Calendar of Events
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.
All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.
Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.
125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792
All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!
Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.
The Bethlehem Toy Store is an annual ministry of the Carolina Baptist Association to children of families that are not able to provide Christmas gifts due to financial difficulties.
Families are screened by Interfaith Assistance Ministry.
Bring NEW toys (birth-16yrs) or money to the Carolina Baptist Association Monday- Thursday, 9:00am-4:00pm.
Please have all toys and money in by Monday, December 3, 2018.
Set-up for the toy store will be Monday, December 3-6, 2018.
Distribution: December 7, 2018 from 8:00am-8:00pm.
We need your help with set-up, distribution, and witnessing to families. Please call us to sign up to help!
If you have any questions, please call the Carolina Baptist Association at
828-693-4274.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2155844367968886/
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)
*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”
Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655787136632
When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.
In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.
Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.
Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.
Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.
As Virginia Woolf said, “one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Food and water are essential for survival, but mankind’s relationship to food has transformed over time from one of sustenance to one laden with personal and cultural significance.
A Matter of Taste explores depictions of food and drink in art and reveals how images of fruits and vegetables can function as complex metaphors for excess, status, memory, and politics. Drawn from southern museums and private collections, this exhibition showcases over 35 paintings, decorative arts, and works on paper by artists such as Andy Warhol, Wayne Thiebaud, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Claes Oldenburg.
This show spans 400 years and multiple continents, revealing the evolving role of food and drink in various media and cultural contexts. While depictions of fruit and vegetables appeared in ancient times, still life painting as an independent genre dates to 16th-century Holland.
In 19th-century America, still life paintings remained popular but evolved in terms of subject matter, media, and message. Painters such as Thomas Wightman, George Forster, and De Scott Evans embraced Dutch still lifes and used food as commentary on the current political climate and the transient state of the human condition.
Illustrated newspapers led to an increase of cartoons by artists such as Winslow Homer and William Hogarth, who utilized food and drink as social satire. The 20th-century modern art movement further changed the perception of food. The culture of mass production enabled Pop artists to elevate seemingly mundane foodstuffs to high art. Yet, other contemporary artists explored the symbolic and nostalgic role of food seen in works by Tim Tate, Linda Armstrong, and Laquita Thomson.
Visitors will also experience an elaborately set dining table fit for a sumptuous feast. Dining became its own art form over time and communicated one’s social standing and wealth. Each of the table’s six place settings represent a different culture and offer a glimpse into global dining customs. Selective drinkware will accompany this section revealing how tea sets and even punch bowls reflected an owner’s prestige.
Thursday, December 6th. 5-8pm,
Indoor Boutique – Happy Hour Ladies Night (Benefiting Saved by the Heart) $5 Donation Entry for Attendees
Friday, December 7th.
-Indoor Boutique – 10am-Noon – Community Brunch (Benefiting Greer Relief) – $5 Donation Entry for Attendees –
-Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular Hours Noon-8pm (Until Santa Leaves)
Santa visit 7:30pm
Saturday, December 8th
Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular hours 9am-2pm
Mark your calendars for this year’s Greer Station Vintage Christmas Friday and Saturday, Dec 7-8 with a fun preview event on Thursday evening Dec 6th. We are back at Grace Hall. Our charity partners this year are Saved by the Heart Companion Animal Services and Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc. TELL YOUR FRIENDS! #vintagechristmasgreer
We are extremely excited about our 2018 addition of the Marketplace Village on Victoria St in Downtown Greer. Located conveniently between Greer City Park and Trade St we are able to add lots more vendors and entertainment to our already extensive lineup. Marketplace Village hours are Friday Dec 7th Noon-8pm and Saturday Dec 8th, 9am-2pm. Each day, we are giving away shopping bags to the first 50 attendees.
Our Christmas Marketplace creates an enjoyable experience that includes shopping for giftables, decor ideas, and tasty treats throughout! Don’t miss this!
