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.
| Riverview Station 191 Lyman StreetDemos, Classes and More 310 Art at Riverview Station – Ground Floor North 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Witness artists at work with special demos including mixed media, collage, oil painting, encaustic, wire wrapping and more! Today’s Class: Portrait Drawing Bruce Santorini’s Raku Display Second Saturday at Art Garden Wedge Studios Philip DeAngelo Studio — Guest Artist Greg Vineyard |
| Pink Dog Creative 342-348 Depot Street, STE 101The Great Reveal in “The Big Room” 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 11 artists – each in their respective studio – are revealing a brand-new work to the public on August 12 from. A wine toast will take place at 2:30 PM. Stop by to see the latest works by these talented artists including: Viola Spells, Patti Anastasi, May Rhea, Noël Yovovich, Tim Barnwell, Lucy Cobos, Ralph Burns, Liz Hosier, Emelie Weber Wade, Sandi McAslan, and Heather DivokyTrackside Studios Encaustic Collage Demo with Kate Colclaser Artist Reception: Tails from the Forest Floor
CLICK HERE for downloadable pdf of 2nd Saturday Map with Highlights |
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!
Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?
We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.
NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS
We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.
Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-15 minutes long
May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.
2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
20-40 minutes long
May be paired with another show.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.
5. FILM
A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.
May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023
3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.
We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.
Closed | Opening August 7
The North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant is a regional grant program to support individual artists in all phases of their career. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences. This grant is intended to support a broad range of talented artists in the genres of visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music composition, choreography, and interdisciplinary arts. Grants range from $500 to $3,000
The ASG program is funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. Region 17 is led by Haywood County Arts Council and support artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.
The deadline to apply is September 5, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
Down Home NC Seeks Education Deep Canvassers
Remote, with some travel required within NC
Part-time, Contract, $22/hr
Down Home, North Carolina seeks multiple, part-time Deep Canvassers. The Deep Canvassers will work directly with the Deep Canvass Management Team and contribute to a positive, inclusive culture and work environment — to have multiple persuasive deep canvass phone conversations with voters.
About the Organization
Down Home North Carolina is a growing statewide organization of rural and small-town communities advocating for economic, gender, and racial justice. We will move North Carolina toward the values of dignity, safety, and inclusion through leadership development, strategic campaigning, multiracial movement-building, and civic engagement that advances positive, life-changing reforms for rural communities.
We are unique in our focus on building permanent, statewide organizing infrastructure in North Carolina’s rural places. Through our growing network of member-led, county-based chapters, we are engaged in year-round organizing. Our member-leaders, deeply rooted in their communities, are the heart and soul of We Are Down Home’s work. Our organizational mission includes a deep commitment to building multiracial and working-class member leadership, and our chapter culture inspires the deep and necessary commitment required to transform small towns and rural places.
Founded in 2017, Down Home has built a solid organizational track record, including:
- Electing Diamond Staton-Williams in House District 73, the first black woman to represent Cabarrus County in the General Assembly as well as temporarily preventing a Republican Supermajority
- Led a years-long statewide campaign to Expand Medicaid, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2023
- Helping to elect the first Latinx state legislator in NC history
- Growing a statewide membership base that includes all 100 counties of North Carolina
- Anchoring the first southern, rural deep canvass and race-class narrative tests
- Driving statewide coalitions to fight for a just COVID-19 recovery and Medicaid expansion
About the Position
Down Home North Carolina is creating and instituting a Deep Canvass Academy this year. In 2023 Down Home North Carolina plans to offer large-scale training sessions on the methodology of Deep Canvass and the skills associated with Deep Canvass organizing. In addition, Down Home will anchor large-scale education Deep Canvass in conjunction with partners state and nationwide.
Down Home, North Carolina seeks multiple, part-time Deep Canvassers. The Deep Canvassers will work directly with the Deep Canvass Management Team and contribute to a positive, inclusive culture and work environment. The Deep Canvasser will assist with script iteration by having Deep Canvass calls to a select universe of community members. The Deep Sanvass script will change frequently, and the Deep Canvasser have to be flexible. Responsibilities include daily and weekly reporting utilizing spreadsheets and databases.
