Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

YWCA Asheville first developed our Racial Justice Workshop for the staff of the YW to build a better understanding of our mission-based work.

YWCA’s Racial Justice Workshop is now offered to anyone in our community looking to grow their understanding of racism and racial justice.

Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present Uncharted, a joint exhibition by multiple-disciplinary artists Georgia Deal and Tom Ashcraft. Incorporating both individual and collaborative works, the exhibition will in-clude wooden and cast bronze boat sculptures, prints on hand-made paper, and photographs, all centered around ideas of physical and psychological transitions.

The isolation of the pandemic and the ensuing global geo-political tumult compelled Deal and Ashcraft to re-examine their studio practices. The individual and collaborative works in this exhibition reference a liminal space, that transitional point between “what was” and “what’s next.”

For Deal, the pandemic afforded time to examine ideas of solitude and anticipation and her work echoes the imagery brought on by that period of stasis. Ashcraft’s sculptures, selected versions from his collection of 200+ handmade wooden boats, gather ideas of migration, observation, scale, and object-making. Their col-laborative piece, Uncharted, undertakes these overlapping themes, dealing with both the psychic and antici-patory nature of movement, especially when that movement is only possible through imagination

Deal and Ashcraft each conduct significant individual studio practices and have been committed to the ethic of collaborative art for over 35 years. They are core members of Workingman Collective, founded in 2005 as a cooperative group of artists and other professionals whose membership and objectives evolve to fit each new project. They are interested in process, invention, chance, and the public.

Georgia Deal is Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Printmaking and Papermaking Program at the Corcoran School of Art & Design of George Washington University in Washington DC. Her work is in multiple collections including the Philadelphia Museum, the Library of Congress, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and Yale University Library. She currently lives in Asheville, NC and is proprietor of the papermaking studio, Swannanoa Paper.

Tom Ashcraft’s diverse practice is rooted in object-making, public and participatory artwork. He and Work-ingman Collective have exhibited and produced work in the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. Awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Design Grant and a Ford Foundation Fellowship, among others. He recently completed a student / artist collaborative work “Public Practice” which was a three-year course focused on creating two permanent artworks for the US Embassy in Niamey, Niger, commissioned by Art in Embassies, US Department of State. Ashcraft is currently based in Asheville, North Carolina and is the MFA Director and Distinguished Professor at the School of Art + Design, Western Carolina University.

Useful and Beautiful: Silvercraft by William Waldo Dodge features a selection of functional silver works by Dodge drawn from the Museum’s Collection. Organized by the Asheville Art Museum and curated by Whitney Richardson, associate curator, this exhibition will be on view in the Debra McClinton Gallery at the Museum from February 23 through October 17, 2022.

William Waldo Dodge Jr. (Washington, DC 1895–1971 Asheville, NC) moved to Asheville in 1924 as a trained architect and a newly skilled silversmith. When he opened for business promoting his handwrought silver tableware, including plates, candlesticks, flatware (spoons, forks, and knives), and serving dishes, he did so in a true Arts and Crafts tradition. The aesthetics of the style were dictated by its philosophy: an artist’s handmade creation should reflect their hard work and skill, and the resulting artwork should highlight the material from which it was made. Dodge’s silver often displayed his hammer marks and inventive techniques, revealing the beauty of these useful household goods.

The Arts and Crafts style of England became popular in the United States in the early 1900s. Asheville was an early adopter of the movement because of the popularity and abundance of Arts and Crafts architecture in neighborhoods like Biltmore Forest, Biltmore Village, and the area around The Grove Park Inn. The title of this exhibition was taken from the famous quotation by one of the founding members of the English Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris, who said, “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Not only did Dodge follow this suggestion; he contributed to American Arts and Crafts silver’s relevancy persisting almost halfway into the 20th century.

