This exhibition features archival objects from the Theodore Dreier Sr. Document Collection presented alongside artworks from the Museum’s Black Mountain College Collection to explore the connections between artworks and ephemera. This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and curated by lydia see, fall 2020 curatorial fellow, with support from a Digitizing Hidden Collections grant through the Council on Library and Information Resources.

Desire Paths looks at makers within the discourse of craft and those existing on the periphery of the craftscape who focus on the movement of the body towards something desirable. These desires of the body are in relationship to nature, technology, self, and society. Using architectural theory and queer curatorial strategies, Desire Paths examines the possibilities and futures of bodies, revealing connections between the corporeal and craft.

“Desire paths,” a term taken from urban planning, are lines trodden in the landscape when constructed walkways do not provide a direct or desired route. Through action, repetition, and intentionality, desire paths are crafted modifications to the landscape that allow for a body to move towards a horizon. The format of the works include traditional craft media, performance, video, and interactive web-based work. Through this variety of media and performative tactics the makers in Desire Paths consider how we view, value, and ascribe meaning to a body/the body/the others body. They show us the power and agency held in body and present us with crafted visions of the body that confront and expand expectations

The works in this exhibition reclaim the concept of craft from its historical associations with the decorative, frivolous, feminine, indigenous, and the other. The makers use the medium of craft, and the action of crafting, to produce powerful representations and counter narratives to dominant culture.

Two Ways to View

Virtual Tour

Online visitors can register to attend a virtual tour of this exhibition. This is a free event. A $5-10 donation at time of registration is recommended.

In-Person

The Center is offering free, unguided visits and affordable tours of its exhibitions to the public. Guests can reserve a 30-minute visit to explore the current exhibitions, learn more about the Center’s national impact in their Craft Research Fund Study Collection, and enjoy interactive activities. The Center is open to the public Tuesday-Friday, 11 am -5 pm. Hours of operation may be subject to change.

Center for Craft is monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on the community and following the instruction of federal, state, and local health departments. Our top priority is always the health and safety of our staff, coworkers, and visitors. At this time, the Center can only allow a maximum of five guests in its public space at once and will require the use of masks or face coverings by all visitors, including children. The Center reserves the right to refuse entry to any visitor that will not comply.

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

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

Black Is Beautiful is a collaborative effort in partnership with our friends at @weatheredsoulsbrewing whose shared mission is to bring awareness to the injustices that many People of Color face daily. Additional proceeds from select retailers will be donated to the Know Your Rights Campaign.

Please join us on Facebook Live for a webinar series addressing common questions for business owners. Wednesdays at noon, Running from February 10^th through March 31^st. Follow us on Facebook here.

Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, our Library Tax-Aide program is changing the way you can get help with your taxes in 2021. Tax assistance is available now through April 8.

You will need an appointment this year to speak with a tax help aide at the library. At your appointment, you can drop off your tax documents and you’ll be given another appointment in about two weeks to pick up your paperwork and completed tax form.

How it works

1. Pick-up a Tax Record Envelope and instructions at Black Mountain, West Asheville or Pack Library during library hours.
2. Complete the Intake/Interview Booklet in your envelope by answering all questions. Then sign and date the last 3 pages.  Place all your tax forms and any information relating to your tax return in your envelope.
3. Make an appointment to drop off your Tax Record Envelope and meet with a Tax-Aide volunteer.

Schedule

Pack Library: Wednesdays, appointments available between 1-5p.m.

• To make an appointment on Wednesday at Pack Library, email [email protected] with your name and telephone number OR, on Wednesdays only between 1 and 5 p.m. call (828) 747-3579. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.
• Saturdays, appointments available between 10:30am and 2pm
  • To make an appointment for Saturday tax help at Pack Library, email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. A volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks. This tax help is provided by UNCA.

West Asheville Library: Tuesdays, appointments available between 1-5p.m.

• To make an appointment at the West Asheville Library email [email protected] with your name and telephone number. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. If you don’t have access to email, someone at the library can email AARP for you. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.

Black Mountain Library: Thursdays, appointments available between 1-5 p.m.

• To make an appointment at Black Mountain Library email [email protected] with your name and telephone number OR call (828) 419-0030. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.

Weaverville Library and Weaverville First Baptist Church: Thursdays, appointments available between 1-5pm

• To make an appointment for tax help at the Weaverville First Baptist Church email [email protected] with your name and telephone number OR call the Weaverville Library at (828) 250-6482 with questions. An AARP volunteer will contact you to set up your appointment. At your appointment, a tax volunteer will check all documents and give you a follow-up appointment to pick up your completed tax return and documents in 1 or 2 weeks.

Tax help is available now through April 8.

Bring the following documents and tax forms to your tax help appointment (photocopies are recommended):

• Photo ID / Driver License for Taxpayer and Spouse
• Social Security Cards for Taxpayer, Spouse and ALL dependents
• Prior year (2019) Federal and State tax returns
• W-2 Wages, W-2G (Gambling winnings)
• SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement
• 1099-R Retirement, 1099-RRB (Railroad Retirement Benefits)
• 1099-Interest, 1099-Dividend, 1099-OID
• 1099-B Brokerage Statement, Sale of Stocks and Bonds, 1099-Ks
• 1099-G Unemployment and State refunds
• 1099-NEC Self-Employment, 1099-MISC
• 1099-C Sale of Home, Forgiveness of Credit Card Debt
• 1098- Home Mortgage Interest and Real Estate Taxes
• 1099-T Education Credits PLUS Student Account Statement
• 1098-E Student Loan Interest
• 1099-SA and/or 5498-SA (HSA = Health Savings Account)
• 1095-A Health Insurance – Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace
• Schedule K-1 (Forms 1065, 1120S or 1041)
• Any other documents or information relevant to preparation of the tax return
• Voided check for direct deposit of any refund to your checking / savings account

March is Red Cross Month, and for more than 130 years, heroic American Red Cross volunteers have provided hope and urgent relief to families in communities across the country.
This March the community is invited to join in the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross and be
someone’s hero by rolling up a sleeve to give blood.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds to respond to
patient emergencies. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients,
and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all require blood.
All blood types are needed.
Be a hero in your community by rolling up a sleeve….

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card
or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Free Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing

The Brevard Music Center in association with the Pisgah Health Foundation announces a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site for everyone – the insured and uninsured, those on Medicare and Medicaid – everyone!

Keystone Laboratory of Asheville will administer the COVID-19 tests and antibody tests, with results typically available within 5 business days depending on volume.

When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please no early arrivals.

Where: Brevard Music Center Main Parking lot (entrance on Music Camp Road off Probart Street)

Who: Anyone who wants a test.

How:

• Appointments are not necessary. Participants will be served in the order of their arrival.
• Participants can choose to be tested for COVID-19 via nasal swab or have the COVID-19 antibody test via blood sample.
• Participants will receive their test results at the contact information provided at check-in, typically within 5 business days depending on volume.

What:

• A driver’s license is helpful, but not required.
• A doctor’s order is not required.
• If you have private insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.
• If you have Medicare or Medicaid, please bring your card with you.
• If you do not have insurance, you will be asked to sign an affidavit stating so.
• Please wear a mask and stay in your vehicle while on BMC’s campus.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention from your medical provider, urgent care, or the hospital.
• Please leave pets at home.

Questions: Please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The women of the SEC are back to compete in the 2021 Women’s Basketball Tournament! Catch all of the action and see who will be crowned champion at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena March 3-7!

