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.

The Asheville Art Museum presents Fantastical Forms: Ceramics as Sculpture on view at the Museum November 4, 2020 through April 5, 2021. The 25 works in this exhibition—curated by associate curator Whitney Richardson—highlight the Museum’s Collection of sculptural ceramics from the last two decades of the 20th century to the present. Each work illustrates the artist’s ability to push beyond the utilitarian and transition ceramics into the world of sculpture.

North and South Carolina artists featured include Elma McBride Johnson, Neil Noland, Norm Schulman, Virginia Scotchie, Cynthia Bringle, Jane Palmer, Michael Sherrill, and Akira Satake. Works by American artists Don Reitz, Robert Chapman Turner, Karen Karnes, Toshiko Takaezu, Bill Griffith, and Xavier Toubes are also featured in the exhibition.

Give the greatest gift of all this season and help others by donating blood. Schedule an appointment at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for The Blood Connection Blood Drive on Saturday, December 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Blood Connection is the primary blood supplier to Mission Hospital and AdventHealth. All donations will take place in The Blood Connection bloodmobile in the parking lot behind the food court. Donors are asked to register in advanced by visiting TheBloodConnection.org and entering the sponsor code Asheville Outlets.

Organizers will practice social distancing procedures and advanced safety protocols and all donations will be screened for COVID-19 antibodies. Plus, all donors will receive a $20 VISA card! Visit TheBloodConnection.org for additional information.

We are excited to continue the tradition of hosting Santa to meet and greet all kids and kids-at-heart. Santa is doing many things differently this year, and because of that we are providing multiple options for you and your loved ones to see Santa.

In person visits will still be available, but you will have to reserve a special time to see Santa. Click here to reserve your spot now. These visits will be contactless, and hand sanitizing stations will also be available. Scroll further down the page to learn more about available dates, times, photo package pricing and more. Face masks are required to visit Santa for children age 2 and up as well as adults, so remember to bring your festive holiday mask or face covering.

For those unable to see Santa in person or who want additional memorable experiences, we are now offering several online options. You can continue to Create Holiday Magic from the comfort of your home, and celebrate Christmas throughout the season with things like Story Time with Santa, Photos with Santa (including pets), a live zoom call and more! Click here to learn more.

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.

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

Weekly sound healing sessions are held here at Skinny Beats Sound Shop (4 Eagle St – Asheville, NC) every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM. We lay yoga mats on the floor and lower the blinds to create a meditative space that helps you clear your mind and relax to our unique soundscape of crystal singing bowls, expansive gongs, handpans, didgeridoos, rainsticks, and more. We are currently limiting public sessions to 10 people. Please call for info regarding private sessions.

Drop off the items below at Wagbar in support of the Asheville Humane Society.

• Blankets
• Bath Towels
• Training pads/crate mats
• Dog or cat treats
• Cat toys that dangle
• Inexpensive loop leashes
• Clay kitty litter (non-clumping)
• Liquid laundry soap
• Dog food dry or canned
• Canned cat food (no fish flavors)
• Peanut butter
• “Easy cheese” canned cheese
• Science Diet cat, dog, kitten + puppy food
• Nylabone dog chews

Join us for a book signing and pie sampling with Amanda Wilbanks, author of ‘Southern Baked,’ at Acorns Boutique in Downtown Highlands from 12 – 2 pm. Pre-order your pie by calling Acorns at 828-787-1877.

Asheville Gallery of Art’s December show, “#ArtSquared,” is amulti-artist show featuring a variety of original square paintings by gallery members. The show runs December 3-29 during gallery hours, 12-5 p.m. Thursday thru Sunday. You can also make arrangements for a private tour by emailing a request to [email protected].

Yoga and Massage (YAM) has announced it is adding a new location
that will offer non-heated yoga and wellness classes, as well as their massage services, in one
building. ‘The cooler side of YAM’ will be located at 1620 Brevard Road in Laurel Park. The
studio is expected to open December 1 with an open house planned for Saturday, December
12 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
The new space will have four massage treatment rooms and a 900 SF yoga studio for nonheated classes, workshops and yoga teacher training programs. Plenty of free parking will be
provided. YAM’s original yoga studio location is located on King Street in downtown
Hendersonville and will continue to offer heated yoga classes and workshops.

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2019 and we hope to see you in 2020! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 13, 2020, and operates through December 31, 2020.

Oh, this old thing? It’s art! Be inspired by sculptures from the Museum’s Collection that utilize found objects to tell stories about people and place, then create sculptures by combining objects found on a downtown walk, recycling, remnants, and some new materials. Held indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center during cold weather. Space is limited to small groups of up to eight students; face coverings and social distancing are required.

Join us for three hours “off the eaten path” as we find and gather over a dozen wild edibles. We’ll whip up a little tasting right on the trail. Take home the rest of your finds and/or get ready for some find dining when one of our award-winning restaurant partners prepares your “catch of the day,” with lunch, brunch or dinner, for free. Wild mushroom pizza, daylily tamales, sassafras root beer, wisteria ice cream… it all depends on what we find!

Pricing

• Adult (Ages 12+): $75
• Child (Ages 5-11): $35
• Child (Ages 4 & Under): Free

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

In an effort to meet an increased need due to COVID-19, Archetype will be a prime location for Angel Tree adoptions and Angel Tree gift deliveries.  The proximity of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs and Archetype brewing, both nestled on Haywood Road in the heart of West Asheville, creates ease for locals wanting to pour into their communities this holiday season.

This year, in light of the challenges posed by COVID-19, quarantine, and social-distance measures, the needs are greater than ever, and we can only meet this challenge with support from our community.

Our goal is to meet essential needs for our families that do not have the means to provide for themselves or for their children.

In order to #RescueChristmas we must stand in the gap of need and create resources for these children so they do not go cold, hungry, or without hope.

HICKORY NUT GAP WILL DONATE A POUND OF OUR PASTURE RAISED MEATS TO FAMILIES IN NEED FOR EVERY SAMPLER BOX PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).

Ten Asheville area art galleries. A new gallery experience online daily from 5-6 pm each weekday beginning December 2nd through December 15th.

Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum

November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021

5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.