Calendar of Events
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, April
18, 2022
County Voting Absentee in the 2022 Primary Elections
History @ Home – Virtual Exhibits w/ The Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Hunger is Real: The Voices of WNC MANNA Announces a Short Documentary on Food Insecurity in WNC
National Park Week
Need Help With Water Bills? New Water Assistance Program Could Offer Help.
Past Programs Available On-Demand from The Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Residential Building + Planning Permit Submittal Now Available Online
Spring Tree Giveaway Registration open
Stand Against Racism Challenge
The Art League of Henderson County offers free virtual demonstrations
The Art League is excited to offer free virtual demonstrations.
Volunteer with the YWCA
Spring Photo Contest – “Trees in Bloom”
Red Cross Buncombe County – Blood Drive Volunteer
Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure – Asheville
Buncombe County Opens Its First Dog Park
New paddle boat fleet at Lake Julian
Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted
WNC Farmers Market
WNC Fiber Handweavers Guild | Main Gallery Exhibition
Quick survey: How do you receive City of Asheville news?
Biltmore Blooms Tour
“Weaving Across Time”
Apply to join the RiverLink Team
ARTSVILLE Collective: “Between the Lines” Exhibition
Audition with The Montford Park Players
Beautiful Mystery | Focus Gallery Exhibition
Embroidery | Live Demo
Have a Gardening Question? Call the Helpline
Place and Presence: exhibition featuring new works by Asheville artists Linda Gritta and Moni Hill
Stay Connected: BCPL Laptop/Hotspot Loan Program Helps Bridge Digital Divide
Think you might need to use an absentee ballot for the Primary Election on May 17? Here’s what you need to know so you can make sure your vote counts.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee ballots will be mailed out beginning on March 28. The deadline to submit an Absentee Ballot Request Form is May 10 at 5:00 p.m. for the 2022 Primary Election. Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot. No special circumstance or reason is needed. Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form. There are two ways to access and submit the form:
- Online – Request an Absentee Ballot at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.
- On paper – print the English N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form for 2022 or the Spanish N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form for 2022 (not available online currently).
For active-duty military, their family members, and U.S. citizens living abroad, click here. If you have questions about that process, you can call us at (828) 250-4200 or visit buncombecounty.org/vote.
No Printer? You may complete an absentee ballot request form at the Election Services office at 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 28801, or call (828) 250-4200 and one will be mailed to you. You may return the request in one of the following ways:
Mail it to:
P.O. Box 7468, Asheville, NC 28802
Hand deliver it to our office:
59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, 28801
Note: The Absentee Ballot Request Form may not be emailed or faxed. Request forms that are hand delivered to the office must be returned only by the voter or the voter’s near relative
How to Return an Absentee Ballot
The deadline to return the completed Absentee Ballot is Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., however, voters are encouraged to return the ballot as early as possible. You may return it to us in one of the following ways:
By mail: Absentee ballots may be mailed to P.O. Box 7468 Asheville, NC 28802. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, May 17, 2022 and received by Friday, May 20.
At an Early Voting site: Absentee ballots may be returned to an early voting site during the early voting period, but not at a polling location on the day of the Primary Election. Ballots returned at an early voting site must be delivered to the election official at the check-in station.
In person: Absentee ballots may be returned in person to our office at 59 Woodfin Place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Absentee ballots may be returned only by the voter or the voter’s near relative.
For more information about absentee voting, visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website. Or call us at (828) 250-4200. You can also email your questions to [email protected].
Old Shiloh was one of Asheville’s first communities established by emancipated people. The community moved to its present-day location – New Shiloh – after George Vanderbilt, in an effort to expand his land holdings as he planned to build his Biltmore Estate, purchased the land and buildings and agreed to relocate the Shiloh church and cemetery.
Every April, during the presidentially proclaimed National Park Week, we join with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to celebrate America’s treasures. National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, help out, and find your park.
Celebrate National Park Week 2022 with us April 16 to 24! Parks across the country will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences. Entrance fees are waived on April 16 to kick off National Park Week and encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks.
Stay connected with national parks during National Park Week as the celebration goes digital. (Video contains footage copyright of More Than Just Parks. All rights protected.)
Theme Days: sPark Connections
This year’s National Park Week theme is “sPark Connections”. With more than 400 national parks and National Park Service programs and partnerships in communities across the country, there is something new for everyone! And a lot closer to home than you may think. Each day of National Park Week, sPark a connection with us exploring a new theme.
April 16: sPark Discovery National Park Week kicks off with a fee-free day to encourage everyone to find something new by visiting a national park, especially one that may be close to home, a park you haven’t considered visiting, or one you never realized is a national park! What new national park will you discover?
Sunday, April 17: sPark Creativity National parks have inspired artistic expression and creativity for generations. What is your park muse? What masterpiece can you create?
Monday, April 18: sPark Collaboration We get along with a little help from our friends. Meet our many partners that help expand our reach and offerings and connect people to parks. How can you get involved or participate in opportunities?
Tuesday, April 19: sPark Innovation The National Park Service incorporates the latest technology to support conservation and preservation efforts while consistently working to improve the visitor experience. How can we surprise you with innovation?
Wednesday, April 20: sPark Opportunities On Workforce Wednesday, learn about the work we do and the employment opportunities available in the National Park Service and with partner organizations. How can you join?
Thursday, April 21: sPark Preservation The National Park Service is a leader and partner in preservation of historic, cultural, natural and recreational resources nationally—and even internationally! How can you get involved in preservation?
Friday, April 22: sPark Action On Earth Day we look at the health of the environment and how we impact its wellbeing and vice versa. What actions can you do to contribute to a healthy world?
Saturday, April 23: sPark Curiosity The National Park Service preserves and protects unique places with fascinating stories and unique landscapes. What are you curious about? What fascinating things can you discover?
Sunday, April 24: sPark Memories Generations of visitors have created lasting memories in national parks. What memories and traditions will you create?
Social Media
Share you National Park Week experiences and memories on social media using hashtags #NationalParkWeek and #sParkConnections. You can also use a special hashtag for each theme day.
April 16: #sParkDiscovery
Sunday, April 17: #sParkCreativity
Monday, April 18: #sPark Collaboration
Tuesday, April 19: #sParkInnovation
Wednesday, April 20: #sParkOpportunities
Thursday, April 21: #sParkPreservation
Friday, April 22: #sParkAction
Saturday, April 23: #sParkCuriosity
Sunday, April 24: #sParkMemories
National Park Week is Official!
Did you know National Park Week is recognized by a presidential proclamation? Each year, National Park Week is declared a special time to celebrate national parks and programs across the country and to encourage everyone to discover the nation’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.
If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
Donate Here
Vaccines and Public Health in WNC: Past and Present In this two-hour event, three historians discuss previous epidemics, pandemics, and public health campaigns in WNC and Appalachia, including the 1918 flu, smallpox, and polio, as well as the community and government efforts to combat these crises. These historians are followed by an immunologist and a virologist—both professors of biology at Appalachian State University— who present information on Covid-19 variants as well as data on lives saved by vaccines.
Watch Now
The Brevard Rosenwald School Betty J. Reed discusses her research into the Brevard Rosenwald School and other segregated schools in WNC. This school, also funded by Julius Rosenwald, served African American students in Transylvania County from c1923-1966 and, according to Reed, represents “a microcosm of Black education in southern Appalachia.” Reed, a native of Western North Carolina, is an independent scholar who has spent over twenty-five years researching the history of schools in the region, especially those functioning during the era of segregation.
Watch Now
Buncombe Co. Remembrance Project This project acknowledges the personal and community trauma inflicted on individuals of color after the Civil War, the Equal Justice Initiative’s research related to lynchings, and the three lynchings of record that occurred in Buncombe County, NC. Dr. Joseph Fox is a life-long educator, mentor, and community advocate. He has advocated for students of a darker hue for more than 30 years in his role as a community college instructor, as well as his role as a former Department Chair of Business Administration at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Watch Now
As part of Buncombe County’s 2025 Strategic Plan, Permits & Inspections and Planning & Development are in the third phase of the electronic plan submittal and review rollout for building permitting. “We started this process more than a year ago,” said Permits & Inspections Director Bob Haynes. “We’ve heard from our commercial builders that the portal has helped to streamline the permitting process and we are excited to offer this service to our residential builders as well.” The first phase of this implementation began in January 2021, and as of Monday, March 21, 2022, the residential permitting submittal process is also moving to the online portal. See details for submittal below.
Phase One (Complete)
- Planning & Development implemented a new permit case type called ‘Site Plan review’ (SPR) for all permit types (commercial and residential, etc.). Any development where there is new construction, or changes to the footprint of an existing structure now requires an SPR. The SPR permit must be approved prior to applying for your building permit.
- All commercial building plans must be submitted to the Building Permit Department in an electronic format and will be reviewed using electronic plan review software.
