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.

Monday, May 4, 2020
Is It Art? – VIRTUAL w/ Asheville Art Museum
May 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum online
Friday, May 8, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free; registration required

Join Hank Bovee, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in our Collection. Before the discussion, find a quiet space. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Now open your eyes, and engage with the artworks in the image gallery; click on the thumbnail for a larger image, and spend about 15 minutes looking slowly at each.

  • In your opinion, is this “art”? Why or why not?
  • What emotions do you feel when viewing this work?
  • Does this work appeal to you aesthetically? Why or why not? Would you hang it in your home?

SLOW ART FRIDAYS

Each Friday at 12pm while the Museum is closed, docents lead virtual, in-depth conversations about a few artworks in our Collection or special exhibitions. The goal is simple: slow down, discover the joy of looking at art, and talk about the experience with others. Topics, artworks, and self-guided questions are posted on the Museum’s website in advance for participants, or for those wishing to have a self-guided experience on their own. Space is limited; to register up to one week in advance, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Modern Art Explained by Susie Hodge – VIRTUAL
May 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Why Your Five-Year-Old Could Not Have Done That: From Slashed Canvas to Unmade Bed, Modern Art Explained by Susie Hodge – VIRTUAL

DATE:
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free

THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM. SPACE IS LIMITED; TO PARTICIPATE, EMAIL KRISTI MCMILLAN, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT, OR CALL 828.253.3227 X122.

Come on, you know you’ve thought it―while viewing a “masterpiece” of abstract art, you mutter, “A kid could do that.” Here Susie Hodge, author of How to Survive Modern Art, explains why the best examples of modern art are actually the result of sophisticated thought and serious talent. From Marcel Duchamp’s notorious Fountain and the scribbles of Cy Twombly, to Mark Rothko’s multiforms and Carl Andre’s uncarved blocks, Hodge addresses critical outrage with a revealing insight into the technical skill, layering of ideas, and sheer inspiration behind each work. In cleverly organized chapters such as “Objects/ Toys,” “Provocations/Tantrums,” and “People/Monsters,” Hodges thoughtfully and definitively lays bare the perception that modern art is mere child’s play.

Moderated by Judy Upjohn. Planned in conjunction with Intersections in American Art.

DISCUSSION BOUND

Meeting each second Tuesday at 12pm, this monthly discussion is a place to exchange ideas about readings that relate to artworks and the art world, and to learn from and about each other. Pick up some tasty local fare at the Malaprop’s Café to make the most of your midday break! Books are available at Malaprop’s for a 10% discount. To add your name to our Discussion Bound mailing list, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020
More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
May 5 all-day
Asheville Museum Online

We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

National Arts Action Digital Summit Individual Sessions: Diving Deeper: K-12 Education Policy
May 5 @ 1:00 pm
Live Webinar

 

This advocacy training session focuses on K-12 education policy to help children achieve in school, work, and life. Our main advocacy ask is to urge Congress to strengthen equitable access to arts education through the Well-Rounded Education provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

image

New Adult Studio Class: Asheville Art Museum  Cultivating Digital Photography Skills: Light
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online with Asheville Art Museum 

This four-part class led by Learning & Engagement Assistant Paige Taylor explores natural and artificial lighting approaches using digital photography. Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, and capture landscapes, portraits, and more in a variety of lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts, short readings, and journaling. This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind.

MAY 6, 13, 20, & 27—Wednesdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: May 5

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
33 AMAZING Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids
May 6 all-day
Easy Kids Crafts online

33 AMAZING Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

Toilet Paper Roll Crafts are one of the cheapest ways to keep your kids busy on the weekends because let’s face it, who doesn’t have plenty of toilet paper rolls hanging around the house. You just need to remind everyone you’re collecting them for some awesome craft ideas.

And if you’re a little cautious you could always use kitchen paper rolls instead, or even buy them at the craft shop or on Amazon.

In fact, some of our paper roll craft ideas actually require them because it’s much easier to make a long neck for a Giraffe with just one long paper roll.

Pssst… I’ve also added ‘How To’ video links to each of the craft ideas so you can totally look like an expert

More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
May 6 all-day
Asheville Museum Online

We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

A View of a Room – VIRTUAL Art Discussion
May 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Sandy Skoglund, Breathing Glass, 2000, pigmented archival inkjet print with Epson Surecolor inks on platine photo paper, edition 28/30, 39 × 52 inches. 2017 Collectors’ Circle purchase with additional funds provided by the Nat C. Myers Photography Fund, 2017.36.01. © Sandy Skoglund

A View of a Room – VIRTUAL

DATE:
Friday, May 15, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free; registration required

This virtual program takes place via Zoom. Scroll down to below images for registration information.

Join Sarah Reincke, master docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in our Collection. Before the discussion, find a quiet space. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Now open your eyes, and engage with the artworks in the image gallery; click on the thumbnail for a larger image, and spend about 15 minutes looking slowly at each.

  • What’s going on in this artwork? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What kind of room does the artist show? Is it a real room, or an imaginary one?
  • Would you want to be in this room? Why or why not?

SLOW ART FRIDAYS

Each Friday at 12pm while the Museum is closed, docents lead virtual, in-depth conversations about a few artworks in our Collection or special exhibitions. The goal is simple: slow down, discover the joy of looking at art, and talk about the experience with others. Topics, artworks, and self-guided questions are posted on the Museum’s website in advance for participants, or for those wishing to have a self-guided experience on their own. Space is limited; to register up to one week in advance, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Modern Art Explained by Susie Hodge – VIRTUAL
May 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Why Your Five-Year-Old Could Not Have Done That: From Slashed Canvas to Unmade Bed, Modern Art Explained by Susie Hodge – VIRTUAL

DATE:
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free

THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM. SPACE IS LIMITED; TO PARTICIPATE, EMAIL KRISTI MCMILLAN, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT, OR CALL 828.253.3227 X122.

Come on, you know you’ve thought it―while viewing a “masterpiece” of abstract art, you mutter, “A kid could do that.” Here Susie Hodge, author of How to Survive Modern Art, explains why the best examples of modern art are actually the result of sophisticated thought and serious talent. From Marcel Duchamp’s notorious Fountain and the scribbles of Cy Twombly, to Mark Rothko’s multiforms and Carl Andre’s uncarved blocks, Hodge addresses critical outrage with a revealing insight into the technical skill, layering of ideas, and sheer inspiration behind each work. In cleverly organized chapters such as “Objects/ Toys,” “Provocations/Tantrums,” and “People/Monsters,” Hodges thoughtfully and definitively lays bare the perception that modern art is mere child’s play.

Moderated by Judy Upjohn. Planned in conjunction with Intersections in American Art.

DISCUSSION BOUND

Meeting each second Tuesday at 12pm, this monthly discussion is a place to exchange ideas about readings that relate to artworks and the art world, and to learn from and about each other. Pick up some tasty local fare at the Malaprop’s Café to make the most of your midday break! Books are available at Malaprop’s for a 10% discount. To add your name to our Discussion Bound mailing list, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.

Live Online Marbling
May 6 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
live on Facebook

Join Pam every Wednesday at 3 pm on Facebook Live to experience marbling, the 17th Century process of floating paint on a thick water surface. Watch the paints expand, get pushed by subsequent colors until the final print on paper. Watch the #majikalmarblingreveal create the frozen piece of art!!

 

This family friendly weekly event is always live and unexpected happenings. Come virtually and prepare to be amazed!! Interact as each piece happens.

Asheville Art Museum: WNC residents pay-as-you-wish 1st Wednesdays
May 6 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

FIRST WEDNESDAYS

WNC residents pay-as-you-wish on Wednesday, 4–6pm!
New Adult Studio Class: Asheville Art Museum  Cultivating Digital Photography Skills: Light
May 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online with Asheville Art Museum 

This four-part class led by Learning & Engagement Assistant Paige Taylor explores natural and artificial lighting approaches using digital photography. Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, and capture landscapes, portraits, and more in a variety of lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts, short readings, and journaling. This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind.

MAY 6, 13, 20, & 27—Wednesdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: May 5

Thursday, May 7, 2020
AAAC Connects
May 7 all-day

Asheville Area Arts Council

During these unprecedented times of necessary physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 the Asheville Area Arts Council recognizes the continued need for connection. This video interview series is a way to connect, support each other, and eventually archive this moment during a global pandemic. How are artists, musicians, actors, and makers surviving (and sometimes thriving) right now? The answers are as varied as the forms of expression present in our community.

We would like to reflect on the diversity of our community in this series, so if you would like to nominate someone for us to interview please email [email protected].

Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
May 7 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Fundraiser: Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center Toilet Paper Art Auction
May 7 all-day
online
Can you spare one sheet of toilet paper and 10 minutes of your time?

The Asheville Area Arts Council and Buncombe County Schools have partnered to raise funds to purchase art supplies for the Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center.