Interested in being a vendor?! Check out our website vintagechristmasgreer.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/303841557040272/?event_time_id=303841563706938
This event is the full trifecta! Come pamper yourself, knock out some holiday shopping, and support local causes in the process!
* $1/minute charity foot soaks, massages & mini facials
* Free add-on to nail treatment (paraffin wax or charcoal clay)
* Wine and snacks
* 10-15% off retail all day long
* Enter to win a 30 or 60 minute treatment (100% proceeds go to local non-profit of choice)
* Get your holiday gift cards and gift baskets!
This event is in presented in support of two local charities, REACH of Haywood and Haywood Waterways, who will receive 100% of profits from the $1/min treatments, and 10% of profits from sales all day.
Please RSVP by December 4. For more information, contact [email protected].
https://www.facebook.com/events/265262127523238/
We will be outside collecting warm clothing donations for Asheville’s Homeless men, women, and children
https://www.facebook.com/events/293202474625059/
One of the Upstate’s premier Christmas events takes place in Greer City Park when Santa comes to visit!
5:00pm-7:00pm
Holiday Craft Stations
Inflatables
Greer Relief S’mores
Plate 108 Cookie Decorating
Performances will take place on the amphitheater from 5:00pm-7:15pm.
Santa will arrive at the park at 7:15pm.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Pets are not permitted.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, activity or public meeting of the Events Division at 864-968-7008 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled event.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1883835975245690/
- Nearly one million twinkling lights
- Countless decorative images
- Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
- Animated Story Tree
- Animal Characters
- Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
- Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
- Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase
While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)
*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.
Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627384347721
This December a classic Christmas comedy comes to the Capitol Theater!
This event is sponsored by Rogers Family Dental of Greeneville. The doors will open at 5:00 PM, with Santa making his appearance from 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM and then again after the show from 8:30 PM until 9:30 PM. Joe Bill’s Kitchen food truck will be set up outside starting at 5:00 PM with Creamy Cup inside with hot chocolate and coffee.
A special thank you to our sponsor Rogers Family Dental of Greeneville, all Santa cookies and photos will be free! Come and enjoy a fun-filled night at the Capitol Theatre this holiday season!
The Capitol Theater brings to their big screen the beloved Christmas comedy A Christmas Story on December 7th at 7:30 PM as part of the Classics at the Capitol Series. Tickets will be only $5.00 and will be available at the door and online.
Released by MGM in 1983, A Christmas Story takes place in 1940s America centered on the hopes and dreams of Ralphie, an average kid who only dreams of one thing for Christmas—a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle BB gun. Ralphie must survive those endless days leading up to school break, schoolyard bullies, his family, and aunts who send truly bizarre gifts to make it to Christmas morning.
Based upon the works of humorist Jean Shepherd—who served as the film ’s narrator—and directed by Bob Clark, A Christmas Story was released at Thanksgiving 1983 to mostly mixed reviews and a modest performance at the box office. However, thanks to home video and its many appearances on TV, A Christmas Story has become a beloved tradition for many.
A Christmas Story will be introduced by local film writer Andy Ross, “So many people last year would ask me ‘when are you going to show A Christmas Story?’ It would happen time and time again. This is a movie that people consider a part of their own family. I’m thrilled we can bring it to our big screen at the Capitol this holiday season.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/425076027987241/
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, say things they shouldn’t, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale, the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating–has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a powerful story of misunderstanding, faith and redemption. Through most of the play, the audience can’t stop laughing, but by the end most will be watching the show through tears. A great, fun holiday experience for any age and sure to become a modern Christmas classic. A one-act production, approximately one hour in length.
Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company
Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.
