Calendar of Events

Black Mountain College and Mexico (BMC/MX): Exhibition, Publication, and Public Programming

Black Mountain College (1933–1957), a small but remarkably influential liberal arts school in rural North Carolina, had important links to Mexico that until now have been little investigated. A crucible of twentieth-century creativity, BMC galvanized and inspired artists and intellectuals from around the world, while Mexico’s innovations and age-old traditions—in fine and applied arts, architecture, poetry, music, performance, and more—dovetailed with, and indeed drove, global impulses toward modernism and beyond. Among the many key BMC figures whose lives were importantly touched by experiences in Mexico were Anni and Josef Albers, Ruth Asawa, John Cage, Jean Charlot, Elaine de Kooning, Buckminster Fuller, Carlos Mérida, Robert Motherwell, Charles Olson, Clara Porset, M.C. Richards, and Aaron Siskind. In turn, engagements with BMC and its legacy have played a significant role in shaping contemporary approaches to art in Mexico, evident in the works of Jorge Méndez Blake, Iñaki Bonillas, Abraham Cruzvillegas, Jose Dávila, Gerda Gruber, Lake Verea, Gabriel Orozco, and Damián Ortega, among others.

The exhibition BMC/MX features works by these and other prominent contemporary Mexican artists alongside a selection of historic works by BMC artists, highlighting the ways in which ideas and modalities are translated across materials, space, and time.

Related programming, planned in collaboration with Mexican artists, features a series of public events, including a performance by artist (and BMC/MX co-curator) David Miranda to take place at Different Wrld; an exhibition visit (in Spanish and English) with BMC/MX Project Director Eric Baden; and a series of experiential art events in the BMCM+AC library.

The exhibition is accompanied by the book Black Mountain College and Mexico (forthcoming late summer 2023), which investigates the people, ideas, and practices linking BMC and Mexico during the life of the school, as well as resonances between BMC and the work of contemporary Mexican artists. With contributions by BMC/MX’s curators, as well as by artist Abraham Cruzvillegas, design scholar Ana Elena Mallet, and author and activist Margaret Randall, this fully illustrated volume brings new light to this complex and underexplored subject.

BMC/MX is an investigation into modes of communication—the arenas in which new ideas and alliances may come to be—between Black Mountain College and Mexico, between past and present, between form and idea.

About the Curators

BMC/MX’s Project Director Eric Baden is a photographer and from 1994 to 2022 was professor of photography at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. He is the founding director of photo+, a multidisciplinary arts event held in Asheville, North Carolina.

Artist and educator David Miranda is curator at the Museo Experimental El Eco (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM), and teaches at the Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado “La Esmeralda” in Mexico City.

Diana Stoll is an editor, writer and curator who works with institutions such as The Museum of Modern Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum. She has served as an editor at Aperture and Artforum magazines, and contributes writings to prominent arts publications.

Kids Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Paul Wong, Carbon, silver and gold, 2016, pigmented linen and cotton pulp, publisher: Dieu Donné, New York, edition 3/25, 18 × 11 inches. Gift of Dieu Donné, New York, 2022.27.06. © Paul Wong.

On View March 8 through July 24, 2023
The Van Winkle Law Firm Gallery • Level 1

Paper is an essential part of the art-making process for many artists, serving as the base for drawing, painting, printmaking, and other forms of art. As a substrate, paper can vary in weight, absorbency, color, size, and other aspects. Since industrialization, paper has primarily been produced through mechanical means that allow for consistency and affordability.

What happens, then, when an artist chooses to return to the foundations of paper, wherein it is made by hand using pulps, fibers, and dyes that reflect the human element through variations, inconsistencies, flaws, and surprises? Certain artists have sought out these qualities and embraced them, making paper not just a support on which to work, but fully a medium in and of itself.

Pulp Potential: Works in Handmade Paper is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and curated by Hilary Schroeder, former assistant curator, with assistance from Alexis Meldrum, curatorial assistant. Special thanks to Dieu Donné, New York, NY.

