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.

Sunday, May 8, 2022
  AmeriCorps Sustainability Coordinator Position Open
May 8 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Applications are open now for a Sustainability Coordinator, an 11-month AmeriCorps position running September 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023.

 

This AmeriCorps member will take a leadership role in all our waste reduction programs and education efforts.

 

The Sustainability Coordinator will raise public awareness about conserving our natural resources, and lead education programs about waste reduction, recycling, and composting in organizations, and at community gatherings and schools.

 

Know a leader who cares deeply about reducing our waste? Applications due May 9.

“Oh The Places We’ve Been & The Places We’ll Go”
May 8 all-day
Asheville Gallery of Art

Claire Simpson Jones and Donny Luke are the Asheville Gallery of Art’s featured artists for the month of May. Visitors to the gallery will have the entire month to view their outstanding paintings. Their exhibit will run from May 1st-31st.

“This exhibition is a celebration of our individual travels through life,” joyously depicted in the watercolors of Donny Luke and Claire Simpson Jones. Traveling has always played a big part in both Donny and Claire’s world, broadening their awareness and perspective, opening their minds to new experiences, and providing unlimited inspiration.

Both artists have a passion for travel as well as a passion for the challenging, but gratifying, watercolor medium, and this exhibition combines these passions. “There is no better way to immerse yourself into a particular scene than painting. Whether choosing plein-air or painting from travel sketches and references brought back to the studio, all of our senses come to life and that experience is pure joy!” Every painting is an adventure that seems to take on a life of its own, often diverging from the initial design as it develops. Staying open to ‘following’ that direction or literally “going with the flow” of watercolor provides a sense of discovery and adventure that makes the process exciting. Donny and Claire both have a long list of places and techniques they plan to explore in the near future, adding to their repertoire of inspiration and work.

Donny Luke’s travels throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, have given him many opportunities to take reference photos of some of the most beautiful places and landscapes in North America. He works from these references to create dramatic watercolor paintings. His work also includes many paintings of the breathtaking scenery and architecture in Western North Carolina, especially waterfalls, streams, and old barns.

Donny retired from a thirty-two year career as a professional architect in Asheville, NC and began his watercolor career in 2016. He has studied under nationally known watercolor artists including Michael Reardon, Iain Stewart, Keiko Tenabe, and Antonio Masi. He is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and has had paintings juried into the 2018, 2020, and 2021 WSNC Annual Juried Exhibitions with the 2020 painting ‘Santa Rosalina Relic’ receiving the WSNC Permanent Collection Purchase Award.

Claire Simpson Jones’ sensitive naturalist paintings draw from her many travels, here and abroad, and a lifetime of finding refuge and comfort in the raw beauty of our planet. In the past ten years, she has spent her summers in her favorite destinations’ England, Scotland, Australia, and our beautiful mountains of NC. Equipped with painting supplies, she roams the countryside, setting up to paint whenever inspiration comes her way. “Nature has always fed my soul for as long as I can remember. This connection has been, and continues to be, the primary inspiration for my paintings. I often begin with plein air studies and photos, taking them back to my studio to see where my next painting experience leads me. There is nothing to substitute for painting on location, with all of my senses alive, working quickly to capture the true essence of the scene before me.”

After working in graphic design, illustration, and a long career in teaching high school art, Claire has shifted her focus back to full time painting. She holds a BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has studied art at Ontario College of Art and California College of Art. She has also studied with nationally known watercolor artists including atelier workshops with the world renown watercolorist, Mary Whyte. Claire is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, earning awards, the most recent 2020 Best of Region Award.

Visitors to the Asheville Gallery of Art will be able to view Claire and Donny’s show from May1st through May 31st. They will be present for a special “Meet the Artist” event on First Friday, May 6th, from 5pm-8pm in the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue.

Apple Festival Races Volunteers Needed
May 8 all-day
Pardee Hospital Parking 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC
And for the Kids? They’ll love the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile!
This fun run starts just after the 8K & 5K and each child will receive a finisher’s prize.

A race is only as good as the volunteers and you’re a good one! Let us know if you can help!

Apply for a Preservation Grant Today!
May 8 all-day
online w/Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
  Grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
  1. Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
  1. Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
  1. Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
May 8 all-day
Various Locations in Asheville Area

Asheville Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer with Us

Volunteers are the heart of our organization and support every aspect of our work. In 2021, 955 volunteers contributed 37,053 hours of service, helping us to carry out our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Whether sorting donations in the ReStore, hammering nails on the construction site, or assisting in the administrative office, we hope you’ll find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you.

