FishCenter Live, celebrated the tenth anniversary of their beloved music festival, Domefest, and even earned their first headlining arena show. Now, they’re set to release Presto, their fifth studio album and most sophisticated collection to date. Recorded in the band’s native Baltimore, the record draws on everything from funk to rock to electronic music, building off the group’s unparalleled live energy and stretching their sonic boundaries further than ever before. Ormont breaks fresh ground with his lyrics here, too, reflecting new heights of emotional and technical maturity as he carves out a space for fans to cut loose, forget their struggles, and celebrate the present together.