Artsville Collective proudly presents the Virtual Gallery of Artists (VGA) program,
an initiative designed to help elevate the careers of local artists. VGA offers artists a unique
opportunity to gain global exposure, valuable marketing skills, and an array of promotional
resources. The VGA program invites individual artists to apply for three months of marketing
exposure through print, digital, and podcast platforms. Artsville provides guidance on building
relationships with the press and art buyers, empowering artists by coming alongside them and
forming connections. Notably, Artsville does not take any commissions on art sales, ensuring
artists keep their full earnings.
Nine artists introduced in first cohort from Oct- Jan include a carefully curated group
showing diversity in age, mediums, experience and exposure in the art markets so they may also
learn from each other. Meet Amy Massey, Candice Hensley, Elizabeth Walton, Georgia Deal,
Jean McLaughlin, Joseph Pearson, Max Cooper, Selene Plum, and Wendy Newman.
Accessible only online, Artsville’s VGA also provides VGA artists a comprehensive toolkit,
including newsletters, podcasts, discussion groups, and learning programs. Committed artists
who actively participate can earn recognition and further opportunities, such as involvement in
Artsville events, pop-up exhibits, and networking groups. In preparation for the holiday season,
Artsville will also present a curated holiday catalog of handmade gifts, offering a unique
opportunity for VGA participants to showcase their work to a wider audience.
Artsville Collective is dedicated to supporting and empowering the artistic community in
Western North Carolina. For further information about Artsville programs and opportunities,
contact Meredith McBride at [email protected] or 828-216-8050. Images and

Instagram- ArtsvilleUSA
Facebook- ArtsvilleCollective

Since 2005, the Asheville Habitat ReStore has
hosted a bi-monthly Silent Auction featuring a vast array of items including turn-of-the-
century furniture, antique toys, vintage bicycles and sports memorabilia, all sort of
collectibles, locally made art, and occasionally items so rare and unique that no one
even knows what they are.
The auction running November 1 st through the 15 th will be particularly special. The
curated items are all locally handmade and contributed by Asheville Habitat staff
and core volunteers! Nearly 30 staffers and volunteers donated their art, and there will
be over 90 items to bid on including stained glass, wood-turned pieces, pottery, oil
paintings, and much more.

Buncombe County Special Collections is excited to announce a call for proposals for the third year of its creative residency program.

This is an annual opportunity for artists in Buncombe County to create new, research-driven creative work using BCSC’s historic resources as source material and/or inspiration, and to present their work in the Carolina Record Shop, a dedicated exhibition space in the BCSC reading room. Artists age 18 and up, based in Buncombe County, working in any creative discipline are invited to apply.

Buncombe County Special Collections is looking for projects that will:

• Offer new, diverse perspectives on our shared history
• Identify and address gaps and/or amplify narratives that are historically underrepresented in the collection
• Educate and inspire non-traditional users of archives and special collections to engage with the collection in new ways.

More information (including the PDF of the call for proposals) is available at here. The 2024 Creative Residency is made possible in part by the Trust Fund for Buncombe County Public Libraries.

You can also visit Buncombe County Special Collections in the lower level of Pack Memorial to view the current exhibition in the Carolina Record Shop, “Belonging & Non-Belonging: The History and Future of Zines in Western North Carolina,” curated by 2023 resident Miles Lamberson.

Food Scraps Drop Off

The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents.  This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Register for Food Scraps Drop Off

Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin?  Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.

Locations

Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot

749 Fairview Road, Asheville

• • Dawn – Dusk

Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot

30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville

• • Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.

West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building

942 Haywood Road, Asheville

• • Library open hours
  • Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center

    85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander

    • • Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm

Zumba Mondays: 6-7 pm
Take the work out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for
an interval style, calorie-burning dance fitness party.

Brain Dance & Play Wednesdays: 10-11 am

Improve your memory, coordination and energy levels with the “Brain Dance”.
Transform your workout into a playful experience by discovering new and joyous
ways to move your body.

Slow Flow Yoga Thursdays: 1:15-2:15 pm

Give yourself a needed break with guided gentle yoga poses to stretch your body
and relax your mind.

Barre Sculpt & Tone Fridays: 11:15-11:45 am

Medium intensity class to build strength, endurance, and muscle tone using 1-5lb
weights for upper body , Pilates based core work, and ballet barre sequence for
mobility and strength.

Pre-registration encouraged, call us at 828-254-7206
to sign up for a FREE class or start your FREE 7-Day Trial
membership at ywcaofasheville.org
185 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
All classes are subject to change, call or stop by for a new schedule.

An open burning ban is in effect for Buncombe County starting at noon on Oct. 31.Due to adverse atmospheric conditions, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal has issued the ban in accordance with North Carolina Fire Prevention Code 307.1 and the Buncombe County Fire Prevention Ordinance. Those conditions include high fire danger, low humidity, and strong gusty winds.This ban includes the burning of yard waste, debris, or land clearing burns. This ban does not include fires contained in a pit, barbecue grill, or chimnea device smaller than three feet in diameter.Burning anything other than naturally occurring vegetation is always banned. The burning ban will be in effect until Friday Nov. 3 at noon when the fire danger and gusty wind are expected to decrease.You can check if open burning is allowed anytime by visiting the County Fire Marshal’s website Fire Marshal – Buncombe County Emergency Services | Asheville

More than half a million low-income, uninsured North Carolinians will gain access to comprehensive health coverage when Medicaid expansion launches on December 1, 2023.