 

Asheville Regional Airport: New art exhibit highlighting local artists
May 8 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport

Journey, the newest exhibit showing in the airport art gallery, is open to the public now through June 26, 2022. The local art is unique, vibrant and engaging, and is displayed for the enjoyment of passengers and other visitors to the airport.
The local artists’ work featured in this exhibit focus on two different mediums. Hannah Hall’s pieces show a unique method of fiber artistry that captures a variety of outdoor landscapes. Cathleen Klibanoff uses mixed media by incorporating found objects, resin casts, acrylic and more to create vibrant seasonal expressions and a study of equine forms.
“The airport is a gateway to western North Carolina and it is wonderful to be able to introduce travelers to our region to a glimpse of local art culture,” said Alexandra Ingle, Brand and Experience Designer at AVL and curator of the gallery.
Artwork can be purchased from the gallery by emailing [email protected]. Details about the program and how to apply can be found on the airport’s website at flyavl.com.
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
May 8 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

County Voting Absentee in the 2022 Primary Elections
May 8 all-day
online

News article image

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:

  1. Online – Request an Absentee Ballot at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.
  2. 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].

 

Farmer-to-Farmer Training: WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT)
May 8 all-day
Organic Growers School
CRAFT-Main-Header

Farmer-to-Farmer Training

WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).

 

Why join CRAFT?

  • Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
  • Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
  • Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Lights Out! Asheville
May 8 all-day
Asheville Area
Lights Out! Asheville is a program that can benefit birds and also save energy and money. Mayor Manheimer recently signed a proclamation that designates March-May and September-November as “Migratory Bird Awareness Months,” and has entrusted the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter and the Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville to create a Lights Out program that is supported by the Asheville residential and business community.

The Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville, in partnership with the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter, and many local environmental organizations, is asking you to participate in Lights Out! Asheville. By doing so, you will reduce light pollution that disrupts bird migration and negatively impacts human and non-human animal health while also reducing your energy consumption.

What you can do:

From Midnight-6AM, March-May and September-November,

 Turn off exterior decorative lighting
 Extinguish spot and flood-lights
 Substitute strobe lighting where possible
 Reduce lobby and atrium lighting where possible
 Turn off interior lighting, especially on upper floors
 Substitute task and area lighting for workers staying late
 Down-shield exterior lighting or limit to ground level

By pledging to participate in Asheville’s Lights Out! program, you will be joining a national Lights Out network comprised of over 40 cities! Together, we can help provide safe passage for our avian migratory friends.

May Special Facial Offer Sensibilities Day Spa
May 8 all-day
Sensibilities Day Spa
National Nurses Week Support local nurses
May 8 all-day
online w/ Pardee Hospital Foundation

Outpace Hunger Feed People and Your Passion
May 8 all-day
Online w/ Manna FoodBank

OUTPACE HUNGER

FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!

What Is Outpace Hunger?

Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!

For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!

How It Works

Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!

You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.

Outpace Hunger participants:

(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.

(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.

(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.

(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.

Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food

READY TO OUTPACE HUNGER WITH US?

REGISTER NOW!

ALREADY AN OUTPACE HUNGER PARTICIPANT?

VISIT YOUR PAGE

 NEED MORE INFORMATION?

OUTPACE HUNGER HOW-TO GUIDE

Race2Reduce this Mind Your Plastic May
May 8 all-day
online

It’s almost Mind Your Plastic May, and this year we’re challenging you to meet your plastic waste face-to-face. Join the Race2Reduce by pledging to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May. Sign up to receive plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses.

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash cleanup with GreenWorks’ supplies

Last time we ran this contest, over 400 people stepped up, and in 30 days we were able to divert an estimated 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill

Race2Reduce: 30-Day Plastic Reduction Challenge
May 8 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Image

Once you start seeing all the plastics you use, you can’t unsee it.

You reach for your chips, your tube of toothpaste, or your plastic sandwich bags, and feel guilty that all that packaging will spend the rest of time in the landfill.

 

Us too.

Plastic is super light, but the average person throws away more than 110 lbs of it each year  – the equivalent of almost 9,100 plastic soda bottles.

It’s too much. And we decided it doesn’t have to be that way.

We just have to get creative.

 

When we first started tracking our plastic waste, we challenged ourselves:

How little could we use?

 

Replacing plastic drink bottles with a reusable bottle was simple.

Keeping reusable shopping bags in the car to grab on the way into the store was also easy.

 

What’s the next level?

 

Join our Race2Reduce to find out!