“It has been over 15 years since the Museum exhibited its collection of William Waldo Dodge silver and I am looking forward to displaying it in the new space with some new acquisitions added,” said Whitney Richardson, associate curator. Learn more at ashevilleart.org.

Verner Center for Early Learning is a nonprofit agency providing high quality, affordable early care and education to children birth to five years of age throughout Buncombe County. The mission of Verner Center is to foster holistic learning environments where young children and families thrive. The organization embraces a philosophy that includes excellence in early childhood practices, diversity among children and families, and partnerships and collaboration with families and communities. This philosophy is demonstrated through provision of high quality education, family services, health and nutrition services, and professional development for teachers.

We are currently looking for compassionate volunteers to support our experiential garden.

Volunteer Opportunity Includes:

• Pulling weeds
• Cleaning out garden beds
• Prepping new garden beds
• Building small projects
• Mowing
• Weed eating
• Laying mulch
• Watering

Volunteer Requirements:

• Respond to the shift
• Comfortable working in various weather conditions
• Comfortable bending, stooping, twisting
• Ability to stand for 1-2 hours at a time

Please join us for the Asheville Business Advisory Council Appreciation Lunch to be held on Thursday, September 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’ll be meeting at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center located at 1616 Patton Avenue, Asheville.

Join us to break some bread at a very special Business Advisory Council meeting. This will be the first in-person BAC meeting back at our Career Center in over two years. We’d like to show our appreciation to all of you (with a small gift to all in attendance) and to talk about how building back a brighter future takes all of us.

The Business Advisory Council brings together the business community and the non-profit service provider community to network and talk about how we can all partner to help those needing employment.

Highlights of the meeting will include:

Jessica Alexander, an inspiring member of our community who exemplifies our “It Takes All of Us” focus, will share her story. Jessica’s road map to success had many stops and junctions, all requiring collaboration and partnership along the way

Appreciation for Michael Horvath from the Asheville Hotel Group, a member of the local business community who supports workforce development initiatives in Asheville with Goodwill and other partners.

Come share your stories of collaboration and partnership in our discussion. We can’t wait to see you!

Passion begets passion, beauty begets beauty…..this is thought that is in professional photographer, Monica Stevenson’s, mind every moment she spends
at Red Bell Run. The photographs for this exhibition are inspired by Mary Adams, the owner of Red Bell Run, affection for and dedication to the animals and plants that thrive at her equine sanctuary.  As with much of Monica’s work, she leans heavily on her own collaborative spirit and the generous nature of her artistic partners–Preston Wainwright, floral designer, Thomas Ignatius and Sean Smith, both illustrative designers, to support some of the exhibit’s featured works. The resulting pictures included in this show, photographed with a large format digital camera and hand printed,  display an abundance of beautiful details– flowers, leaves, illustrations, textures, colors, dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, expressions, shapes, movement, fur, teeth, limbs–all the things that make up the natural world that is Red Bell Run.

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Assist with serving snacks
• Interact with children during activity time
• Supervise games and outdoor free time
• For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

• Background check
• Orientation booklets will be provided
• Masks are required if unvaccinated

Find fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through
October in Flat Rock.  This market is made of a diverse group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and
merry makers.  You will love the friendly, informative, creative vendors that set up for the market.  Be sure you stop by each one to
introduce yourself and ask questions, Free, Pinecrest ARP Church, Hendersonville, [email protected],

Friday: Gates and buildings open at 9:00am; Rides open at 10:00am, close at 12:00 midnight.

Saturdays: Gates and buildings open at 9:00am; Rides open at 10:00am, close at midnight.

1st Sunday: Gates & buildings open at 9:00am; Rides open at 10:00am, close at 11:00 pm.

2nd Sunday: Gates & buildings open at 9:00 am; Closing night; Rides, buildings, and all exhibits close at 9:00 p.m.

Monday –Thursday: Gates & buildings open at 3:00pm; Rides open at 4:00pm, close at 11:00 pm.

