Calendar of Events

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

The YWCA’s Getting Ahead program is a part of Women’s Empowerment. Participants engage in a 16 session, 8 week course to increase awareness and resources to get out of poverty, and the program provides social support to women with lived experience to investigate the causes of poverty, the hidden rules of class, and resources needed by all. Participants assess individual situations as well as the condition of our community to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Past Getting Ahead participants say that they appreciate the “big picture” view of systemic reasons for poverty, and they are grateful for the no-judgement, safe space to talk about their experiences and concerns. Getting Ahead empowers women of all ages and backgrounds to make financial choices that positively impact themselves, their families, and their communities, and gives them the resources and support they need to make positive changes.

Getting Ahead will meet for 8 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 – 3, beginning February 27, at the YWCA of Asheville. Participants will receive a workbook and future story portfolio to keep track of learning and goals, and a $20 stipend for each session attended. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and child care is available upon request. Once you complete the program, you will have the support of one-on-one case management for 18 months to track personal goals.

For more information, or to apply, contact Holly Olsen, Director of Women’s Empowerment, at [email protected].

Learn about the basics of perennial and dahlia culture. What is a perennial and what makes them special in the garden? How can you get free plants from your current perennials? These questions and so much more will be covered. We will also have a demo on how to divide perennials. Presented by Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of perennial and dahlia culture.

We’re thrilled to present the “Blue Ridge Jamboree: ON THE RISE”, a showcase of our region’s top artists ages 25 and younger.

Hosted by acclaimed musician and storyteller Josh Goforth, ON THE RISE features:

• Addie Levy
• Appalachian Roots
• Bayla Davis
• Eric + Addie
• Newfound Gap
• Hightop Mountain Harmony

All proceeds of The Blue Ridge Jamboree will support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge’s Lynn Davis Scholarship program, which funds students who are pursuing college degrees with a commitment to enhance the natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.

Show rating: Ages 21 and up

See all of our upcoming events at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/beardedladyproductions

Join us on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing for an evening of non-stop fun and laughter! Bearded Lady Productions is proud to bring back “Divine Intervention,” the sell-out smash hit game show fundraiser. This event is a fundraiser with all profits being donated to Our VOICE. Ages 21 and up. The $15 tickets are available now at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.

Step into the fabulous world of “Divine Intervention,” a 90-minute game show that channels the spirit of the classic Family Feud but with a fabulous twist! Hosted by the charismatic Divinity Holeburn, this show guarantees real audience engagement with saucy side-commentary, cheeky prizes, and dazzling drag performances that will leave you in awe. But that’s not all! If you’re feeling lucky, you could even be chosen to participate as a contestant in the game show and win some fabulously tacky prizes. And while the contestants take a break, the audience will be treated to silly commercial breaks and even more dazzling drag performances.

New Belgium has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities for over 20 years. They employed the first Diversity + Inclusion specialist in the craft beer industry, and now have a DEI Director leading this work across our fast-growing business. They are a member of the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act and advocate against discriminatory public policy. They are proud to support organizations working for LGBTQ+ health, education, and equity year-round (https://www.newbelgium.com).

OurVOICE is Buncombe County’s anti-sexual violence and anti-human trafficking agency that takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence. Their core values are as follows: to believe all survivors, promote dignity, support individual agency, shift paradigms, and create a culture of care and honesty. Learn more at https://www.ourvoicenc.org.

See this and a variety of other fundraiser shows planned for the year at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Tickets are non-refundable. Bags and backpacks are subject to search. Seating at this event is theatre style. Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501c3.

Can’t make it but still want to help? Donate at https://www.ashevilledragbrunch.com/donate.

Asheville Catholic School presents the 17th Annual Shamrock Run on Saturday, March 16. The event will benefit the O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund. There are two races: a 5K and a 10K, both of which start and finish at ACS and run through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Asheville. A fun run will precede the start of the 5K and 10K. The 5K and 10K will start 15 minutes apart. The 10K will start at 8:30 AM and the 5K at 8:45 AM. The Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM. This year’s race will be on the day before St. Patrick’s Day giving everyone a perfect way to celebrate this fun holiday. There will be great food, beer, and a DJ before and after the race.

Join us as we embrace the arrival of spring with our Sound Bath and Meditation Workshop. Awaken your senses, align your spirit, and embrace the renewal of the season. Reserve your spot now for an evening of deep relaxation and inner harmony.

· Cacao Ceremony

· Meditation and Journaling

· Healing Sound Bath

Happy Body Biltmore Village – 25 Reed St. Suite 210 – $49pp

Attend this FREE Workshop

Restoring And Planting American Chestnuts

with

Bountiful Cities Community Garden Network and

The American Chestnut Foundation

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Presenter Dr. Daniel Potter, Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky will discuss
why Monarch butterflies are in peril, why their conservation matters, and the important partnerships between the Horticulture Industry and the gardening public can help to restore this beloved native butterfly to a sustainable status.

The fascinating natural history of the monarch, its spectacular long-distance migrations, and its special relationship with milkweed, as well as the best milkweed species for attracting and sustaining monarchs and native bees in gardens will be discussed in this program. Dr Daniel Potter, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at the University of Kentucky will also discuss research showing the importance of garden design, and plant placement and that cultivars of native milkweeds (“nativars”) have conservation value for gardens. Attend and learn how to prevent a garden from becoming an “ecological trap” for monarchs due to predation by invasive wasps or planting the wrong type of milkweed.

Presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.

Recommended for grades 3-12
Production duration: 60 min.

One of the world’s most exciting dance companies, Pilobolus celebrates movement and creativity in a lively, interactive performance created for student audiences. Humor, happiness and hope abound in this rejuvenating program featuring fresh works.

Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].

Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 3

Max Students: 5

Class Dates: Tuesdays, February 6 – March 26 (8 weeks)

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Costume Shop

Must be 14+ to attend. Parents are encouraged, though not required, to participate with minor students.

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 9, 2024. After January 9, 2024, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Sewing 101 is an eight-week class for beginners with little sewing experience. Whether that means you have never even SEEN a sewing machine or have explored a little and are ready to learn what all the switches and buttons do! Allison will help you master the basics, from threading your machine and blowing a bobbin to making projects using zippers! Join this exciting new class and impress your friends with your new sewing prowess.

For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Teacher: Allison Starling

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 3

Max Students: 5

Class Dates: Wednesdays, February 7 – March 27 (8 weeks)

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Hendersonville Theatre’s Costume Shop

Must be 14+ to attend. Parents are encouraged, though not required, to participate with minor students.

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 9, 2024. After January 9, 2024, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Sewing 101 is an eight-week class for beginners with little sewing experience. Whether that means you have never even SEEN a sewing machine or have explored a little and are ready to learn what all the switches and buttons do! Allison will help you master the basics, from threading your machine and blowing a bobbin to making projects using zippers! Join this exciting new class and impress your friends with your new sewing prowess.

For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Teacher: Tawny Watson

Class Cost: $150

Min Students: 3

Max Students: 12

Class Dates: Wednesdays, February 7 – March 27 (8 weeks)

Time: 7 pm to 8 pm

Location: Whitmire Activity Center, 310 Lily Pond Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28739

Must be 18+ to attend

Refund Policy: The last day to receive a full refund* is January 7, 2024. After this date, no refund will be issued.

*Be advised: Refunds are for tuition only and are at the discretion of the Class Teacher and Education Director. All taxes and fees are final and cannot be refunded.

Class Description:
Beginner Adult Hip Hop is a high-energy class that introduces the many styles of Hip Hop. Hip-hop dancing is dynamic and helps the dancer improve creativity, rhythm, and musicality, and develop the body balance and coordination.

For more information and to register, visit https://hendersonvilletheatre….

Looking to be challenged physically and spiritually?… join us for the 2024 Carry Your Cross 5K, 1K Kid’s Run, and Little Kid’s (Ages 2-5) Fun Run – Saturday, March 30, 2024.  – 5K participants carry a 4ft length of 2×4 lumber across your back for the final 2/10 of a mile – uphill! Come join us for a run that you won’t soon forget. * 5K AWARDS & AGE GROUPS Special Commemorative Awards to: * Top 3 Male/Female Overall * Top 3 Male/Female Masters [40+] * Top 3 Male/Female in the following Age Groups: * 12+ under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 + KIDS 1K AWARDS to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall  Schedule Saturday – March 30th * 7:00 – 8:45    Packet Pick Up and Onsite Registration in the Family Life Center (gym). * 9:00              5K START * 9:45 +/-         Little Kids Fun Run START * 10:00 +/-       Kids 1K START * 10:30            5K Awards Ceremony

We must protect and restore abortion access.
Since the reversal of Roe v Wade, the future of abortion access has been handed to state legislatures. This catastrophic SCOTUS decision is to the detriment of many states across the South.