All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
December on Depot – Depot Street- various locations
Studios all along Depot Street will be open for extended evening hours during this day-long annual holiday event. Visitors can meet the artists, see demonstrations, sample holiday snacks and beverages and find a perfect one-of-a-kind artistic gift. Participating studios include: Trackside Studios, Daniel McClendon LIFT Studios, Studio A & Holly de Saillan Clay & Collage at Pink Dog Creative, and EcoDepot Marketplace.
Trackside Studios – 375 Depot St – 5pm-7pm
Artists Reception: Nobody knows toys like grandmas. Three artists, grandmothers all, will show paintings of toys they have gifted to children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and children of friends at Trackside Studios.
NorthLight Studios – 357 Depot Street – 10am – 5pm
The artists at NorthLight Studios share creativity with you through their talents: landscape, streetscape, impressionist, abstract, still life and figurative paintings, animal art, functional furniture and home accessories. In celebration of the true meaning of the season, each of the artists are donating a percentage of sales to Homeward Bound of WNC.
362 Depot – 362 Depot St. – 2pm-5pm
Cindy Lou Chenard will be demonstrating her unique process – “Art Des Couches De Bois” Dimensional Landscapes. Also, see Jenny Ellis and her “Artful Chairs”, “Hanji Lamps” by Pamella O’Connor, Karen Noel’s watercolors, and more art! Join us for wine and light appetizers.
St. Claire Art – Pink Dog Creative – 344 Depot St. – 10am- 5pm
All day – Artist will be demonstrating various stages of his multi-layer technique called “dialuminism,” creating backlit oil paintings by capturing reflected light.
Studio A – Pink Dog Creative – 344 Depot St. Suite 100 – 12pm-7pm
Pysanky demos from 12-4, Studio A/Holly de Saillan Clay + Collage
Holiday party with refreshments and giveaways from 4-7pm
Eco Depot – 408 Depot St. – 11am-7pm
Holiday Cheer at it’s finest – food, wine, song, specials! Come meet the artists while you do your holiday shopping!
Mark Bettis Studios – 123 Roberts St. – 10am-5pm
Winter White Holiday Show and MarketPlace with guest artist.
Phil Mechanic Studios – 109 Roberts St. – 9am-7pm
Live music by Jimmy Paneda, Stained-glass weaving by the World’s Best Tape Artist, Stephen Lange. Painting with palette knives by Frederic Payet, cold wax and pastel art by Deanna Chillian, just to name a few!
Philip DeAngelo Studios – 115 Roberts St. – 10am – 4pm
Tanya Franklin will be demonstrating her stained glass technique of creating beautiful landscapes and Christmas trees.
Asheville artist Philip DeAngelo is celebrating 10 years in the Wedge Building of Asheville‘s historic River Arts District. Come celebrate with us on Second Saturday, December 8th from 4:00 – 6:30 pm!
Curve Studios – 9 Riverside Dr – 11am-4pm
Holiday Shopping at Curve! A festive shopping experience. Cassie Butcher will be making some special ‘soulmates’ for the event. We will have jewelry, ceramics, clothes and photographs! Come and see the makers making.
Wedge Studios – 111-129 Roberts St – 10am-6pm
Wedge Studios hosts Artisan Holiday Pop-up Marketplace, guest artists include Jewelry maker, Renee Gaudet Designs. Also spoon maker, Aaron Iaquinto, Many more guest artists hosted throughout Wedge Studios
Joyce Thornburg in Studio 2B2 will be hosting guest artist Samantha Rae, abstract and figurative artist from 1- AM to 5 PM.
North Carolina Glass Center – 140 C Roberts St – 10am-6pm
Come shop with us for this holiday season, we have various workshops, gift certificates, and handmade objects by 30 great artists!
Odyssey Co-op Gallery and Studio – 238 Clingman Ave. – 11am – 5pm
Featured artists Dyann Myers and Vivian Saich will be doing live demos along with live music and refreshments.
RAD South-Riverview Station and The Foundation – 191 Lyman St./Foundy St. – 10-7pm
Holiday Market involving over 80 Artists exhibiting original artwork. Including a scavenger hunt with prizes.