Race2Reduce is your pledge to decrease your plastic use for the entire month of May.

Once you sign up HERE we will send you plastic tips, volunteer opportunities, and educational materials featuring local Asheville businesses!

 

But you won’t do it alone.

You’re joining a whole community of action takers opening their minds and kitchen pantries to plastic alternatives.

 

Plus there’s a little friendly competition…

 

How it works: Earn points to win a $75, $50, or $25 gift certificate to Ware, a local sustainability and refill shop in downtown Asheville.

5pts: Like or share a MYPM Instagram or Facebook post

10pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

15pts: Answer our Friday Trivia question

20pts: Post (and tag us) or email us a video/photo of you using one of our plastic tips

25pts: Lead your own trash clean up with GreenWorks’ supplies

Enter to win by pledging to reduce your plastic here. 

(*Be sure to check the box that asks if you want to be in the running for prizes.) 

Lots of plastics aren’t recyclable, and when we throw them “away,” they only go as far as the Buncombe County landfill off Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

 

So here’s the thing:

If you want to get in shape, no one else can do your push-ups for you.

If you want to feel awesome, no one else can choose your car dance song for you.

And if you want to protect your home and health from plastic pollution, no one else can choose to consume less plastic for you.

 

But we CAN do it together.

 

Over 400 residents participated in the last Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction challenge – and together we diverted 6,750 lbs of trash from the landfill in just 30 days.

Will you help us break that record this year? Join here.

 

We’re proud that so many of our fellow Ashevillians are working to end their reliance on plastic! Many thanks to the businesses and restaurants who supported this effort, and are working hard to reduce their own plastic waste. Mind Your Plastic May 2022 is presented for the residents of the City of Asheville in partnership with the City of Asheville. #goingplasticfree.

 

Questions?  Give us a shout at: [email protected]

 

 

P.S. It’s Mind Your Plastic May, which means we’re taking action to reduce plastic all month long!

Check out all our events and activities here: ashevillegreenworks.org/mind-your-plastic-may

The Amazing Acro-cats in Asheville!
May 8 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Amazing Acro-Cats Ambush Asheville! See the only all-cat band in the world purr-form live!

The Amazing Acro-Cats are thrilled to be back on the road, bringing their unique show to Asheville, North Caroina on May 7th and May 8th.

The Amazing Acro-Cats is a troupe of rescued house cats who put on a one-of-a-kind performance for thousands of people across the United States. These talented felines roll on balls, ride skateboards, jump through hoops, and more. The grand finale of the show features Tuna and the Rock Cats, the only all-cat band in the world! The band includes Roux (guitar), Bowie (drums), and Nue (keyboard). There’s even a special guest joining in on their set – Cluck Norris, a chicken playing the tambourine and cymbal!

This two hour live purrformance is approved for all ages! While audience members marvel at the tricks these cats are able to perform, they also learn that it is possible to train a cat! Samantha Martin is Chief Executive Human of Tuna and the Rock Cats Rescue and leader of the show. Also the head of Rock Cats Rescue, she has found homes for over 325 cats and kittens. While encouraging and supporting clicker training – the fun and positive method using a clicker to train cats and other pets – the rescue also endorses responsible pet ownership in the process. Through the live shows and her rescue, Rock Cats Rescue is saving cats, one click at a time.

Tickets to see the Amazing Acro-Cats at the Wortham Center for the Purrforming Arts – Diana Wortham Theatre begin at $25, and can be purchased directly through the venue here: https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-amazing-acro-cats-2.

About The Amazing Acro-Cats and Tuna and the Rock Cats Rescue: The Amazing Acro-Cats was founded in 2006 by Samantha Martin and the feline star of the show, Tuna. The Acro-Cats seek to educate the public on the benefits of clicker training by entertaining audiences across the country. The Acro-Cats support the mission of Tuna and the Rock Cats Rescue by promoting animal welfare, educating audiences on feline foster and rescue, and demonstrating the benefits of clicker training.

YWCA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY THIS SPRING
May 8 all-day
YWCA of Asheville

The YW is seeking volunteers to help maintain and ensure a thriving YW Garden. Plants in the YW Garden will be transformed into delicious meals for the children in our care by our nutrition team, used to introduce students to new vegetables and herbs, and leveraged by our teachers as curriculum in our childcare allowing the children to watch as plants grow from seed, to sprout, to thriving plant! To become a volunteer at the YWCA of Asheville, email [email protected].

