Calendar of Events

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

The 5th Annual FuseFest: A Weekend Fused Glass Symposium

Experience the Art of Fused Glass
Welcome to FuseFest 2026! Join us for a weekend-long celebration of fused glass art at the beautiful Tryon Arts and Crafts School (TACS) in Tryon, North Carolina. Whether you’re a seasoned studio artist, an art educator looking for professional development, or a curious enthusiast, FuseFest is designed to inspire and connect you with the vibrant world of fused glass.

This immersive symposium offers a unique opportunity to learn from three acclaimed artists, explore new techniques, and connect with a passionate community.

What’s Happening at FuseFest?
Get ready for an action-packed weekend of learning and networking! FuseFest 2026 features a dynamic program model, including:

Hands-On Workshops: Take 3-hour workshops with each of our three visiting artists. Dive deep into new skills and techniques in a supportive studio environment.

Live Demonstrations & Lectures: Engage with the masters as they showcase their craft and share their artistic journeys.

Networking & Community: Mingle with fellow artists and enthusiasts at our Friday evening social, complete with live demonstrations, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.

Cross-Curricular Activities: Experience the breadth of TACS’s offerings with live art demonstrations.

You’ll also enjoy delicious local cuisine throughout the weekend, with catered lunches from vendors like Katie D’s NY Bagels and Deli, and a special community dinner on Saturday evening. We’re proud to partner with local businesses like the GreenLife Inn, Tryon Coffeehouse Co-Op, and Tryon Bottle to make your stay in Tryon memorable.

Billy Strings is a force to be reckoned with in the world of American roots music. Born William Lee Apostol, this prodigious guitarist, singer, and songwriter has captivated audiences across the globe with his virtuosic playing, heartfelt lyrics, and boundless energy on stage. With a sound that seamlessly blends traditional bluegrass, folk, country, and metal influences, Billy Strings has become a leading figure in the modern roots music revival. Hailing from the musical hotbed of Michigan, Billy Strings discovered his passion for music at a young age.

This is a four day music festival at Harrrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville.

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

Billy Strings is a force to be reckoned with in the world of American roots music. Born William Lee Apostol, this prodigious guitarist, singer, and songwriter has captivated audiences across the globe with his virtuosic playing, heartfelt lyrics, and boundless energy on stage. With a sound that seamlessly blends traditional bluegrass, folk, country, and metal influences, Billy Strings has become a leading figure in the modern roots music revival. Hailing from the musical hotbed of Michigan, Billy Strings discovered his passion for music at a young age.

This is a four day music festival at Harrrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville.

Wortham Presents Solas

Sat, Feb 14 • 8 pm

Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” Solas celebrates 30 years of boundary-pushing Irish music. With fiery instrumentals, rich vocals, and adventurous musicality, their high-energy performance promises a powerful celebration of Irish music—past, present, and future.

“An Irish traditional band bearing all the marks of greatness” —The Wall Street Journal

Spotlight on Solas:

Formed in New York City in 1995 by a powerhouse lineup of Irish-American talent
Released twelve acclaimed albums blending Irish tradition with folk, bluegrass, and Americana
Concept album Shamrock City explores immigrant life in early 1900s Montana
Features founding members Seamus Egan, Winifred Horan, and John Williams
The concert will feature acclaimed flute player and singer Nuala Kennedy, touted as “spellbinding” and “a delight” by The Irish Times

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Women of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Through the execution of disparate media from bronze, steel, glass, tin, plaster, mylar, printmaking, hair nets, cloth, rubber, wax to paint, these artists have achieved inventive, creative practices originating from critical, generative, inquisition of natural, social or subliminal forces. This exhibition highlights a group of female artists working in diverse media creating art that explores connections to place, whether sociological, environmental or spiritual, in a region supportive of equality, ecology and enterprise. These artists are among today’s pioneers, interpreting universality through personal observation and inventing poetic, transcendent works inspiring greater, pluralistic understanding, connecting us to one another and to the world around us.

Featured artists:

Victoria Adams, Drie Chapek, Jaq Chartier, Susan Dory, Betsy Ebys, Ann Gardner, Emily Gherard, Estuko Ichikawa, Lisa Jarrett, Brenda Mallory, Wendy Red Star, Katy Stone, Susan Zoccola, Marie Watt, and Julie Speidel.

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Something extraordinary is coming to Asheville this winter! The North Carolina Arboretum and Explore Asheville are elated to announce the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study. Visiting on their first North American excursion, these twelve interactive troll sculptures will explore the Arboretum, embarking on a curious journey to learn about humankind.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these friendly and fanciful sculptures evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue as they study our small, intricate and inventive ways of life in Western North Carolina. Standing seven to nine feet tall and lovingly described by the artist as “Baby Trolls”, the creatures are crafted from materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs.

Through their observations, the trolls reveal a fresh perspective on what makes us human, sparking curiosity and laughter in visitors of all ages.

Only cost is the parking fee. No other admission fees.

Wortham Presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance

Tue & Wed, Feb 17 & 18 • 8 pm

For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. One of America’s most popular dance companies, Ailey II brings fresh perspectives to Alvin Ailey’s legacy—propelling the next generation forward.

“Clearly, the future is theirs.” —The New York Times

Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.

Spotlight on Ailey II:

Founded in 1974 by Alvin Ailey to spotlight rising dance talent and visionary choreographers
Bridges the gap between student training and professional performance for early-career dancers
At least half the members of the main company are Ailey II alumni
Led for 38 seasons by Sylvia Waters, handpicked by Ailey himself
Now under the direction of Francesca Harper, a former student at The Ailey School, bringing bold, inclusive, and experimental energy

Wortham Center Student Series Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance