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.

Friday, September 1, 2023
Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection
Sep 1 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home.

Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection.

Pack Square Artisan Market
Sep 1 @ 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Juried market features handmade goods from local and independent artists.

Tuckasegee River Excursion
Sep 1 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

LEGO Club @ Enka-Candler Library
Sep 1 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

LEGO Club is back! 1st Friday of the month starting. No registration Come and build lego masterpieces to display at the Enka Candler Library –

An evening with Kristy Kún and Christian Burchard
Sep 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

Join us in welcoming artists Kirsty Kún and Christian Burchard to the gallery to discuss their upcoming show.

Art in Bloom Preview Party
Sep 1 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Gallery at Flat Rock
Art in Bloom Preview Party

Artist of the Month Open Reception
Sep 1 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art – ‘Still Life, Still Alive’ – Opening Reception Sept. 1st, 5-8pm.
Featuring the work of Sahar Fakhoury. Fakhoury looks for life in otherwise lifeless subjects, and pushes the boundaries in creating interesting and unique effects in each painting.

Asheville Tourists vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods — Fireworks Night
Sep 1 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5

Post Game Fireworks Show presented by First Bank!

Montford Park Players: The Tempest
Sep 1 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Tempest, September 1st to 30th
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Magic, monsters and mayhem fill this favorite from The Bard. This one isn’t done with great regularity, so now’sa good time to catch it!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

Saturday, September 2, 2023
‘4M’ Mountain Makers Mushrooms + Music Festival
Sep 2 all-day
Jackson Arts Market

(Sylva, NC September 2, 2023) Jackson Arts Market, JAM Glass Gallery & Jackson County Arts Council are proud to host the second annual 4M Festival. Attendance is free to this celebration of Blue Ridge mountain culture, art, and nature. The event features 11 hours of live music, 45 live art demonstrations & workshops, speakers & performances, food trucks, bar & restaurant, wild foods, 80+ local artists vending, and much more to discover. Admire the dazzling variety of the Sparkle Glass show, an exclusive exhibit curated inside the JAM Glass Gallery.

This educational event shares a wide array of first hand experiences, guaranteed to delight everyone. Interactive workshops range from paint classes to steel forging to “backyard tea” foraging. Educational lectures by local environmental activists will share ways to help save our planet and preserve mountain heritage. Artisans, modern and traditional, will be there to demonstrate their craft to the public.

In 2022, the 4M Festival was a smashing success, seeing attendance of over 3,000 guests and over 50 vendors and demonstrators. This year the event has expanded. “We aim for 4M to connect guests with opportunities to learn and participate with local organizations, arts, nature, and continue being engaged.” Says Event Organizer Joshua Murch. There will be two stages, one at the Jackson Arts Market for music and the other at the Paper Mill Lounge for educational lectures. Full Event Schedule and Map are available at www.jacksonartsmarket.com/4m .

Don’t miss out on the exquisite craftsmanship of The Sparkle Glass Show. This shimmering exhibit inside the JAM Glass Gallery will feature over 75 glass artists’ glistening pieces. Connected to the gallery is a live glassblowing studio with artists demonstrating throughout the day.
“There really is something there for everybody. And with free admission and a gorgeous mountain view, you can’t beat it.” Says Chloe Burnette-Turner, local forager and assistant coordinator at the Jackson Arts Market. Located in the center of historic downtown Sylva, 4M is in proximity to fantastic restaurants, breweries and shops. Parking for the festival is around the corner at the Sylva First United Methodist Church. Event goes from 10am-6pm on Saturday September 2nd at 533 West Main St, Sylva and adjacent properties.

77th Annual NC Apple Festival: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Apples
Sep 2 all-day
Downtown Hendersonville

The 77th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival is set for 2023’s Labor Day Holiday, September 1-4. This is a four-day extravaganza that promises to be a delightful blend of entertainment, delicious food, engaging activities, and a celebration of the region’s rich apple and agricultural heritage.