Keys to Success (the must-haves) and Responsibilities:
- Relationship builder: Comes across as genuine. Ability to build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Able to put people at ease, especially when there are lines of difference. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input.
- Highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented: Manages a high volume of work efficiently. Has a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize while maintaining quality. Strong sense of ownership over goals and metrics, ensuring data integrity is a priority. Paying strict attention to detail regarding Deep Canvass team reports and systems. Proficiency in Google Suites and general knowledge of databases.
- Knowledge of race equity and inclusion: You recognize how race and other identities intersect in our work, especially in rural, multiracial communities. You are comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or gender in plain, specific terms. You understand the historical context for racial inequity and its present day implications: Notices and fixes errors others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
- Excellent communication and listening skills: Can engage deeply with people they have just met. Be able to listen to community members and understand their concerns. Can build rapport quickly and is comfortable having deep empathetic relational conversations and sharing personal experiences.
- Organizer mindset: Committed to grassroots organizing and is grounded in the importance of building a multiracial movement. Is willing and able to build relationships quickly, have strong follow ups, and move people to action. Is willing to take chances, solve problems creatively, and independently. A determination to succeed and build power. Previous experience as an organizer or a grassroots leader is preferred but not required.
- Aligned with the mission and values of Down Home NC: Committed to the vision of a powerful, inclusive, rural, multiracial, working-class movement-building as a path towards liberation for all people, aligned with the idea that building power takes both election programs and long-term base building and community investment.
Responsibilities:
- Support Deep Canvass Program
- Participate in script iterations, deep canvass measurements, maintenance of data, and reporting to meet metric goals and deadlines, ensuring data integrity.
- Have multiple persuasive deep canvass phone conversations with voters per shift.
- Track conversations via database, spreadsheets, and CallHub [predictive dialer].
- Debrief conversations daily with the canvass team.
- Participate in ongoing training to learn deep canvassing tactics and methodology.
- Listen without judgment so voters feel comfortable sharing their views honestly.
- Listen actively and ask follow-up questions.
- Be willing to share your own stories to help voters feel more comfortable.
- Connect around shared values based on common experiences.
- Participate in a team culture that is inclusive, cooperative, and emotionally supportive of the work.
- Knowledge of VAN, CallHub, Spoke, and Goggle Suites is a plus
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Excellent listening and communication skills include asking multiple follow-up questions to elicit stories.
- Empathetic and motivational in conversation. Comfortable sharing stories about your own experiences.
- Capacity to listen without judgment. Ability to find common ground with people who have different opinions.
- Candidates must strongly commit to social, racial, and economic justice and are passionate about our issues.
- Serious about achieving qualitative and quantitative goals.
Compensation: The compensation for this contract, part-time position is to $22 per hour, with an expected end date in December 2023. This role is on Zoom. However, it may require some travel within North Carolina.
How to Apply
Down Home NC is committed to creating a dynamic, multicultural, diverse working environment. Candidates of color and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Down Home NC is an equal opportunity employer.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, prioritizing applications received by August 15th. We are still accepting applications if this job description is posted on Down Home’s website (www.downhomenc.org).
Please send a resume and a short cover letter that includes your experience to: [email protected].

Your voice matters about how the 2024 Primary Election’s Early Voting will be shaped. We want your feedback on the proposed times and locations for Early Voting via our six-question survey. The Buncombe County Board of Elections will take feedback into consideration when determining the locations and weekend hours for Early Voting.
For additional information about the proposed Early Voting dates, times, and locations, read below. And please take the survey here. Thank you for your input, we appreciate your feedback. The Board of Elections will meet on Tuesday, Sep. 12 to discuss public input of the Early Voting plan for the primary election and adopt it at the Oct. 17 meeting. After that, Buncombe County will publicize the finalized locations and hours on our website, through media partners, social media, and other platforms.
