Bender Gallery is honored to present One Day I Will Disappear, a solo exhibition of current paintings by Czech American artist Tom Pazderka. His captivating work is deeply personal and is an elegant metaphor for life’s darker side: of landscape, of nature, of memory. The exhibition runs from July 3 through August 31 during regular business hours. There will be an opening reception for Pazderka on Saturday July 3, from 6 to 9 PM by RSVP only.

Pazderka is a painter, an installation artist, an intellectual, and a writer who spent his undergraduate years in the Asheville area. He was born near Prague in 1981 during the waning of the Communist era in Czechoslovakia. He lived in a panelák, a Soviet-style concrete apartment block, until emigrating to the US in 1994 at the age of twelve. Contrary to what we may envision in America, Pazderka has fond memories of his time there. Although life was basic and creativity was not encouraged, his family was never in need and they enjoyed regular visits to their family cottage in the country. However, most of Pazderka’s life has been lived in the US and he also considers himself American. His work and life are deeply influenced by what he describes as the “incompleteness of the immigrant experience”. Pazderka explores humanity’s quest for a universal truth. The work reflects his reverence for history and the failed Soviet promise of utopia of his native land. It is thus a balancing act between this history and his assimilation into the capitalist consumer culture of the United States.

The works shown in One Day I Will Disappear consist of oil, ash, and charcoal paintings on burned panel and paper. They feature clouds, mountains, portraits, ephemera, and remnants of nature. They are conceptually dark, yet haunting and beautiful at the same time. Pazderka uses humble materials such as found plywood panels that he burns with a torch before beginning the painting process. He transforms the painting surface with the destructive, yet creative power of fire. He states, “Materials and process are components of the work that are as important as the image and what the work is about”.

Pazderka chooses to work in a colorless palette reminiscent of aged black and white photographs. He explains, “Photographs interest me because it is a tangible memory, but photographs are really residue of the photographic process.”  They are themselves a memory of a memory. Much of Pazderka’s work is based on old family photographs and photos taken from nature and architecture relaying the past, the present, and the hope of a better future. The work appears otherworldly and fleeting, like ghosts of his memories. In Pazderka’s words, “The present is all there is in the end.”

Pazderka holds a BFA from Western Carolina University and an MFA from U.C. Santa Barbara. He has received many awards and fellowships and has held residencies in the US, France, and the Czech Republic. He lives and works in Ojai, CA.

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

The Asheville Art Museum announces Meeting the Moon, an exhibition featuring prints, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, and more from the Museum’s Collection. This exhibition will be on view in the Asheville Art Museum’s McClinton Gallery February 3 through July 26, 2021.

2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Apollo space program at NASA, but its inception was hardly the beginning of humankind’s fascination with Earth’s only moon. Before space travel existed, the moon—its shape, its mystery, and the face we see in it—inspired countless artists. Once astronauts landed on the moon and we saw our world from a new perspective, a surge of creativity flooded the American art scene, in paintings, prints, sculpture, music, crafts, film, and poetry.

This exhibition, whose title is taken from a 1913 Robert Frost poem, examines artwork in the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection of artists who were inspired by the unknown, then increasingly familiar moon. Meeting the Moon includes works by nationally renowned artists Newcomb Pottery, James Rosenquist, Maltby Sykes, Paul Soldner, John Lewis, Richard Ritter (Bakersville, NC), and Mark Peiser (Penland, NC). Western North Carolina artists include Jane Peiser (Penland, NC), Jak Brewer (Zionville, NC), Dirck Cruser (Asheville, NC), George Peterson (Lake Toxaway, NC), John B. Neff (NC), and Maud Gatewood (Yanceyville, NC).

“Meeting the Moon offers the opportunity to combine science and popular culture with works of art in the Museum’s Collection,” says Whitney Richardson, associate curator. “I think all visitors will find something that draws them into this exhibition, whether it’s the artwork, poetry, music, or science of space travel. It’s such an affirmation of humanity to find these mysteries, like the moon, which enchant us all.”

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and curated by Whitney Richardson, associate curator. Visit ashevilleart.org for more information about this and other exhibitions.

11am–6pm. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays.

Public Domain: Photography and the Preservation of Public Lands presents works drawn from the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection by artists looking both regionally and nationally at lands that are either state or federally managed or have become so. This exhibition will be on view in the Asheville Art Museum’s Van Winkle Law Firm Gallery May 19 through August 30, 2021. 

“The Asheville Art Museum’s growing collection of photography features a variety of artworks that consider humankind’s impact on our environment and world,” said Hilary Schroeder, assistant curator. “The imagery featured in Public Domain reminds us of the critical role that artists play in environmental activism and preservation, affecting change at a range of levels”. 

Through images capturing the beauty, changes, and even devastation to the American landscape, photographers have played a vital role in advocating for the preservation of nature via the establishment and maintenance of state parks, national parks and monuments, and other federally protected lands. From George Masa and Timothy McCoy’s photographs of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to a selection of works from Robert Glenn Ketchum’s Overlooked in America: The Success and Failure of Federal Land Management series, these artworks provoke contemplation of both nature’s beauty and a calling to protect it. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Bureau of Land Management whose mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Photographers include Robert Glenn Ketchum, George Masa, Timothy McCoy, Benjamin Porter, Sally Gall, and more. 

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and curated by Hilary Schroeder, assistant curator. 

The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project.  The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 9 at the start of U.S. Forest Service Road 5002.

Directions to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

From the intersection of NC 280 and US 276/64 (which is just northwest of Brevard) go west into Pisgah National Forest approximately 1.25 miles.  Turn left toward the Davidson River Campground.  Immediately cross the bridge over the Davidson River.  Turn left on Sycamore Circle (do not turn right into the campground).  Continue on Schenck Drive, and follow the signs to the ribbon cutting.

Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project

Location.  The new trail is in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest at the end of Joel Branch Road (NFSR5002) just off the Art Loeb Trail near Stony Knob.  It links Joel Branch Road and Horse Cove Road (NFSR475C).

Rationale for Project.  Constructing this trail provides connectivity between the entrance area of the Pisgah Ranger District (Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Ranger Station, Estatoe Trail, etc.), the N.C. Wildlife Education Center, and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System and Urban Greenway Trail System.  Combining these trails provides a 25-mile loop trail opportunity for hikers and bikers, with equestrian access on a significant portion of the route.

“This trail project offers a unique opportunity,” said Pisgah District Ranger, Dave Casey.  “By adding 1.2 miles of new trail we have been able to open up 25 miles of access for hikers and bikers, and a significant section of trail for equestrians.  We also believe this project will reduce unauthorized bike and horse traffic on the Art Loeb Trail, which is reserved for hiking only.”

Character of Trail. “Anywhere in Pisgah has its steep, rocky sections, and so does this trail,” says trail builder Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics.  “But this is more of a wide, rolling trail than a steep, technical one like you find in some parts of Pisgah.  This trail provides a nice long route.  It gives you a backcountry feel even though you are near to town, and it can be ridden by gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes.  Our team loved biking to work each day on this beautiful new trail.”

Importance to Local Residents and Tourism.  “This trail is an example of the kinds of projects we embrace at Transylvania County Tourism,” said Aaron Baker, Chair of the organization’s Transylvania Always Committee.  “It’s a well-designed trail that promotes the sustainable use of our natural resources by tourists and locals alike.”

“This trail is the missing link,” said Mac Morrow, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member of Brevard.  “Filling in this gap between trails is entirely consistent with Brevard’s long term strategy to build the tourism infrastructure of the area.  We want to connect our citizens and tourists with the incredible natural resources that surround us and enhance Brevard’s position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.”

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)

As part of the YWCA’s commitment to eliminating racism, we have launched a weekly virtual Social Justice Hangout Hour hosted by Tre Williams, YWCA Racial Justice Advocate + RJC Member. These Friday gatherings, from noon to 1 pm, serve as a space to discuss relevant topics, raise awareness around racial equity and justice, engage with community members, meet local leaders in the freedom struggle, and just vibe. 

Click the button below to attend on Fridays between noon and 1 pm or join via Facebook. ATTEND THE HANGOUT

Free for Members or included with Museum admission
Small-group/in-person program
Visit our galleries on a scavenger hunt for inspiration before joining us in the Wells Fargo Art PLAYce to create! Each Friday afternoon for the month of July, we’re making 3D animals. Pick up a scavenger hunt anytime between 1:30 and 3pm at the welcome desk or in the Art PLAYce on level 2. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult); no reservations are required.

Peer Support

Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/

What we’re about

Each month the cidery invites a friend or family member who loves to cook to become a Kitchen Guest. The guest takes control of the Barn Door kitchen to create one to three small bites that become part of the taproom menu for the weekend, and perhaps for the remainder of the year!
One of the reasons for creating Barn Door Ciderworks was the need for the Fairview area to have a place for locals and visitors to gather. Co-owners Katie Moore and Dan Fowler wanted to produce a variety of heritage, craft, dry ciders that uphold the tradition of cider drinking as part of meals, social gatherings and celebrations. In that vein they created a cozy space where friends, family, and neighbors could gather comfortably and enjoy each other’s company.
Moore commented that “Our first Kitchen Guest did a fabulous job creating delicious small-bites and being a gracious host when customers visited the cidery. We’re excited to host our second Guest and continue the plan to involve the local community in creating a comfortable place to hang out.” Landis Lacey was introduced to Moore and Fowler by a friend. As time went on, Moore learned that Lacey loves to cook. She began following Lacey on Instagram and his interesting approach to food intrigued her.
Check out Landis’s Instagram to learn more about his approach to growing and cooking food –
https://www.instagram.com/lutherlandross/.
Fowler noted that “we were impressed by Landis’s interest in heritage corn. Not only did he grow the corn, he also made cornbread from it. We knew this guy would be an interesting addition to our Kitchen Guest Series.” Lacey will create three small-bites to add to three regular small-bites on Barn Door’s menu. On tap the cidery offers small-batch traditional cider, and local beers from Blue Ghost Brewing and Turgua Brewing.
Red and white wine along with non-alcoholic drinks like Shanti Jun and Sarilla round out the menu.