Phase Two (Complete)
- The requirement that SPR permits and commercial building plans be submitted through the Development & Permits Portal OR in person at 46 Valley St. Site Plan Permit applications will not be accepted through email to [email protected] after April 1, 2021.
- Please register for an account on the Buncombe County Development Permits and Licensing portal. Registration is required before submitting applications on our website.
Phase Three
- The requirement that SPR permits be submitted through the Development & Permits Portal OR in person at 46 Valley St.
- The requirement that residential building plans must be submitted through the Development & Permits Portal OR in person at 30 Valley St.
- To upload your plans, please register for an account on the Buncombe County Development Permits and Licensing portal. Registration is required before uploading documents on our website.
- Residential Site Plan Permit applications will not be accepted through email to [email protected] after March 21, 2022.
Find more information at buncombecounty.org/permits or call the main Permits line at (828) 250-5360. Permit applications are not accepted in person after 4 p.m.
Pick up for the Spring Tree Giveaway is April 24, 2022
10am – 12pm
Sandhill Tree Nursery
Buncombe County Sports Complex
24 APAC Circle
Candler, NC 28715
We’ve spent two years tending to these 1,000 saplings so they’d have the best possible chance to survive once they’re planted in your yard. Now it’s finally time to give them away.
Got some space in your yard to help us restore Asheville’s tree canopy?
Registration opens today.
Please note that the giveaway is open to Buncombe County residents only, and each household is limited to two trees.
You will have the chance to select your tree species and pickup time when you register.
These trees are provided through a community grant from Pratt & Whitney.
What is the Stand Against Racism Challenge?
Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the Stand Against Racism Challenge: A Virtual Community of Growth is the same program developed by YWCA and adopted nationwide.
The Stand Against Racism Challenge is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. This year, we will be investigating Critical Race Theory, Living Wage, Film and Television, and Reproductive Justice. Participants will be able to download an app for their phone or visit the challenge website to engage with curated articles, podcasts, videos, activities, and more.
The SAR Challenge goes live Monday, April 4th, and continues (Monday –Friday) through May 2nd. Before April 4th you must register and download the appropriate app for your device.
Participation in an activity like this helps participants discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact their community, connect with one another, and identify action steps to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to join a learning community dedicated to racial equity and social justice.
The Art League is excited to offer free virtual demonstrations.
Watch for the announcement of our soon-to-come virtual workshops and classes.
All demonstrations are available on-line and on-demand. Simply click on the video link to participate.
At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.
Thank you for wanting to share your time and talents with the YWCA! As a volunteer, you are integral to the YWCA fulfilling our mission, and we simply couldn’t do it without your help and support.
YWCA Asheville has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We can design volunteer assignments to fit your schedule, experience, and team-building goals.
NC State Parks’ Year of the Tree continues with a celebration of spring trees. Break out your camera and capture the transformation of trees from winter to spring as they show off their gorgeous blooms throughout the next few months. You may even win a prize for your efforts!
GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.
CONTEST RULES:
- There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between April 1, 2022 – May 31, 2022.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. - Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
- Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
- E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
- Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
- Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
- For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
- Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
- Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
- Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.
Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].
Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?
Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Activities of the American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter include: Blood Services, Training Services, Disaster Services, and Home Fire Campaign.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and one blood donation can save up to three lives. Help support lives in North Carolina by signing up to become a Blood Drive Volunteer today.
Time Commitment:
Blood drives occur M-F and volunteers are expected to attend one blood drive a month to remain an active volunteer. This position is flexible as volunteers can sign up for shifts that work for their schedule and instructions for shift selection will be sent after responding to the opportunity.
Volunteer Roles:
- Warmly greet donors and assist with registration in reception area.
- Assist with initial intake and hand off through blood donation process.
- Ensure donors have relevant information and all questions are answered appropriately.
- Maintain proper sanitizing and cleanliness of reception and hospitality areas.
- Attend canteen area in support of donors.
- Thank donors for their contribution.
- Alert staff immediately if a donor shows signs of feeling unwell.
- Inform donors of current and upcoming donation promotions.
- Make reminder/cancellation calls.
- Reschedule donor appointments.
- Perform follow-up activities as directed.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Modeling excellent customer service behaviors.
- Knowledge of technology needed for position (training provided)
- Donor checkin, donor tablet, rapid pass, donor app.