Proposed Early Voting information
Early Voting Period:
Feb. 15- March 2
Proposed locations
Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St, Black Mountain 28711
East Asheville Library – 3 Avon Rd, Asheville 28805
Enka-Candler Library – 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 28715
Fairview Library – 1 Taylor Rd, Fairview 28730
Leicester Community Center – 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester 28748
North Asheville Location – TBD
South Buncombe Library – 260 Overlook Rd, Asheville 28803
2nd South Asheville Location – TBD
Weaverville Community Center – 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville 28787
Wesley Grant Southside Center (in lieu of BOE) – 285 Livingston St, Asheville 28801
West Asheville Library – 942 Haywood Rd, Asheville 28806
Proposed hours
Please note that voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, and on the last Saturday (March 2) hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,as mandated by state law. The Board of Elections can set weekend hours and determine the number of early voting sites.
Proposed weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, February 17
Saturday, February 24
Sunday, February 25
Green Drinks lives on every Saturday as The Free & Open University of Eco-Sustainability on Facebook
\
Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process for the 2023 Homeowner Grant Program opens Aug. 1. This program is officially in its third year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The website buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant will start accepting inquiries Aug. 1-Sept. 30, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.
You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.
Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate.
If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.
- You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
- Your home must by your primary and only residence
- Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
- Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
- You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)
The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry at buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant after Aug. 1 or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.
“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”
Grovewood Gallery will present Inqwiry, an outdoor exhibition of wire animal sculptures by Bakersville, NC, artist Josh Coté. This event is open to the public and free to attend. Inqwiry will remain on view through August 13, 2023.
The local ReStore ReUse Contest is officially open for
submissions. Now through September 30, residents can show off their creativity and talent for
a chance to win in the 12 th annual contest. Fabulous furniture make-overs, remarkable
renovations, or unique yard art…if you recently took on a DIY project using predominantly
reused building materials, the Asheville Habitat ReStore wants to know. There are five
categories this year plus Best in Show, and all entries must be submitted electronically. For
guidelines and entry form, visit ashevillehabitat.org/restore .
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a wine bar made from a vintage
console radio, a chair constructed from an oil drum, and so much more. To see photos from
2022, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live/Work Space, Home Décor, Art + Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-
October.
The Magnetic Theatre’s One Act Play Festival returns for its fourth year of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories, playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.
The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of plays that varied in theme, subject matter, and style. The result? A two-weekend extravaganza featuring 24 playwrights, 17 directors, and 70+ actors, all working to bring a kaleidoscope of stories to Asheville! The Festival will run August 4-13, 2023: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 4pm. There will be two shows, a Show A and a Show B, which will run from August 4-12, 2023, with the August 13th performance being a Best of the Fest show featuring audience voted favorites from both Show A and B! Be sure to come out and vote for your favorites.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!
Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?
We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.
NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS
We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.
Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-15 minutes long
May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.
2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
20-40 minutes long
May be paired with another show.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.
5. FILM
A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.
May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023
3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.
We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.
Closed | Opening August 7
The North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant is a regional grant program to support individual artists in all phases of their career. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences. This grant is intended to support a broad range of talented artists in the genres of visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music composition, choreography, and interdisciplinary arts. Grants range from $500 to $3,000
The ASG program is funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. Region 17 is led by Haywood County Arts Council and support artists in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.
The deadline to apply is September 5, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
The Caldwell Arts Council announces a call for sculptors to participate in its 37th Annual Sculpture Celebration scheduled from 9am-4pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Sculptors are invited to enter up to 3 works in the competition that will be judged by renowned sculptor Kyle Van Lusk of Brevard, NC and offers $11,000 in cash awards. Sales and commissions are allowed with 100% of proceeds going to the sculptors. All sizes of works in all materials are welcome. In addition, large-scale outdoor works can be entered for a second exhibition and sales opportunity at the Western NC Sculpture Center.
Registration includes FREE help in unloading, installation, and removal of work; admission to the Friday night Sculptor’s Reception & Dinner; and a continental breakfast on Saturday. Local lodging options are available, as well as free camping at the Western NC Sculpture Center.
Held rain or shine, this annual family-friendly event attracts sculptors and buyers from all over the eastern United States, with attendance as high as 4,000 people. It is funded in part by generous sponsors, the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resource, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Early registration discounts are available and special rates are provided for students. For complete details, visit www.caldwellarts.com, or contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486 or [email protected].
Down Home NC Seeks Education Deep Canvassers
Remote, with some travel required within NC
Part-time, Contract, $22/hr
Down Home, North Carolina seeks multiple, part-time Deep Canvassers. The Deep Canvassers will work directly with the Deep Canvass Management Team and contribute to a positive, inclusive culture and work environment — to have multiple persuasive deep canvass phone conversations with voters.
