Calendar of Events
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.


Kids have great imaginations – this is the place to let it loose! Our youngest students will learn to bring fun stories and characters to life. Through games and play, they’ll get comfortable expressing with their voices and bodies. And, their confidence will grow as they perform with other kids! Join us for play and creativity!
Registration begins on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $175 – 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.

Improv teaches performers spontaneity, creativity, and to think outside the box! In this class, students will learn the basics of improv with techniques designed to get them comfortable with performing, quick thinking, and being present on stage. They’ll be laughing and learning with fun games, warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase for family and friends during the last 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.
“LIFE ART LIFE William Bernstein 50 year retrospective” exhibition August 6-October 9, 2022 at the Toe River Arts’ Kokol Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC, features the paintings and glass of this artist who has been on the forefront of the studio glass movement.
Graduating 1968 from the Philadelphia College of Arts and just married, Bernstein moved to Penland School of Crafts to be their second glass resident artist from 1968-70. He was a co-founder of the Glass Arts Society (GAS) that formed to bring together the glass community so people could work together and learn from each other. Receiving numerous awards, fellowships and grants, he has exhibited internationally and has artwork in many private and public collections. Bernstein has lived most of his professional life in the rural Celo community of Yancey, North Carolina along with his family and artist wife, Katherine Bernstin. This retrospective provides a great opportunity for one to imagine a life surrounded by art.
This has been not only been a year-long process of curating pieces for an exhibit, but a lifetime of making art that connects with all things about one’s life. Bernstein’s work in glass and paint showcases just that: his family, his pets, friends, his environs, his moods and so much more. A life well-lived in creating art. More on Bernstein Glass www.bernsteinglass.com
William Warmus (A Fellow and former curator of Modern Glass at the Corning Museum), writes for the exhibition catalog, “Bernstein is a minimalist whose style is based upon the dedication to the concepts of honesty, modesty, and humility. It has a feel of its surroundings and of the people of the region.”
The Toe River Arts Kokol Gallery is located at 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. The exhibition dates: August 6 – October 9, 2022. Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:30 – 5:00 pm. 828-765-0520, www.toeriverarts.org
Public receptions on Fridays: August 12 and October 7, both 5:00-7:00 PM. Artist gallery talk Friday, August 12, 4:00 pm. The exhibition travels to Cary Arts Center November 30 – January 21, 2023.
Coinciding with the United Nations’ Year 2022 as the Year of Glass and the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement, this has been made possible by Toe River Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Cary Art Center, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, the Blumenthal Foundation, and Mountain Electronics in Micaville, NC.

