The Asheville Reef Continues to Grow at the Center for Craft Creativity and Design

The Asheville Reef, a satellite of the worldwide Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, is currently growing in the CCCD Gallery with the help of crochet groups from around the Western North Carolina region. The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef is the brainchild of two sisters from Australia, Christine and Margaret Wertheim, co-founders of the Institute for Figuring in Los Angeles. The Wertheim sisters are interested in raising awareness of the threat’s to the world’s coral reef by uniting non-Euclidean hyperbolic geometry with crochet craft techniques. Communities are working to create beautiful and lifelike models that will raise awareness of threats to the world's coral.

The Asheville Reef is on display through August 12 at 1181 Broyles Road in Hendersonville. Gallery hours are 12 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.  If you missed seeing The Asheville Reef in the CCCD gallery, it will be on display in the lobby of UNC Asheville's Karpen Hall Sept. 5 - Oct. 5, 2011.

BRAHM Art & Antiques this Weekend

July 28 - 31   BRAHM Art & Antiques Weekend Event   View hundreds of beautiful antiques and art pieces at this annual exhibition and sale presented by the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.   
Gallery Talks   ($5 each) - Enjoy coffee and croissants at the gallery talks on Friday and Saturday. The speakers will begin their programs at 9 AM:

Friday: Graham Holiday, a fifth-generation antique furniture dealer who has been in the business for 50 years,  will discuss how English furniture complements – and has heavily influenced – the American furniture industry and how to care for antique furniture so that it retains its value.

Saturday:  Prominent Blowing Rock antiques dealer and cut glass expert Bill Brooks will be back by popular demand to educate attendees on the beauty and variety of exquisite glass.
Early Bird Sale & Preview Party Thursday: 4-6 PM.  $30 includes refreshments & weekend admission Gallery Talks: Friday & Saturday at 9 AM $5  includes Coffee & Croissants.

Funds from ticket and café sales benefit BRAHM. Tickets can be purchased at BRAHM, Finley House Antiques, Carriage Trade Antiques or at the door.

John C Campbell Folk School makes Capital Improvements

John C Campbell 2011 catalogue

The campus of the John C Campbell Folk School has been alive with activity lately. The expansion of the Jewelry Studio is well underway, doubling the size of the studio and providing more work space and storage areas. The drywall went up last week and plumbing and electrical work will begin soon.

Local contractors, Mike Wallace and Steve Coleman, have begun restoring Hill House, which is nestled in the woods next to Hubbell House. Built in 1935,  Hill House was home to Brasstown Carvers' mentor, Murray Martin, until her death in 2005.

The restoration of Hill House falls under the historic preservation initiative of the School's Capital Campaign. The house will provide five bedrooms with private bathrooms, a cozy living room, and a wide, comfortable front porch with a gorgeous mountain view.
 

Solar panels have just been installed on the Dining Hall, which will save an estimated 75% of the cost of heating water. Seven buildings on campus are scheduled to receive these energy saving solar panels, which is a part of matching grant awarded to us by the Windgate Foundation. 

Get information about ways to help make the Folk School a stronger, better-equipped place for folks to live, learn and work. Whether you choose to make an outright gift of cash or securities or you think long-term, and formalize a bequest in your estate planning, you are enriching the lives of our students and our community.  The John C. Campbell Folk School is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Thee School is located at One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC

Riverlink Announces Celebrity Judges for Annual Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest now taking applications

RiverLink has just announced two local celebrity judges in the poetry category for the annual Voices of the River: Art and Poetry Contest. The event provides an opportunity for students to display their art in the community and be recognized with awards. In addition, the contest promotes an interest in the local environment for Western North Carolina youth.

Voices of the River will recieve submissions from schools spanning eight different counties from now until April 6 in Poetry, 2D and 3D Art. All grade levels are welcome to participate and prizes will be awarded for each category.

Meet the Poetry Judges:

       Glenis Redmond

Twice voted Best Poet of Western North Carolina Glenis Redmond is a local staple who works with Poetry Off the Page a program geared to introduce students in our community to poetry. In addition to her Best Poet title, she has been recognized with several national awards including The Carrie McCray Literary Award in Poetry, a study fellowship from Vermont Writing Center, Scholarships to the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and a week of study with Natalie Goldberg.  

   

Sebastian Matthews

Between balancing his professorship at Warren Wilson College and serving on the Creative Writing MFA faculty for Queens College Sebastian Matthews also finds time to spearhead Asheville's annual Poetry Review. He has published four books including a memoir on his relationship with his father, renowned poet William Matthews, that won him the Bernard De Voto Fellow Award in Nonfiction.


RiverLink is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to live, work and play. Since 1987 we have engaged in simultaneous efforts to address water quality concerns throughout the French Broad River basin, expand public opportunities for access and recreation, and spearhead the economic revitalization of Asheville's dilapidated riverfront district.

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Gears Up for the Season

Give the Gift of "Home" this Year! The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree is celebrating its fifth season since opening the non-profit retail store in historic downtown Spruce Pine. Check out the online catalog for your shopping list this year for more a products from our talented artists like these:

Beautiful handmade pottery trivet by Lynda Banner.  Many of our customers use the trivet year round in their kitchen, while some have chosen to use it as wall decor! Either way it is a beautiful gift for yourself or someone on your gift giving list!  $15 

Handmade Fishing Bear Ornament - Perfect for the fisherman or woman in your family or circle of friends! Hand shaped clay bear ornament holding a fishing pole and handpainted clay fish! $15

Handmade Wooden Wine Caddy - a beautiful and unique way to display your favorite bottle of wine.  Made from assorted woods.  Measures approximately 10".  $26

Hand Knit Christmas Tree Cap - Hand knit cap for newborn babies. Green hat with a white angora Christmas tree accent on the front. 15.5" circumferene, 5" h $28

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree DVD brings the story to life using illustrations from the book through authentic narration, local photography and sound effects. A wonderful production for all ages to enjoy. $19.95

Penland School of Crafts holds First online Auction

Penland School of Crafts' first online auction includes over 30 items in clay, glass, iron, jewelry, paintings, photographs, textiles and more. These wonderful works of art were donated to Penland by many generous artists and collectors.