About the Organization
Down Home North Carolina is a growing statewide organization of rural and small-town communities advocating for economic, gender, and racial justice. We will move North Carolina toward the values of dignity, safety, and inclusion through leadership development, strategic campaigning, multiracial movement-building, and civic engagement that advances positive, life-changing reforms for rural communities.
We are unique in our focus on building permanent, statewide organizing infrastructure in North Carolina’s rural places. Through our growing network of member-led, county-based chapters, we are engaged in year-round organizing. Our member-leaders, deeply rooted in their communities, are the heart and soul of We Are Down Home’s work. Our organizational mission includes a deep commitment to building multiracial and working-class member leadership, and our chapter culture inspires the deep and necessary commitment required to transform small towns and rural places.
Founded in 2017, Down Home has built a solid organizational track record, including:
- Electing Diamond Staton-Williams in House District 73, the first black woman to represent Cabarrus County in the General Assembly as well as temporarily preventing a Republican Supermajority
- Led a years-long statewide campaign to Expand Medicaid, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2023
- Helping to elect the first Latinx state legislator in NC history
- Growing a statewide membership base that includes all 100 counties of North Carolina
- Anchoring the first southern, rural deep canvass and race-class narrative tests
- Driving statewide coalitions to fight for a just COVID-19 recovery and Medicaid expansion
About the Position
Down Home North Carolina is creating and instituting a Deep Canvass Academy this year. In 2023 Down Home North Carolina plans to offer large-scale training sessions on the methodology of Deep Canvass and the skills associated with Deep Canvass organizing. In addition, Down Home will anchor large-scale education Deep Canvass in conjunction with partners state and nationwide.
Down Home, North Carolina seeks multiple, part-time Deep Canvassers. The Deep Canvassers will work directly with the Deep Canvass Management Team and contribute to a positive, inclusive culture and work environment. The Deep Canvasser will assist with script iteration by having Deep Canvass calls to a select universe of community members. The Deep Sanvass script will change frequently, and the Deep Canvasser have to be flexible. Responsibilities include daily and weekly reporting utilizing spreadsheets and databases.
Keys to Success (the must-haves) and Responsibilities:
- Relationship builder: Comes across as genuine. Ability to build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Able to put people at ease, especially when there are lines of difference. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input.
- Highly organized, motivated, and detail-oriented: Manages a high volume of work efficiently. Has a system for keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize while maintaining quality. Strong sense of ownership over goals and metrics, ensuring data integrity is a priority. Paying strict attention to detail regarding Deep Canvass team reports and systems. Proficiency in Google Suites and general knowledge of databases.
- Knowledge of race equity and inclusion: You recognize how race and other identities intersect in our work, especially in rural, multiracial communities. You are comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or gender in plain, specific terms. You understand the historical context for racial inequity and its present day implications: Notices and fixes errors others might overlook. Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities. Has a track record of leaving things better than they found them.
- Excellent communication and listening skills: Can engage deeply with people they have just met. Be able to listen to community members and understand their concerns. Can build rapport quickly and is comfortable having deep empathetic relational conversations and sharing personal experiences.
- Organizer mindset: Committed to grassroots organizing and is grounded in the importance of building a multiracial movement. Is willing and able to build relationships quickly, have strong follow ups, and move people to action. Is willing to take chances, solve problems creatively, and independently. A determination to succeed and build power. Previous experience as an organizer or a grassroots leader is preferred but not required.
- Aligned with the mission and values of Down Home NC: Committed to the vision of a powerful, inclusive, rural, multiracial, working-class movement-building as a path towards liberation for all people, aligned with the idea that building power takes both election programs and long-term base building and community investment.
Responsibilities:
- Support Deep Canvass Program
- Participate in script iterations, deep canvass measurements, maintenance of data, and reporting to meet metric goals and deadlines, ensuring data integrity.
- Have multiple persuasive deep canvass phone conversations with voters per shift.
- Track conversations via database, spreadsheets, and CallHub [predictive dialer].
- Debrief conversations daily with the canvass team.
