Throughout the history of painting from the mid-19th century forward, artists have used an endless variety of approaches to record their world. Beyond the Lens: Photorealist Perspectives on Looking, Seeing, and Painting continues this thread, offering an opportunity to explore a singular and still forceful aspect of American art. Photorealism shares many of the approaches of historical and modernist realism, with a twist. The use of the camera as a basic tool for organizing visual information in advance of painterly expression is now quite common, but Photorealists embraced the camera as the focal point in their creative process. Beyond the Lens presents key works from the collection of Louis K. and Susan Pear Meisel, bringing together paintings and works on paper dating from the 1970s to the present to focus on this profoundly influential art movement. The exhibition includes work by highly acclaimed formative artists of the movement such as Charles Bell, Robert Bechtle, Tom Blackwell, Richard Estes, Audrey Flack, and Ralph Goings as well as paintings by the successive generations of Photorealist artists Anthony Brunelli, Davis Cone, Bertrand Meniel, Rod Penner, and Raphaella Spence. Featured artworks in the exhibition include diverse subject matters, but the primary focus is on the common and every day: urban scenes, “portraits” of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, still life compositions using toys, food, candy wrappers, and salt and pepper shakers. All provide opportunities for virtuoso studies in how light, reflection, and the camera as intermediary shapes our perception of the material world. This multigenerational survey demonstrates how the 35-mm camera, and later technological advances in digital image-making, informed and impacted the painterly gesture. Taken together, the paintings and works on paper in Beyond the Lens show how simply spellbinding these virtuosic works of art can be. “Beyond the Lens offers a fascinating look into the Photorealism movement and delves into the profound connection between the artists’ observation and creative process,” says Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of Asheville Art Museum. “We are delighted to present this curated collection of artworks encapsulating the creative vision and technical precision that defines this artistic genre.” Photorealism found its roots in the late 1960s in California and New York, coexisting with an explosion of new ideas in art-making that included Conceptual, Pop, Minimalism, Land and Performance Art. At first, representational realism coexisted with the thematic and conceptual explosion but was eventually relegated to the margins regarding critical and curatorial attention. Often misunderstood and sometimes negatively criticized or lampooned as a betrayal of modernism’s commitment to abstraction, the artists involved in Photorealism remained committed explorers of the trail they had blazed. In the decades of the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century, realistic and symbolic painting experienced a renaissance, as contemporary artists are increasingly drawn to narrative and storytelling. Concurrently, using a camera as a preparatory tool equally legitimate and valuable as pencils and pens has made the rubric of Photorealism increasingly relevant. This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and guest curated by Terrie Sultan. This exhibition is sponsored in part by Jim and Julia Calkins Peterson.

Kids Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Romare Bearden (Charlotte, NC 1911–1988 New York, NY), African American writer and artist, is renowned for his collages. He constantly experimented with various techniques to achieve his artistic goals throughout his career. This exhibition highlights works on paper and explores his most frequently used mediums, including screen-printing, lithography, hand-colored etching, collagraph, monotype, relief print, photomontage, and collage.

Bearden’s work reflects his improvisational approach to his practice. He considered his process akin to that of jazz and blues composers. Starting with an open mind, he would let an idea evolve spontaneously.

“Romare Bearden: Ways of Working highlights Bearden’s unique artistic practice and masterful storytelling through art,” says Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Jerald Melberg Gallery to present these extraordinary works on paper in conversation with Bearden’s collage Sunset Express, 1984 in the Museum Collection (on view in the Museum’s SECU Collection Hall). This exhibition will also provide a glimpse into the cultural histories and personal interests that influenced his art-making practice, and we hope it encourages introspection and dialogue with our visitors.”

Jerald Melberg states, “Romare Bearden’s groundbreaking artistic practice continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With an unparalleled legacy of creativity and innovation, Bearden’s contributions to art remain deeply influential years beyond his life.” We have enjoyed organizing this exhibition with the Asheville Art Museum to showcase his artistic genius and inspire visitors from the Western North Carolina region and beyond.”