Artists and community members are encouraged to submit a single piece of toilet paper with original art created on it to be auctioned online. ALL proceeds will go towards the purchase of art supplies for families in need.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

Participants may submit up to 3 works of art. Art should be submitted no later than May 11 and mailed no later than May 16. Bidding will take place starting at noon on May 14 and will end at midnight May 23.

See the submission form to enter your artwork and to get mailing instructions.

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
May 7 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
May 7 all-day
Asheville Museum Online

We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Star Wars Day: An Interview with Artist Matt Jones Asheville Art Museum
May 7 all-day
online
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Star Wars Day: An Interview with Artist Matt Jones

In celebration of Star Wars Day, Collection artist Matt Jones describes the inspiration and process behind the three pots he created with the iconic pop culture references. This video was produced by our Digital Storytelling Intern Julia Quigley:

Clearly citing the Star Wars movies trilogy, potter Matt Jones uses familiar popular culture references to express his thoughts on the politics and economy of the times we live in. Images of robots like C-3PO and R2-D2 remind one of modern-day automation, Darth Vader is a metaphor for the corruption of the democratic system, and Stormtroopers are a stand-in for each person having to question their own narrative. The style of pottery Jones creates relates to traditional 19th-century forms and glazes from the Southern Appalachia and Piedmont regions of North Carolina.

We also have some super fun Star Wars-themed items in our Museum Store. “May the 4th” be with you!

Matt’s Class Instructor: Matt Wegleitner
May 7 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks

Thursdays 3 – 5:30pm
April 2nd – May 7th

Come experience the love of clay! Join instructor Matt Wegleitner and learn the skills needed to create decorative, hand-built, and functional pottery. Demonstrations will include pinch, coil, and slab techniques with a focus on creating interesting surfaces and unique forms. We’ll also cover the basics of glazing and firing your work. All skill levels welcome.

Level: All levels
Tuition: $245 + $45 Lab Fee

Poppy Happy Hour LIVE
May 7 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

Image may contain: text

It’s time for our weekly hangout and this time we’re cheersing to all the mommas! Grab a drink and join us on Facebook Live for our weekly happy hour this Thursday, May 7th at 4pm edt!

Here’s what’s popping this week:
– A Mother’s Day project: DIY popcorn bar!
– New flavor of the week
– A special announcement (locals, you don’t want to miss this!)
– Mother’s Day giveaway winner
& a brand new GIVEAWAY!

Want to submit a question for our Q&A? Submit your question to [email protected]

Coloring & Cocktails – VIRTUAL w/ Asheville Art Museum
May 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Thursday, May 7, 2020
TIME:
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
COST:
Free

This event takes place via Zoom.

Spend your Thursday evening with the Museum and the Asheville Symphony for some creative fun! Associate Curator Cindy Buckner interviews artist Adonna Khare about using animals to tell fantastical tales in A Telling Instinct and her recently published coloring book. Following the interview, sit back, relax, and color selected pages from Khare’s book while listening to animal-themed music selected by the Symphony, introduced by Music Director Darko Butorac. Bartender Chad McRorie of the Grove Park Inn’s The Edison serves up creature-inspired cocktails, while Food Experience delights our taste buds with Perspective Café at home.

Space is limited; to register, email Kristen Boddy, membership & Museum events manager, or call 828.253.3227 x117. Coloring pages and Zoom login information emailed in advance to participants.

Presented in conjunction with A Telling Instinct: John James Audubon and Contemporary Art, in partnership with the Asheville Symphony and Perspective Café by Food Experience.

 

Friday, May 8, 2020
33 AMAZING Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids
May 8 all-day
Easy Kids Crafts online

33 AMAZING Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

Toilet Paper Roll Crafts are one of the cheapest ways to keep your kids busy on the weekends because let’s face it, who doesn’t have plenty of toilet paper rolls hanging around the house. You just need to remind everyone you’re collecting them for some awesome craft ideas.

And if you’re a little cautious you could always use kitchen paper rolls instead, or even buy them at the craft shop or on Amazon.

In fact, some of our paper roll craft ideas actually require them because it’s much easier to make a long neck for a Giraffe with just one long paper roll.

Pssst… I’ve also added ‘How To’ video links to each of the craft ideas so you can totally look like an expert

AAAC Connects
May 8 all-day

Asheville Area Arts Council

During these unprecedented times of necessary physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 the Asheville Area Arts Council recognizes the continued need for connection. This video interview series is a way to connect, support each other, and eventually archive this moment during a global pandemic. How are artists, musicians, actors, and makers surviving (and sometimes thriving) right now? The answers are as varied as the forms of expression present in our community.

