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.
Artist Opportunities
The Asheville Area Arts Council is pleased to share the following opportunities for artists that have recently been submitted to us. If you have any questions about an opportunity, please contact the listed organization.
The Asheville Area Arts Council does not endorse or recommend any specific opportunities, but provides this list for information only. We encourage artists to research each opportunity thoroughly before applying.

Call for Artists: NRCC Art Society
The North Ridge Country Club Art Society wishes to promote art and area artists, while also developing increased art appreciation within its membership. The NRCC Art Society continues to expand the permanent art collection in the clubhouse for members …
January 3, 2020 – January 19, 2020

Call for Musicians: Chamber Music Raleigh
ANNOUNCING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NC-BASED MUSICIANS Performance Venue: North Carolina Museum of Art, SECU Auditorium Dates: Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 2pm or Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2pm Artists Fee: up to $2500 Submission Instructions: …
January 2, 2020 – January 24, 2020

Call for Artists: Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists focused time to creatively explore the natural and cultural resources of this astounding landscape. It also allows artists the opportunity to share their work through …
November 25, 2019 – January 31, 2020

Call for Artists: Zapow Juried Show
ZaPow Gallery, the premier Illustration and Narrative Art Gallery in the Southeast, will be hosting its Second Annual Juried Open Show March 2020. If you are an Illustrator or Narrative artist living in the WNC area this is your chance to show your wor …
December 9, 2019 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Magnetic Theater
SPECIAL EVENT – ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Script Submission Guidelines: – The submission deadline is Saturday, February 1st at 11:59pm. – Plays should be between 10 and 30 minutes long, though there is a bit of wiggle room. – No more than 10 roles (prefe …
January 3, 2020 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Chilkoot Trail Residency
The Yukon Arts Centre, the US National Park Service, Parks Canada and the Skagway Arts Council are calling for submissions for the 2021 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program. Participants will combine their artistic abilities with a love of the outdo …
December 9, 2019 – February 11, 2020

Call for Artists: International Artist Residency
Open Call for 2020-21 International Artist Residencies at Farm Studio in Rajasthan, India The deadline for applications is 20th February, 2020. Residencies will take place October, November, December 2020 and January, February 2021. All residency infor …
G&LW Trade Shows are produced in many major trade centers across the United States for the convenience of wholesale buyers. For the past 43 years G&LW’s multiple show venues have been, and continue to be, a top gem & mineral buyer destination. G&LW exhibitors enjoy world class personal service and exposure to the best customers in the business. Our goal is to create an environment that helps exhibitors connect to the right buyers & build successful relationships.
For more information about this show, please check out www.glwshows.com.
Join the MA in Critical Craft Studies for public conversations about research and projects connected to craft studies.
Craft Conversations is a five-part series organized by the MA in Critical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, and hosted at the Center for Craft in the heart of downtown Asheville.
These are not formal lectures. Instead, we invite you into the evening classroom of the MA in Critical and Historical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, where you can hear how people conduct, analyze, share, and discuss their work on craft history and theory. Each presenter shares their work for 30 minutes each, followed by a discussion between presenters, MA students, and the audience for 60 minutes.
Programs begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Programs are free and open to the public; reservations requested.
Monday, January 6 – Yasmeen Siddiqui and Shannon Stratton
Friday, January 10 – Student Pecha Kucha
Saturday, January 11 – Jen Delos Reyes and Namita Wiggers
Artist Opportunities
The Asheville Area Arts Council is pleased to share the following opportunities for artists that have recently been submitted to us. If you have any questions about an opportunity, please contact the listed organization.
The Asheville Area Arts Council does not endorse or recommend any specific opportunities, but provides this list for information only. We encourage artists to research each opportunity thoroughly before applying.

Call for Artists: NRCC Art Society
The North Ridge Country Club Art Society wishes to promote art and area artists, while also developing increased art appreciation within its membership. The NRCC Art Society continues to expand the permanent art collection in the clubhouse for members …
January 3, 2020 – January 19, 2020

Call for Musicians: Chamber Music Raleigh
ANNOUNCING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NC-BASED MUSICIANS Performance Venue: North Carolina Museum of Art, SECU Auditorium Dates: Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 2pm or Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2pm Artists Fee: up to $2500 Submission Instructions: …
January 2, 2020 – January 24, 2020

Call for Artists: Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists focused time to creatively explore the natural and cultural resources of this astounding landscape. It also allows artists the opportunity to share their work through …
November 25, 2019 – January 31, 2020