This exhibition is made possible in part by the Judy Appleton Fund. Many thanks to the Jerald Melberg Gallery for the loan of these important artworks and to Mary and Jerald Melberg for their long-standing support of the arts, artists, and the Asheville Art Museum.

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

• An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
• A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
• Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Western North Carolina businesses and organizations are ready to promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries. All job seekers are encouraged to attend this one-stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies hiring now.

On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Farmers Market, which
showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold are made by or
grown by the vendor.

Does your little kid have a big imagination and lots of energy? Then this class exploring the fundamentals of theatre is just for them! During this 8-week class, students will explore favorite storybook characters and bring them to life through acting and creative and imagination play. This high-energy class will celebrate your young artist’s creativity, develop skills in improvisation, public speaking, and expression, and release creative energy in a meaningful way. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times! We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!

Building a Community at Ferry Road: What’s Next?

Learn what you need to know about the changes in voting. Jake Quinn, Chair Buncombe County Board of Elections will tell us all the new rules on voter ID requirements and changes to voting procedures. New rules started August 2023.

Who should attend: Voters who want to learn about the new changes in voting.

Learn what you need to know about the changes in voting. Jake Quinn, Chair Buncombe County Board of Elections will tell us all the new rules on voter ID requirements and changes to voting procedures. New rules started August 2023.

Who should attend: Voters who want to learn about the new changes in voting.

This 8-week class is designed for curious young performers eager to explore the “FUN”-damentals of acting. Through high-energy theatre games, improvisation, pantomime, storytelling, and ensemble-based activities, students will hone their theatre skills, build meaningful connections with other young artists, and discover their creative potential! With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times. We will end the semester with a taped video performance that will be emailed out to all families!

Join us at Keynote Speechcrafters and

Discover the
Joy of
Public Speaking!

It’s natural to enjoy things you do well,
and you will get good at this.

Our members are committed to meeting each week because

steady progress
requires
steady practice.

Our motto:

When you show up
You speak
Every meeting
Every week

So come join us at the South Buncombe Library on Wednesday evenings and prepare to become a better you.

Please Click here to let us know you are coming.

Guests are always welcome. We look forward to speaking with you!

Wednesday Pub Run Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes! Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

Jerry Sternberg shares “Tales of Asheville from an ol’ Jewish country boy”

Jerry Sternberg, third generation Ashevillian will regale us with “Tales of Asheville from an ol’ Jewish country boy”. Jerry has earned this right at the age of 93 (b. 1930) and proudly announces that he is the oldest living Jewish native, born in Biltmore hospital, in Biltmore Village, who still lives in Asheville.

He “grew up” on Depot Street, working after school alongside his father’s employees in the scrap metal and hide business and observing the “technique“ of deal making. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he enlisted in the Navy, became an officer, and served in both Europe and the Far East during the Korean War. When he returned to Asheville he resumed working for his father until 1962 when he opened a surplus, salvage, and trash hauling business.  Not one to retire, Jerry still has as a commercial real estate development and investment business.

Throughout his career Jerry has been involved in philanthropy, locally and nationally. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the “young leadership council“ of the United Jewish Appeal.  During the 1960’s, this involved traveling the country with a team raising millions of dollars to rescue Jews from hostile countries and help resettle them in Israel.

Jerry has been writing a column in the Mountain Xpress called “the Gospel According to Jerry” for the past 30 years.  Recently this has included a series of articles about growing up Jewish in the small town of Asheville.

Foodie Book Club

Every Wednesday Trivia Night

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern

Written by Samuel D. Hunter

Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.

Content advisory: strong language

Featuring Not Rocket Science Trivia
Put those random facts and obscure obsessions to use at Trivia Night, every Wednesday at The Draftsman! Bring friends and make new ones while you fuel your brain with specials on signature cocktails and bar bites at our laidback basement bar. Bragging rights for the title of Trivia Champion are always up for grabs!