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.
The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.
No RSVP needed, just drop by!
Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.
American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection showcases over 80 stellar works of folk and self-taught art including assemblages, needlework, paintings, pottery, quilts, and sculpture. Organized by the American Folk Art Museum in New York, this exhibition will be on view in the Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall at the Asheville Art Museum from June 18 through September 5, 2022. Everyone has stories to tell from both the private and mutual experiences encountered throughout their lifetime. American folk and self-taught artists capture these stories in powerful visual narratives that offer firsthand testimonies to chapters in the unfolding story of America from its inception to the present. Beautiful, diverse, and truthful; the art illuminates the thoughts and experiences of individuals with an immediacy that is palpable and unique to these expressions. These artworks held meaning in the makers’ worlds filtered through their own perceptions.
The artworks are organized into four sections—Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers—that respond to such themes as nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy. Evocative visual juxtapositions and accessible contextual information further reveal the vital role that folk art plays as a witness to history, carrier of cultural heritage, and a reflection of the world at large through the eyes, heart, and mind of the artist.
“While the Asheville Art Museum exhibits many folk and self-taught artists, most are local to the Southeast,” says Whitney Richardson, associate curator. “American Perspectives adds a national voice to the conversation by adding New England, Midwestern, Southwestern, and West Coast artworks that the Museum could never achieve alone. The amount of creative output from folk and self-taught artists was (and still is) on a national level and this exhibition helps to put that into a clear context. Traveling to Asheville from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum in New York, this exhibition will complement and expand the Museum’s ongoing conversations around American history and storytelling through works of art.”
This exhibition has been organized by the American Folk Art Museum, NY, with support provided by Art Bridges. Originally curated for installation at the American Folk Art Museum February 11, 2020–January 3, 2021 by Stacy C. Hollander, independent curator. Tour coordinated by Emelie Gevalt, Curator of Folk Art and Curatorial Chair for Collections, the American Folk Art Museum.
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| Richard Misrach, Wall, Jacumba, California, 2009, pigment print, 60 × 80 inches. Courtesy the Artist. © Richard Misrach, courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco.. |
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| Draped and Veiled: 20×24 Polaroid Photographs by Joyce Tenneson showcases Joyce Tenneson’s Transformations series, which she began in 1985 and engaged with through 2005. Transformations features partially or fully nude figures poetically presented; Tenneson’s photographs have always been interested in the magic of the human figure, contained within bodies of all ages and emotions in a broad range that are both vulnerable and bold. This exhibition features 12 large Polaroids from the poetic series. Draped and Veiled will be on view May 25–October 10, 2022. |
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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.
Polymer clay is an amazingly versatile art medium. Once you learn how to work with it, you can make beads, buttons, figurines, decorations, etc. In this introductory workshop, local artist Robyn Crawford will teach you everything you need to know to get rolling—literally!
First, Robyn will give you an overview of polymer clay. You’ll learn about the different clay brands, tools, bake times, embellishing options, etc. Then, Robyn will teach you some basic cane building techniques. Finally, you’ll create some simple, yet elaborate, beads and pendants. Only you and your fellow students will know how easy they were to make!
Not into jewelry? Your creations can be turned into beautiful fan pulls or given as gifts to special women in your life!
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: AUDITION DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NEW AUDITION DATES ARE: Saturday, August 27 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, August 28 1:00-4:00pm with callbacks Tuesday, Aug 30th 6:30-9:30pm.
AUDITION FORM: Please fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an open time slot. Walk-ups are welcome (just be aware you may have to wait for an open slot). You can fill out the Audition Form at the audition, or save time and fill it out now!
CALLBACK DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2022; 6:30-9:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: Production Calendar. Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 9:30PM beginning September 18th. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: A cast of 9 principal roles and 10+ ensemble roles. Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
Singing: Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Acapella is fine if you don’t have sheet music. The music director will also have you sing scales.
Dance: All those auditioning will learn a short routine with choreographer Rose Pillmore. Dances will be modified as needed to ensure accessibility of choreographic content. No need to prepare in advance, just wear something you can move in.

Blood at The Root written by Dominique Morisseau – BLOOD AT THE ROOT is a striking ensemble drama based on the Jena Six; six Black students who were initially charged with attempted murder for a school fight after being provoked with nooses hanging from a tree on campus. This bold new play by Dominique Morisseau (Sunset Baby, Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew) examines the miscarriage of justice, racial double standards, and the crises in relations between men and women of all classes and, as a result, the shattering state of Black family life.
“Bursting with youthful exuberance, critical race issues, emotional authenticity, and astonishing beauty. It is powerfully auspicious“-DC Theater Arts
“Blood at the Root vividly illustrates the near impossibility of getting through one’s teenage years-fraught in the best-case scenario-unscathed when also having to tackle larger societal problems. It’s a necessary and evocative production all-around.” – Chicago Reader

The Fangmeyer Theatre at HART
Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.
Suitable for all audiences.

Directed by Steve Lloyd
When a badly botched version of Hamlet- “to be or not to be, that’s the point…”- hits a local stage, Henry Condell and John Heminges, two of Shakespeare’s closest friends, know they have to act. Three years after William Shakespeare’s death, a group of actors meet to try and gather the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and create the First Folio. It’s a theatrical, beat-the-clock race to save a legacy. The Book of Will is full of the wit and nerve you would expect from Shakespeare’s favorite actors and a triumph that will leave your heart full of joy.