Friday marks the start of the North Carolina Apple Festival, and the opening ceremonies begin at 4:30 pm at the Historic Courthouse. Today is a great day to visit the festival, or grab some festival food during your lunch break. The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.

Headlining Friday’s entertainment is Buddy K Big Band playing 6:30 pm. 8:30 pm.

Saturday is a happening and busy day at the North Carolina Apple Festival with the street fair, and the live entertainment beginning at noon, the multiple special events occurring throughout Henderson County and, of course, the fried apple pies! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.

Headlining Saturday’s entertainment is Swinging Medallions playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.

There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!

Another wonderful day to take in the North Carolina Apple Festival is Sunday. Sunday offers the street fair, the Gem & Mineral Spectacular, and so much more! The street fair will run from 10 am – 8 pm while the entertainment, children’s area, and food court will run until 8 pm.

Headlining Sunday’s entertainment is The Mighty Kicks playing 5:30 pm. 8:30 pm.

There is ongoing entertainment throughout the day with bands such as Ryan Perry Band, Free Flow Band, Super ‘60s, Carolina Quartet and more!

The festival will be coming to a close today, but the King Apple Parade is the best way to end the North Carolina Apple Festival. There is only a mini-street fair available today since we have to remove some of the vendors north of the Historic Courthouse to make space for the parade. The mini street fair will run from 10 am until the end of the parade. The King Apple Parade will begin at 2:30 pm rain or shine. Come get your NC apples today!

No Entertainment due to parade.

 

Children’s Activities

Rides, inflatables, and more will await you and your family in the Family Fun Zone, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank! There are two locations: Wells Fargo Bank and the Visitor’s Center. Come see what all the fuss is about and here’s a warning – your kids might not want to leave!

Palmetto Amusements will again be providing the children’s rides and inflatables. Tickets are available for purchase onsite.

Ticket prices:
1 ticket = $1
25 tickets = $20
70 tickets = $55

Attractions vary in number of tickets required from 1 ticket per ride to 5 tickets per ride.

Hours of Operation are:
Friday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm
Monday, 10 am to 4 pm

Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Sep 2 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Artist Support Grant
Sep 2 all-day
online

Closed | Opening August 7

The North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant is a regional grant program to support individual artists in all phases of their career. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences. This grant is intended to support a broad range of talented artists in the genres of visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music composition, choreography, and interdisciplinary arts. Grants range from $500 to $3,000

The ASG program is funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. Region 17 is led by Haywood County Arts Council and support artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.

The deadline to apply is September 5, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: International Literacy Month
Sep 2 all-day
online
We are currently celebrating Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gifting 200 million books globally since 1995. In honor of this milestone, seven magical Dolly bookmarks will be hidden in Imagination Library books for enrolled children and families during September’s International Literacy Month.
Lucky recipients who discover the bookmarks will have the chance to receive a video chat, a personalized letter, autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. Additionally, the Dollywood Foundation will donate $2000 on behalf of each chosen child to their local Imagination Library partner, recognizing them as the true heroes of the program.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Flat Rock Playhouse: Fall Classes and Auditions for the World Premiere Musical
Sep 2 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!

With new content for every program,

returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.

Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!

Outdoor games at Leicester Library
Sep 2 all-day
Leicester Library

Stop by and play a round of cornhole or badminton at the library any Saturday this fall. We’ll have a variety of fun games set up outside for anyone to enjoy from open to close when the weather is clear. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful mountain views!

ReStore ReUse Contest
Sep 2 all-day
online

The local ReStore ReUse Contest is officially open for
submissions. Now through September 30, residents can show off their creativity and talent for
a chance to win in the 12 th annual contest. Fabulous furniture make-overs, remarkable
renovations, or unique yard art…if you recently took on a DIY project using predominantly
reused building materials, the Asheville Habitat ReStore wants to know. There are five
categories this year plus Best in Show, and all entries must be submitted electronically. For
guidelines and entry form, visit ashevillehabitat.org/restore .