We would like to reflect on the diversity of our community in this series, so if you would like to nominate someone for us to interview please email [email protected].

Asheville Art Museum Summer Art Camp To Go!
May 8 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Fundraiser: Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center Toilet Paper Art Auction
May 8 all-day
online
Can you spare one sheet of toilet paper and 10 minutes of your time?

The Asheville Area Arts Council and Buncombe County Schools have partnered to raise funds to purchase art supplies for the Buncombe County Schools Family Resource Center.

Artists and community members are encouraged to submit a single piece of toilet paper with original art created on it to be auctioned online. ALL proceeds will go towards the purchase of art supplies for families in need.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

Participants may submit up to 3 works of art. Art should be submitted no later than May 11 and mailed no later than May 16. Bidding will take place starting at noon on May 14 and will end at midnight May 23.

See the submission form to enter your artwork and to get mailing instructions.

Grant Opportunities for the Crafts
May 8 all-day
online
The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.
More Online w/ Asheville Museum at Home
May 8 all-day
Asheville Museum Online

We’ll update this page with virtual tours, children’s activities, and more, as we continue to develop content to provide inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

Star Wars Day: An Interview with Artist Matt Jones Asheville Art Museum
May 8 all-day
online
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Star Wars Day: An Interview with Artist Matt Jones

In celebration of Star Wars Day, Collection artist Matt Jones describes the inspiration and process behind the three pots he created with the iconic pop culture references. This video was produced by our Digital Storytelling Intern Julia Quigley:

Clearly citing the Star Wars movies trilogy, potter Matt Jones uses familiar popular culture references to express his thoughts on the politics and economy of the times we live in. Images of robots like C-3PO and R2-D2 remind one of modern-day automation, Darth Vader is a metaphor for the corruption of the democratic system, and Stormtroopers are a stand-in for each person having to question their own narrative. The style of pottery Jones creates relates to traditional 19th-century forms and glazes from the Southern Appalachia and Piedmont regions of North Carolina.

We also have some super fun Star Wars-themed items in our Museum Store. “May the 4th” be with you!

Carl Sandburg Home: “Movement” Youth Art Show
May 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home



More than 700 students from across the country used canvases for an artistic expression inspired by Carl Sandburg’s poem “Night Movement,” and other poetry pieces in Sandburg’s collection “Smoke and Steel.” 71 canvases were submitted to the exhibit and each canvas reflects how the young artists chose to interpret what “movement” means to them. Visitors can see the installation in a building adjacent to the Sandburg Home when they visit. Young artists are represented from across the country and locally.

Sandburg Home: The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee: (credit card only)
$8.00 for Adults 16 and older
$5.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
Free for Children age 15 and under

  • Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
  • Passes: The park sells the America the BeautifulNational Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
    *These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
  • 30-minute house tours are offered every day. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
  • Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
  • Tours are limited to 12 persons.
  • Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.
A View of a Room – VIRTUAL Art Discussion
May 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Online

Sandy Skoglund, Breathing Glass, 2000, pigmented archival inkjet print with Epson Surecolor inks on platine photo paper, edition 28/30, 39 × 52 inches. 2017 Collectors’ Circle purchase with additional funds provided by the Nat C. Myers Photography Fund, 2017.36.01. © Sandy Skoglund

A View of a Room – VIRTUAL

DATE:
Friday, May 15, 2020
TIME:
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
COST:
Free; registration required

This virtual program takes place via Zoom. Scroll down to below images for registration information.

Join Sarah Reincke, master docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in our Collection. Before the discussion, find a quiet space. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Now open your eyes, and engage with the artworks in the image gallery; click on the thumbnail for a larger image, and spend about 15 minutes looking slowly at each.

  • What’s going on in this artwork? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What kind of room does the artist show? Is it a real room, or an imaginary one?
  • Would you want to be in this room? Why or why not?

SLOW ART FRIDAYS

Each Friday at 12pm while the Museum is closed, docents lead virtual, in-depth conversations about a few artworks in our Collection or special exhibitions. The goal is simple: slow down, discover the joy of looking at art, and talk about the experience with others. Topics, artworks, and self-guided questions are posted on the Museum’s website in advance for participants, or for those wishing to have a self-guided experience on their own. Space is limited; to register up to one week in advance, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.