A WNC PREMIERE! by Catherine Bush Directed by Rodney Smith Opening 8/19/2022 – 9/17/2022
Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
Visitors to the Asheville Gallery of Art will be able to view Robin Altman’s show from August 1st through August 31st. They will be present for a special “Meet the Artist” event on First Friday, August 5th, from 5pm-8pm in the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue.
Robin Wethe Altman was raised in a family of artists and musicians, so luckily there was plenty of support for her artistic leanings. The artist colony of Laguna Beach, California was where she grew up and she participated in the town’s galleries as well as the Summer Art Festivals there. Winning an art scholarship from the Festival of Arts, Robin went on to study art at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. She traveled abroad with college groups to study the art of the great masters as well
as to paint on location. Presently Altman licenses her artwork to several companies that produce her work as puzzles and paint by numbers and such. The artist’s move to Asheville four years ago has proved to be a great boost in inspiration for the artist in her search for diversity and adventure.
Altman’s style of painting is recognizable and bold. Professor James Green, who she studied with at Principia College, would admonish his students to avoid painting “wallpaper”. He said that paintings should be made to stand out from the walls and be seen. Strong contrast and color helps to create such a painting. A well thought-out design is requisite to capture the attention and soothe the viewer psychologically.
In the painting, “Jumping Fences”, Altman makes the point that, in the mountains, nature is pervasive as she climbs and grows around and over man made barriers such as fences. The painting beacons the viewer to see beyond limitations as well, to the ever expanding mountain vistas.
Besides the magnificent landscape of the Appalachian Mountains, there is the charm of its animal life. In her painting of the bear, Altman depicts the quietude of the lumbering creature as her outstretched neck invites us to smell the fragrant mountain air with her as she scopes out the morning view.
Winter need not be a depressing time. To the contrary, in Altman’s painting, “Birch Trees in Winter”, there is a transcendent glow that bathes the whole snowy scene with warmth. The painting illustrates the introspective mood that penetrates a winter’s day. The birds are evidence that life is continuing even in winter. The winter season provides a time of rest to both nature and people in which to reflect on life and what matters the most.
It’s no wonder that sages of all time would go to the mountains to find serenity. This exhibit is about the peace of mind and clarity that comes from an artist making her home in the mountains.
It’s inspiring to think about the first European settlers coming to the Appalachian Mountains. “In the painting titled, “The Highlander”, I endeavored to capture the confident spirit of the kind of men who first dared to make the New World their home.” The Scotsman’s eyes appear just over Grandfather Mountain and his shoulders align with the slope of the mountains. The colors in the man and his clothes are echoed in the mountain colors, as if mountain and man were one and the same. The rugged gentleman’s eyes look directly at the viewer and special emphasis is given to his hands.
Robin’s artwork can be found under “Robin Wethe Altman” on Etsy, Fine Art America and Facebook and her website is: www.robinwethealtman.com

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.
The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

Buncombe County Election Services wants to see your designs for the ever-popular ‘I Voted’ sticker. “We rolled out a custom Buncombe County branded sticker for the mid-term primary election and so many people loved it, says Election Services Director Corinne Duncan. “We want to see how creative the community can get.” Break out your colored pens, roll up your sleeves, show your civic pride, and show us your best ‘I Voted,’ sticker design.
WHO: Any young person, ages 13-18 that is a resident of Buncombe County is eligible to participate.
WHAT: Design a logo that we will use to create 2-inch “I Voted” stickers and digital graphics that can be used for sharing for the Nov. 8, 2022 Mid-Term Election. I Voted must appear somewhere in the design, but the rest is up to you.
WHEN: Artwork will be collected until Sept. 2, 2022. The Buncombe County Board of Elections will select the top three designs and then – of course – we open the contest up to the community to vote on the top designs on our website at engage.buncombecounty.org. From Sept. 7-21 cast your vote for your favorite design. The winning artwork will be selected from the top vote getters and announced on Sept. 22, 2022. Stickers will be distributed during the General Election to all voters in Buncombe County.
HOW: Send us your artwork – Photo, PDF, JPEG to [email protected]
El condado de Buncombe vota en el concurso de calcomanías “Yo voté”
Los Servicios Electorales del Condado de Buncombe quieren ver sus diseños para la calcomanía más popular calcomanía “Yo voté”. “Lanzamos una calcomanía personalizada con la marca del condado de Buncombe para las elecciones primarias de mitad de período y a mucha gente le encantó, dice la directora de Servicios Electorales, Corinne Duncan. “Queremos ver qué tan creativa puede llegar a ser la comunidad”. Saca tus bolígrafos de colores, súbete las mangas, muestra tu orgullo cívico y muéstranos tu mejor diseño de pegatina “Yo voté”.
QUIÉN: Se puede participar cualquier joven de 13 a 18 años que sea residente del condado de Buncombe.
QUÉ: Diseñar un logotipo que se convertirá en calcomanía de 2 pulgadas “Yo voté” y gráficos digitales que se pueden usar para compartir en las elecciones de mitad de período del 8 de noviembre de 2022. Yo voté debe aparecer en alguna parte del diseño, pero el resto depende de ti.
CUÁNDO: Las obras de arte se pueden enviar hasta el 2 de septiembre de 2022. La Junta Electoral del Condado de Buncombe seleccionará los tres mejores diseños y luego, por supuesto, abriremos el concurso a la comunidad para votar por los mejores diseños en nuestro sitio web Para participar.buncombecounty.org. Del 7 al 21 de septiembre elija su voto para su diseño favorito. La obra de arte ganadora se seleccionará entre las que tengan la mayor cantidad de votos y se anunciará el 22 de septiembre de 2022. Se distribuirán calcomanías durante las elecciones generales a todos los votantes del condado de Buncombe.
CÓMO: envíe su obra de arte: foto, PDF, JPEG a [email protected]
The Omni Grove Park Inn, an award-winning, 513-room resort set in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C., is celebrating The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™, which is the nation’s largest, hosted at the resort annually. Beginning July 6, 2022 the competition registration is officially now open here through November 14, 2022. The competition will be held and winners will be announced on November 21, 2022.
New elements for The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™ include:
- Introduction of 10th Judge, Ashleigh Shanti, chef/owner of Good Hot Fish & 2020 James Beard finalist.
- Addition of six brand-new specialty awards and increased prizes (60% increase to years past) across the four age categories, which include Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star, Most Innovative Structure, and Best Use of Spice.
- All registered competitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece of the entire competition to determine the winner of the new People’s Choice: Best in Show award.
The full press release announcing the official rules and entry forms can be found here and below, and a highlight reel and hi-res imagery from last year’s competition can be found here. Please let me know if you will consider the news on behalf of The Omni Grove Park Inn!