In studio painting demos of Asheville landscapes by Peter Roux at Studio #249, 2-8pm. Wine & snacks all day, and holiday discounts of up to 20% on all original artwork.
RAD South Holiday Market! South Entrance, Catherine Heaton, Upstairs Open Studio #213- Drawings & Paintings
Special edition artwork created for December Second Saturday Holiday Market. Still life botanical image by Karen Maugans Gallery and plant dyed, block printed silk scarf by Barbara Zaretsky.
310 Art – 191 Lyman St. at Riverview Station – 10am – 8pm
Come to a Festive Holiday Evening Arts Event. Lots of art, Demos, Refreshments and Libations, Scavenger hunt with prizes, and more. Get original one of a kind handcrafted gifts for that special person!!
Jonas Gerard – 191 Lyman St. – 2pm
Experience the energy of a Painting Performance as Abstract Expressionist artist Jonas Gerard paints to loud, rhythmic world music, allowing his subconscious to guide him to create art filled with light, color and warmth.
Hatchery Studios – 1 Roberts St. – 10am – 8pm
Studio Open House & print raffle at Irene Flores Studio!
Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.
Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.
125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792
All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!
Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.
We are celebrating the holiday all week long with an old time Christmas celebration. We will have a WNC Farmers Market “Wish Book”, caroling, holiday decor, Santa, food, and lots of surprises!
https://www.facebook.com/events/508160279700184/
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)
*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”
Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.
Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas
https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655803803297
Thursday, December 6th. 5-8pm,
Indoor Boutique – Happy Hour Ladies Night (Benefiting Saved by the Heart) $5 Donation Entry for Attendees
Friday, December 7th.
-Indoor Boutique – 10am-Noon – Community Brunch (Benefiting Greer Relief) – $5 Donation Entry for Attendees –
-Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular Hours Noon-8pm (Until Santa Leaves)
Santa visit 7:30pm
Saturday, December 8th
Indoor Boutique & Outdoor Village – Regular hours 9am-2pm
Mark your calendars for this year’s Greer Station Vintage Christmas Friday and Saturday, Dec 7-8 with a fun preview event on Thursday evening Dec 6th. We are back at Grace Hall. Our charity partners this year are Saved by the Heart Companion Animal Services and Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc. TELL YOUR FRIENDS! #vintagechristmasgreer
We are extremely excited about our 2018 addition of the Marketplace Village on Victoria St in Downtown Greer. Located conveniently between Greer City Park and Trade St we are able to add lots more vendors and entertainment to our already extensive lineup. Marketplace Village hours are Friday Dec 7th Noon-8pm and Saturday Dec 8th, 9am-2pm. Each day, we are giving away shopping bags to the first 50 attendees.
Our Christmas Marketplace creates an enjoyable experience that includes shopping for giftables, decor ideas, and tasty treats throughout! Don’t miss this!
Interested in being a vendor?! Check out our website vintagechristmasgreer.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/303841557040272/
The Holly Jolly Christmas Craft Show is here!
Featuring one of a kind gift items all 100% handmade by local crafters and artisans. Shop items such as paintings, quilted sheep, teddy bears, wooden bowls, stained glass, painted signs, glass ornaments, beeswax candles, baked goods and much more!
Free Admission, located at the Burnsville Town Center from 9am-2pm.
If you are interested in participating contact Christy Edwards at (828) 208-6975 or email at [email protected]. Booth spaces are $50 each.
Venue information at burnsvilletowncenter.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/330453774361458/
When reflecting on the current state of the environment, it seems that we have entered into times of seismic sorrows. Carbon emissions, water pollution, fracking, and changing climate patterns all point to a troubling reality with serious consequences for human and non-human populations. Through weavings, installations, sculpture, and print, artists Rena Detrixhe and Tali Weinberg (Tulsa, OK) explore the complex relationship between humans and the planet, offering insights, expressing grief, and creating space for resilience and change.