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Adventures in Stage Design

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

ONLINE lessons given at an interactive classroom website at the School of American Mah Jongg. You will play online with 2 or 3 other students while I teach you how to play in four weekly lessons at the Mah Jongg classroom. In addition, a Zoom link provides audio and visual support. Please sign up in advance as I need to mail learning materials to you for use during the class. Class meets on February 10, 17, 24 and March 3. Please register and pay for the class by Laura Hoover at the School of American Mah Jongg. https://mahjongteacher.com

What we’re about

Postponed

Important Information
The performances of Hamilton at the Peace Center have been postponed until late summer 2022.

The Peace Center is working to reschedule the events, and new dates will be announced as soon as possible. Ticket holders will be contacted when details become available.

This “theatrical landmark has transformed theater and the way we think about history” (The New York Times)

Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony^®, Grammy^®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Jerry Donoghue is founder of the Asheville Compassionate Communication Center and the Inner Presence Coaching Institute in Asheville, NC. Jerry is a Master Spiritual Coach who specializes in training couples to be more compassionate with themselves and each other through his courses and private coaching. He also trains helping professionals in gentle, non-invasive, non-prescriptive approaches to support that rely on the clients’/students’ innate intelligence. He draws on his many years of teaching people compassion communication, self-compassion, and nondual awareness work to create this dynamic Inner Presence Inquiry Work. He shows us in a totally practical and deeply experiential way, how to fully enter, lovingly embrace and be present to the disowned, painful and rejected parts of ourselves. www.ashevilleccc.com

What we’re about

Become booking ready after learning from commercial voice over actor and coach, Jessica Lynn Verdi. In this three-week course, you’ll pinpoint types of brands you’ll easily book, characteristics your unique voice offers, and how to put a demo together so that you can submit to agents for representation! Taking this class is the first step to a successful commercial voice over career from home!

Bio for Instructor Jessica Lynn Verdi:
Jessica Lynn Verdi is an improviser, actress, social media influencer, and producer born and raised in Los Angeles. She has performed in improvised plays in the style of Tennessee Williams, Dorothy Parker, Nora Ephron, Inspector Morse, Star Trek: TNG, and more. Jessica is the producer, director, and a performer in “Actor’s Nightmare”, “X-Files UnClassified”, and Ripley’s “GLAM” at Impro Studio in Los Angeles. She is also the co-creator and host of “Flip the Script” podcast, a gender-flipped vintage radio show, and can be seen regularly on the Twitch channel Hyper RPG as Hannah from “Rat Queens” and Chrissy from “Bloodcurdling Tales from the Loop”. Jessica also spoke on the “How to be a Superstar Host” panel at San Diego Comic Convention and starred in a Buzzfeed video that recieved over 1 million views. Jessica can be heard as the voice of Best Buy for their most recent radio advertising campaign.

Get moving in this fun, high-energy dance class focusing on Broadway-style choreography through the decades. Each live zoom class features a full-body warm up, a step-by-step breakdown of theatre dance vocabulary, and Broadway-style choreography to learn and perfect throughout the semester. Join Studio 52 to get a weekly workout, learn how to fill your movement with character, and step into your next dance audition or production feeling confident!

All performances Eastern Standard Time
*Ticket sales will end 2 hours prior to each performance and the Zoom link will be sent out at that time*

Don’t miss our Opening Week Specials!
Wednesday, March 3 – Pay What You Wish
Thursday, March 4 – Dinner and a Show
Friday, March 5 – Post-Show Talkback
Saturday, March 6 – Post-Show Champagne Toast
Click here to learn more.

Life and literature collide in this smart comedy about books and the people who love them. Ana is a Type A personality who lives in a letter-perfect world with an adoring husband, the perfect job, and her greatest passion: Book Club. But when her cherished group becomes the focus of a documentary film, their previously predictable discussions turn into pandemonium in front of the inescapable camera lens. Add a provocative new member along with some surprising book titles, and this buoyant comedy will have everyone laughing… and reflecting. Discretionary warning: Mild Adult Content and Language.

“[An] uproarious social comedy.”—chicagocritic.com

 “By the end, you honestly felt like part of the book club.” —broadwayworld.com