Since 1977, the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) has provided North Carolina citizens access to quality arts experiences. Using a per capita based formula, the program provides funding for the arts in all 100 counties of the state through partnerships with local arts councils. The Grassroots Grant Program is made possible by the Grassroots Arts Program of North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, and Buncombe County Government.
The Grassroot Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County. Grants for FY23 will range from $2,500-7,500 dollars depending on the size of the organization. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2022.
Multicultural programs and organizations located outside of the City of Asheville will receive special consideration. To be considered a multicultural organization the mission of the organization must be focused on supporting African American, Asian American, Latino, or Native American cultures. For a program to be considered multicultural it must be conducted by artists, ensembles, or organizations of color.
Over the past two years, artist-researcher, community organizer, and Center for Craft grant recipient, Macon Reed has built Hello Death, Where Have You Been All My Life? an immersive installation that harnesses the social function of ritual space to reflect, process grief, heal, and envision alternative futures.

The art gallery at Asheville Regional Airport is showcasing 3 local artists in its newest exhibit. Revive highlights a variety of creations from sculpture and pottery to mixed media pieces.
The artists each bring a unique perspective of new life to their work. Mark Crossley’s botanical studies are realized in copper sculptures. Mark Flowers’ mixed media designs tell stories that are a cause for reflection. Akira Satake’s pottery uses traditional Japanese firing and glazing methods to create classic and unique forms.
“As hundreds of thousands of travelers pass through our airport during this exhibit, we are proud to show off these local artists and give visitors and residents a taste of the creativity in our region,” said Alexandra Ingle, Brand and Experience Designer at AVL and curator of the gallery.
Artwork can be purchased from the gallery by emailing [email protected]. Details about the program and how to apply can be found on the airport’s website at flyavl.com.
ReUse Contest Guidelines
WHEN
The contest begins on August 1, 2022 and ends on September 30, 2022. Winners will be announced in October.
WHO
Anyone! (Except employees of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity)
WHAT
The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 11th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
- Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
- Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
- Art: $200 ReStore gift card
- Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
- Vans & Vehicles: $200 ReStore gift card
- Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card
Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.
OTHER DETAILS
- Entries must be submitted electronically using the form provided.
- Projects should have been completed within the last 2 years.
- You may submit up to three separate projects (individually).
- Re-submission of a project submitted in previous years will not be accepted.
- Incomplete entries will not be considered.
- Questions? Email [email protected].
JUDGING
There will be 5 judges, assessing entries based on:
- Quality of design and execution
- Replicability of concept
- Clarity of description
- Quality of photos (if we can’t see it well, we can’t judge it fairly)