The Art of Food features works from important postwar artists, like Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, John Baldessari, Wayne Thiebaud, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Jasper Johns, alongside the work of contemporary artists, like Alison Saar, Lorna Simpson, Enrique Chagoya, Rachel Whiteread, and Jenny Holzer, among others. The Art of Food features more than 100 works in mediums that include drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and ceramics by 37 artists. Each artist has a unique means of depicting food in their work that, when seen alongside others, creates a nuanced representation of the complex place food holds in everyday life. Cross-historical resonances between artists in the exhibition spark novel meditations on food and its discontents, while speaking to a broad range of audiences.

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

• An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
• A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
• Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Gather bathing suits and sunscreen, Buncombe County’s outdoor pools are getting ready to open. The County’s five outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on May 27. This includes the pools at Cane Creek, Erwin, Hominy Valley, North Buncombe, and Owen.

Outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until area schools are out for the summer. Starting on June 10, Pools will be open seven days a week.

Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost for pool entry is $3 per person.

Private lessons at the outdoor pools are available for different age groups from 3-year-olds and up. For more information on lessons or to register for a class, click here.

The pools can also be booked for private parties 14 days in advance and must have a minimum of 50 patrons. Pool bookings are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Click here for more information on booking pools.

Buncombe County Pool Locations:

• Cane Creek Pool – 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
• Erwin Pool – 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
• Hominy Valley Pool – 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler
• North Buncombe Pool – 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville
• Owen Pool – 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa

In addition, lap swimming is available year-round at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center, a 10-lane pool managed by the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools.

For more information on outdoor pools, visit the County’s pool website or call (828) 348-4770.

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Farmers Market, which
showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold are made by or
grown by the vendor.

– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

PAUL EDELMAN

Nearly born on the airplane from Columbus to Philly, The Jangling Sparrow has cultivated a passionate, loyal following with provocative lyrics and moving performances.

To date, Paul has shared bills with Scott Miller, Robert Earl Kean, James McMurtry, Neko Case, Big Sandy, Langhorne Slim, Patty Larkin, Drive-by Truckers, The Sadies, Slim Cessna, Bottle Rockets, Grayson Capps, among many others.

Paul Edelman has worked with some of the industries greatest names, he has recorded with Jimmy Johnson (founder Muscle Shoals Studio), Nashville session staple drummer, Martin Parker (Ricky Scaggs, Alison Krauss, Patti Loveless) and keyboardist Steve Fordham (Mavis Staples).

Paul relocated to Asheville, N.C. In 2008 where he quickly grabbed winner of the Flat Rock Music Festival songwriter competition

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Beginning Adult Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance meets on Wednesdays from June 14 to July 19. Tuition is $130. In this class, students will learn basic jazz techniques that are essential for any aspiring stage performer. The class will cover iconic steps that you’ve seen in classic musical theater productions, as well as help students fine-tune basic techniques to help them become better dancers. The class is perfect for anyone looking to take their dance skills to the next level, regardless of experience level. Whether students are dreaming of starring in the next Broadway hit or just want to improve their dance skills, the class is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow and have fun. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend. To register for classes, please visit  HVLtheatre.org or call the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Elizabeth Creamer is a former professional dancer turned dance teacher. Creamer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as the dance instructor at West Henderson High School. She pursued higher education opportunities in dance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she obtained her B.A. in Dance Studies. During her time at college, she studied various styles of dance, including contemporary, African, jazz, hip hop, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, ballet and many more. While at college, Creamer auditioned for and was selected as a dancer for The Lost Colony, a Tony Honors Award recipient show, for three summers. After completing her degree, Creamer returned to the area to teach classes at Asheville Ballroom and Dance Center, where she also competed with a Latin dance troupe called The Bluestar Dancers. Additionally, she assisted the former dance teacher at West Henderson High School with various musical productions before eventually taking over as the school’s dance teacher in 2017. Creamer has used her expertise in dance and choreography to create dances for many shows including Grease, Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Madagascar Jr. and Frozen Jr. Her creativity and expertise in dance bring out the best in her students, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

– FREE SHOW
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE

The Lads
Classic rock and blues. They call it classic for good reason. The Lads will make you want to dance, sing along, or both. Get classic with The Lads avl.

