Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Arts North Carolina, discusses arts education advocacy and the role it plays in public policy and funding for comprehensive arts education. This presentation will include updates on state and federal policy and funding as it relates to the arts and arts education and provide tools and strategies to engage with elected officials to have a positive impact on the creative education of our students. In addition to training about what individuals can do in their own community, this talk will cover basic organization of advocacy campaigns and how to effectively unite behind a singular message of strengthening the arts in our school. Attendees will also learn more about Arts North Carolina, the only arts and arts education advocacy organization in the state, and how they have been instrumental in advancing government policy and investment in the arts for decades.

Speaker: Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Art NC

Arts North Carolina is the statewide advocacy organization for the arts; a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a statewide Board of Directors. ARTS North Carolina calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina’s arts communities, and fosters arts leadership.

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Join us for our first Bi-monthly General Meeting of 2020.  This is a great time to learn about and engage in the work of Just Economics with some wonderful people.  We will have food and meet all together from 6:30-7 and then divide into committees.  You are welcome to join in on any committee discussion (Policy Advocacy, Grassroots Education & Engagement, and Certification).  Everyone Welcome!

Buncombe County and Asheville first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves – and encouraging the community to do the same – as they vie for the most pints donated at the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Congratulations to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for once again taking the award home last year.

All donors that day will receive a special T-shirt. Help save a life, and show your support for our local unsung heroes, your emergency first responders.

For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges. You can also download the Blood Donor App on the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule your appointment today.

Buncombe County and Asheville first responders are facing off for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves – and encouraging the community to do the same – as they vie for the most pints donated at the Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Congratulations to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for once again taking the award home last year.

The Blood Drive takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the  All donors that day will receive a special T-shirt. Help save a life, and show your support for our local unsung heroes, your emergency first responders.

For more information on donating blood or to make an appointment, you can call , or visit and enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges. You can also download the Blood Donor App on the Apple App Store or Google Play to schedule your appointment today.

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

• Members: Free
• Personal Vehicles: $14
• Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
• Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

• Members: Free
• Personal Vehicles: $14
• Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
• Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

The League of Women Voters celebrates our 100th Anniversary and hosts candidates for for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioner, and NC Senate 48 & 49 for a meet & greet event.

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County will celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters by hosting a Candidate Meet.

All candidates for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioner, and NC Senate 48 & 49 have been invited and the public is welcome to come and meet them in a relaxed setting.

This event is free and open to the public. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan volunteer organization and we never endorse a particular candidate or political party.

Enjoy a Soul Food supper prepared by the Stephens-Lee Teen Leadership participants with help from the East End Valley Street Neighborhood and Stephens-Lee Alumni.  

OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville will hold an advance care planning (ACP) workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Free and open to everyone, this workshop is co-sponsored by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute and Mission Health Partners.

This workshop marks the 10th year of these thrice-annual sessions. More than 1,110 people have attended, resulting in 447 Advance Care Plans completed and notarized.

The workshops feature a panel whose members are experienced in addressing end-of-life issues. Discussion will include communicating your treatment wishes to loved ones and to medical personnel, ethical and legal issues, the uses of advance directives, and advice on handling issues like Alzheimer’s disease. Ample time will be reserved for questions. Assistance will be provided for anyone wishing to complete a legally valid advance directive, including the notarization required in North Carolina, using the NC ACP “Short Form.”

Panel members will include:

Jan Buchanan, Chaplain and Advance Care Planning Facilitator at Mission Hospital
Dr. Ellen Kaczmarek MD, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Individualized Health Care Planner
Meridith Miller, Community and Social Psychologist
Joanne Dykes J.D. Attorney, Dykes Law Firm PLLC

OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville will hold an advance care planning (ACP) workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Free and open to everyone, this workshop is co-sponsored by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute and Mission Health Partners.

This workshop marks the 10th year of these thrice-annual sessions. More than 1,110 people have attended, resulting in 447 Advance Care Plans completed and notarized.

The workshops feature a panel whose members are experienced in addressing end-of-life issues. Discussion will include communicating your treatment wishes to loved ones and to medical personnel, ethical and legal issues, the uses of advance directives, and advice on handling issues like Alzheimer’s disease. Ample time will be reserved for questions. Assistance will be provided for anyone wishing to complete a legally valid advance directive, including the notarization required in North Carolina, using the NC ACP “Short Form.”

