• a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
• well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
• a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
• communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
• vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
• and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.

WORK OF THE WEEK Jeff Koons’s One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Silver Series) is currently on view in the Museum’s Artistic Tribute: Representation of the Athlete exhibition. Keira Ezzo, summer 2021 communications – multimedia storytelling intern, shares her take on this work for our Work of the Week. Read more about this work on the blog.

ENGAGE WITH THE MUSEUM FROM HOME

• Explore the Collection and exhibitions virtually on our website.
• Get to know our staff and volunteers, take deeper dives into artwork with our Works of the Week, and more on the Museum blog.
• Catch up on past virtual programs, check out artist interviews, and learn about the history of Pack Square on our YouTube channel.
• Play “I Spy” with your kids using artwork from our Collection.
• Color our Collection (kids and adults) with downloadable coloring sheets and note cards.
• Follow us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Check back often for new content that provides inspiration, calm, comfort, and yes, even some fun during this unprecedented time.

About Bearfootin’ Art Walk

Since 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the non-profit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2020, the Bears raised more than $84,000, and in 2021 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

2021 Bearfootin’ Auction

The 2021 Bears are currently stationed along Main Street until the auction in October. Check out our 2021 Bearfootin’ Bears!

Until 2020, the Bearfootin’ auctions were hosted in traditional style with a live auctioneer. Then, in response to the pandemic, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville pivoted to a virtual format for the 2020 auction. The virtual bidding format allowed people to bid over the course of a month until a scheduled bidding cutoff. This turned out to be a big success, with the 2020 auction raising more than $84,000. 

For the 2021 Auction, the Downtown Events Team and Friends of Downtown Hendersonville staff are incorporating the virtual bidding format with an in-person event. This means bidders will be able to begin bidding as early as September 15, 2021. Bidding will come to a close with an exciting in-person event on October 16 from 4-6:30pm, with all bidding closing at 6pm.

1. Bidding begins on September 15, 2021 at 12pm and ends at 6pm EST on October 16, 2021. Stay tuned for the release of the bidding platform closer to September 15!

2.  All bidding will occur virtually. There will be no in-person bidding. However, there will be live bidding via phone/computer up until the bidding cut off at 6pm on October 16.

3.  It’s free to register to bid, and you can bid anytime between September 15 and the deadline at 6pm on October 16. Initial bids will take place via the bidding website (stay tuned for link!). Bidders will receive automatic text message notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid directly via text message.  

4. There will be an in-person countdown celebration on October 16 from 4-6:30 pm on the outdoor plaza at the Historic Train Depot at 650 Maple Street. The event will have a lively atmosphere with bells and cheers at each incoming bid, as well as live music, beer/wine and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public. While there will be no in-person bidding at the event, attendees can bid live via their cell phone. There will be an event information booth to help attendees get registered and begin bidding.

5. There will be no proxy bidding. Bidders will receive automatic text notification if they are outbid with the option to submit a new bid. There are no reserve/proxy bids, meaning you can’t set a price that the system will automatically bid for you. If you are outbid, you will need to place a higher bid if you wish to continue.   

6. Starting bids for all bears will be $1,500 and minimum bid increments are $100.  

7.  Any bear can be purchased at our “Buy Now” price of $10,000. The “Buy Now” option ends Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m.

8. Bidders do not have to attend the in-person event to be a winning bidder. For those who can’t attend the in-person event on October 16, we will conduct a virtual Facebook Live event of the auction on the Downtown Hendersonville page. We will start the off by introducing the bears and providing information about how to bid before the clock runs out. All bidding is automatically cut off at 6pm on October 16.

9. Winning bidders will be contacted regarding payment and picking up their bear via text and email. Bears can be picked up at the event, or during a scheduled “pick up window” the week following the event. Winners have 5 days to pay or they will be automatically charged on the credit card filed. Alternatively, winners can pay with cash or check. There will be a 2.95% processing fee on all credit card transactions. 

Celebrate the holiday season and the joy of live theater by becoming a sponsor for A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Your support sustains the impact of the performing arts on our hearts and minds as well as our local economy.
Act now!

The ideal volunteer tutor is someone seeking to make a one-year commitment of two hours per week to help someone else make the change of a lifetime. For our volunteer tutors, an education background is helpful, but not necessary. The most important qualities are patience, an open mind, and resourcefulness. Tutors also need to be non-judgmental and sensitive to cultural differences. A GED or high school diploma is required. Ideal tutors enjoy seeing concrete outcomes from their efforts and sharing in the life-changing successes of others. See our full tutor position description here.

Learn more about Literacy Together’s volunteer roles!

Buncombe County is beginning a comprehensive planning process and would like to hear from residents of all ages. The comprehensive plan is used by local governments as a broad, long-range planning tool for the community. Our plan will focus on the next 20-year period and will look at the relationships between land uses, infrastructure, and key community needs. Information regarding the comprehensive planning process will be available online and in all 12 Buncombe County Libraries starting in October.

