Give!Local 2021 We have been chosen along with 45 other area nonprofits to participate in Give!Local again this year – 100% of your donation goes to your chosen nonprofit. Literacy Together (Literacy Council of Buncombe County)  Literacy Together’s mission is to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy. We serve students in four programs: Adult Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Youth Literacy and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. INCENTIVES  Donors who give $50-$99 will receive a $5 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. Donors who give $100 and up will receive a $15 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. The coupons will be available for pickup at Malaprop’s one week after the donation is processed. They will be redeemable for in-store purchases at Malaprop’s through the end of February and would need to be used in one visit. Donations of $50 or more receive coupons to Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe. Thank you to Mountain Xpress, Blue Mountain Pizza, and our friends Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe for their support!  To donate click below. Thank you! GIVE LOCAL

1-Month Free and No Join Fee*

Our YWCA Health and Wellness Center is so much more than just a gym and pool. We welcome all people who want to belong to a fitness community that values diversity and dignity, body-positivity, promotes health, wellness, and nurtures children. Where being a member means you are part of a community whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.

This winter season we are offering incentives for members who join before January 8, 2022, including a fitness center orientation that will help you make the most of your membership, and an entry for a chance to win a no-cost one-year membership. Additionally, every new member who chooses an annual commitment plan will receive the 13th month free, and enrollment fees are waived.

Check out our YWCA rate chart for more information, or give us a call at (828) 254-7206 today to learn more.

WORK OF THE WEEK Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

• Explore the Collection and exhibitions virtually on our website.
• Get to know our staff and volunteers, take deeper dives into artwork with our Works of the Week, and more on the Museum blog.
• Catch up on past virtual programs, check out artist interviews, and learn about the history of Pack Square on our YouTube channel.
• Play “I Spy” with your kids using artwork from our Collection.
• Color our Collection (kids and adults) with downloadable coloring sheets and note cards.
• Follow us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

The holiday shopping season has begun and we’re here to help with gift ideas! From kids and students, to teachers, art lovers, bookworms, and that person who has everything, you’re sure to find something unique at the Museum for those on your list. Scroll down for a selection of our favorite ideas!

Asheville Gallery of Art

December 2021 Exhibit

“Joyful Light”

Each of us would benefit by having more joy and light into our lives and our world, after the last two difficult years. The December exhibit at the Asheville Gallery of Art focuses on visual images that remind us to welcome the joy and light of the season into our hearts and homes.

“Joyful Light” runs from December 1-31 during gallery hours, 11am-6pm, and features works by numerous artists in a variety of mediums. A gathering to meet the artists will be held on First Friday, December 3 from 5-8pm at the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue. Please join us during this special time of year to view the wonderful medley of offerings!

Patricia Veatch – “Merry Berry”, Oil
“Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I love Christmas most of all for the opportunity to be with family and share our traditions. After a very isolated zoom Christmas last year, our family is going to celebrate with gusto!”

Sally Lordeon – “Sunlight Thru the Trees”, Acrylic

“As the days shorten, we are reminded of nature’s eternal gift of gleaming sunlight that shines through the thickest forest and brings us the joy of another beautiful day.”

Raquel Egosi – “Terpsichore”, Acrylic

“While mostly abstract, this painting is inspired by the dynamic flow of the joy of dance, the exuberance of life, and the creativity of performance and stage lights.”

Robin Altman – “Mountain Sunflower”, Acrylic
“This little painting is a reminder to get up each day with the intent to shine a light on the world in some way. Just as nothing stops nature, we must stand up and be counted.”

The Asheville Gallery of Art is open 7 days a week. For more information about this show, contact the gallery at (828) 251-5796, visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com, or go to the gallery’s Facebook page.

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 3, 2022. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin. In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, and per the CDC definition, the County remains an area of high transmission. The percent positivity remains in the moderate category, and the death rate remains in the substantial category. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases continue to increase after a high level plateau. The percent positivity is now consistently above 5% again, and we are likely to see a further increase after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “Transitioning to living with COVID-19 means doing what we can now to reduce transmission and burden of new infections. Our goal is to dampen as much as possible any surge we may see during this holiday season with the hope of achieving decreasing case rate and spread as we enter the new year.”

November 5, 2021 – January 9, 2022: 47th Annual Christmas at Biltmore

Holidays arrive at America’s largest home in style. More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt chose the holiday season as the time to unveil his new home to family and friends. This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Festive menus in estate restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.

Growing Minds has announced a new Jumpstart Grant for farm to school projects. Pre-K through 12 schools, homeschool groups, teacher and nutrition education programs, and community organizations serving children and families within the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina may apply for $500-$1,000 to provide children with positive local food and agriculture experiences. Eligible projects include edible school gardens, farm field trips, local food taste tests, or meals. In addition to funding, grantees may request supplemental training and/or technical assistance from the Growing Minds staff to help implement their project.

Grant applications are due Jan. 15, 2022.