Calendar of Events

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

Poetry of the Spirit with Luke Hankins

This class will focus on contemporary poetry that engages the “spirit” in some way, from a range of perspectives, both religious and non-religious. Some of the aspects of spiritual poetry that will come under discussion are the experience of transcendence, the longing for connection to something larger than ourselves, and the search for overarching meaning that might guide us throughout our lives. In addition to reading and discussing sample poems, we will do an in-class writing exercise aimed at writing from or to whatever “spirit” means to each participant.

Luke Hankins is the author of two poetry collections, Radiant Obstacles and Weak Devotions, as well as a collection of essays, The Work of Creation. A volume of his translations from the French of Stella Vinitchi Radulescu, A Cry in the Snow & Other Poems, was released by Seagull Books in 2019. Testament, a chapbook of poems, is forthcoming from Texas Review Press. His poems, essays, and translations have appeared in a wide variety of periodicals, including 32 Poems, American Literary Review, Image, New England Review, Poetry International, Verse, World Literature Today, and The Writer’s Chronicle. Hankins serves as an Associate Editor at Asheville Poetry Review and he is the founder and editor of Orison Books, a non-profit literary press focused on the life of the spirit from a broad and inclusive range of perspectives.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Zoom for the virtual connection. The link will be sent by the morning of the presentation. Check your junk folder if you have not received it by then.

Sun printing (aka solar printing) is a wonderful way to capture the summer sunshine! In this fun and easy workshop, textile artist Camille Daunno will show you how to create beautiful, personal pieces of art by applying SolarFast™, a non-toxic, light-reactive dye, to a “resist” and exposing the surface to light. The results are stunning and unlike traditional cyanotyping, which produces only blue images, can be quite colorful!

You’ll start by painting paper or fabric with SolarFast™ and then arranging stencils, paper pieces, or other flat objects to create a design. Camille will offer suggestions for manipulating your designs and layering colors so you can experiment with different looks. Then, you’ll expose your piece to a light source and watch the magic happen. Within minutes, your masterpiece will develop!

You’ll take home a beautiful canvas tote bag and an 8”x54” silk scarf, as well as a couple of smaller sun prints that will be suitable for hanging.

No dyeing experience necessary!

Join Emily Bell of Rhythm & Ritual for an evening of broomcraft and connection.

More than a handcrafts class, Emily creates a ritual space for participants to settle in and create with intention. Everyone will have an opportunity to make their own large AND small turkey wing whisk brooms for practical or ritual use (or both!)

This class is open to those who identify as women.
Class size is limited, so register early!

Note: this is a two-day course which takes place on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 9:30AM-5PM each day.

This is a beginners class for students wanting to learn the skills, exercises, and the fundamentals of mediumship. (Students need to bring a pen and notebook. Printed handouts will be also provided.)

Anthony Mikolojeski will be teaching students the foundation and techniques behind mediumship, and all healing aspects. Students will begin to learn various exercises in how to expand their energy to connect with loved one’s in the spirit world. Students will be engaging in exercises with each other while being mentored by Anthony. They will learn the boundaries, the responsibilities and professional ethics surrounding doing this work.

We will be doing a few singing bowl meditations, practice in meeting spirit guides we haven’t met before and learning techniques on how to build your personal power.

(Because of the summer tourist season and increased high traffic, students will be expected to allow extra traveling time so you arrive promptly for class.) We will start at 9:30 am sharp.

I just love what I do and look forward to to working with everyone in class!❤️

Lunch will be provided along with water, coffee, teas, and chilled beverages. (Please indicate if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, please email Anthony at: [email protected].

Anthony has studied with some of the best mediums in the U.S and U.K such as James Van Praagh, Tony Stockwell, Mavis Pitilla, and Sheila French, just to name a few. He has completed a mentorship in mediumship with James Van Praagh and advanced mentorship with Mavis Pitilla. Anthony has also studied at the prestigious Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, England, in advanced mediumship.

Anthony Mikolojeski is known as the Asheville Medium. He has traveled internationally demonstrating mediumship on stage and provided personal readings. You can read more about his background, how he works or to book your next appointment at his website: ashevillemedium.com

Join Emily Bell of Rhythm & Ritual for an afternoon of broomcraft and connection.

More than a handcrafts class, Emily creates a ritual space for participants to settle in and create with intention. Everyone will have an opportunity to make their own cobweb broom.

A variety of broomsticks will be available to choose from and wood selection will be discussed, as well as cultivation of broomcorn.

This class is open to those who identify as women.
Class size is limited, so register early!

Note: this is a two-day course which takes place on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 9:30AM-5PM each day.

This is a beginners class for students wanting to learn the skills, exercises, and the fundamentals of mediumship. (Students need to bring a pen and notebook. Printed handouts will be also provided.)

