Did you know that monthly donations sustain the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse? Recurring, monthly donations ensure immediate support while sowing seeds for the future. Today, you can make an even greater impact through the Leiman Matching Gift Opportunity! Thanks to generous supporters, David & Sharon Leiman, your gift will be matched at $1.80 for every $1.00 contributed. To qualify, simply sign up for a monthly donation of $18.00 or more through the end of 2022. Today is your last chance to qualify for four months of support!
The donation amount of $18.00 truly gives life and vitality to the arts at Flat Rock Playhouse. In Judaism, it is common to give and receive gifts in multiples of $18 or “Chai”, which signifies a good omen for life. As we near the end of our first full season in two years, we’ll hope you’ll join us in giving life to the theater!

Tax Collections is heading into our busiest time of the year. Hate waiting in line? Don’t want to brave the impending cold weather? If so, it’s probably best to go ahead and pay your Buncombe County property taxes. Tax bills become delinquent after Jan. 5, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the multiple ways to pay other than waiting in line at the Tax Department.

Avoid interest on your bill
Please be aware, state law mandates that interest will be added to your bill if it is not paid in full and payment is not postmarked or received by Jan. 5. If you cut it close to that date, your mail drop or carrier might not get you the Jan. 5 postmark, or your bank might not clear your online banking payment to us by Jan. 5. Help avoid that situation by planning ahead and using one of the below payment options well before the Jan. 5 deadline.

Need to set up a payment plan? Don’t wait. Call us at (828) 250-4910 as soon as possible.

1) Pay by mail
Use the convenient self-addressed envelope included in your bill, or mail your check or money order to:

Buncombe County Tax Collections
P.O. Box 3140
Asheville, NC 28802-3140

Please do not send cash via mail. Remember that payments must be received or postmarked by Jan. 5, 2022, to avoid a 2% interest fee. Payments mailed to the incorrect address may not be received and interest may accrue.

* If you have misplaced your tax bill or need a receipt, they can be printed online by visiting tax.buncombecounty.org.

2) Make an electronic payment online
You can use the online bill pay found at buncombecounty.org/paytaxes. This is the best way to avoid long lines as you can pay from home, a local library, or anywhere else you have a secure internet connection. No fees are added for electronic check payments, fees are added for credit/debit card transactions.

3) Use a drop box
Place your check or money order in one of our drop boxes:

• In front of the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin St., in downtown Asheville
• At the main entrance of the Tax Department at 94 Coxe Ave., in downtown Asheville

4) Pay by credit card over the phone
Have your bill handy and call 1-877-690-3729 (enter jurisdiction code 4301 and follow the instructions).

Note: when you pay by a credit card over the phone, there is a convenience fee of $3.95 for a Visa Debit payment, or a 2.35% fee with a credit or non-Visa debit card payment. There is no fee associated with an electronic check.

Still want to pay in person?
We understand that some people will still want to come in to see us, and there are a couple of reminders we want to share. Please visit before mid-December to avoid significant wait times. We have made changes to our lobby to accommodate for social distancing, but that means fewer people can wait inside. In-person payment lines are expected to stretch outside the building as we approach the last day to pay before interest is applied.

Winter weather is unpredictable in Buncombe County and as we approach December, weather closures may affect your ability to pay your taxes in person. Your tax bill will become delinquent after Jan. 5, and interest added to a bill, due to late payment, cannot be waived due to inclement weather.

Holiday schedule
The Tax Collections office will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 23-27 and on Monday, Jan. 2.

Payment plans
If you think you are going to be unable to pay your taxes, please let us know at (828) 250-4910 as soon as possible so our office can work with you to set up a payment plan or arrangements.

Room in the Sky will be up in Pack Square Plaza until October 30.

Final photos have been or will be added to the project profiles below as they are installed/completed.

Did you view an Art in the Heart project in the plaza? Did one of the projects make you feel inspired about the future of Pack Square Plaza? Let us know! 

The selection panel reviewed a lot of incredible submissions, but the projects listed below rose to the top. With the removal of the Vance Monument, and the start of the Pack Square Plaza Visioning and Improvements project, the Plaza will soon enter into a new era. Art in the Heart is a way to unite, heal, and strengthen the community. Installations, artwork, and performances over the next 6 months will help spark important conversations on how to make this public space a place that reflects Asheville’s diverse community and history.

The Artist Support Grant provides funding emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences. Grants range from $500-3,000.

The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to announce that people world-wide can now explore more of the Museum’s diverse Collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art online from the comfort of their homes, on the go with their smart phones, or from their favorite coffee shop.

“This was a massive undertaking, and it’s a tremendous accomplishment,” says Executive Director Pamela Myers. “I cannot express my gratitude to the Museum’s talented curatorial team. They’ve dedicated so much time, energy, and thought to enable these artworks to be experienced and enjoyed on an easily accessible, international platform.”

To date, the curatorial team has meticulously digitized approximately 20 percent of the Museum’s Collection and uploaded it to the online database. “Our evolving Collection has grown to nearly 7,500 works, with 1,500 of them already available online,” says Associate Registrar and Project Lead Chris Whitten. “We’ve already devoted several years to reach this point in the process,” he says, “and plan on regularly adding hundreds more each quarter until the entire Collection is online.”

A Robust, Expanding Collection 
Associate Curator Whitney Richardson says the Museum’s Collection has experienced dramatic growth in the past five years. In fact, it has almost doubled in size and keeps expanding. “Like most museums, we have more art in our Collection than we can show at any one time. With the Collection growing at the rate that it is, this digital platform allows us to share more of what is in our holdings.

Blank walls – they’re everywhere. But in Buncombe County, there’s an opportunity for there to be three fewer thanks to the BC Creative Equity Mural Project. “Each day, thousands of people pass by these blank spaces with no connection, no inspiration,” said Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger. “With the abundance of incredible talent in our area, there’s no reason why these spaces shouldn’t be filled with art that reflects the people, places, and values of Buncombe County.”

Reisinger first inquired about utilizing the wall on the west side of the Register of Deeds building at 205 College St. as potential mural space, and it wasn’t long before that proposal grew to include a wall in the parking deck at 164 College St. and a wall outside the Tax Office at 94 Coxe Ave.

Now, Buncombe County is looking for artists to submit proposals for those three spaces to promote racial equity, enhance a culture of diversity, and promote reconciliation and restoration. Proposals from individual artists or collaborations between artists are welcome.

“This call for art submissions is open to all, regardless of experience or the size of a portfolio,” said Chief Equity & Human Rights Officer Rachel Edens. “In Buncombe County, we value diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage applications from people who have been adversely impacted by systemic racism in connection with local governmental institutions.”

The number of artists and/or murals is to be determined, based on the results of this call for submissions. Selected art may be used in whole or in part.

The intended installation dates of these murals are Spring/Summer 2023.

Proposed mural locations:

94 Coxe Ave.: The proposed mural site is a wall by the Tax Office on street level, approximately 2,250 square feet in size. There are also five sections between the windows on the building with approximately 55 square feet each and the wall on the backside of the building, approximately 125 square feet in size.

164 College St.: The proposed mural site is the parking deck walls, including a wall on ground level, approximately 385 square feet in size as well as two walls on levels 2-6 beside the stairs, approximately 625 square feet total.

205 College St.: The proposed mural site is a wall on the courthouse side of the Register of Deeds building, approximately 1,500 square feet in size.

Proposals for interior murals within Buncombe County Government buildings also will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Click here for a video that shows proposed locations.