Contemporary realist John Cleaveland will be on hand to talk about his artistic practice and the places that have inspired his dramatic oil paintings over the past three decades. The gallery has a selection of recent works on display and available for purchase. Stop by and find out what’s on the horizon for this notable southern artist.

John L. Cleaveland, Jr. has been working on two commissioned pieces of Georgia native plants to be part of the permanent collection of the State Botanical Garden. The pair of large-scale oil paintings are now installed at the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum at the Center for Art and Nature. Cleaveland’s two large-scale oil paintings, Delicate Balance and Resilience and Flow, Anthony Shoals, Broad River, GA, each measure 49 x 97 inches.  The landscape paintings focus on the habitats of two critically endangered wildflower species included on the State Heritage List – the Shoals Spider Lily and the Smooth Coneflower. The artist comments, “I hope to capture a piece of the viewer’s heart and to create a longing or connection that wasn’t there before. Because not only are these places beautiful and peaceful, they are also vital pieces of the environment.”

John L. Cleaveland, Jr. has been working on two commissioned pieces of Georgia native plants to be part of the permanent collection of the State Botanical Garden. The pair of large-scale oil paintings are now installed at the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum at the Center for Art and Nature. Cleaveland’s two large-scale oil paintings, Delicate Balance and Resilience and Flow, Anthony Shoals, Broad River, GA, each measure 49 x 97 inches.  The landscape paintings focus on the habitats of two critically endangered wildflower species included on the State Heritage List – the Shoals Spider Lily and the Smooth Coneflower. The artist comments, “I hope to capture a piece of the viewer’s heart and to create a longing or connection that wasn’t there before. Because not only are these places beautiful and peaceful, they are also vital pieces of the environment.”

The Asheville Art Museum recently acquired a significant oil by John Cleaveland for their permanent collection. An iconic southern scene – the painting features a railroad track in perspective, and like many of Cleaveland’s incredible paintings, it looks as if you could walk right into it.

Cleaveland has exhibitions scheduled with the Morris Museum, Augusta, GA (2022) and the Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, AL (2023).  We will be sharing more information as time goes on and you may aways check on the museums’ websites for specific details.

The concert will  be held outside on the stage in the Firefly Meadow with lots of open space for
everyone. This is a FREE concert being sponsored by Hunter Subaru of Fletcher.
The Hungry Ghost food truck will be on site selling some great food items too. The July concert will be held on July 9th featuring the Tuxedo Junction band, and the summer concert series will wrap up on August 13th with the Super 60’s band.

George Porter, Jr. is best known as the bassist of The Meters, along with Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. The group was formed in the mid 60’s and came to be recognized as one of the progenitors of funk then called R&B. The Meters disbanded in 1977, but reformed in 1989. Today the original group still plays the occasional reunions but the Funky Meters, of which Porter and Neville are still members, most prominently keeps the spirit alive.

Few bass players in the history of modern New Orleans music are as storied as George Porter Jr. During the course of a career spanning more then four decades, Porter has not only made a deep impression with his work in the Meters, but he’s notched session work with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Robertson, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Ryan Montbleau and live performances with Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno (and including recent studio releases with Warren Haynes and Bill Kreutzmann) just to name a few.

Early in his career, Porter worked with seminal New Orleans artists like Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Lee Dorsey, and Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, The Lastie Brothers — again to only name a few.

Porter is also the band leader of his own unique long term project the Runnin’ Pardners, well respected not only as a quintessential New Orleans band, the touring band continues to receive accolades on the jam band and festival scene. He has assembled some seasoned and talented musicians to join him on this project. Familiar Pardners – Brint Anderson (guitar) and, Michael Lemmler (keyboards) and rising stars on the New Orleans music scene Khris Royal (saxophone) and Terrence Houston (drums). George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face.” I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered.”

Porter has proven to be capable of the ultimate fusion of rock, funk and R&B, and has gained recognition as one of the industry’s elite bass players. He continues to be not only an in demand performing artist but an accomplished studio musician and producer.