Anthony Mikolojeski will be teaching students the foundation and techniques behind mediumship, and all healing aspects. Students will begin to learn various exercises in how to expand their energy to connect with loved one’s in the spirit world. Students will be engaging in exercises with each other while being mentored by Anthony. They will learn the boundaries, the responsibilities and professional ethics surrounding doing this work.

We will be doing a few singing bowl meditations, practice in meeting spirit guides we haven’t met before and learning techniques on how to build your personal power.

(Because of the summer tourist season and increased high traffic, students will be expected to allow extra traveling time so you arrive promptly for class.) We will start at 9:30 am sharp.

I just love what I do and look forward to to working with everyone in class!❤️

Lunch will be provided along with water, coffee, teas, and chilled beverages. (Please indicate if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, please email Anthony at: [email protected].

Anthony has studied with some of the best mediums in the U.S and U.K such as James Van Praagh, Tony Stockwell, Mavis Pitilla, and Sheila French, just to name a few. He has completed a mentorship in mediumship with James Van Praagh and advanced mentorship with Mavis Pitilla. Anthony has also studied at the prestigious Arthur Findlay College in Stansted, England, in advanced mediumship.

Anthony Mikolojeski is known as the Asheville Medium. He has traveled internationally demonstrating mediumship on stage and provided personal readings. You can read more about his background, how he works or to book your next appointment at his website: ashevillemedium.com

Please join us for the 5th annual Love♡Shine♡Play Festival, July 28-31, 2022 (tentative date) taking place against the breathtaking backdrop of the world’s oldest mountains in gorgeous Asheville, NC. The festival classes take place in beautiful venues throughout downtown Asheville as well as our gorgeous & famous Pack Square Park. You will be able to choose from a variety of offerings including yoga classes, meditation, talks, hikes, and more. The pedestrian friendly festival will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of a city brimming with cultural arts, culinary delights, and many independent shops.

Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive an order confirmation email from Eventbrite, our ticketing partner. Your e-ticket(s) will be attached to your order confirmation email. Important: if you do not see your order confirmation in your inbox, make sure to check your junk/spam folder. If you are still unable to find them, contact the Eventbrite help center here.

Event is rain or shine, and ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL.

We look forward to seeing you in Asheville!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and iDaph Events present the 4th Annual Light Up the Night 5k! This event is a fundraising, nighttime walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the continuous work of recovery, rescue, and restoration to individuals throughout WNC.

The first 200 people to register will also receive a FREE glow-in-the-dark commemorative finisher medal!

Each 5k registration will include a FREE t-shirt until July 10th at midnight. After that date, shirts will be available for purchase, in limited quantities and sizes, for $10. Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets will be available for our in-person participants!

The event will take place at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC on Friday, August 5th. This is your time to shine! Runners will have a rolling start between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM and take to the greenway to run or walk this fun and unique event.

In addition to the in-person event, there is also a virtual offering for participants who aren’t comfortable coming to an in-person event. The Virtual 5k event experience gives participants an opportunity to participate in this fundraising event ANYWHERE! Walk/Run/Hike 5k and submit your results online!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. They meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward.

Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful!

In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a beautiful wet felted vessel using only wool fibers, a plastic “resist,” soap, water, a few additional household items, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Once you learn how to wet felt—and especially after you get comfortable using resists—you’ll be able to make pretty much anything you can make using cloth: apparel, bags, and other accessories to wear or decorative your home.

Are you drawn to textiles but aren’t interested in creating garments or quilts? Does the idea of creating your own, custom fabric sound intriguing? If so, you’ll love this exciting, two-part workshop taught by mixed media artist Christy Ammerman.

In the first class, you’ll learn how to alter fabric by “rusting,” tea dying, and painting it. You’ll be surprised and delighted with the results!

The fun continues, however, in the second class, where Christy will show you how to turn your altered fabric into a unique textile hanging. She’ll demonstrate how to pick a focal piece and weave a story around it by carefully selecting, positioning, and layering your “new” fabric and incorporating trim and other embellishments.

After you create your design, Christy will give you options for assembling your piece and teach basic hand-stitching techniques. Finally, you’ll learn how to finish and display your one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Features legendary songwriters Cindy Morgan, Wil Nance and Jason Sever Cindy Morgan, Wil Nance and Jason Sever are a blend of GRAMMY® nominated, Dove award winning, chart-topping songwriters who’ve penned songs for George Strait, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw and many more! Showcasing their mission to support the military community, Operation Song will be presenting a songwriter event at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. District 113 NC State Representative Jake Johnson is scheduled to appear. Operation Song will also be honoring local hero, Major General Jack A. Davis and his family. Major General Davis served in the United States Marine Corps for 37 years. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran and an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon. If unable to attend, please consider a donation at www.operationsong.org or text “SONG” to 615-471-6008. You can also download our app at: https://subsplash.com/operationsong/app! Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pairs Nashville Songwriters with veterans, active duty, and their family members to tell their story through the process of songwriting. To learn more visit www.operationsong.org & like us on socials. Operation Song® is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #46-5442758). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Shibori, the Japanese art of tie dying, looks a lot more complicated than it actually is. You can create beautiful, random patterns by simply wrapping string around cloth and dying it, or you can make more intricate, intentional designs by stitching your “resists” instead.