- Comfortable working with people from diverse communities and backgrounds
- Dependable, punctual, and professional
- Adhere to all Red Cross guidelines
- Ability to remain calm in crisis situations
- Adhere to CDC safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions
- Safety First! Our need for volunteers is constant and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations and follow the national and local government laws. COVID-19 vaccination will be required for in-person volunteer roles beginning January 3, 2022.
Turn the Dallas Asheville into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a two and a half-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Start when you want and play at your pace. Price is per team, not per person. Find details and Redeem your ticket as a Prepaid Code online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com.
It can be ruff out there for our canine companions, but we have pawsitively great news. Buncombe County’s first-ever dog park is now open at our Sports Park in Candler. While this is a soft open, the park features two fenced-in play areas; one for large dogs and one for smaller pups. “We do have plans to add other amenities and water fountains,” exclaims Recreation Services Program Coordinator Mac Stanley. “People are very excited about this new opportunity. Since it was announced, we have gotten letters of support as well as many emails questioning when will the project be completed.”
So join us in a round of apaws as we celebrate the opening of this new venue for hot dogs and cool people. “It’s an amazing place to bring your dog to run free without a leash and interact with other dogs,” says Stanley. “One of my favorite aspects of this new dog park is being able to cultivate a community. Hopefully, this dog park will be instrumental in connecting dogs as well as people within the community.” Paw-yeah, sounds great.
Location: Buncombe County Sports Park, 58 Apac Circle
Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (same as the Sports Park)
Dog park drools rules
Dogs must be:
- On a leash at all times until safely in the fenced-in dog park area
- Vaccinated, licensed, and in good health
- At least four months old to enter
- Wearing a collar with ID tags
- Under voice control of their human and not aggressive
Humans must:
- Be with dogs at all times
- Remove dogs at first sign of aggression
- Pick up poop and dispose of it in receptacles provided
- Be liable for any and all injuries caused by their dogs
Not Allowed:
- Pronged, spike or choke collars
- Aggressive dogs, aggressive humans, or dogs in heat
- Unsupervised children 12 years of age or younger
Recreation Services’ Lake Julian Park Rangers have assembled a new paddle boat fleet that is ship-shape and ready to hit the water. “We have received and assembled 17 brand new paddle boats to complete our fleet of 20 boats at Lake Julian Park,” notes Park Ranger Matt Dixon. “This is a great addition to the park and will be an enjoyable amenity for our park patrons for years to come.”
Lake Julian Park offers paddle boat rentals for $12/ hour and $8/half hour. The boats are available to rent every day the park is open (weather permitting), up until 2 hours before park closing time. Head over to the park on the next sunny day and make your own splash. Learn more at buncombecounty.org/parks.
Who was the visionary who designed some of America’s most iconic gardens and parks? Find out at an all-new exhibit celebrating the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO).
The exhibit on the man who planned both Central Park (his first major design) and Biltmore in Asheville (his final one), takes center stage in the Baker Visitor Center Exhibit Hall and at select locations in the landscape on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Thanks FLO features a retrospective of Olmsted’s life through landmarks and key moments and shows off a selection of his most iconic designs through vintage postcards, maps and green screen technology.
Step into the designing game and build a park using interactive tools and take a selfie that puts you front and center in iconic Olmsted parks. Outdoor exhibits await discovery and illustrate the design principles Olmsted used while designing and building parks, greenways, campuses and private estates across the United States.
The exhibit is created in conjunction with the National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP) in celebration of Olmsted’s 200th birthday on April 26, 2022.
Thanks FLO: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted is presented in participation with Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration taking place in parks and public spaces across the United States.
The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
Featured Artists: Guild Members from the WNC Fiber Handweavers Guild
We want to hear from you, Asheville. Please take this brief 2-question survey about how you receive news and information about City of Asheville initiatives, actions and projects.
April 1st through May 26th, 2022
Escape to Biltmore for a unique spring getaway. Immerse yourself in waves of color as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Savor complimentary wine tastings at our Winery. All this and more—an array of outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants, and of course, the timeless beauty of Biltmore House—is yours this spring at Biltmore.
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We are currently accepting applications for four positions at a RiverLink. If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to make an impact on the French Broad River then we encourage you to apply. However you identify or whatever your experience with the river is, please apply if you see a position that sparks your passion for the environment. Regardless of background, anyone can make a tangible impact on the river and promote it’s health and beauty to the community. Come join us and help create a thriving watershed where everyone feels welcome. These are the positions we’re hiring for at the moment:
- RiverCamp Counselor | Temporary full-time | $18/hour
- AmeriCorps Watershed Coordinator | 11 month service term with living stipend
- AmeriCorps Education Coordinator | 11 month service term with living stipend
- AmeriCorps Stewardship Coordinator | 11 month service term with living stipend
The three AmeriCorps positions are part of the AmeriCorps Project Conserve program in which members serve for 1,700 hours over the course of 11 months.