The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a wine bar made from a vintage
console radio, a chair constructed from an oil drum, and so much more. To see photos from
2022, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live/Work Space, Home Décor, Art + Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-
October.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Sep 2 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

Youth Theatre Classes w/ Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 2 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre
Apple Festival Races
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am
Pardee Cancer Center
Presented by Hunter Subaru & Chick-Fil-A
Saturday, September 2nd | 8:00 AM
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is a proud presenting partner of the Apple Festival Races presented by Hunter Subaru. This event has something for runners of every level with an individual 8K, individual 5K, and Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile.
Both the 8K and 5K wind through scenic Hendersonville and Laurel Park, starting and ending at the Pardee UNC Health Care Cancer Center at 805 6th Ave. West in Hendersonville. The race begins promptly at 8 am.
The Chick-Fil-A Mini Moo Mile is a one-mile fun run/walk for the young or young at heart and will start a few minutes after the 8K race begins.
*Free Shirt Deadline is July 30th!*
Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

The 2023 Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Scarecrow Contest
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

 

Build your own scarecrow and set at up in Lake Julian Park. Scarecrows can be made of recycled materials, household items, traditional farm materials, repurposed wood, various items found in nature, etc. We just ask scarecrows are not made of any food items.

Registration is open now! Scarecrows can be set up in the park from October 14th-21st. On October 21st Lake Julian will hold its annual Fall-o-ween Festival where Scarecrows will be judged and awarded a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place trophy!

This is a fun family friendly activity for all ages! Great for families, couples, school groups, clubs, offices, teams, and more! We welcome all to celebrate the autumn season and get crafty with the agricultural tradition of making a unique personified sculpture!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 2 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Maggie Valley Labor Day Arts + Crafts Show
Sep 2 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Festival Grounds

Free admission but donations accepted to benefit Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter. Parking is free.

The Gallery at Flat Rock: Art in Bloom
Sep 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Gallery at Flat Rock
Art in Bloom 2023

Creekside Play @ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Sep 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

STATIONARY FUN – Creekside play area has a treehouse and wee slide ➤ The Big Barn has our Sound Silo full of instruments to play on and make noise, trikes on the trike track around a REAL tractor and cornhole boards(ask the staff for bags) ➤ On the grassy slope behind the Big Barn we’ve got our famous and fast culvert tunnel slides for all ages, hammocks on the hill and tetherball!

Availability: All stationary fun is available every day during business hours of 10-5, starting September 2nd, through the rest of the season- tetherball will be back in action starting September 6th!

ANIMALS TO SEE – We will have a brooder house full of chicks in various ages and stages all season, there will typically be mama pigs and piglets in agritourism pens on the hill, more rarely there will be grazing cattle in a nearby field.

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE

9/2 Sat  11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

9/16 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck – they will be serving HNG beef for their all-American burger!

9/24 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Root Down Farm Food Truck

9/30 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/7 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

10/14 Sat 11-4 Milk & Honey Food Truck

10/15 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/22 Sun 11-4 El Bodegon Food Truck

10/29 Sun 11-4 *Big Barn Market* Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill Food Truck

11/4 Sat 11-4 Fern Leaf CCS Food Truck

FALL SEASONAL OFFERINGS

APPLES – Our partners in Edneyville, NC, Lyda Farms, bring some of the best in the region. Local and low spray, folks come every year to get the best of fall in NC by the bag to bake, stew, butter, sauce and of course, crunch into while sitting on the farm.

Availability: Apples will be available to buy starting September 9th, they will typically run out Mid to late October.

FRESH PRESSED CIDER – We press fresh apple cider every year, comprised of our historical orchard apples on the Old Sherrill’s Inn property and apples from our partner Lyda Farms. This is a raw, unpasteurized product – delicious and changeable as the season, no added sugar or seasonings.

Availability: 1st pressing September 13th, bottled cider will be in the store for purchase September 14th!

JACKOLANTERN PUMPKINS – We work with several WNC veggie farmers in the area, including Hawkins Farms. We’ll have pumpkins arranged all around the Farm Store to display their beauty AND make sure you get *just the right one*. The seeds are dynamite when roasted, too…

Availability: Coming Mid-September, they will typically run out by end of October so make sure you get yours! 