Also during October, the libraries will provide an opportunity for children in Buncombe County to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Post Card Project.  Come to the library and pick up your craft kits (while supplies last) that include a postcard where kids can draw what they want their neighborhood to look like. This is a chance for young people to vote for their future and say what they want County government to address in the next 20 years. These postcards will give the County valuable input and may be featured in the final comprehensive plan!  If you have any questions, contact your neighborhood librarian or visit the Comprehensive Plan online.

As a part of this year’s budget process, City of Asheville staff heard from our community that new City investments in neighborhoods were very important.  To respond to that need the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget includes $200,000 to launch a Neighborhood Grant Program.

This program is designed specifically for neighborhood-based organizations:

• Neighborhood associations;
• Homeowners associations;
• Neighborhood coalitions; and
• Resident organizations in tax credit-funded communities.

These organizations must represent a specific geographic location within Asheville city limits and have completed or are in the process of completing their Neighborhood Registration Form.

What kinds of projects can be funded?

Neighborhoods are encouraged to submit creative project ideas such as landscaping, murals, festivals, community art and cultural festivals. Traffic calming, public safety, marking and branding and organizational development can also be considered.

The Neighborhood Grant Program’s goal is to build neighborhood capacity and increase civic participation. Projects must be achievable within 12 months of contract execution, and there must be a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, volunteer hours, or in-kind donation of goods or services.

Neighborhoods can submit applications from October 1 – 31.

Click here to go to the application.

Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting – Oct. 5, 2021

Consent Agenda 

• Approval of August 31, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes
• Approval of September 7, 2021 Briefing Minutes
• Approval of September 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Approval of September 21, 2021 Briefing Minutes
• Approval of September 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Tax Collection Report
• Approval of Library Fine Write Off
• Approval of Design Services Contract for Advanced Planning for Forward Facing Buildings
• Amended Resolution Establishing an Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee
• Budget Amendment for Supplemental Chafee (LINKS) Funding

Oct. 5 Update: COVID Cases Drop for Third Week; Buncombe County Nears 400 Deaths

For the third straight week, COVID-19 cases continue to decline, and the percent positivity is 6.7%, down from the mid-9% range a month ago. As transmission rates decrease, hospitalizations have also decreased. However, with 397 COVID-related deaths, Buncombe County is closing in on a grim milestone. Cases per 100,000 per week is now 216, and school-aged children make up approximately 24.5% of new cases.

“We anticipate children ages 5-11 to become eligible very soon, but until then, the rest of us need to do our part to keep our youngest protected,” said Public Health Director Stacie Saunders. “This means eligible populations who are not yet vaccinated should consider vaccination now. The more we as a community are protected, the better we build a shield around those who cannot be vaccinated, including our younger children.”

Because of sustained high transmission levels, the indoor face covering requirement for indoor public spaces has been extended until the end of October.

Help reach our matching gift challenge. We are halfway to our goal.

Need to get something off your chest about Buncombe County? Are you concerned about issues and areas where we could be providing better service? There’s a survey for that. Your voice can help change the future of Buncombe County. All we need is 10-15 minutes of your time.

Buncombe County is continually striving to make its strategic priorities a reality. To that end, we are launching the Buncombe County Community Survey to help us gather valuable input that will guide us in future decisions concerning everything from economic development, to County park facilities.  A randomly selected sample of County residents will receive the survey, and your anonymous answers will help drive key initiatives, programs, and identify other opportunities and challenges. “It is vitally important for residents to have the opportunity to share their opinions with us, and we hope the Community Survey provides one more avenue for that feedback,” says County Manager Avril Pinder.

The ETC Institute in partnership with Buncombe County’s Strategy & Innovation Department will administer the survey. Households will receive a questionnaire by mail, and staff asks that anyone 18 years or older complete and return it using the enclosed paid postage. The community survey is available in multiple languages, should take about 10-15 minutes of your time, and instructions are included to complete online or over the phone if needed. The survey will not ask residents to share any personal identifying information.

We thank you for your time and valuable insights as we continually evaluate our existing programs and resources while searching for new opportunities to better serve our community. Your voice is important and Buncombe County Government is committed to offering a broad range of opportunities for public input. If your household does not receive a survey we encourage residents to sign up for our e-newsletter at buncombecounty.org, or text bcalert to 99411 to stay informed about community meetings and engagement opportunities. To share your concerns anonymously please email [email protected].

Join a Volunteer Task Force! Our volunteer task forces work hard behind the scenes diving deep into issues affecting Asheville and Buncombe County. If you’re interested in becoming more involved by partnering up with other passionate community members, this is the place for you!   Plastics Reduction Task Force – Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm Join the PRTF Tree Protection Task Force – Meets on the last Monday of the month at noon. Contact [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

In this 1-hour program, Dr. David Moore, an archaeologist at Warren Wilson University, discusses the Joara Native American Village and Native resistance to the Spanish invasion of WNC in the 1500s. Dr. Moore has been involved with the archaeology of this site near modern Morganton, NC for nearly three decades. He describes the findings of ongoing excavations and places them in context with the culture of the Native peoples who eventually thwarted Spanish colonization attempts in the Appalachian Mountains.