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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, September 30, 2019
Youth Art Competition Application Deadline October 1, 2019
Sep 30 all-day

Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.

As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Council on Aging Offers Free Medicare Classes August-September
Oct 1 all-day
various see below

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) announces its classes “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle” for August – September 2019. The classes will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money.

The classes are free and open to the public.

Residents who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.

Medicare Classes:  August – September 2019

  • Aug. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PM Blue Ridge Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
  • Aug.  23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
  • Aug. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr, Brevard
  • Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Reuter YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
  • Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, One University Heights, Asheville
  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave #101, Asheville
  • Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
  • Sept. 25, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd, Black Mountain
  • Oct. 1, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Ferguson YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl, Candler
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 2 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Stephen St. Claire’s “Wild Places” Opening Reception
Oct 2 all-day
AC Hotel Asheville Downtown

Join AC Hotel Asheville to celebrate the arrival of Stephen St. Claire’s art series, “Wild Places.” Enjoy an exclusive look at his captivating paintings, conversation with the artist, light bites and cocktails. A percentage of all sales will go to support Children’s Welfare League. RSVP to [email protected]

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 2 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Storytime & Art
Oct 2 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Library

Come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones! The Education Department staff is visiting public libraries for preschool storytime at locations near your neighborhood.

Storytime & Art takes place at North Asheville Library on First Wednesdays.

Our program for preschool-aged students accompanied by an adult is at a library near you! During the school year, come join in the fun with stories and songs, then make a hands-on art project just for the little ones.

“Catch the Wave Celebration” River Link
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy

Earlier this year, the Friends of Woodfin Greenway & Blueway merged into RiverLink and we are honored and humbled to continue to work with the Friends group and leaders like Marc Hunt and Rick Lutovsky. We are also inspired by the Town of Woodfin for taking on such an ambitious project and to be involved in a larger partnership with Buncombe County for the construction of the Greenways and the Woodfin Whitewater Wave. This project furthers RiverLink’s traditional work to connect communities to the River and its Watershed.

This will be an exciting opportunity to learn more and to show your support for this important project.

 

Catch the Wave Celebration
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy

Join us for a night of celebration and fun October 2nd for our second annual Catch the Wave event hosted by RiverLink! We’ll have live music provided by The Barsters, awesome raffles, food, refreshments, and informational sessions providing updates on the project.

All proceeds from the event will help build the Greenway & Blueway so grab your friends and get ready for a good time!

For more information and tickets please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodfin-greenway-blueway-2nd-annual-catch-the-wave-celebration-tickets-69998580639

Special thanks to our amazing co-hosts: Asheville GreenWorks, MountainTrue, Connect Buncombe, and French Broad River Academy

RiverLink is the proud fundraising partner of the Town of Woodfin and Buncombe County Greenways.
__________________________________________________________________
AWESOME RAFFLE PRIZES
Grand Prize Items:
Homeslice Whitewater Kayak from Liquidlogic Kayaks
Raft, Zipline, Yurt Package from Wildwater Ltd.
Bike from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
Jackson Cruise FlexDrive Fishing Kayak from Southern Raft Supply
Alloy Rim Wheelset and stem by Industry Nine

There will also be a dozen additional runner-up prizes

There will be a separate drawings for each. Raffle participants will put their ticket(s) toward whichever item(s) they wish.

**** YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN**** For those unable to attend the event, tickets for the raffle may be purchased online, and we’ll enter them for you. Winners will be notified by email.
__________________________________________________________________

*Children 12 and under may attend at no charge.

Learn more about the project at https://riverlink.org/

Catch the Wave Celebration River Link
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy

Join us for the 2nd annual Catch the Wave Celebration on October 2nd at the French Broad River Academy in Woodfin. This is the primary fundraising event for the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway Project, and it’s sure to be a good time! There will be a raffle of amazing prizes donated by a variety of local businesses, live music, food and beverages, and informational presentations given by key project stakeholders.
All proceeds from the event will support the project mission of creating new parks and expanding greenway access in the Woodfin area.
Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.  
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-style circus tour to perform in Asheville performing at Asheville Outlets October 2-20, 2019
Oct 2 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Outlets

– The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-Style Circus will return to Asheville, NC with performances at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC from October 2-20, 2019. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos (veh-NARR-dos) in 2014, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class animal-free circus acts into a Broadway musical-style format dubbed, “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.” A big hit with local families in 2018, The Venardos Circus is excited to be back in town!

Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition; but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. With an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, hand-balancing/contortion, comedy, daredevilry, magic, musical production and much more, this amazing circus experience will truly delight adults and kids of all ages. Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating. The circus performers also are the crew in this 15-person traveling tour who are completely self-contained, much like the original circus tradition.

“Circus is part of America’s cultural fabric and we want to keep that tradition alive for generations to come,” explained Ringmaster Kevin Venardos. “We look forward to bringing our Broadway-style circus show into Asheville again!”

An interactive pre-show party begins one hour before each show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. Classic circus treats like popcorn, nachos, fresh-made cotton candy and natural pink lemonade and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission. Complete show schedule available at www.VenardosCircus.com.

General Admission Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 12 yrs. Babes in arms are free with a paying adult (24 months and younger). Premium Reserved seating is priced from $35 to $45.

Full details at www.Liveyourcircusdream.com.

About Venardos Circus
The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-Style Circus performance, has been touring the U.S. since its debut at the L.A. County Fair in 2014. It is reinventing the American Circus tradition for a new generation with Broadway-style flair; bringing joy to people across the U.S. Theatre lovers and nostalgic circus fans alike will appreciate the intimate experience and sentimental way the show pays homage to circus traditions through the lens of high-quality entertainment for a modern family audience

Thursday, October 3, 2019
Pisgah Legal Services Justice Forum featuring Jose Antonio Vargas
Oct 3 all-day
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Please join Pisgah Legal Services on October 3 as Jose Antonio Vargas headlines the 9th Annual Justice Forum. Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants. He is the Founder and CEO of Define American, the nation’s leading nonprofit media organization that promotes justice for immigrants through the power of storytelling.
This year’s Forum is FREE but registration is required at www.pisgahlegal.org/justiceforum.

Limited tickets are available for the pre-forum reception for $60 per person.

Purchase tickets and register for the FREE forum at www.pisgahlegal.org/justiceforum.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 3 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
SPARC After Dark
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Boathouse at Smoky Park Supper Club

Let your little light shine for The SPARC Foundation as we sparkle and glow (feel free to wear your boldest and brightest) along the French Broad River! Hosted by Asheville Affiliates, SPARC After Dark will light up the night to raise funds for programs working to keep people out of institutional care. Modern Strangers will fill the autumn air with high-energy music… and the event will overflow with tasty local food and drinks from Urban Orchard, Roots Hummus, Catabaw Brewing, Mellow Mushroom, and more. Expect spectacular raffle packages and local prizes.

The SPARC Foundation empowers marginalized people with individualized support; increasing self-sufficiency, family health and community safety. Our mission is to keep residents of Western North Carolina out of institutional care. SPARC’s programs focus on: – keeping adults out of prisons and mental health facilities – keeping children out of foster care or group homes – re-educating domestic abusers; teaching them new methods of interacting with intimate partners and family members – supervising and facilitating DSS court-ordered family visits and coaching parents as they learn new parenting skills – ensuring access to nutritious, free food for low income residents living in designated “food desserts” – offering Family Centered Treatment; in-home therapy designed to support reuniting families – assisting former inmates with employment, education and housing opportunities to increase their chances of success upon re-entering society and decrease recidivism www.thesparcfoundation.org
9th Annual Justice Forum Pisgah Legal Jose Antonio Vargas
Oct 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – US Cellular Center

Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author of Dear America: Notes of An Undocumented Citizen and a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants. He is the Founder and CEO of Define American, the nation’s leading nonprofit media organization that fights injustice and anti-immigrant hate through the power of storytelling.
Mr. Vargas will share details of his childhood journey to the United States from the Philippines and his life in America as an immigration reform activist. Some have called him the most famous undocumented immigrant in America.

This is a free event. Registration necessary to save your spot.**

Friday, October 4, 2019
Standing Strong Seeks Sponsors
Oct 4 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

JOIN US for standing strong!

Please join us on the evening of Thursday October 24, 2019 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. This event supports the quality health care and education programs that Planned Parenthood provides in the Asheville community.                                                                                                    STANDING STRONG details

Sponsor Lunch with Irin: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sponsor Reception with Irin: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Main Program: 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Private Champagne and Dessert Reception  8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Sponsor Reception ($1,000+) begins at 5:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Guests will meet Irin Carmon and enjoy complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres before the program.

Doors open for all at 6:30 p.m. with curtain time at 7:00 p.m. in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Irin will deliver the keynote address.

To close out an evening supporting our critical work, sponsors ($500 – $150) are invited to the Private Champagne and Dessert Reception immediately following the program.

Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 4 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Wetland Forest Priority Maps
Oct 4 all-day

Cypress Tree

Restoring and protecting wetland forests in the US South will provide extensive financial, social, and environmental benefits. We hope that you’ll visit the Wetland Forest Priority Maps and explore the information and stories found within.

We’ve highlighted fourteen potential watersheds to prioritize for conservation work in wetland forests, including:

  • The Lower Pee Dee Watershed in coastal South Carolina and North Carolina
  • The Apalachicola Watershed in the panhandle of Florida and inland Georgia
  • The Atchafalaya Watershed in Louisiana
  • The Mobile-Bay Tombigbee Watershed in Alabama

These are the watersheds that we may look to when developing relationships with landowners, working with community members on flood resilience, or improving wildlife habitat in the region.

The Wetland Forest Priority Maps identify high priority watersheds based on wildlife, human communities, and threats. Wa

Street Creatures & Dancing Beasts Exhibit
Oct 4 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Area Arts Council

Please join us on October 4, from 5 to 8 pm for the opening party. Performance of “Nona’s Cooking Show” marionette show is at 6:30.

Exhibit open 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, at 207 Coxe Ave, downtown Asheville, through October 25.

“Street Creatures and Dancing Beasts” will celebrate Asheville’s vibrant puppetry scene as an Asheville Area Arts Council exhibit. It will display puppets made by local artists showing diverse styles and forms in a range of sizes and materials. A menagerie of animals, both real and imaginary, will  dance around the gallery. Puppetry is often relegated to the world of children’s entertainment, but this art form is ancient, multi faceted and almost limitless in scope. It requires the skills of an artist, tinkerer and performer, writer, musician and dancer.

Curator and artist Jennifer Murphy is one of the founders of Street Creature Puppet Collective, and “den mother” of the Puppet Clubhouse, a bright and lively community art space in North Asheville. Her work brings nature and myth together in ecological pageants. The other artists included use diverse visual styles and approaches.

Represented are long time puppetry master Hobey Ford, winner of puppetry’s highest honor, the UNIMA Citation of Excellence; Luce Romaldini, who’s rough charming cardboard figures tell uncomfortable truths; Edwin Salas, international puppeteer and dancer who conjures strange creatures of the dark side; Jim Julien, graphic designer and co-director of the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival; Chris Eizember, creative tinkerer and bamboo sculptor; Geneva Bierce-Wilson, fiber artist, inventor and maker of small dragons and large worms; and Street Creature Puppet Collective, a community of collaborative parade puppet makers.

“A Tribute To The Feminine Spirit” A Solo Art Show by Stuart Engel
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ZaPow Gallery

Stuart Engel has been painting and drawing for his entire life. In the late 70’s he started his professional art career after moving to Boulder, CO, from the DC area. Since then Stuart has raised three girls, participated in numerous Gallery Shows, and sold his art worldwide to collectors. Since moving to Asheville 19 years ago, he has shown at such notable places as Zapow Gallery, The Woolworth Walk, and The Official Warren Christmas Jam Art Show.
Over the years, Stuart has been primarily known for creating dynamic portraits of musicians with acrylic paint and sand. He says he is inspired by “music, color, and the search to capture the feeling of movement.” Indeed, these paintings express the spirit of music and dance in a way that is undeniably one of a kind.
For the past three years, however, Stuart has shifted his focus away from musicians to a new body of work, consisting of six separate themed shows. “A Tribute To The Feminine Spirit,” the first of these shows to debut publicly, will explore feminine themes and how they inspire the artist.
“A Tribute To The Feminine Spirit” opens October 4th, with a reception from 7-9pm at ZaPow Gallery. The show runs through October 26th.
More information:
Website: Stuart-Engel.artistwebsites.com
Instagram: @stuartengel42
Facebook: StuArtOriginals

An Evening with Cornflower
Oct 4 @ 7:00 pm – Oct 5 @ 10:00 pm
Violet Owl Wellness

? ASHEVILLE CONCERT THIS FRIDAY!

I am STOKED to bring this transformational music and movement concert experience to the Asheville Community at Violet Owl Wellness in Downtown Asheville!

Asheville was an oasis for me growing up in East Tennessee. I could just drive over the most beautiful mountains to find myself in a fresh new perspective on life. I saw some of the best concerts in Asheville while in high school and it is full circle for me to now bring my music to this beautiful city.

RSVP now @ Cornflower at Asheville NC and tag (or invite) your Asheville friends in the comments below!

See you on the Dance Floor!
ALL LOVE, Cornflower

Saturday, October 5, 2019
Foster Parent Training Classes Announced for 2020
Oct 5 all-day
with in Buncombe County

News
                            article image

You might have heard about the need to recruit more foster parents in Buncombe County. “We currently have 300 kids in foster care in Buncombe County,” says Heather Hill-Pavone, Buncombe County Licensing Social Worker. “Only some of those kids get to stay in Buncombe County as we only have 100 licensed foster homes with BCHHS.” We need your help to let people in our community know about the upcoming Foster Parent Training Classes happening in 2020!

These courses begin the licensure process for becoming a foster parent. They are offered quarterly, for anyone in Buncombe County, who is interested in becoming a foster parent. While the next round of Foster Parent Training Classes starts on September 11, the classes for 2020 are NOW on the calendar! You can sign up by clicking this link.

2020 Schedule: 

  • Winter Classes: Jan 16, 2020 through Feb 20, 2020 (Thursdays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
  • Spring Classes: March 25, 2020 through April 29, 2020 (Wednesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden, NC
  • Summer Classes: June 2, 2020 through July 7, 2020 (Tuesdays) at Biltmore Church in Arden
  • Fall Classes: September 14, 2020 through October 19, 2020 (Mondays) at Buncombe County Health and Human Services in Downtown Asheville
Wands for Wildlife collection has begun!
Oct 5 all-day
October is here!! Wands are being accepted throughout the month. Please go to the website for the form to send in with them and more information. SHARE THIS FORWARD! ????
www.wandsforwildlife.org

Since March of 2017 the Wands for Wildlife program has grown and spread all over the world! Engaging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take action, help the planet and save wild lives.
One Wander (wand donor) from Poland shared, “I am so happy that good people still exist in the world.”
From a Preschool teacher in Illinois, “I was unsure if my preschoolers would understand conservation and pollution, but starting with taking care of animals was the perfect way to start the unit since it was a more concrete idea and something they had prior knowledge about.”
Link to post that went up announcing the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ‘Wands for Wildlife’ drive for October has begun….
Swannanoa Community Yard Sale
Oct 5 @ 8:00 am – 1:15 pm
Ingles Parking Lot

Giant Yard Sale in Swannanoa. Visit website if you want to rent a booth to sell.

PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids)
Oct 5 @ 8:30 am – 9:45 am
First Congregational Church Library

You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West.  It’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s about getting on with life.

Sand Hill Community Garden Workday
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
BC Sports Park

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

Thomas Wolfe Birthday Celebration
Oct 5 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Free tours for North Carolina residents. Used book sale cake to celebrate!

…she gave to Luck’s Lad the title of Eugene, a name which, beautifully, means “well born,” but which, as any one will be able to testify, does not mean, has never meant, “well bred.”

“Surface Embellishments” demonstration workshop Cynthia Lee
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Riverview Station

Cynthia Lee will demonstrate a plethora of surface embellishments that will include materials like grog, handmade rollers, and found objects. Effects will be applied with the use of stencils, paper, terra sigilliata, and washes. Discussions will include creating a surface to convey self-expression and how that connects to your body of work. The demonstrations will utilize these surfaces to hand build sculptural wall boxes.

52nd Bascom Lamar Lundsford “Minstrel Of Appalachia” Festival
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Mars Hill University

The Lunsford Festival is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as the “Minstrel of the Appalachians.” The festival, which is now in its 52nd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers.  It happens on the same day as the Madison Heritage Arts Festival, so downtown will be abuzz. Join us in honoring the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!

10:00-5:00: Concert on the Upper Quad
11:00: Presentation of the Lunsford Award
12:00-1:00: Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Dulcimer, Shaped Note Workshops
1:15-2:00: Open jam (Sunken Garden)
1:30-3:30: Ballad Swap (Blackwell Hall)
5:30-7:30: Community Dance (Chambers Gym)

 

American Craft Week Haywood Comm. College
Oct 5 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Haywood Community College Creative Arts Building

Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts and Continuing Education faculty and students will celebrate American Craft Week with an Open House and Visiting Artist Lecture Series in the Creative Arts Building. Kicking off the event, the Open House will be held Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Demonstrations in each medium of clay, fiber, jewelry and wood will happen throughout the building. Refreshments will be served. This is a chance to meet the faculty and students and to learn more about the professional crafts programs and classes. In addition, there will be a Graduates of 2019 show in the Mary Cornwell Gallery.

The celebration will continue with three visiting artists during fall semester. The first visit will be East Fork Pottery discussing marketing Wednesday, October 9, 3-5 p.m. in Creative Arts Building, room 7105. John Vigeland, Connie Matisse and Alex Matisse, the founding members of East Fork Pottery, will be on campus to give an in-depth lecture on their marketing strategy.

The Visiting Artist Series will continue with Michael Manes of Blue Spiral 1 Gallery Thursday, October 10, 9 a.m. for a Working with Galleries presentation. Manes brings experience from the sectors of education, art museums and art consultation, having worked with numerous artists, non-profit organizations, and art and craft collectors. His presentation at HCC will draw from all of these experiences to illustrate the finer points for artists working with gallery representation including pricing strategies, maintaining strong professional relationships and what is important for artists to know from the curator’s and the collector’s point of view.

The final artist in the series will be ceramicist Margaret Bohls Friday, November 1, 4 p.m. Bohls will discuss her career as a ceramic artist and university professor.