ARTSVILLE Collective at Marquee opens its first public exhibition showing guest artist Micah Mackenzie’s mixed media and Rhona Polonsky’s ceramics, along with the work of founding artists Daryl Slaton’s pop animation and Louise Glickman’s mixed media. Between the Lines will be on display from February 1 through April 24 at 36 Foundy in the RAD (Booth D11). The styles of each artist differs greatly but connect through thoughtful storytelling, coming alive in a mix of mediums, paint, clay, textiles and animation. The viewer is encouraged to consider how they come together, to read “between the lines.”
Micah Mackenzie mixes media with mark making into imposing layered abstracts mimicking memories from childhood: playfulness and whimsy with splashes of color, seemingly with abandon. A closer look reveals balance and harmony within the chaos. Coatings of storytelling lead us to consider the human condition from the subversion of mythology to the magic of science. He invites us to see inside to what is intrinsically beautiful and empowering.
Rhona Polonsky’s pottery uses the language of lines and spaces that merge and connect to reveal their meanings: lines as boundaries to be crossed or parallels to read between. Her doodling since childhood grew in expression as she traveled the world, teaching young international students for over thirty years in Asia and Africa, from Indonesia to India. Her sgraffito vessels, lively and offbeat, evoke amusement, playfulness, whimsy and enthusiasm. They speak to us in a special language that warm our hearts with both simplicity and sophistication.
Daryl Slaton’s work is overtly whimsical as he introduces his newest anthropomorphic character Gallagher, a playful tiger cub who entertains us through animation and augmented reality. Over twenty panels speak to us through the digital powers of augmented reality and the eyes and antics of Gallagher, a character staunchly loyal to people and place. These narratives bring both smiles and amazement evoking warm memories for adults with their own stories to tell their families.
Louise Glickman’s storytelling is revealed through weaving of nets and textures where lines move over, under and around using bits of fabric, paint and plant materials. Her highly textural works are largely connected through her own life experiences and a love of nature and travel. Select pieces reveal her special interest in understanding the yin and yang of countries and cultures that have informed her worldview, from her childhood in New Orleans to travel with the Penland School to Cuba, Japan and Denmark.
Get in a video audition for your chance to join us ALL SEASON LONG! There are auditions for THREE of our upcoming shows all going on RIGHT NOW! We want you to be a part of our 50th Season, so we hope you’ll come out and bring us your talent!Actors should submit initial audition information online through our website at https://www.montfordparkplayers.org/about-us/volunteers-page/ and may do so at any time.The Montford Park Players is committed to gender-neutral and race-conscious casting. ALL are welcome and invited to participate!Please note all dates and deadlines:
- For auditions for The Little Prince, directed by Jason Williams, the submission deadline is midnight Friday, April 8, 2022. Callbacks will be held in person at the amphitheatre on Saturday, April 23. The director will contact each pre-selected actor with specific times. The Little Prince will be performed Fridays through Sundays, June 10 – Saturday, July 9 at 7:30 pm.
- For auditions for Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Dwight Chiles, the submission deadline is 11:59pm Sunday, April 24, 2022. Callbacks will be held in person at the amphitheatre on Friday and Saturday, April 29 & 30 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm. The director will contact each pre-selected actor with specific times. Much Ado About Nothing will be performed Fridays through Sundays, July 15 – Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 pm.
- For auditions for The Three Musketeers, directed by Rodney Smith, the submission deadline is midnight Sunday, May 1, 2022. Callbacks will be held in person at the amphitheater on Saturday, May 7, with a rain date of Saturday, May 14. The director will contact each pre-selected actor with specific times. The Three Musketeers will be performed Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 19 – Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 pm.
Submission deadlines for Hamlet will be announced later, through our newsletter and social media.Specific instructions for audition submissions:
- On the website above, click on the link below “Actor Season Audition Form”
- Sign in to your Google account (required as most information will be shared in Google documents)
- Fill out and submit the form – if you have a headshot and/or resume (not required), please upload them as part of your application.
- Record a short (90 second) video – you can do so on your phone. For As You Like It, a Shakespearean monologue is preferred. IMPORTANT: please name your video with your name, not the default title; ex. “Smith, John Video”
- On the website, click on the link below “Actor Season Video Upload Link” and upload your video.