Panel members will include:

Jan Buchanan, Chaplain and Advance Care Planning Facilitator at Mission Hospital
Dr. Ellen Kaczmarek MD, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Individualized Health Care Planner
Meridith Miller, Community and Social Psychologist
Joanne Dykes J.D. Attorney, Dykes Law Firm PLLC
Preparation for you to do before the workshop: Talk to your possible “power of attorney for healthcare”, the person who would make health care decisions if you are unable. Click here for a video of a sample conversation.and click here to access a copy of the ACP Short form. Please print the form, study it, and bring it to the workshop along with any questions you might have for the panel.

If you have never been admitted to Mission Hospital, but want your advanced directives added into the Mission Medical Record, click here for an “Advance Directive Permission form” to fill out. Also, if you have existing advance directives, you may mail the “Permission Form” along with a copy of your existing Advance Directive to Mission for addition to the Mission medical record (or you can get help doing this at the next ACP workshop). For more information, call OLLI, 828.251.6140 or email [email protected]. Click here to view an event flier.

The Comedy Show will see the historic YMI Cultural Center expand its program offerings to include a monthly night of gut-wrenching laughter featuring comedians of color. Presented in partnership with JAWBREAKING.xyz and Modelface Comedy & Events, The Comedy Show will be a night of comedy on the YMI’s main stage, featuring rising comedy stars from all over the country.

February’s show will be hosted by Asheville comic Petey Smith-McDowell and feature Tiffany Anderson, Kourtlyn Wiggins and Comedy Central’s Mia Jackson.

Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Her Comedy Central Half Hour special premiered this past fall. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds.

ages 18+
Tickets $20 advance, $25 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-comedy-show-tickets-89938018033

On display daily January 18 – April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gallery of the Education Center, the Asheville Printmakers’ newest exhibit, Natural Impressions, will feature a variety of two- and three-dimensional print pieces utilizing numerous printmaking processes. Works will inspire visitors to think about the beauty and fragility of plants and the natural world through various perspectives and printmaking techniques. All pieces are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will benefit The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

Founded in 2013, the Asheville Printmakers is an energetic group of artists dedicated to expressing ideas and imagery through the medium of print. The group encompasses a wide range of processes and content, including traditional methods, such as lithography, woodcut and screen printing, and contemporary photographic printing processes, such as carbon printing, platinum-palladium and photopolymer etching. 

Parking Fees

• Members: Free
• Personal Vehicles: $14
• Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
• Buses: $100

There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities during the day beyond the standard parking fees listed above.

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Join YWCA and Sistas Caring 4 Sistas for breastfeeding support for mothers at all stages! Share and learn from other breastfeeding mothers. Pregnant mothers welcome! Facilitated by a certified lactation specialist through SC4S.

This class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. People who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.

You’re invited to The Collider’s Monthly Movie Night! For our first movie night, we’re excited to partner with Dogwood Alliance to bring you the award-winning documentary, Burned: Are Trees the New Coal?, an exposé of the biomass electric power industry. Come ready to learn about the threats forests across the South are facing from the biomass industry, and the people and policies responsible for its greenwashing. We’ll have snacks, drinks, and  a Q+A with Dogwood Alliance’s Conservation Scientist, Sam Davis.

A life-long treehugger, Sam earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science in 2015 at Wright State University and completed a postdoc at University of California Merced before leaving academia for greener forests. They are thrilled to be translating science into action with Dogwood Alliance.

The award-winning documentary tells the story of the accelerating destruction of our forests for fuel and probes the policy loopholes, huge subsidies, and blatant green washing of the biomass power industry. A dedicated group of forest activists, ecologists, climate scientists, and concerned citizens fight to establish the enormous value of our forests, protect their communities, debunk this false solution to climate change, and alter energy policy both in the US and abroad.

This film is more relevant to North Carolinians than ever before, with Enviva — the world’s largest wood pellet manufacturer — rapidly expanding its polluting, forest-destroying facilities across the state.

Homecoming 2020: February 17 – 22

We aim to celebrate Homecoming traditions and instill Bulldog pride in all members of the University of North Carolina Asheville community through community engagement with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the Asheville region.  Homecoming at UNC Asheville is special time of the year, providing us an opportunity to reflect on the storied history of UNC Asheville, celebrate the present moment and the impact it has on our university community, and look to the future as we honor the Bulldog way of the liberal arts experience. Promoting Bulldog spirit sits at the heart of our Homecoming celebration, with events open to all members of our community. We hope to see you back on the mountain as we continue to grow Bulldog pride in all near and far!

Student Events  Alumni Events