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.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Live Marbling
Jul 15 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online

VIRTUAL: Live Marbling

Virtually enjoy the process of marbling, the antique process of floating paint on a thickened water surface. Watch as Pam Granger Gale drops paint onto the surface and each drop expands. More and more paint drops push others around without mixing. Then combs and rakes are used to create both historical and freeform patterns. Paper is placed on the surface and captures this monoprint forever.

Thursday, July 16, 2020
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 16 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.

73rd Southern Highlands Craft Fair
Jul 16 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center

_____________________________________________________

73rd Anniversary
Summer Edition, July 16-19 | (Fall Edition, October 15-18)
Thursday – Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm

General Admission, $10.00 a day
Children under 12 free

In its 73rd year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, makers exhibit a variety of craft ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 16 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Online Third Thursday BYO Craft Night
Jul 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

We believe there’s nothing better than gathering with friends to work on a craft project while enjoying a nice glass of wine and good conversation. If you agree, then our next Third Thursday program is for you! Plēb Urban Winery kicks off the event with a virtual wine tasting, which you can pair with a delicious mezze platter from Perspective Café by Food Experience. Following that, work on your own craft project while Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson and our friends at Blue Spiral 1 talk with artist Carol Milne about her intricate knitted glass sculptures. Purl’s Yarn Emporium closes the program with a discussion of craftivism and yarn-bombing public spaces.

This free program will take place virtually via Zoom. Space is limited.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER
Friday, July 17, 2020
Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Jul 17 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jul 17 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 17 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.

Community Tool School Online Summer Camp: Dyeing For A Picnic
Jul 17 all-day
Online

Flyers for online summer camps. Rockin' Paper Scissors, Hammer Time and Dyeing for a Picnic

Dyeing For A Picnic is 5 days of textile crafts. Participants will dye fabric, hand sew, create a hand bound journal, make reusable beeswax food wraps and learn cord knotting techniques. Recommended age 11+, with adult supervision – participants will be using chemical dye and will need access to the stove to melt beeswax. All materials are included in the kit and there will be a daily check in and video tutorials. Course runs July 13 – 17. $70 pp.

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS 2020–Kids Clay Camp — Lovely Luminaries — Ages 6 – 10
Jul 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS

Instructor: Amy Briggs

Light up your life this week while learning how light and clay work together. During this camp, we will create votives, candleholders, luminaries and lamps you can use at home. Plus, you’ll get a chance to try the potter’s wheel! Shine your brightest light!

Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class
Use promo code “claycamp25”

73rd Southern Highlands Craft Fair
Jul 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center

_____________________________________________________

73rd Anniversary
Summer Edition, July 16-19 | (Fall Edition, October 15-18)
Thursday – Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm

General Admission, $10.00 a day
Children under 12 free

In its 73rd year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, makers exhibit a variety of craft ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Fused Silver Earrings
Jul 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Ignite Jewelry Studios

Join me in the studio as we use hammers, saws, files and fire to transform silver wire into a beautiful pair of silver drop earrings. Class price includes all materials.

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS 2020–Kids Clay Camp — Find Your Spirit Animal — Ages 8 – 12
Jul 17 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS

Instructor: Paige Janeri

We can learn a lot from nature when we observe animals in the wild. We can observe their natural characteristics and habits. In this week of camp, we will dig into some clay and explore our spirit animals. No experience or prior knowledge of clay is necessary to enjoy creating hand-built sculptures and wheel thrown vessels that resemble our favorite animals.

Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class
Use promo code “claycamp25”

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020
Jul 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020

Asheville Gallery of Art

July Show

“Infinite Possibilities”

Asheville Gallery of Art’s July show, “Infinite Possibilities,” is a multi-member show highlighting the insights artists gained during increased time in their home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show runs July 1-31 during gallery hours.

Change can be good! As members of a cooperative, the 31 artists of Asheville Gallery of Art are used to being and working together to keep the gallery functioning. With COVID-19, everyone is working in their home studios and finding that they have the chance to do what they might not have tried before. Many say they have found infinite possibilities within their work as well as new ways to sell work they’ve been creating.