Monday, May 9, 2022
  AmeriCorps Sustainability Coordinator Position Open
May 9 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Applications are open now for a Sustainability Coordinator, an 11-month AmeriCorps position running September 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023.

 

This AmeriCorps member will take a leadership role in all our waste reduction programs and education efforts.

 

The Sustainability Coordinator will raise public awareness about conserving our natural resources, and lead education programs about waste reduction, recycling, and composting in organizations, and at community gatherings and schools.

 

Know a leader who cares deeply about reducing our waste? Applications due May 9.

“Oh The Places We’ve Been & The Places We’ll Go”
May 9 all-day
Asheville Gallery of Art

Claire Simpson Jones and Donny Luke are the Asheville Gallery of Art’s featured artists for the month of May. Visitors to the gallery will have the entire month to view their outstanding paintings. Their exhibit will run from May 1st-31st.

“This exhibition is a celebration of our individual travels through life,” joyously depicted in the watercolors of Donny Luke and Claire Simpson Jones. Traveling has always played a big part in both Donny and Claire’s world, broadening their awareness and perspective, opening their minds to new experiences, and providing unlimited inspiration.

Both artists have a passion for travel as well as a passion for the challenging, but gratifying, watercolor medium, and this exhibition combines these passions. “There is no better way to immerse yourself into a particular scene than painting. Whether choosing plein-air or painting from travel sketches and references brought back to the studio, all of our senses come to life and that experience is pure joy!” Every painting is an adventure that seems to take on a life of its own, often diverging from the initial design as it develops. Staying open to ‘following’ that direction or literally “going with the flow” of watercolor provides a sense of discovery and adventure that makes the process exciting. Donny and Claire both have a long list of places and techniques they plan to explore in the near future, adding to their repertoire of inspiration and work.

Donny Luke’s travels throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, have given him many opportunities to take reference photos of some of the most beautiful places and landscapes in North America. He works from these references to create dramatic watercolor paintings. His work also includes many paintings of the breathtaking scenery and architecture in Western North Carolina, especially waterfalls, streams, and old barns.

Donny retired from a thirty-two year career as a professional architect in Asheville, NC and began his watercolor career in 2016. He has studied under nationally known watercolor artists including Michael Reardon, Iain Stewart, Keiko Tenabe, and Antonio Masi. He is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and has had paintings juried into the 2018, 2020, and 2021 WSNC Annual Juried Exhibitions with the 2020 painting ‘Santa Rosalina Relic’ receiving the WSNC Permanent Collection Purchase Award.

Claire Simpson Jones’ sensitive naturalist paintings draw from her many travels, here and abroad, and a lifetime of finding refuge and comfort in the raw beauty of our planet. In the past ten years, she has spent her summers in her favorite destinations’ England, Scotland, Australia, and our beautiful mountains of NC. Equipped with painting supplies, she roams the countryside, setting up to paint whenever inspiration comes her way. “Nature has always fed my soul for as long as I can remember. This connection has been, and continues to be, the primary inspiration for my paintings. I often begin with plein air studies and photos, taking them back to my studio to see where my next painting experience leads me. There is nothing to substitute for painting on location, with all of my senses alive, working quickly to capture the true essence of the scene before me.”

After working in graphic design, illustration, and a long career in teaching high school art, Claire has shifted her focus back to full time painting. She holds a BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has studied art at Ontario College of Art and California College of Art. She has also studied with nationally known watercolor artists including atelier workshops with the world renown watercolorist, Mary Whyte. Claire is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, earning awards, the most recent 2020 Best of Region Award.

Visitors to the Asheville Gallery of Art will be able to view Claire and Donny’s show from May1st through May 31st. They will be present for a special “Meet the Artist” event on First Friday, May 6th, from 5pm-8pm in the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue.

Apply for a Preservation Grant Today!
May 9 all-day
online w/Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
  Grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
  1. Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
  1. Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
  1. Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
May 9 all-day
Various Locations in Asheville Area

Asheville Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer with Us

Volunteers are the heart of our organization and support every aspect of our work. In 2021, 955 volunteers contributed 37,053 hours of service, helping us to carry out our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Whether sorting donations in the ReStore, hammering nails on the construction site, or assisting in the administrative office, we hope you’ll find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you.