- Directors will review each application and video, and will contact prospective actors for callbacks.
- Important: This season, the Montford Park Players will require that all persons involved with any show must be fully vaccinated, or present a request for exemption, stating the reasons. The Executive Director, in consultation with the director, will make the final decision on the selection or non-selection of any person who is not fully vaccinated.
- Anyone who is interested in a technical role only (stage management, lights, sound, etc.) should sent an email to [email protected] and include your background, if any. We welcome all volunteers!
Featured Artists: Judi Harwood (clay) Colin Richmond (clay) Cori Saraceni (mixed media) Lyn Lyndall (leather) Lauren Faulkenberry (paper)
Laura Gaskin will be demonstrating how she “paints with stitches” in the lobby of the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call ahead for the latest updates: 828-298-7928.
The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.
Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Garden Helpline Hours
March: Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September: Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October: Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.
Interesting Finds
Linda Gritta
mixed media on canvas
36 x 36 inches
Sweeten Creek on Busbee Mountain
Moni Hill
acrylic on panel
60 x 60 inches
Gritta and Hill are abstract painters with different yet complementary styles reflecting the chaotic nature of the modern world and finding respite in nature and art. The exhibition celebrates the artists’ vibrant abstract work and their interconnection with Western North Carolina and its longstanding arts culture. Place and Presence runs from April 2nd through 30th during Bender Gallery’s regular business hours. There will be an opening reception for Gritta and Hill at the gallery on Saturday April 2nd from 6 to 9 PM at 29 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Both artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. We hope to see you there!
Have you checked out Buncombe County Public Libraries’ (BCPL) Laptop/Hotspot Loan Program? Now, more than ever, access to broadband is critical to participate in online learning, searching for jobs, accessing medical care via telehealth, or simply staying in touch with family and friends. BCPL is pleased to announce the expansion of the Library Laptop/Hotspot Loan Program inventory.
Many people in our community rely on their local library to stay connected, and now through multiple grant initiatives BCPL has close to 70 laptop/hotspot combination units and more than 40 individual hotspot units available for loan. Want to stay connected? Call (828) 250-4700 and patrons 18 and over, with a Buncombe County library card in good standing may check out a device for 4 weeks at a time.
Our BCPL employees are hearing first-hand how this program benefits community members:
“Just had a patron tell me that because she had been able to checkout a laptop with us, she got a promotion at work. So, yay!!” – Sherry Roane, West Asheville Branch Manager
“Today we helped a patron sign a laptop out. She was in here today working through a required online orientation course for a new job that has a deadline of early next week. She is juggling multiple jobs, including 3rd shift, and was worried about being able to finish this on time, especially with the library being closed this weekend. Borrowing the laptop so she can do the training from home as her schedule permits was such a HUGE help to her. It felt like a huge win and I just wanted to share that with you!” — Jen Waite, Pack Library Specialist
“One of our repeat users of laptop/hotspot (and longtime Oakley patron) was here today and he was beaming. He said that because our laptop & hotspot he was able to apply for jobs, and checked out as often as he could to continue the application process; found a job, and again because of our devices was able to complete the required online orientation. He starts Monday. We gave each other virtual hugs.” – Cheryl Middleton, Oakley Library Branch Manager
The fine print:
- One unit per household (unit defined as laptop/hotspot combo or hotspot only)
- Only patrons 18 and over with a Buncombe County library card in good standing may check out
- 4 week checkout limit
- $100 charge if laptop is not returned or lost
- $30 charge if hotspot is not returned, lost, or returned damaged
- $20 if laptop or hotspot power cord is not returned or lost
- Patrons must call to request a device
- Devices can be sent to any Buncombe County Library for pick up
- Borrowers will sign a user agreement before borrowing the equipment
- Devices cannot be renewed and will be considered lost and disabled when they are 10 days overdue
- Devices must be returned inside (no drop boxes)
- All laptops include Microsoft Office Suite and will have basic computer skills training videos/information loaded on to its desktop
A BCPL technology troubleshoot team will be available to assist patrons over the phone with any issues that come up with this equipment. The operational hours of this team will be from 10 a.m. until the library closes each day.
Our funding partners
This program is made possible by funding from multiple grants, including the CARES Act as instituted by the State Library of North Carolina and the Emergency Connectivity Fund, as instituted by USAC.
This program is alignment with the 2025 Buncombe County Strategic Plan and supports an educated and capable community.