“LIFE ART LIFE William Bernstein 50 year retrospective” exhibition August 6-October 9, 2022 at the Toe River Arts’ Kokol Gallery, Spruce Pine, NC, features the paintings and glass of this artist who has been on the forefront of the studio glass movement.
Graduating 1968 from the Philadelphia College of Arts and just married, Bernstein moved to Penland School of Crafts to be their second glass resident artist from 1968-70. He was a co-founder of the Glass Arts Society (GAS) that formed to bring together the glass community so people could work together and learn from each other. Receiving numerous awards, fellowships and grants, he has exhibited internationally and has artwork in many private and public collections. Bernstein has lived most of his professional life in the rural Celo community of Yancey, North Carolina along with his family and artist wife, Katherine Bernstin. This retrospective provides a great opportunity for one to imagine a life surrounded by art.
This has been not only been a year-long process of curating pieces for an exhibit, but a lifetime of making art that connects with all things about one’s life. Bernstein’s work in glass and paint showcases just that: his family, his pets, friends, his environs, his moods and so much more. A life well-lived in creating art. More on Bernstein Glass www.bernsteinglass.com
William Warmus (A Fellow and former curator of Modern Glass at the Corning Museum), writes for the exhibition catalog, “Bernstein is a minimalist whose style is based upon the dedication to the concepts of honesty, modesty, and humility. It has a feel of its surroundings and of the people of the region.”
The Toe River Arts Kokol Gallery is located at 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. The exhibition dates: August 6 – October 9, 2022. Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:30 – 5:00 pm. 828-765-0520, www.toeriverarts.org
Public receptions on Fridays: August 12 and October 7, both 5:00-7:00 PM. Artist gallery talk Friday, August 12, 4:00 pm. The exhibition travels to Cary Arts Center November 30 – January 21, 2023.
Coinciding with the United Nations’ Year 2022 as the Year of Glass and the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement, this has been made possible by Toe River Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Cary Art Center, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, the Blumenthal Foundation, and Mountain Electronics in Micaville, NC.
Jessie B. Telfair, Freedom Quilt, 1983, cotton with pencil, 74 × 68 inches. Collection American Folk Art Museum, NY, gift of Judith Alexander in loving memory of her sister, Rebecca Alexander, 2004.9.1. © Estate of Jessie. B. Telfair, image Gavin Ashworth.
American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection showcases over 80 stellar works of folk and self-taught art including assemblages, needlework, paintings, pottery, quilts, and sculpture. Organized by the American Folk Art Museum in New York, this exhibition will be on view in the Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall at the Asheville Art Museum from June 18 through September 5, 2022. Everyone has stories to tell from both the private and mutual experiences encountered throughout their lifetime. American folk and self-taught artists capture these stories in powerful visual narratives that offer firsthand testimonies to chapters in the unfolding story of America from its inception to the present. Beautiful, diverse, and truthful; the art illuminates the thoughts and experiences of individuals with an immediacy that is palpable and unique to these expressions. These artworks held meaning in the makers’ worlds filtered through their own perceptions.
The artworks are organized into four sections—Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers—that respond to such themes as nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy. Evocative visual juxtapositions and accessible contextual information further reveal the vital role that folk art plays as a witness to history, carrier of cultural heritage, and a reflection of the world at large through the eyes, heart, and mind of the artist.
“While the Asheville Art Museum exhibits many folk and self-taught artists, most are local to the Southeast,” says Whitney Richardson, associate curator. “American Perspectives adds a national voice to the conversation by adding New England, Midwestern, Southwestern, and West Coast artworks that the Museum could never achieve alone. The amount of creative output from folk and self-taught artists was (and still is) on a national level and this exhibition helps to put that into a clear context. Traveling to Asheville from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum in New York, this exhibition will complement and expand the Museum’s ongoing conversations around American history and storytelling through works of art.”
This exhibition has been organized by the American Folk Art Museum, NY, with support provided by Art Bridges. Originally curated for installation at the American Folk Art Museum February 11, 2020–January 3, 2021 by Stacy C. Hollander, independent curator. Tour coordinated by Emelie Gevalt, Curator of Folk Art and Curatorial Chair for Collections, the American Folk Art Museum.