In this captivating, four-hour workshop, textile artist Camille Duanno will teach you how to create three stitched shibori patterns: wood grain, circular, and free-form.

Everyone will leave the class with three cotton squares (two 22” x 22” squares and one 17” x 17” square) that can be framed, turned into pillows, or incorporated into other projects. Each student’s pieces will be unique because each woman will stitch them differently, but they will ALL be exquisite!”

No stitching or dying experience necessary!

Instructor: Kim Smith
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Materials & Tools Needed: Small, sharp scissors and an apron or clothes that can be stained. You may also want to bring some fun papers, washi tape, and/or scraps of ribbons or fabrics. All other materials will be provided.

Do you have lots of creative materials hanging around but aren’t sure what to do with them? Here’s your chance to learn how to pull all that great stuff together to create unique mixed media works of art. With instructor Kim Smith’s training as an art teacher and professional artist, you’re sure to be successful regardless of your previous collage or mixed media experience!

In this inspiring workshop, you’ll start by learning techniques to bring depth and interest to mixed media collage backgrounds. Then, Kim will teach you how to select, layer, and properly adhere multiple mediums to create a colorful, layered, mixed media collage. In the process, you’ll learn how to apply principals of design and color theory to your work.

This course will introduce beginners to basic mixed media collaging concepts and provide intermediate creators some new techniques and best practices. Students of all levels have found success working with Kim-and they’ve had a ton of fun doing it!

No previous drawing, painting, or collaging experience necessary!

The Veterans Healing Farm, in collaboration with LivingWorks is offering
safeTALK, a 4-hour training that equips people to be more alert to
persons thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with
further help.
What Will You Learn?
In LivingWorks safeTALK you will learn how to reach out to someone thinking about
suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.
 Your role as a connector is the main focus of this training.
 You will also be encouraged and empowered to talk openly with someone about
suicide through a 4-step model.
 Overcoming personal and community attitudes to seeking and providing help is a
key theme of this training.
 A growing body of published research and evaluation supports the value of this
training to individuals and organizations while informing program improvements.
 Over 800,000 people have attended this training since its inception.
How Will You Learn?
We aim to provide a safe learning environment. The learning process includes:
 Trainer presentations, facilitated discussion, and skills practice.
 Videos that illustrate what happens when signs of suicide are overlooked, and how
you can contribute to safe outcomes when these signs are heard and addressed.
 Opportunities to further explore organizational applications of the training.
 Direct and honest discussion about suicide is encouraged. While sometimes
challenging, this prepares helpers to openly approach people with thoughts of
suicide and connect them with further help.
Who Should Attend?
 Anyone aged 15+ years is encouraged to take LivingWorks safeTALK.
 It will prepare you to raise and respond to concerns about suicide in relationships
with family, friends, and co-workers.
 It will equip you to build a culture of safety from suicide in your organization or
community.
 You can play a vital connector role in what LivingWorks has called a Networks of
Safety.

There is no instructional cost to attend this class but each participant is required to
purchase the ASIST participant kit, $43.25 each, plus $3.00 shipping costs.

What Will You Learn?
In LivingWorks ASIST you will learn how to help someone thinking about suicide develop
a personalized SafePlan to keep safe-for-now and connect with further help.
 You will learn to apply a Safety Framework to guide the development of this
SafePlan through a collaborative helping relationship.
 You will also consider how personal and community attitudes about suicide affect
someone’s openness to seek help and your ability to provide it.
 This workshop will increase your willingness, confidence, and capacity to provide
suicide first aid.
 A growing body of published research and evaluation supports the value of this
training to individuals and organizations while informing program improvements.
 More than one million people have attended LivingWorks ASIST globally over 35
years.
How Will You Learn?
We aim to provide a safe learning environment. The learning process includes:
 Trainer presentations and powerful videos to stimulate discussion and support
learning
 Extensive opportunities for skills practice
 Shared participant experiences that enrich learning
 Trainer-facilitated workgroups to optimize participation
 Direct and honest discussion about suicide is encouraged. While sometimes
challenging, this prepares helpers to openly approach people with thoughts of
suicide, and to help them keep safe.
Commented [AY1]:
Who Should Attend?
 Anyone aged 16+ years is encouraged to take LivingWorks ASIST.
 It provides a suicide first-aid intervention model for relationships with family,
friends, and co-workers. It can also be incorporated into more formal helping roles
such as counseling, health care, crisis services, or chaplaincy.
 You can play a vital role in creating Networks of Safety from suicid

Nonprofits, schools, and community organizations, you’re invited to join a special training on Tuesday, October 4th, hosted by the Cleveland, Henderson, McDowell, and Rutherford County Chambers of Commerce and Meta’s Forest City Data Center. 