- Participate in ongoing training to learn deep canvassing tactics and methodology.
- Listen without judgment so voters feel comfortable sharing their views honestly.
- Listen actively and ask follow-up questions.
- Be willing to share your own stories to help voters feel more comfortable.
- Connect around shared values based on common experiences.
- Participate in a team culture that is inclusive, cooperative, and emotionally supportive of the work.
- Knowledge of VAN, CallHub, Spoke, and Goggle Suites is a plus
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Excellent listening and communication skills include asking multiple follow-up questions to elicit stories.
- Empathetic and motivational in conversation. Comfortable sharing stories about your own experiences.
- Capacity to listen without judgment. Ability to find common ground with people who have different opinions.
- Candidates must strongly commit to social, racial, and economic justice and are passionate about our issues.
- Serious about achieving qualitative and quantitative goals.
Compensation: The compensation for this contract, part-time position is to $22 per hour, with an expected end date in December 2023. This role is on Zoom. However, it may require some travel within North Carolina.
How to Apply
Down Home NC is committed to creating a dynamic, multicultural, diverse working environment. Candidates of color and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Down Home NC is an equal opportunity employer.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, prioritizing applications received by August 15th. We are still accepting applications if this job description is posted on Down Home’s website (www.downhomenc.org).
Please send a resume and a short cover letter that includes your experience to: [email protected].

Your voice matters about how the 2024 Primary Election’s Early Voting will be shaped. We want your feedback on the proposed times and locations for Early Voting via our six-question survey. The Buncombe County Board of Elections will take feedback into consideration when determining the locations and weekend hours for Early Voting.
For additional information about the proposed Early Voting dates, times, and locations, read below. And please take the survey here. Thank you for your input, we appreciate your feedback. The Board of Elections will meet on Tuesday, Sep. 12 to discuss public input of the Early Voting plan for the primary election and adopt it at the Oct. 17 meeting. After that, Buncombe County will publicize the finalized locations and hours on our website, through media partners, social media, and other platforms.
Proposed Early Voting information
Early Voting Period:
Feb. 15- March 2
Proposed locations
Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St, Black Mountain 28711
East Asheville Library – 3 Avon Rd, Asheville 28805
Enka-Candler Library – 1404 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 28715
Fairview Library – 1 Taylor Rd, Fairview 28730
Leicester Community Center – 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester 28748
North Asheville Location – TBD
South Buncombe Library – 260 Overlook Rd, Asheville 28803
2nd South Asheville Location – TBD
Weaverville Community Center – 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville 28787
Wesley Grant Southside Center (in lieu of BOE) – 285 Livingston St, Asheville 28801
West Asheville Library – 942 Haywood Rd, Asheville 28806
Proposed hours
Please note that voting hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, and on the last Saturday (March 2) hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,as mandated by state law. The Board of Elections can set weekend hours and determine the number of early voting sites.
Proposed weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, February 17
Saturday, February 24
Sunday, February 25
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. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.
\
Buncombe County is excited to announce the inquiry process for the 2023 Homeowner Grant Program opens Aug. 1. This program is officially in its third year, and qualified homeowners will have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. The website buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant will start accepting inquiries Aug. 1-Sept. 30, or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility.
You may qualify for up to $300 in unincorporated Buncombe County, and up to $500 in City of Asheville. Please note that applicants who received grants last year will need to re-apply.
Through this program, residents who own residential property in Buncombe County that they have lived in as their primary residence for at least five years and who earn at or less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as a household may be eligible to participate.
If eligible, grantees may choose to have grant funds applied to their property tax bill and/or paid and applied to other housing-related obligations such as housing costs, mortgage, or homeowner’s insurance. Payments are made directly to the source of the approved bill. Payments will not be made directly to individuals. There are several new aspects to this year’s program including new eligibility requirements, and now mobile-home owners may receive the grants.
- You must have owned and lived in your home for 5 years or more
- Your home must by your primary and only residence
- Your household income is at or below 80% of area median income (AMI)
- Your household cannot already be receiving tax deferment assistance like elderly/disabled, or Veterans exemptions.