 

Asheville Art Museum: Online Auction and Raffle Now Open!
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Online Auction and Raffle Now Open!
The Museum’s online auction leading up to our annual Gala is now live and open to the public! Funds raised through the auction provide invaluable support to the Asheville Art Museum. Browse a fabulous array of paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, experiences, and more. Place your bids through May 18!
Asheville Regional Airport: New art exhibit highlighting local artists
May 9 all-day
Asheville Regional Airport

Journey, the newest exhibit showing in the airport art gallery, is open to the public now through June 26, 2022. The local art is unique, vibrant and engaging, and is displayed for the enjoyment of passengers and other visitors to the airport.
The local artists’ work featured in this exhibit focus on two different mediums. Hannah Hall’s pieces show a unique method of fiber artistry that captures a variety of outdoor landscapes. Cathleen Klibanoff uses mixed media by incorporating found objects, resin casts, acrylic and more to create vibrant seasonal expressions and a study of equine forms.
“The airport is a gateway to western North Carolina and it is wonderful to be able to introduce travelers to our region to a glimpse of local art culture,” said Alexandra Ingle, Brand and Experience Designer at AVL and curator of the gallery.
Artwork can be purchased from the gallery by emailing [email protected]. Details about the program and how to apply can be found on the airport’s website at flyavl.com.
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk + Auction
May 9 all-day
Hendersonville nc

ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.

The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.

 

Blue Ridge Honor Flight
May 9 all-day
Blue Ridge Honor Flight

All World War II and all Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans who were awarded or were eligible for the Korean Service Medal (Korean War Veterans) or the Vietnam Service Medal (Vietnam War veterans) are eligible for this complimentary trip to visit their memorials in Washington D.C. for their own personal day of honor for serving this great country and the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.

Spaces are available for the May flight and veterans and guardians are encouraged to fill out the applications available on www.blueridgehonorflight.com.

Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 9 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Check Online For the Wait Before You Vote
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Buncombe County Gov.

Wait Time App

If you’re taking advantage of Early Voting, you can check out the wait time ahead of going to the polls. From April 28-May 14, you can find out how many voters are in line in real time by clicking here. Wait times are updated throughout the day, so you can know the best time to visit any Early Voting location that’s convenient for you.

Don’t forget, during Early Voting you can utilize same-day voter registration at any of the 10 locations across Buncombe County. Click here for Early Voting dates, times, maps, and more.

Early voting locations:

  • Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain, 28711
  • East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville, 28805
  • Enka-Candler Branch Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, 28715
  • Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview, 28730
  • Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester, 28748
  • Reynolds Village, 61 N Merrimon Ave, Suite 105, Woodfin, 28804
  • South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, Asheville, 28803
  • Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville, 28787
  • Wesley Grant Southside Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville, 28801
  • West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, Asheville, 28806

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Elections in One Location.

County Voting Absentee in the 2022 Primary Elections
May 9 all-day
online

News article image

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:

  1. Online – Request an Absentee Ballot at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.
  2. 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].

 

History @ Home – Virtual Exhibits w/ The Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
May 9 all-day
online
Stories from the House is a virtual tour of our 1840s-era brick mansion as seen through the eyes of many of the people who walked these same hallways over a century ago and whose stories represent a microcosm of the history of western North Carolina.
In 1918 vs. 2020, we took an in-depth look at the 1918 influenza epidemic in Western North Carolina through newspaper clippings, advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and oral history and place the events of 1918 into context with our present-day response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

Local Air Quality Agency Accepting Nominations for Clean Air Excellence Awards
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Buncombe County Government

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency (AB Air Quality) is now accepting nominations for our eighteenth annual air quality awards program. The goal of the Clean Air Excellence Awards is to recognize businesses and organizations that have truly gone above and beyond regulatory requirements to improve air quality for the citizens of our area. Past years’ award recipients have included Biltmore, Eaton Corporation, and Asheville Housing Authority; each initiated voluntary efforts that improved air quality in the Asheville-Buncombe County Area.

Award guidelines explain the criteria for the awards and different categories of awards apply to different types of permitted facilities, organizations, and individuals that would like to nominate themselves or another entity for consideration.

To submit a nomination for a Clean Air Excellence Award, please download the application form online and include a brief summary describing what was done to improve air quality for Buncombe County.  Examples of voluntary pollution prevention measures include:  significant energy efficiency upgrades, switching to more environmentally friendly and lower emitting solvents and cleaners, installing renewable energy systems, and upgrading fleet vehicles to more fuel efficient or lower emitting models. We ask that nominations be submitted to our Agency by June 7, 2022. We encourage you to submit any and all efforts your company (or another company) has undertaken to reduce emissions.  Agency staff is available to assist with emissions-related questions.

Award guidelines and applications can be found below as PDFs. Please contact Ashley Featherstone at (828) 250-6777 or [email protected] with questions.