“My Life in the Theatre:” NC Black Repertory Company Artistic Director Jackie Alexander
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Sit down for an informal and compelling chat with Winston-Salem-based NC Black Rep Artistic Director Jackie Alexander as the award-winning playwright-director talks about the history of the acclaimed company and the importance of sharing the black experience on the stage. A native of New Orleans, Jackie Alexander is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York, and current Artistic Director of North Carolina Black Repertory Company, producers of The National Black Theatre Festival. His debut novel, Our Daily Bread, was published by Turner Publishing in the fall of 2012. His debut feature film Joy was awarded Best Feature Film by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and also earned Best Actor and Best Screenplay honors for Jackie on the festival circuit. The OBIE and AUDELCO Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre in New York devoted its entire 2010-2011 season to Jackie’s work; commissioning him to write three new plays and making him the only playwright in the storied history of the theatre to receive that honor. In 2018, the Black Theatre Network (BTN) honored Jackie with the Presidential Pathfinder Award at its yearly conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The award is presented to an artist or an institution that illuminates a path to innovations and new concepts in Black Theatre.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned performance by the NC Black Repertory Company as part of the festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about NC Black Rep: https://ncblackrep.org/

Available via YouTube, appsummer.org

Saturday, July 18, 2020
Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jul 18 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Jul 18 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jul 18 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 18 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
Jul 18 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
Art + Architecture Day
Jul 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Center for Art & Inspiration

The next Art & Architecture Day in Hendersonville sponsored by the Arts Council of Henderson County will take place on Saturday, July 18. Small groups of six-to-eight will safely social distance their way up Main Street, meeting people in each block from Henderson County’s past who will tell stories of how they helped shape the downtown streetscape.

Each group will leave the 100 South block of Main Street in intervals of 15 minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. There will be six tour guides acting as such notables from Hendersonville’s past such as architects Erle Stillwell and Richard Sharp Smith and long-time mayor Al Edwards. The entire tour will take about 90 minutes.

The Art & Architecture Day in Hendersonville tour is free to attend but reservations must be made. For more details and to reserve a spot for yourself and your friends contact the Arts Council at (828) 693-8504 or at [email protected].

The Arts Council of Henderson County is a community organization that promotes, advocates for, and nurtures the arts in western North Carolina. Each year the Council sponsors two major art shows, Bring Us Your Best and Art on Main. Now in its seventh decade, Art on Main has been named one of the 200 Best Shows in America for Fine Art & Design.

For additional information about the Arts Council and Art and Architecture Day in Hendersonville visit the Council website at http://www.acofhc.org/artandarchitecture

73rd Southern Highlands Craft Fair
Jul 18 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center

_____________________________________________________

73rd Anniversary
Summer Edition, July 16-19 | (Fall Edition, October 15-18)
Thursday – Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm

General Admission, $10.00 a day
Children under 12 free

In its 73rd year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, makers exhibit a variety of craft ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media, and jewelry.

The Year 2020 with Mountain Made Art Gallery
Jul 18 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made - Asheville Art Gallery

Image may contain: outdoor

THE YEAR 2020 While we aren’t able to do our live demos so far this year, we have another idea! Nancy Dillingham is one of our local writers and Nancy is a poet. She has written at least 10 books of poetry because we have them at Mountain Made. She has probably written more. “In Fred Chappell’s introduction to Dillingham’s book, Like Headlines: New and Selected Poems, he says: “Poetry is news that stays news” and that, in Dillingham’s poetry, “we wait both for the future to appear and for the past to subside.” Nancy is going to be our feature demo artist for the year and sharing her writing experiences. We are doing a book of poetry or thoughts on “The Year 2020”. They could be funny or serious. So our demo this year is going to be writing. Email it to us, bring it by Mountain Made, or use our demo table to put your thoughts down on paper and leave it with us. We are then, around the middle of Nov., going to put it all together into a book! It won’t be fancy but it will be for sale. We will take donations and it will all go to charity. We haven’t decided if it will be one or several but “The Year 2020” will let us know where it is most needed! We have a lot to think about this year so put it on paper and share your thoughts! Be sure to put your name on it, city and state but if you want to remain anonymous that is fine too.

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020
Jul 18 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020

Asheville Gallery of Art

July Show

“Infinite Possibilities”

Asheville Gallery of Art’s July show, “Infinite Possibilities,” is a multi-member show highlighting the insights artists gained during increased time in their home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show runs July 1-31 during gallery hours.

Change can be good! As members of a cooperative, the 31 artists of Asheville Gallery of Art are used to being and working together to keep the gallery functioning. With COVID-19, everyone is working in their home studios and finding that they have the chance to do what they might not have tried before. Many say they have found infinite possibilities within their work as well as new ways to sell work they’ve been creating.

Introducing Sarah Jones and friends* (who live in her head)…
Jul 18 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Called “a master of the genre” by The New York Times, Sarah Jones is a Tony® and Obie Award-winning performer and writer known for her multi-character, one-person shows (Broadway hit Bridge & Tunnel, originally produced by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep, and her current, critically-acclaimed show Sell/Buy/Date). Renowned as “a one-woman global village,” she has given multiple mainstage TED Talks garnering millions of views, and performed at The White House for President and First Lady Obama.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Sarah Jones as part of the festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Sarah Jones: @yesimsarahjones

Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Sunday, July 19, 2020
Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jul 19 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Jul 19 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jul 19 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 19 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.