Call for Artists: Zapow Juried Show
ZaPow Gallery, the premier Illustration and Narrative Art Gallery in the Southeast, will be hosting its Second Annual Juried Open Show March 2020. If you are an Illustrator or Narrative artist living in the WNC area this is your chance to show your wor …
December 9, 2019 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Magnetic Theater
SPECIAL EVENT – ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Script Submission Guidelines: – The submission deadline is Saturday, February 1st at 11:59pm. – Plays should be between 10 and 30 minutes long, though there is a bit of wiggle room. – No more than 10 roles (prefe …
January 3, 2020 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Chilkoot Trail Residency
The Yukon Arts Centre, the US National Park Service, Parks Canada and the Skagway Arts Council are calling for submissions for the 2021 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program. Participants will combine their artistic abilities with a love of the outdo …
December 9, 2019 – February 11, 2020

Call for Artists: International Artist Residency
Open Call for 2020-21 International Artist Residencies at Farm Studio in Rajasthan, India The deadline for applications is 20th February, 2020. Residencies will take place October, November, December 2020 and January, February 2021. All residency infor …


On the Second Saturday of each month, the River Arts District holds gallery walks with demonstrations, workshops, live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and more! Meander the mile-long district or hop on and off the free trolley and discover all that the “RAD” has to offer. There are more than 200 artists in the 23 buildings throughout the district. Most of them will be on hand to describe or show you their techniques and share their inspirations.
*There will be no free trolley for the June and July Second Saturdays. Ample free parking is available in the district.*
*Both in person and virtual events are happening for Second Saturday. Many are listed here and you may also check our EVENTS listings for more details.”
Events with an *asterisk are available in person AND online, Events which are solely virtual listed separately.
Special day & evening events will be listed for each date – so please come back and plan your day as we get closer to the date!
Join the MA in Critical Craft Studies for public conversations about research and projects connected to craft studies.
Craft Conversations is a five-part series organized by the MA in Critical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, and hosted at the Center for Craft in the heart of downtown Asheville.
These are not formal lectures. Instead, we invite you into the evening classroom of the MA in Critical and Historical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, where you can hear how people conduct, analyze, share, and discuss their work on craft history and theory. Each presenter shares their work for 30 minutes each, followed by a discussion between presenters, MA students, and the audience for 60 minutes.
Programs begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Programs are free and open to the public; reservations requested.
Monday, January 6 – Yasmeen Siddiqui and Shannon Stratton
Friday, January 10 – Student Pecha Kucha
Saturday, January 11 – Jen Delos Reyes and Namita Wiggers

JESUS IN THE TRAILER: POEMS
Launch Details:
Where: Malaprop’s, Asheville.
When: January 12th, 4 p.m.
Other Details:
· Emcee: Lockie Hunter.
· Readers: Benjamin Cutler, Meagan Smith Lucas, Eric Nelson, Andrew K. Clark.
Description of JESUS IN THE TRAILER: above all else the poetry in Jesus in the Trailer evokes a cogent sense of place. Whether addressing police violence on the cobblestone streets of Savannah, the loss of a loved one to dementia, or coming of age in a trailer park in Appalachia, these poems address matters of faith, death, love, and beauty while not masking the pain of Southern history.
About the author: Andrew K. Clark is a writer whose work has appeared in UCLA’s Out of Anonymity, fall/lines, Good Juju, The Rappahannock Review, Scribes Valley, and other journals. His full-length collection of poetry, Jesus in the Trailer, was published by Main Street Rag Press in November, 2019. He was awarded the Georgia Southern University Roy F. Powell Award for Creative Writing and is an MFA candidate at Converse College. He is from the rural town of Alexander, NC outside of Asheville, and the people, history, and geography of this part of Southern Appalachia inform his work. He is searching for a home for his first novel, The Day Thief. Connect with him at andrewkclark.com.
Asheville’s monthly all Queer stand up comedy showcase!
Our Jan. headliner is Dwayne Duke
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dwayne Duke has honed his craft at venues across the nation. Dwayne’s act is not a leap into debauchery, more a gentle nudge into the profane. He’s been part of multiple comedy festivals including Cleveland Comedy, Broken Record, Burning Bridges, and Whiskey Bear. His second album “Shame Flashbacks” (2018) is available now. Dwayne is also the founder/ executive Producer of the Midwest Queer Comedy Festival.
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-dwayne-duke-tickets-84686516651
Join the MA in Critical Craft Studies for public conversations about research and projects connected to craft studies.
Craft Conversations is a five-part series organized by the MA in Critical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, and hosted at the Center for Craft in the heart of downtown Asheville.
These are not formal lectures. Instead, we invite you into the evening classroom of the MA in Critical and Historical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, where you can hear how people conduct, analyze, share, and discuss their work on craft history and theory. Each presenter shares their work for 30 minutes each, followed by a discussion between presenters, MA students, and the audience for 60 minutes.
Programs begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Programs are free and open to the public; reservations requested.
Monday, January 6 – Yasmeen Siddiqui and Shannon Stratton
Friday, January 10 – Student Pecha Kucha
Saturday, January 11 – Jen Delos Reyes and Namita Wiggers