Summer is in the Air…
Do you like wine?
Do you like peace and quiet?
Do you like sunsets?
If so, then come join us every Wednesday night for the sound of silence and relax!!

Wednesday Pub Run Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes! Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

the Asheville Guitar Bar, a discussion series provides deeper understanding
and greater enjoyment of classic albums and recording artists. Led by
Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp, Music to Your Ears is an
interactive experience that shines a light on important music and people.
Music to Your Ears is a 90-minute conversation, held at the Guitar Bar, a
music magnet in Asheville’s historic River Arts District. The July 5 event is a
listening party and discussion focusing on Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders
from Mars, the classic 1972 album from David Bowie.
David Bowie was already some eight-plus into his career as a musician and
recording artist when he created the landmark album The Rise and Fall of
Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The 1972 LP – his fifth – represented an artistic breakthrough. Though he had
already scored hit albums and singles in the UK and the United States, Ziggy Stardust brought him to prominence globally. The
album’s loose concept centering around a cosmic rock ‘n’ roller gave rise to a compelling stage show, with Bowie adopting the
first of a succession of onstage personae. And the music on Ziggy Stardust – from the hit single “Starman” to beloved tracks
like “Suffragette City” and the album’s title track – influenced glam rock and the punk movement that was soon to come.
More than a half-century after its release, Ziggy Stardust continues to amaze and inspire listeners. Most recently, D.A.
Pennebaker’s concert film from Bowie’s 1973 tour in support of the album has been re-released to theaters, renewing interest
in the million-selling music. A timeless album, Ziggy Stardust sounds as fresh and vital today as it did 50-plus years ago.
Now there’s an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Ziggy Stardust with fellow music lovers. Author and music journalist
Bill Kopp will be joined by Mark Casson – singer, musician and songwriter for The Cheeksters as well as long-time leader of
tribute group Wham Bam Bowie Band – for an evening of listening and conversation about Ziggy Stardust. Casson may even
sing and play a song or two from the classic album. The evening is the latest installment of the popular “Music to Your Ears’
discussion series, hosted by Asheville guitar Bar and sponsored by AshevilleFM.
Join host and music journalist Bill Kopp for an evening in discussion with Mark Casson about David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.
We’ll listen to key tracks from the album, and encourage questions from the audience.
ABOUT THE DISCUSSION SERIES
Music to Your Ears is Bill Kopp’s monthly discussion series hosted by
Asheville Guitar Bar and co-sponsored by AshevilleFM. On the first
Wednesday of each month, music enthusiasts gather to discuss an important
album, artist or musical movement. An interactive evening, Music to Your
Ears isn’t a lecture; it’s a discussion led by experts and designed to enrich the listening experience.

ABOUT BILL KOPP
With over 500 bylines in Western North Carolina publications (Mountain Xpress, Bold Life,
WNC Magazine and more), Asheville-based author and music journalist is an acknowledged
expert on popular music. Author of two books – Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett
to The Dark Side of the Moon and Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New
Wave – Bill Kopp writes for publications across the country and abroad. A contributing editor at Goldmine Magazine, he has
authored more than 30 album liner note essays and conducted more than 1000 interviews. He regularly hosts discussions on
artists and albums of historical importance, and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts.

The Malaprop’s Book Club, hosted by Jay Jacoby, explores a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction books determined by member suggestion. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The club will meet virtually until further notice. To join the club, please email [email protected]

Every Wednesday Trivia Night

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern

Cultural historian and award-winning author Joseph Horowitz curates a program that defies musical definitions and boundaries. Guest artists David Taylor, Daniel Schnyder, and Min Xiao Fen share their multi-instrumental talents in a diverse and collaborative program with BMC’s Artist Faculty

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS

BMC Artist Faculty with
Daniel Schnyder, composer/saxophone
David Taylor, bass trombone
Min Xiao-Fen, pipa
Joseph Horowitz, curator

Auditorium seating is reserved.