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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Curators

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

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

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

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.

Juried market features handmade goods from local and independent artists.

Join us in welcoming artists Kirsty Kún and Christian Burchard to the gallery to discuss their upcoming show.

Asheville Gallery of Art – ‘Still Life, Still Alive’ – Opening Reception Sept. 1st, 5-8pm.
Featuring the work of Sahar Fakhoury. Fakhoury looks for life in otherwise lifeless subjects, and pushes the boundaries in creating interesting and unique effects in each painting.

FIRST FRIDAY ON THE BLOCK The next First Friday event — on September 1st — is full of art, artists, and important conversations. From out neighbor, Noir Collective: “We’ll begin at 5 p.m. with DJ Destro on the Parklet, followed by sneak peak performances from the upcoming production of Riding Hood at 5:30. LEAF will be open and food and drinks will be available at Penny Cup where RJC will be set up to talk about reparations and its process in our city. “Join the after party and networking event along with live music from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Workshop Lounge (Foundry Hotel). Free parking is available in the City Lot beginning at 5pm. (Street parking is free after 6).”

From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.

Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.

Here in Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The 14th annual season will start on Friday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 15 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek, with the Fireworks Festivities and concert on Tuesday, July 4 sprinkled in for good measure.

• Friday, July 28: Lua Flora, folk/reggae (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 4: Tuxedo Junction, classic hits, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 11: TLQ+2, classic rock and pop hits, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 18: Get Right Band, psychedelic indie rock originals, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 25: Maggie Valley Band, Appalachian/Americana folk rock, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Sept. 1: PMA, roots/reggae/dub/fusion, (7-9 p.m.)

These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. We will have food trucks available on select nights.

For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.

The musical stylings of Love Bubble featuring Hank Bones, Paula Hanke, and Peggy Ratusz will bring an evening filled with bluesy standards and original works for a harmony-driven, romping good time. You can listen to tracks from their 2019 debut record Love Revolution at https://lovebubble.bandcamp.com/. Or watch their latest video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1SaTsxdjic.

Love Bubble’s mission has always been to write nothing but positive songs about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness; they leave the sad songs to the endless array of talented singer songwriters across the globe. They are firmly planted in positivity and love. Featuring songs from their sophomore record release Dream Big, expect more love, more bubble, and genius lyrics written by these talented veterans of the WNC music scene for decades. From storytelling to prose and poetry, each of Dream Big’s 12 tracks is rich in arrangement, instrumentation, melody, rhyme, and rhythm.

Suitable for the whole family. Bring your family and friends for what’s assured to be a memorable evening of song and good vibes.

Special Event Sponsor for this concert is Peterson Insurance Group, Inc. of Weaverville… much appreciated!

For more information contact Chuck Fink at: [email protected].

This concert is brought to you by Asheville Rhythm and Odyssey School where Raquy will be teaching workshops in both darbuka playing and illumination painting throughout the Labor Day weekend. A portion of the proceeds from both the workshops and concert will go to Odyssey School’s Equity Fund.

The featured performer for tonight’s event is: RAGUY DANZIGER

Raquy Danziger is an internationally acclaimed musician, artist, teacher, and composer, considered to be one of the foremost experts and virtuosos on the oriental goblet drum known as the “darbuka.” Raquy is renowned for her electrifying performances and has performed, taught, and been a featured artist at festivals in Germany, Egypt, Poland, Japan,Russia, Canada, Ukraine, Mexico, Bosnia, India, USA, Italy, Uzbekistan, Israel, Spain, Greece and Turkey. She is currently based in Jaffa.

Through her concerts, compositions, and teaching methodology, Raquy has inspired a new generation of players and made a significant contribution toward elevating the darbuka from a humble folk drum to a shining solo instrument fit for a concert hall. In addition to drumming, Raquy plays the mystical twelve-string King Kemenche Tarhu, and is a disciple of the Azeri kemenche master Imamyar Hasanov and Arslan Hazretti.

Raquy has released thirteen albums, five darbuka method books, and two volumes of her original compositions. Her educational offerings are available through her online darbuka school: Darbukaschool.com. More than two thousand students are currently enrolled in her courses. When the world shut down in 2019 she immersed herself in the ancient art of illumination painting and wrote a vegan cookbook. Raquy will have some of her framed illumination paintings on display and for sale at the show.

Joining her on some pieces are

• Asheville’s beloved River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser of Free Planet Radio,
• Lady Bruce, percussive dancer, teacher, choreographer and musician from Canada,
• Beth Heinberg,  outstanding pianist, vocalist, member of Asheville’e Honey Music collective
• Brandi Mizilca, an accomplished Asheville-based artist who has has studied dance and movement her entire life and Middle Eastern music and dance since 1993.

….. with the possibility of other surprise appearances throughout the performance.

Click here to visit the performers website

Click here to listen to the music of RAQUY DANZIGER

Click here to watch videos of this amazing performer

The Catalinas, a beach band with roots in Charlotte, North Carolina, has gained massive popularity in the Southeast region since their inception in 1957. Known for their tight sound and high-energy performances, they are one of the most “in-demand” area bands. Though known for beach music and their megahit single “Summertime’s Callin’ Me,” The Catalinas play all genres to a high excellence. Their music has become the anthem of North and South Carolina beach goers as they struggle through the winter waiting on summer to arrive and is considered the catalyst for a new wave of beach music that began in 1975.

Their latest CD “Summer 21” was released in August 2021 and consists of 12 recordings that all charted in the beach music world plus one bonus track.