The fine print:

To submit, email [email protected] by Nov. 11, 2022 with “Equity Mural” in the subject line. All proposals should include the following:

1.  Artist name(s), organization name (if applicable), address, email, and phone number
2. Introduction expressing artist(s) interest in the mural project and explaining roles of collaborators/partners (if any)
3. Description of proposed mural, including how mural design reflects the theme
4. Image(s) with visual rendering of proposed mural
5. List of proposed materials, including information about durability
6. Estimated square footage, including a range if applicable and desired mural location, if any
7. Description of the method which will be used to securely affix the mural and timeline for installation and completion of the mural, not to exceed six months from the date of mural approval
8. Mural maintenance requirements and schedule
9. Summary of artist’s experience and statement of how the artist’s past work demonstrates an ability to successfully implement the mural. Images of past artwork, public art projects, and/or murals may be included for reference
10. Project cost, including line-item detail regarding proposed artist fee(s), materials, equipment needed for installation, projected mural maintenance/repair expenses, and any other applicable costs

Summary

• The theme is racial equity, reconciliation, and restoration.
• Designs should reflect Buncombe County’s people and beauty.
• New artists and/or collaboration are encouraged.
• Submissions are due by Nov. 11, 2022 and should be sent in by email.
• Proposals should include all 10 required elements, including all proposed costs (artist fee(s), materials, equipment needed for installation, and projected mural maintenance/repair expenses).

For more information, including the selection process, visit www.buncombecounty.org/equitymural.

Official 2022 Raffle Rules

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

DETAILS

1. By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
2. The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
3. Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
4. The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
5. The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
6. Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
7. Participants must be 18 years old or older.
8. BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
9. Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
10. If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
11. BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.

WINNINGS

Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:

1. A completed form W-9.
2. Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.

Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.

 2022 Buncombe voter guide is published online & in paper!

These handy non-partisan guides provide you with important election dates, tips on how to make sure your vote counts, and responses from your local candidates with their stances on important issues heading into the midterm.

Click here to view the digital version and share it with your friends & family.

If you’re interested in distributing paper voter guides to your neighbors or community members, please reply back to me here.

Voting details for the 2022 General Election:

• Early voting runs Thursday, October 20 through Saturday, November 5 (at 3 PM)
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.

Find early voting sites by selecting your county on the lookup tool at demnc.co/voteearly.

You can also check your voter registration status, Election Day polling place, and possible sample ballot at demnc.co/poll.

Food Makes a House a Home

Every October, Asheville-area REALTORS® join together on a month-long campaign to help feed thousands of families that face hunger everyday across Western North Carolina. With each house closing in October, a participating REALTOR® will make a $100 donation to MANNA FoodBank in honor of their client, in lieu of a traditional closing gift, providing 400 meals to our WNC Community. Participation in this campaign elevates the REALTOR® within industry by demonstrating the appreciation for their client in a way that has a tangible impact in their community. Realty firms may match their REALTORS® donation, stretching the impact of the gift even further. Every dollar raised in this campaign helps provide food for 4 meals to our WNC community.

The Omni Grove Park Inn, an award-winning, 513-room resort set in the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C., is celebrating The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™, which is the nation’s largest, hosted at the resort annually. Beginning July 6, 2022 the competition registration is officially now open here through November 14, 2022. The competition will be held and winners will be announced on November 21, 2022.

New elements for The 30th National Gingerbread House Competition™ include:

• Introduction of 10th Judge, Ashleigh Shanti, chef/owner of Good Hot Fish & 2020 James Beard finalist.
• Addition of six brand-new specialty awards and increased prizes (60% increase to years past) across the four age categories, which include Best Use of Sprinkles, Most Unique Ingredient, Longest Standing Competitor, Best Use of Color, Pop Culture Star, Most Innovative Structure, and Best Use of Spice.
• All registered competitors will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite piece of the entire competition to determine the winner of the new People’s Choice: Best in Show award.

The full press release announcing the official rules and entry forms can be found here and below, and a highlight reel and hi-res imagery from last year’s competition can be found here. Please let me know if you will consider the news on behalf of The Omni Grove Park Inn!

October 1 – November 3, 2022