In Time of Seismic Sorrows is curated by Marilyn Zapf and organized by the Center for Craft. The Center for Craft is supported in part by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The South has always been home to a blend of cultures — from Native Americans here by 14,000 years ago to Europeans 500 years ago, followed by Africans forced to migrate. By 1500, cultures in the South included Creek, Cherokee, Catawba, Choctaw, Chitimacha, and Coushatta, from Europe English, Scottish, Irish, and German, and Africans from Senegal to Congo. Baskets were integral in daily life, as agricultural equipment for gathering, sifting, storing, and serving the finished product or as receptacles for tools, clothes, sacred objects, and even infants.
Initially each culture had its own preferred basket material and method of manufacture — twilled rivercane for Native Americans, plaited oak for Europeans, and coiled grasses for Africans. Interaction between groups spurred adaptations to changing circumstances, such as the use of white oak by the Cherokee in the 1800s, as rivercane stands were decimated by European settlements. Native Americans also adopted the European picnic, flower, egg, and market baskets to sell in the 20th-century art market. Native and European Americans wove honeysuckle into baskets after 1854, when introduced from Japan. By the 17th century African Americans discovered bulrush along the coasts, coiling it into large, round “fanners” to winnow rice. Later bulrush was one medium among sweetgrass, pine needles, and palmetto, giving rise to the name “sweetgrass baskets” along the coast.
Baskets were woven not only for use in the fields and homes or for sale in art galleries but also as a connection to ancestors and spirits, as designs were said to come from inside one’s head, from memories of one’s mother’s motifs, or from the Creator. Indeed, working with one’s hands in nature to gather materials and to form them into a basket was considered spiritually and physically healthy, becoming a part of the practice of occupational therapy around World War I.
Today, basketweavers in the South from all three traditions are teaching the next generation to continue this art. Artists from across the region work with old and new materials in old and new forms, innovating for their legacy, for art’s sake, and for political causes, as embodied in the varied vessels in this gallery and epitomized in the virtuosic miniature examples in the case at right.
Come do some local Christmas Shopping all in one spot! We have over 50 great crafters, artisans, and sales vendors! Vendors include:
Humanite Mobile Boutique
Southbound Mobile Boutique
Little Woodlander Jewelry & Accessories
Johnson’s Handmade
Prather Design Company
Mountain Metal Works
Strings by Stephanie
Polka Dot Boutique
Baybub’s Nook
Seasons by the Creek
HannaCole’s
Twisted Sisters
Worthington Pottery
Grace Walker Designs
Sarah’s Sweet Things
K&M Designs
Anchored Mermaid Accessories
Ash & Maja
Barn Hollow Soaps
Blackbird Designs
Tony Sutton Woodworking
Pammies Attic
L&B Woodworks
WT Creations
Allyson Gernandt Gemstone Jewelry
Mags & Mom Creations
Live Wreaths by PattiJo Taylor
Estes Threads
Spring Raine Creations
Maple Springs Confectionary
Thirty-One
Color Street
Matilda Jane
Pampered Chef
Pink Zebra
Mary Kay
Lularoe
Paparazzi Jewelry
Scentsy
Agnes & Dora
It Works! Global
SeneGence
Origami Owl
Chalk Couture
doTERRA
Tupperware
Usborne Books & More
Swain County 4-H
https://www.facebook.com/events/453723441783262/
Owen Middle School’s “Christmas in the Valley” Holiday Craft Fair is in its 15th year of providing an opportunity for local and visiting artists to share their art or handmade craft with the public. All art and crafts presented at the fair have been handmade by the artist.
Santa also makes an appearance each year, so bring your children as well!
**I am not the promoter of this show, if you would like to be a vendor, please contact Owen Middle School. Note: Only handmade arts and crafts are accepted.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2218016738271558/