Pisgah Legal is here to help people in Western North Carolina enroll in Medicaid and understand their options for coverage. Pisgah Legal has spent a decade advocating for this change and is proud to help make it a reality for people in this region.

“Medicaid expansion is going to save lives,” said Chief Operations Officer Jaclyn Kiger. “This is a momentous occasion and Pisgah Legal is thrilled to be in a position to help guide people through this process.”

Kiger continued: “Each and every person has a right to health care. Pisgah Legal Services will continue to advocate and strive for a future where everyone can access the care they deserve.”

Pisgah Legal is poised to help people start the Medicaid enrollment process as soon as expansion launches. Pisgah Legal’s certified Navigators help local people find quality, affordable health insurance plans.

Pisgah Legal also helps people who have had their Medicaid terminated during the unwinding period that began in April 2023. If you or someone you know has lost coverage, Pisgah Legal can help you determine if you’re eligible for a plan on the Healthcare.gov Marketplace and can help you access legal resources. Pisgah Legal’s NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program can help current Medicaid beneficiaries who are experiencing problems with their plans.

To make an appointment for free help enrolling in Medicaid or exploring your options, visit http://www.pisgahlegal.org/health or call 828-210-3404.

Enter to win a private catered dinner in the Museum’s Perspective Café by Celine & Company Asheville Art Museum is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a ’70s-themed dance party and silent auction Saturday, November 4. To mark this special occasion, we have an exciting raffle offer! Enjoy an exquisite dining experience by Celine & Company at the Museum. With its stunning views and artistic ambiance, the Perspective Café is the perfect setting for a memorable evening with friends, family, or colleagues while enjoying Asheville’s finest catering cuisine. Prize: Dinner for up to 8 people in the Museum’s Perspective Café by Celine & Company Ticket Options: $100 for one or $500 for six. Certain restrictions apply. Value: $11,000 The winner will be awarded on November 4. Attendance at our 75th Anniversary dance party is optional but not required to purchase this raffle item. As a nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on the generous support of our community members. Without you, we couldn’t do what we do—offer exciting exhibitions and engaging programs throughout the year. Purchase Raffle Tickets

As the summer is waning and the leaves change colors, anglers across the country eagerly await the start of fall fishing season in some of America’s most attractive locations. To help anglers plan their ideal adventure, FishingBooker has created a list of the 9 Best Fall Fishing Destinations for 2023. The Berkshires have been named at the top of the list. Here’s why:

Fall foliage is the perfect setting for chasing that trophy-sized catch while enjoying the scenic beauty of the landscapes along the way, and the Berkshires encompass it all. Comprised of extensive forests, breathtaking Appalachian trails, and numerous rivers and lakes, this region is beyond wonderful. If you’re an angler, hearing about mountain rivers and fall fishing probably tells you a lot about the species you can target in this region. The cold waters that run through the Berkshires are a fly fishing heaven.

To provide readers with an immersive experience of the beauty and excitement the Berkshires offer, here is a custom-made video we have created specifically for this destination. This video showcases the finest fishing spots, expert insights, and professional narration that will capture the attention of your audience.

The full unranked list of 9 best fall fishing destinations includes:

• Berkshires, MA

• San Diego, CA

• Casper, WY

• Lake of the Ozarks, MO

• Grayling, MI

• Buffalo, NY

• Virginia Beach, VA

• Asheville, NC

• Kissimmee, FL

About FishingBooker:

With an offer of more than 42,000 fishing trips spanning over 2,000 cities across 110 countries, FishingBooker has gained the trust of countless fishing enthusiasts. Our platform has enabled hundreds of thousands of anglers to embark on fishing trips and create long-lasting memories with friends and family across the US – and beyond. By connecting anglers with skilled captains and the best fishing locations, we are committed to making fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Here is a Dropbox folder that contains a long-form video of all destinations, as well as an additional image you may need if you decide to cover the story. Please feel free to use any of the materials included in the link, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

One of Lem’s first decisions after opening River Arts District Brewing Company was to get this giant Silver Maple recognized as a Treasured Tree. We estimate this beautiful tree to be around 124 years old.   Thank you Lem & the rest of the RAD Brewing Company for honoring the oldest trees in our urban canopy! If you are interested in dedicating a tree of your own, check out our website for the Treasured Tree application.

At Better Than Unicorns we seek the most curious souls, those who ask questions, those who dare to make demands, and those who can’t resist exploring ideas old or new… If that’s you, get your things packed… for adventure awaits! We want to make the VR journey as accessible as possible. The experience we’re committed to sharing with as many people as possible is aNUma, a psychedelic-like journey where you can experience the most unique moments of life… from the oneness in us all to experiencing the fullness of the field surrounding each of us. If you own your own headset, simply email us for an invitation to our twice monthly, guided experiences in aNUma. If you don’t own a headset, you can rent one from us for 24 hours.

Want to come in to the studio with a few friends to explore the wider world of the metaverse? Book a party with us for up to six folks. Get in for your next team building experience, combining our decades of experience in coaching, experiential education and facilitating containers for transformation in one powerful 90-minute session.