Asheville Mural Approved for Arts Funding and Donations

 "Golden Threads" Shindig Mural, sponsored by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, has been approved by the Arts and Sciences Council program, Power to Give. The Charlotte-based Program assists North Carolina-based arts organizations that have received grants from the North Carolina Arts Council within the past three years, and now need funding for a specific project.

As of February 14, 2015 the Shindig Mural was opened to people and organizations that wish to fund arts projects. The general public may also be a part of the funding of the Shindig Mural Project, Just CLICK HERE to go to the Power to Give site and become a donor for this exciting Asheville arts project.

Building on a platform of previous WNC murals, the Golden Threads Mural celebrates the annual Asheville event, Shindig on the Green in Asheville, is another example of the vision and mission of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc., the mission of "Planting seeds of heritage through the Arts."

Art Director and well-know mountain mural and fine artist, Doreyl Ammons Cain, will be researching, planning and executing the painting and completion of the "Golden Threads" Shindig Mural. Ammons Cain will also follow through with the evaluation procedures, marketing plan, research into other WNC mural sites and interviews with Shindig musicians.

Shindig on the Green takes place each  in the heart of downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park's Roger McGuire Green. The stage shows take place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the nation’s longest running folk festival.

The Folk Heritage Committee produces Shindig on the Green and its sister event, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, to support the preservation and continuation of the traditional music, dance and storytelling heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Between 3,000 and 5,000 people attend the FREE Shindig on the Green evenings  throughout the summer. In addition to throngs of locals, visitors routinely travel from out of state, across the country, and even around the world to make their way to downtown Asheville for Shindig on the Green.

Shindig on the Green depends on the talent and generosity of its volunteer musicians and dancers who span several generations. From young children perfecting their square dance steps to great-grandmothers singing ballads passed down through the years, the region’s wealth of traditional talent takes center stage. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting. 

March Workshops from WNC Nonprofit Pathways

March 3, 2015  - Ethical Issues in Nonprofit Management Maintaining the public's trust is crucial to a nonprofit's continued work, yet the misdeeds of a few have made it hard for the rest of us. In this course, you will look at steps nonprofits can take to avoid ethical pitfalls, determine a course of action based on your agency's values, and learn how to develop an organizational code of conduct. Click here to register or get additional details for this class. Melissa LeRoy is a board member of the NC Center for Nonprofits, which has designated her as a nonprofit mentor for the western region of the state, and offers her services as a consultant through OnFire Non-Profit Consulting. 

March 10, 2015  - Nonprofit Fundamentals: Human Resources Your "human capital" is your organization's most important asset. How you manage HR and lead your employees will contribute to organizational success or decline. Along with basic human resources activities to help you become a more effective leader, we will cover: workforce planning, employment, performance leadership, total rewards and risk management basics, legal issues and best practices. Click here to register or get additional details for this class. Carol Rovello, President of Strategic Workplace Solutions, has 28 years of experience as an HR consultant and works with small to large organizations across industries, including nonprofits. 

Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways is a funders' collaborative dedicated to strengthening nonprofits vital to the future of our mountain region. Website: www.nonprofitpathways.org  Email: contact@nonprofitpathways.org , mailing address:  P.O.Box 7667 Asheville, NC 28802

A Sweetheat of a Valentine deal at The Balsalm Mountain Inn for $125

Balsam Mountain Inn is once again offering a "Sweetheart’s Valentine Package".  Popular in previous year's, the Valentine’s Sweetheart package is available throughout the month of February. Add a candlelit dinner for two, fresh flowers, champagne, and fresh baked Valentines cookies to any room rate, all for $125. Call to reserve, before they're all booked.

The Balsam Mountain Inn is located at 7 Springs Drive in Balsam NC - between Asheville and Waynesville. This quaint NC mountain inn offers approximately 50 rooms, free breakfast, WIFI, a restaurant, live entertainment and beautiful mountain views.

Cataloochee Ski Area Law Enforcement Appreciation Days this week

February 5 - 6, 2015   Law Enforcement Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area    Cataloochee supports the law enforcement by offering a special reduced rate for law enforcement personnel and their families. Valid ID required. This special package includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. 


Located in Maggie Valley NC Cataloochee is North Carolina's First Ski Area, and usually the first NC Ski Area to open for the season. Catalochee offers Smoky Mountain Skiing, Riding and Tubing with 16 lighted slopes including the Cat Cage Terrain Park. With a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience offers something for everyone.


100% snowmaking, 16 lighted slopes including 1 terrain park, 2 advanced, 5 intermediate & 6 beginner; 5 lifts including 1 triple chair lift, 1 quad chairlift, & 3 conveyor lifts; and 6 lanes of snowtubing fun! PSIA school instruction. Intro to Skiing or Riding lesson is FREE with all ski and snowboard rentals any non-holiday Monday through Thursday.
Find lodging, restaurants and attractions convenient to Cataloochee at Maggie Valley NC, Waynesville NC and Lake Junaluska NC