Join us at Wicked Weed Brew Pub for a discussion of the future of the South Slope and the City of Asheville’s “South Slope Vision Plan.” The South Slope Vision Plan, started in 2017 and nearing completion, provides a framework for guiding long term development in the area. Hear from residents, business owners, the City of Asheville and other community stakeholders.

Policy on Tap is the Chamber’s quarterly discussion series highlighting topics that matter to our business community with insights shared by key leaders and experts.

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Meet up with Betsy and Florrie by the Bowen Bridge along Riverside (look for balloons) for a leisurely walk and informative talk about the first two pollinator habitats created by Bee City USA-Asheville committee members and friends along the Greenway. We’ll cover a brief history of the Greenway habitats as we walk around the River Arts District Habitat (RAD HAB) and then to the second habitat nearby, emphasizing good habitat characteristics, discussing shrubs and perennials there, and looking for pollinators. We’ll also talk about expansion plans, the difference in the RAD HAB and the pollinator meadow, and invasive plants along the way, finishing at the meadow.

Betsy Savely is co-chair of GreenWorks’ Bee City USA-Asheville Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to have her pollinator habitat certified by GreenWorks. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created many wildlife and pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.

Florrie Funk has been on the board of Bee City USA-Asheville for six years. She has had a life-long love of wildflowers and wild places. She has spent the last thirty years learning about native ecosystems and working as a volunteer in nature education, citizen science projects, plant diversity restoration, and removal of invasive species. Recently she has focused on native habitat gardening and photographing pollinators. She is of the opinion that in all creation, there are no insignificant pieces.

What goes on behind the curtain? In our Tech Youth Production Classes, students learn and experience technical theatre and backstage work, including: safety, basic light and sound board operation, and stage management. Students will then put their skills to practice by running all technical and backstage roles during the Youth performances of The Prom, a musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission and a small-town Indiana prom.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Tuition will be $250.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages: 12-18
Classes: Aug 25-Oct 13 | Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
Tech Week: Oct 17-20 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, Oct 22 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. Once your application is processed, we will be in touch with you to register.

Students explore their potential and harness their skills in this intermediate course all about the art of the scene. Students will discover their strengths and weaknesses through practicing acting exercises and character development techniques. Scene study is best for students who are already familiar with basic performance training. The course includes a showcase for family and friends on the final day of class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Join us for Western Carolinas Coaches’ monthly social event. We’re a vibrant and diverse community of coaches (executive, life, performance, career, business, etc.), and we get together for an in-person, outdoor social once a month, and virtually at least once a month.
If you’re a coach or aspiring coach, we hope you’ll join us!
We’re a subchapter of the International Coaching Federation, Charlotte; Area Chapter- a nonprofit organization.

Announcing youth auditions for Flat Rock Playhouse and Studio 52’s upcoming holiday productions of
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, an adaptation of the 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz, and A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS.

All cast members must be fully vaccinated, along with the production team and all Flat Rock Playhouse staff. Proof of vaccination will be required upon being cast.

Auditions will be held by appointment on Wednesday, September 14, and Thursday, September 15, between 5 – 8 PM with invited callbacks on Saturday, September 17 from 10AM – 1PM. Actors who are invited to callbacks will receive an email invitation on Friday, September 16.

Auditioning young actors will be asked to sing a minute (16 – 32 bars) of a Broadway song or their favorite holiday song. Actors can sing a cappella or bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. We also ask that actors bring a recent photo of themselves and a resume or list of experience, if possible. Please be prepared to list any conflicts at your audition. (Again, Studio 52 classes will not be considered a conflict for casting.)

Flat Rock Playhouse seeks a small Youth Ensemble ages 10-18 for A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS, with rehearsals beginning November 13 and the production running November 25 through December 22.