*Enjoy dynamic speakers and networking while spending a gorgeous WNC fall day rejuvenating*
HEAL presents professional development and networking opportunities as well as education for the general public.
Our conference addresses disordered eating and eating disorders recovery by presenting experts from various sectors of the industry.
This year we are hosting a 1/2 day of CE sessions and a 1/2 day retreat with care-for-the-provider sessions and connection!

Spend a relaxing afternoon immersed in flowers. Take in fall mountain views, tour the Blazing Star Flowers area, and learn about sustainable growing methods. Watch a demonstration to learn general design principals, then create your own centerpiece to take home. All levels of experience are welcome. Small group size. Light refreshments will be provided, and the $125 cost includes all tools and materials. Blazing Star Flowers is one of the entrepreneurial farm businesses in SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.

Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or are looking to refresh your watercolor skills, veteran artist and instructor Terrilynn Dubreuil will teach you everything you need to jump into—or jump back into—this relaxing medium!

In this explorative, four-week course, you’ll learn basic watercolor concepts, including paintbrush usage, color theory, color mixing, color application, composition, and other watercolor approaches and techniques. You’ll reference simple photos to practice your new skills and, over time, begin to develop or hone your unique painting style! The class will include informal critiques for greater learning and understanding.

No previous drawing or painting experience necessary!

Some of our greatest art has come in response to the pain of this world: war, accident, crime and punishment, physical and mental illness, racial and class-based inequities. As Asheville resident Nancy Sehested has written, “The deeply human questions of forgiveness, redemption, and mercy emerge from the ruins of broken lives…Pain is not the last word.”

On eight evenings from September to December, the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and the West Asheville Library will celebrate four memoirs of resilience and hope from the mountains of Western North Carolina. All events are free and will be at the West Asheville Library, except for the digital event on December 8.

About the Wilma Dykeman Legacy

The Wilma Dykeman Legacy is a tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 2012 to sustain and promote Wilma Dykeman’s values by sponsoring diverse workshops, events, and other programs.  The core values of this extraordinary woman from Buncombe County included environmental integrity, social justice, and the power of the written and spoken word.  For more information, visit www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org.

Michigan-based Mosaic Artist Michelle Sider is presenting a one-time workshop this October in Asheville, N.C. Titled “Michelle Sider: Engaging. Dynamic. Realism” the three-day course will apply classical art guidelines, thoughtful design and modern art principles to encourage students to create stunning, realistic and expressive mosaics.

Sider is a visiting artist invited by Linda Pannullo Mosaics to present this program. It’s ideal for intermediate artists looking to elevate their skills. And for Sider, there’s no time like October to enjoy the natural beauty of this region. Much of her work is inspired by the fiery sunsets over Michigan’s lakes and graceful wildlife.

Linda Pannullo said she is “very excited to have an artist of this caliber for the first time in Asheville, North Carolina. I am always looking for ways to take my mosaics to the next level and this 3-day immersion with Michelle Sider – with her years of experience as an art teacher and mosaicist – will accomplish that.”

🍂Registration is now open for October’s Cozy Up for Fall Retreat!🍂

RELAX, RECHARGE & BE INSPIRED with our 2-hour live spiritual retreat.
Wednesday, October 19th 7 pm to 9 pm ET

https://soulkyst.com/virtual-spiritual-retreats/

Opening Meditation and Closing Visualization
Facilitated by Randi Botnick

EFT Pro Tapping Workshop
Facilitated by Karen Berzanski

During this retreat, you’ll learn how to use the mind-body tool, Pro EFT™ Tapping to:

Look at the past year and identify what you want to release and let go of
Get super clear on what you want and don’t want moving into the final months of the year
Leave with inspired ideas on how to create the most luxurious and pleasurable holiday season you’ve ever experienced.
Take these 2 hours of well-deserved relaxation time to slow down and reset, and experience personal breakthroughs.

For more details and to register: https://soulkyst.com/virtual-spiritual-retreats/

We will begin with a 1-hour small engine diagnostic, repair, and maintenance demonstration led by Community Farm Manager Chris Link. The workshop will be followed at 6 pm by a “Repair Cafe“, which helps folks repair household goods. This Repair Cafe session will be especially well-equipped for small engines and other farm/garden related jobs like blade sharpening, handle replacements, and power tool repair. FREE and open to the public