EDIBLE SQUASH & DECORATIVE GOURDS – From Mr. Anthony Cole’s farms, we have some long-lasting festive gourds to decoarate for the season, and a broad variety of edible squashes and pumpkins perfect for pies, soups and pasta.

Availability: Coming Mid-September.

Exhibition: NEO MINERALIA
Sep 2 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

Photo credit:

Sae Honda. Courtesy of the Artist.

NEO MINERALIA suggests that recent rock formations no longer fit within the traditional groups: Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary. Instead, the Anthropocene, the era of human influence on the climate and environment, has introduced two post-natural rocks: Synthetic and Digital.

NEO MINERALIA presents a selection of new geological specimens crafted by ten international artists exploring rocks as reflections of our effects on human and nonhuman ecologies. By embedding synthetic materials (plastics, e-waste) and layers of data points (critical, financial, social) into the craftsmanship of these artifacts, the artists transgress the definition of rocks, turning them from passive aggregates of minerals into metaphorical aggregates of data. Within their apparent “rockness” we can decode hopes, warnings, and speculative future scenarios.

The featured works stemming from places as varied as Mexico, Japan, Poland, and Australia (including a curated artists’ books library), collectively signal a new era of planetary and geological consciousness where we are asked to read, feel, and listen to rocks in new ways.

Exhibition: Something earned, Something left behind
Sep 2 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

Photo credit:

J Diamond, “Pony II,” 2022. Courtesy of the Artist

Something earned, Something left behind is an exhibition of objecthood; a critical analysis of the transactional and political languages of everyday and culturally significant objects. This exhibition challenges a history of exclusion and inclusion of People of Color (POC) and their narratives from the canon of craft based on subject matter. It dissects this history’s origins and precedent as an economic transaction to gain access to white spaces.

Racial and ethnic identity influences the way individuals perceive themselves, the way others perceive them, and the way they choose to behave. For this reason, People of Color are expected to perform certain roles in order to fit into hegemonic institutions. These roles can be an active shrinking of themselves and the racialized part of them, or a personal exploitation of their racialized selves. This exhibition addresses and redresses the ways narrowed populations have been included, and the ways in which they have been asked to participate.

Together, this work creates space for and legitimizes POC narratives with depth and care. The exhibiting artists’ practices work against institutionalized expectations of POC work, expanding discourse and inserting new subjectivity into the canon of craft art. It engages with a community hungry for the revitalization and resuscitation of non-Western voices within art spaces. This exhibition challenges the expectations of art from artists of marginalized backgrounds and embraces a new subjectivity of interrogating one’s inherited experiences.

Exhibition: Crafting Denim
Sep 2 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Center for Craft

Photo credit:

Photograph by Bowery Blue Makers

Jeans – with their standardized pockets, rivets, and denim – are so much a part of everyday wardrobes that they are easy to overlook. Yet, in workshops across the nation, independent makers are reevaluating the garment and creating jeans by hand, using antiquated equipment and denim woven on midcentury looms. Crafting Denim explores how and why jeans have come to exist at the intersections of industry and craft, modernity, and tradition.

A product of industrial factory production for over a century, jeans are being recast by a new cohort of small-scale makers including craftspeople like Ryan Martin of W.H. Ranch Dungarees, Takayuki Echigoya of Bowery Blue Makers, and Sarah Yarborough and Victor Lytvinenko of Raleigh Denim, who favor choice materials and small-batch fabrication. The jeans they make merge craft traditions with industry and extend the conversation between hand and machine.

Each maker creates a distinctive product but shares a deep appreciation for materials, tools, history, and denim. These jeans are in dialogue with the past and in line with contemporary interests in sustainability. The small workshops featured here are sites of innovation and preservation, and visitors are invited to take a close look at an everyday item and imagine alternative contexts for making and living in our own clothes.

LEGO Club
Sep 2 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Oakley/South Asheville Library
  Join us on the first Saturday of each month! Build unique LEGO architecture and display your own LEGO creations at the library. *Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, we have plenty!