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.

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with Henderson County at the First Annual Compost and Agriculture Fair! Residents that have ordered a home compost bin may pick them up at this event and also connect and learn from several other vendors.

This event is outside under a shelter and all participants will be required to wear a mask. Join us at the Jackson Park Shelters #1-3, next to the NC Cooperative Extension office. Free event!

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, will host sports physicals for area middle school and high school student-athletes. Participants must have all required forms signed by parents and bring them the day of the physical. Forms are available from coaches or school front offices.

Sports Physicals

It’s time for Sports Physicals!

Calling all area middle school and high school student-athletes! Don’t forget to join Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, to receive a sports physical.

Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, will host sports physicals for area middle school and high school student-athletes. Participants must have all required forms signed by parents and bring them the day of the physical. Forms are available from coaches or school front offices.

Sports Physicals

It’s time for Sports Physicals!

Calling all area middle school and high school student-athletes! Don’t forget to join Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, to receive a sports physical.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

We are doing it live and in person! Covid-19 health protocols in place, of course.

No registration is required for this event. Please bring business cards to share and to enter for door prizes!

Door prizes are always welcome!

By attending this in-person program, you are agreeing to the following: You are agreeing to wear a mask, practice social distancing and follow all health protocols of the venue and Chamber. Any person entering the premises waives all civil liability against the Asheville Chamber and this premises owner and operator for any injuries caused by the inherent risk associated with contracting COVID-19 at public gatherings, except for gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm, by the individual or entity of the premises.

Remember… TOGETHER, we are MORE resilient!

Steve Mann, Elijah Morgan, 1983 (printed 2014), digital print on paper, 20 1/8 × 15 7/8 inches. Gift of the Artist, 2014.14.03.99. © Steve Mann.

MAY 6, 13, 20 & 27—Thursdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: May 4

In this four-part virtual class, use The Photographer’s Playbook as a guide and source of inspiration for a series of creative photo assignments that can help jumpstart a stagnant practice, challenge us to get out of our comfort zone, and reimagine how we approach image-making. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, journaling, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts and short readings.

This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind. Previous knowledge of digital photography is not needed to participate in and/or benefit from the class. Learning how to use a digital camera is not a focus; however, the instructor can answer specific questions about digital camera functions and use as requested.

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

         vs. 

Until it’s safe to travel together for our popular Art Travels day, overnight, national, and international trips, we’re thrilled to continue virtual trips for armchair travelers each first Thursday evening! This month, we travel to the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA.

The New York Times described the Chrysler’s permanent collection as “one any museum in the world would kill for.” Comprising 30,000+ artworks in a range of media, the collection spans 5,000+ years of world history. Significant holdings include American and European paintings and sculpture, an encyclopedic history of glass, ancient objects from around the globe, and modern and contemporary art. The Chrysler’s campus includes its recently renovated and expanded Italianate main building, the Perry Glass Studio, the Jean Outland Chrysler Art Library, and the historic Moses Myers House.

For this virtual visit Carolyn Swan Needell, PhD, the Chrysler’s Barry Curator of Glass, introduces the beautiful building in downtown Norfolk and the museum’s collection. Then, Needell takes us on a virtual visit of Clear as Crystal: Colorless Glass from the Chrysler Museum, currently on view in Norfolk. Because glass is an artificial material, it can be made nearly any color imaginable. People have long been captivated by colorless, transparent glass despite the other color possibilities. Clear As Crystal explores the allure of colorless glass by showcasing contemporary artworks and historical objects from within the Chrysler’s permanent collection that are made exclusively with colorless glass. The artworks on view in this exhibition demonstrate how artisans and artists across time and around the world have adapted or manipulated colorless glass. An impressive array of forming and decorating techniques have been used including blowing, molding, casting, pressing, cutting, carving, laminating, engraving, etching, and polishing. The exhibition includes works by artists and designers like Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, Christopher Reis, Karen LaMonte, Luke Jerram, Simon Gate, Edvard Hald, and Steven Weinberg as well as significant glass manufacturers like Boston & Sandwich Glass Co., New England Glass Co., T.G. Hawkes & Co., Steuben, Libbey, Tiffany, Lalique, Gallé, Baccarat, Orrefors, and Barovier & Toso.

vs.

The Crime and Politics Book Club will be held virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please email [email protected] for info and instructions to attend. 

Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across true crime and public affairs. The club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Click here to learn more about the club, view important news, and find the pick for this month.

Join us *tonight* for Star Wars movie night at Rabbit Rabbit!  We are showing Star Wars: A New Hope at 7pm! Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the movie has been moved (so May the Sith Be With You on May 6th!) to tonight due to weather. Tickets are still available, so don your best stormtrooper or Luke attire if you feel up to it, and come on out! Tickets will be available at the doors as well.

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

THURSDAY, MAY 06 Show | 8pm // Doors | 7pm $5 Rabbit Rabbit Each ticket comes with one pair of wireless headphones to listen to the movie.

An accomplished songwriter, performer, and producer, Maia Sharp is accustomed to wearing many hats. Her songs have been recorded by The Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Keb’ Mo’, Cher, Edwin McCain, Terri Clark, David Wilcox, Art Garfunkel, Lizz Wright, Paul Carrack, and Lisa Loeb.

Throughout her time as a songwriter and producer, Sharp has continued to record her own albums. She has six solo album releases and one collaborative project with Art Garfunkel and Buddy Mondlock. Her latest duo project, Roscoe & Etta, is a collaboration with writing/production partner Anna Schulze. Each release has led to extensive touring throughout the UK and US, as well as appearances on World Café, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” CBS Early morning, and the Today Show.

Sharp’s May 6 performance will be a celebration of her new album Mercy Rising. Be one of the first to hear it live!