In fact, now 1 in 3 women live in states without access, and the top ten states with the highest rates of maternal mortality have all passed abortion bans. The 2024 election is critical to abortion access in NC.

The Reproductive Freedom Art Show is an artistic act of defiance. All proceeds raised from the art show will support Planned Parenthood Action PAC NC. The Action PAC supports pro-reproductive health candidates by direct voter contact work, reaching low propensity voters and mobilizing the electorate to vote for pro-choice candidates.

Help protect and restore access to safe, legal abortion and reproductive rights by participating in this show by donating artwork, your time, shopping, or just spreading the word.

Monday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm at Story Parlor
3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, and 4/1

Evolving Tales
Sale Price:$235.00 Original Price:$265.00
Early Bird pricing through February 18
Regular price effective February 19

Space is LIMITED to ensure an intimate experience. We recommend signing up EARLY!

Refund and Covid policies can be found here.

Quantity:
1
REGISTER
In this workshop, participants will delve into the art of leveraging conflict as a powerful tool for narrative evolution. The sessions will guide individuals in unpacking and understanding their unique conflict styles, providing them with the tools to give these conflicts characters and allow them to tell their own stories. Exploring conflict through various art mediums will give participants insights into reshaping inner and outer narratives and turning adversarial energies into creative forces.

What Participants Will Learn/Gain/Takeaway:

Techniques to leverage conflict as a catalyst for narrative transformation.

Understanding and unpacking individual conflict styles.

The ability to personify conflicts and let them express their unique stories.

Creative skills in utilizing diverse art mediums for conflict resolution and expression.

Open to participants of all artistic backgrounds.

Seed starting is an affordable way to start gardens for different seasons. Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of seed starting.

Calling all Poets!  The Weaverville Library is collaborating with Weaverville WORDPLAY to host poetry workshops at the Weaverville Library. We will be working on crafting our poetry and offering feedback to writers.

Bring a poem or two that you are working on and join us!

This National Poetry Month, turn your sparks of inspiration into beautiful poetry in an all-new poetry workshop led by Greenville Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of poetry or you’ve been penning verses for a while, this workshop is tailor-made for you. From brainstorming ideas to crafting captivating lines, Glenis will guide you every step of the way. Unleash your inner wordsmith and explore the magic of poetry with a true master.

The $125 registration fee is for admission to the three-part workshop taking place at 6:00 PM on April 11, 18 and 25. Please bring paper and your preferred writing tool with you. The workshop culminates in a reading during the final session where participants can invite a guest to enjoy their poetry progress.

Veggie Stars, Herbs, Flowers

ELIDA helping children succeed

Uniting Communities: Inaugural She Slays 5K and One-Mile Fun Run Empowers Women

In a celebration of solidarity and empowerment, the inaugural She Slays 5K and One Mile Fun Run is set to kick off on April 20th, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to support the Women Helping Women program at UNC Health Pardee.

This exciting event aims to foster a sense of community while raising crucial funds for a program dedicated to uplifting and supporting women in need.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to lace up their running shoes and join in the festivities. Whether racing to beat personal records or strolling leisurely, everyone’s participation contributes to the greater cause of empowering women in our community.

Registration for this event is now open – Register for She Slays Now.

Download the She-Slays Sponsorship Pledge Form Here

Looking for a new second-hand treasure? Love a good deal? Want to support a local non-profit? Come check out the Blue Ridge Roller Derby Yard Sale! Shop for a variety of items from clothes to furniture and more, or just come say hi to your favorite skaters. All proceeds from the sale benefit Blue Ridge Roller Derby.

Sale is in convenient West Asheville at 133 Dorchester Ave. from 8am to noon. See you there!

Veggie Stars, Herbs, Flowers

ELIDA helping children succeed

The “How it Feels to be a Mother” Movement is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to embracing the emotional complexity of motherhood. We provide a supportive platform for mothers to share their authentic experiences, free from judgment. Join us for insightful conversations and connections with mothers of all ages and stages of parenting.

Main Sponsors: Foxy Media and Marketing, Mojo Coworking, Asheville Video Marketing

Supporters: Flaming Lily Studios, Hone Creative Studio

Experience an array of vendors and interactive stations, including:
Temple Chiropractic
The Babywearing OT
Everyday Orthodontics
Hornsby Creative Group
AND MORE!!

Doors open at 1PM to sign up for photos.
Photos will start after a brief presentation.
Photos are first come first serve by signing up at the event.
flaminglilystudios.com

For more information, visit howitfeelstobeamother.com.
Join the conversation.