- You must not have more than $60,000 in liquid resources (for example: your cash on hand, checking & savings accounts combined, or other investments available to you within 7 days)
The inquiry process will be open through Sept. 30. Eligible homeowners can submit an inquiry at buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant after Aug. 1 or call (828) 250-5500 to start the application process. Phone support is available in any language. Please note that we anticipate a high volume of calls and inquiries at the onset, and it may take a few weeks for a case manager to get back with you.
“If you think you may qualify, but you aren’t sure, please give our team a call,” says Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “We know there are a number of unique circumstances, and our staff will work with homeowners to help find solutions.”
Grovewood Gallery will present Inqwiry, an outdoor exhibition of wire animal sculptures by Bakersville, NC, artist Josh Coté. This event is open to the public and free to attend. Inqwiry will remain on view through August 13, 2023.

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.
The local ReStore ReUse Contest is officially open for
submissions. Now through September 30, residents can show off their creativity and talent for
a chance to win in the 12 th annual contest. Fabulous furniture make-overs, remarkable
renovations, or unique yard art…if you recently took on a DIY project using predominantly
reused building materials, the Asheville Habitat ReStore wants to know. There are five
categories this year plus Best in Show, and all entries must be submitted electronically. For
guidelines and entry form, visit ashevillehabitat.org/restore .
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a wine bar made from a vintage
console radio, a chair constructed from an oil drum, and so much more. To see photos from
2022, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live/Work Space, Home Décor, Art + Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-
October.
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
![]() |
| Back to School Blues Our annual back-to-school sale on blue jeans returns August 4-13, just in time to assist families who are expected to spend more on school clothing and supplies than ever before. While supplies last, purchase one pair of blue jeans and get the second pair free at any Goodwill Northwest NC retail and outlet stores. Visit our website to see a full list of our locations. |
Voted #1 WNC festival in 1977, Black Mountain transforms four streets into a two-day festival filled with handcrafted artisan products, two music stages, a petting zoo, food, demonstrations, and of course – Honey!
Romare Bearden (Charlotte, NC 1911–1988 New York, NY), African American writer and artist, is renowned for his collages. He constantly experimented with various techniques to achieve his artistic goals throughout his career. This exhibition highlights works on paper and explores his most frequently used mediums, including screen-printing, lithography, hand-colored etching, collagraph, monotype, relief print, photomontage, and collage.
Bearden’s work reflects his improvisational approach to his practice. He considered his process akin to that of jazz and blues composers. Starting with an open mind, he would let an idea evolve spontaneously.
“Romare Bearden: Ways of Working highlights Bearden’s unique artistic practice and masterful storytelling through art,” says Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Jerald Melberg Gallery to present these extraordinary works on paper in conversation with Bearden’s collage Sunset Express, 1984 in the Museum Collection (on view in the Museum’s SECU Collection Hall). This exhibition will also provide a glimpse into the cultural histories and personal interests that influenced his art-making practice, and we hope it encourages introspection and dialogue with our visitors.”
Jerald Melberg states, “Romare Bearden’s groundbreaking artistic practice continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With an unparalleled legacy of creativity and innovation, Bearden’s contributions to art remain deeply influential years beyond his life.” We have enjoyed organizing this exhibition with the Asheville Art Museum to showcase his artistic genius and inspire visitors from the Western North Carolina region and beyond.”
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Judy Appleton Fund. Many thanks to the Jerald Melberg Gallery for the loan of these important artworks and to Mary and Jerald Melberg for their long-standing support of the arts, artists, and the Asheville Art Museum.
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.
|
Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home. Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection. |
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
-
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
-
-

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.
The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.
This exhibition tour focuses on the Museum’s Collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries, exploring the connection between art and artists of WNC/Southern Appalachia and the US at large.
Intersections of American Art presents three themes loosely derived from and inspired by Black Mountain College. Many objects reflect Time & Place in which artists created them, capturing a particular moment, a national mood, or geographical location. Other artists took risks through Experiments in Material & Form, using non-traditional art materials or questioning what defines a painting, sculpture, photograph, or other art form. Some artworks are enriched by Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Dialogue, in which multiple artists worked together or partnered with musicians, scientists, or other professionals in the creative process.
This exhibition is organized and curated by the Asheville Art Museum. Major support for this project is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. This project is also funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.