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
Meet and greet at 6pm, Pondering starts at 6:30.
Please enter the church through the front door. There is ample parking on the street in front of the church. There will be a $2 per person offering for the use of the church facilities and I think this is very fair. This is in addition to any donation you may wish to give for the expenses of the meetup itself. Feel free to bring any reasonable food or drink for yourself or to share.
RSVPs go live every Friday at 5pm.
Join the MA in Critical Craft Studies for public conversations about research and projects connected to craft studies.
Craft Conversations is a five-part series organized by the MA in Critical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, and hosted at the Center for Craft in the heart of downtown Asheville.
These are not formal lectures. Instead, we invite you into the evening classroom of the MA in Critical and Historical Craft Studies, Warren Wilson College, where you can hear how people conduct, analyze, share, and discuss their work on craft history and theory. Each presenter shares their work for 30 minutes each, followed by a discussion between presenters, MA students, and the audience for 60 minutes.
Programs begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. Programs are free and open to the public; reservations requested.
Monday, January 6 – Yasmeen Siddiqui and Shannon Stratton
Friday, January 10 – Student Pecha Kucha
Saturday, January 11 – Jen Delos Reyes and Namita Wiggers
Artist Opportunities
The Asheville Area Arts Council is pleased to share the following opportunities for artists that have recently been submitted to us. If you have any questions about an opportunity, please contact the listed organization.
The Asheville Area Arts Council does not endorse or recommend any specific opportunities, but provides this list for information only. We encourage artists to research each opportunity thoroughly before applying.

Call for Artists: NRCC Art Society
The North Ridge Country Club Art Society wishes to promote art and area artists, while also developing increased art appreciation within its membership. The NRCC Art Society continues to expand the permanent art collection in the clubhouse for members …
January 3, 2020 – January 19, 2020

Call for Musicians: Chamber Music Raleigh
ANNOUNCING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITY FOR NC-BASED MUSICIANS Performance Venue: North Carolina Museum of Art, SECU Auditorium Dates: Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 2pm or Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 2pm Artists Fee: up to $2500 Submission Instructions: …
January 2, 2020 – January 24, 2020

Call for Artists: Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists focused time to creatively explore the natural and cultural resources of this astounding landscape. It also allows artists the opportunity to share their work through …
November 25, 2019 – January 31, 2020

Call for Artists: Zapow Juried Show
ZaPow Gallery, the premier Illustration and Narrative Art Gallery in the Southeast, will be hosting its Second Annual Juried Open Show March 2020. If you are an Illustrator or Narrative artist living in the WNC area this is your chance to show your wor …
December 9, 2019 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Magnetic Theater
SPECIAL EVENT – ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Script Submission Guidelines: – The submission deadline is Saturday, February 1st at 11:59pm. – Plays should be between 10 and 30 minutes long, though there is a bit of wiggle room. – No more than 10 roles (prefe …
January 3, 2020 – February 1, 2020

Call for Artists: Chilkoot Trail Residency
The Yukon Arts Centre, the US National Park Service, Parks Canada and the Skagway Arts Council are calling for submissions for the 2021 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program. Participants will combine their artistic abilities with a love of the outdo …
December 9, 2019 – February 11, 2020

Call for Artists: International Artist Residency
Open Call for 2020-21 International Artist Residencies at Farm Studio in Rajasthan, India The deadline for applications is 20th February, 2020. Residencies will take place October, November, December 2020 and January, February 2021. All residency infor …

Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk


FEBRUARY 3, 10, 17, & 24 (make-up, if needed: MARCH 2)—Mondays, 6–8 pm
Registration deadline: January 27
Soft pastel is the purest medium for painting vibrant colors. In this four-part class, explore color, texture, and design to create beautiful finished artworks. Practice blending, layering, and a variety of strokes and techniques, in addition to color theory, design, and individual expression.
Instructor Terrilynn Dubreuil has over 30 years’ experience encouraging people of all ages and abilities to realize they can be creative with helpful techniques and energy. With an undergraduate degree and graduate studies in fine art, she teaches most media through approaches that help newbies to more experienced artists, and everyone in between.
Adult Studio
The Museum’s studio program for adults offers a core curriculum in drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional media, and also explores the intersections between them. Local and visiting artists help students of all levels and abilities develop skills in media that reflect techniques and themes featured in the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. Classes meet for 3–12 weeks, and are designed for anyone interested in exploring specific media in depth; daylong workshops introduce new media or processes. To add your name to our Adult Studio mailing list, email Kristi McMillan, adult programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x122.


Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk
Retreatants will be invited to pause, to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to calm minds and bodies and be at ease. During this retreat, the focus is on reconciliation, transformation, healing and how to bring quantitative change in one’s life by the mindfulness practices of walking, eating and sitting meditation, connecting with ancestors, deep listening, loving speech and the practice of touching the earth. A retreat is an opportunity to let go of worry and anxiety about the past and the future, rest, and begin to be present for what is happening in the present moment.
The retreat is being led by Sister True Moon of Clear Grace, a resident nun at Heartwood who received her novice ordination in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition headed by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Sister Clear Grace shares that, “the practice of mindfulness has been the greatest source of insight and transformation to heal from injustices of all kinds. It has helped me to learn truths and unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that have kept me away from the liberation of such sufferings in my daily life.”
This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners. Participants may register to stay at Heartwood or sign up for the commuter option. More information, registration and other retreats at www.heartwoodrefuge.org.
Sister Clear Grace is a member of the Care Taking Council for the Earth Holder Community, a mindful Earth/Social justice initiative in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. She is a Core member for ARISE Sangha (Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity), a community of mindfulness practitioners and monastics who come together to heal the wounds of racial injustice and social inequity, beginning with looking deeply within oneself and using energy of compassion, understanding, and love in action.
Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides interfaith meditation and wellness retreat. Heartwood is neither defined by a single lineage, nor confined by any single sect or practice. Heartwood hosts teachers from all faiths and wisdom traditions to share teachings and activities that promote compassion and clarity, whether through traditional wisdom or new thought.
Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk


Bring your current needle project and work while socializing with other like-minded crafters

Each year, we honor the history of Asheville and of Martin Luther King Jr. by spending a morning in service and in community together in the historic East End/ Valley Street neighborhood. Prior to the cleanup we will be joined Renee‘White, President of the East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, who will speak about the history and importance of the neighborhood.
MLK Jr Park
Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk


This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk

The Mars Hill University Weizenblatt Gallery is showing a collection of works created by North Carolina Glass Center artists. The reception will be held on Wednesday, January 22. You’ll have an opportunity to see the works and to meet and talk with the artists. The exhibition runs daily through February 6.
Weizenblatt Gallery is in the Moore Fine Arts Building on the Mars Hill University campus. As always, the reception and the gallery are free.
Blue Spiral 1’s most diverse annual exhibition presents artists who have never previously shown in the gallery. This year’s show features nine artists working in a range of media, including painting, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, photography, and wood.
Artists: Anna Buckner, Mark Flowers, David Knox, Hiromi Moneyhun, Kris Rehring, Ben Strear, Gregor Turk

IMPACT! is about humans’ affect on the environment. It embraces our negative impact on the environment, as well as solutions for the problems we have created, success stories and the hope for a better tomorrow. Come join us as we creatively explore this topic. The show encompasses a variety of artists who all have studio spaces in Pink Dog Creative. Each artist takes to this show, a unique way to express and interpret the theme. From oil paintings, to stained glass, to jewelry and much more, each artist uses their own unique styles and creative talents to show how humans have affected the environment in which we live. Exhibiting artists include Joseph Pearson, Karen Brown, Pat Phillips, Patti Anastasi, Lucy Cobos, May Rhea, Sandi McAllen, Ralph Burns, Noel Yovovich, Stephanie Grimes, Leene Hermann, Andrea Kulish and more.