Studio 52 seeks a diverse company of young actors and singers, ages 10 –  18, for the following roles in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS:

CHARLIE BROWN

SNOOPY

LUCY VAN PELT

LINUS VAN PELT

PIG PEN

FRIEDA

SCHROEDER

VIOLET

SALLY BROWN

PATTY

SHERMY

WOODSTOCK

ENSEMBLE (will also understudy named roles)

The East Asheville Welcome Table is an engaged and committed partner of ours who host and serve free weekly dinners.

The East Asheville Welcome Table is run by a group of volunteers who love interacting with their community. In the past 6 months, The East Asheville Welcome Table has distributed 3,623 pounds of food, while serving an average of 500 meals each month.

East Asheville Welcome Table’s weekly meals include live music performed by community members, games of cards, and knitting.

The Welcome Table’s dedication to creating a food secure community, however, goes beyond their walls. At the beginning of the pandemic, Welcome Table volunteers leapt into action and served meals to folks staying at the Ramada Inn.

We are thankful to have such a remarkable partner like East Asheville Welcome Table, who consistently do all they can to ensure their neighbors have access to food with dignity. If you or anyone you know lives near East Asheville and could benefit from a free dinner, be sure to stop by the East Asheville Welcome Table from 5:00-6:30 PM on Thursdays.

Are you looking for a way to develop your Spanish language skills or a way to keep your skills fresh? Join this friendly and welcoming Spanish Language Practice Group organized by Pack Library. Newcomers are always welcome on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. This group meets online and is focused on providing an intermediate level, immersive discussion experience. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.

Beginning in May and running through September, these free outdoor shows will ramp up downtown fun on the third Thursday of each month, complete with craft beverages, food trucks and kids’ activities. Each concert will take place at the south end of Main Street, closing off the blocks between Allen and Caswell streets. 

As the premier live music event of Hendersonville, Rhythm & Brews brings in a variety of established acts as well as up-and-coming artists from around the nation. Whether you love soul, rock, bluegrass or the funky stuff, Rhythm & Brews will put a smile on your face and broaden your musical horizons. 

2022 Rhythm & Brews Concert Series Lineup: 

June 16: Erin & The Wildfire [[indie-pop soul]] with Hustle Souls [[soul/rock]] 

July 21: Melt [[soulful indie/jam]] with Pink Beds [[danceable indie-pop]] 

August 18: Alexa Rose [[americana/folk]] with Aaron Burdett [[singer-songwriter]] 

September 15: The Wooks [[upbeat bluegrass]] with The Greybirds [[classic-style rock]] 

Opening acts will kick off each evening at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headliner performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. 

For the youngest in the family, the Hands On! Kid Zone will provide kid-friendly activities. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy downtown Hendersonville’s first fully integrated beer and wine garden featuring locally crafted drinks from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Guidon Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing Co., Dry Falls Brewery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, Flat Rock Cider Company and Bold Rock Hard Cider.  

All net proceeds from adult beverage sales will benefit the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville 501c3 nonprofit, whose mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the key factors that contribute to the authentic small town urban character of historic downtown Hendersonville. In the past year, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has supported downtown businesses with over $35,000 in direct business support through the façade and pivot grant programs. 

New in 2021, R&B Super Fan Tent provides an enhanced experience with a shaded viewing area including beer, wine and light refreshments from Moe’s BBQ. Individuals can become R&B Super Fans by purchasing a season package sponsorship for $200. The package includes two sponsor tent tickets to each show and two R&B season t-shirts. Becoming a R&B Super Fan sponsor support will not only help sustain R&B, but other Downtown Program events including Hendersonville Farmers Market, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk, and more. Visit the event website for more information on how to become a Super Fan. The Super Fan Tent is supported by B Squared Realty. 

Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Lending your time at Rhythm & Brews is a great way to meet new people and get involved in a community event. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form to get started. 

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series was started in 2013 by Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, a 501c3 nonprofit operated by the Downtown Division of the City of Hendersonville Community Development Department. For more information, visit downtownhendersonville.org.  

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R