Now's a great time to get something special for a loved one (including yourself) and support Penland at the same time. Funds from the sale of these auction items go directly to Penland School of Crafts. Penland's fees for tuition, room, and board cover less than half the annual expense for classes, outreach programs, and services to artists. Your contribution directly benefits the artists and students who study and work here. Help us sustain Penland's exceptional programs and the school's leadership in the field of craft education. For more information about Penland School of Crafts, visit www.penland.org or donate.

Participate in the auction and find items for sale on Penland's eBay Giving Works page. Bid high, bid often! This online auction is a perfect opportunity to support Penland's educational programs, which have helped thousands of people to live creative lives.  

Artist John Mac Kah's sale of "Ledges" will help Riverlink

Asheville artist John Mac Kah's solo exhibit at 16 Patton Gallery features "The Ledges." The show  began October 23, with an opening reception. The exhibit, which runs through November 27, will include Kah's new painting of the stretch of rapids on the French Broad River just north of Asheville. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the painting, a 24 x 48-inch oil painting, will benefit RiverLink. Stop by the gallery and take a look, or see more of John's work at his Long Branch Studios, located in Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District.

Asheville's Grove Arcade Celebrates American Craft Week

The kick-off for Asheville's celebration of American Craft Week takes place Friday, October 1 at the Grove Arcade from 4:30 PM to 5 PM., immediately preceeding the first downtown Artwalk for the 2010 season. Join craft artists, gallery owners and members of the creative community for a proclamation by Jan Davis, insights from HandMade in America and light refreshments.

Participating Arcade galleries include Asheville NC Home Crafts, Alexander & Lehnert, Fine Arts Gallery of the Carolinas and Mountain Made.  Come for the kick-off and stay to enjoy refreshments and great local art and crafts. In celebration, the Arcade is hosting on-going craft demonstrations in Suite 143 to meet and talk to Arcade Artists.  Get details and a schedule here...

American Craft Week in WNC is the largest regional celebration happening in the country. Festivals, open studios, exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and more are happening. Get a list with links and details of participants.  In celebration, the Arcade is hosting on-going craft demonstrations in Suite 143. Meet and talk with Arcade Artists working in glass, pottery and floor cloths. From October 1 – 10, Asheville NC Home Crafts is offering craft demonstrations. The schedule can be accessed here.

American Craft Week brings together individuals, small businesses and organizations from all fifty states in recognition of the countless ways handmade objects enrich our daily lives and contribute to our national aesthetic and economy.

Grove Park Hosts The Local Showcase Dinner

On September 30 a unique event highlighting local farmers and artists begins its regular monthly schedule. The Local Showcase Dinner - a collaborative effort by the Grove Park Inn, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), River Arts District and UNCA - will feature food from Hickory Nut Gap and Jolley Farms and art from River District Artists John McKah and Mark Henry, as well as a student exhibit from the UNCA Art Department.

The event begins with a reception at 5:30 PM followed by an optional dinner seating in Grove Park's Blue Ridge Dining Room. There is no entry fee and the locally inspired menu will feature entrees ranging from $12 - $31.

Wine Tasting at the Charles Heath Gallery

June 11, 4Pm - 7PM, Charles Heath Gallery, 7 Depot Street, Bryson City North Carolina. The event will be featuring the wines for which Charles Heath designed the labels. Charles himself will be there to personalize each bottle of wine purchased. Come and join us for a fun evening of wine and art. There will be a raffle for a $50 gift Certificate toward any piece in the gallery. The gallery will also be giving special discounts on specific pieces. If for some reason you are too far and unable to attend the gallery is offering a one time free shipping on the three signed bottles to anywhere in the continental US.

Ready to Play in the MUD?

June 5, 10AM - 4PM, The Folk Art Center, Asheville North Carolina. Celebrate Clay Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center. This event features craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults. While at the Folk Art Center, visitors will have the opportunity to visit Allanstand Craft Shop, the Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, as well as three exhibition galleries.  Outside the Folk Art Center, there are hiking trails, picnic tables, grassy areas for a picnic and plenty of free parking.

Pottery Artist holds Open House and Ribbon Cutting

May 23, noon to 5PM, Pincu Pottery, 80 HWY South, Bryson City North Carolina. Join owner & artist Elise Delfield for an afternoon of studio tours and fantastic refreshments featuring Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese. ALL TOOLS 10% off! Register for a Friday Night Goes to Pot class and bring a friend for free!  Up to 4 people (meaning 2 pay, 2 for free!) These specials are only available on Sunday during the Grand Opening!

Free Marketing & Technology Class in Andrews

May 17, 6PM - 7:30PM, Andrews Valley Initiative, 985 Main St. Andrews North Carolina.  Free Class from HandMade in America: Online Marketing, Technology, Sales, & Arts Business Growth. The classes will start at 6:00pm every third Monday of the month. Andrews Valley Initiative 985 Main St Andrews NC

Hayes Performing Arts Center Needs Your Help

Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road, (off Hwy 321), Blowing Rock North Carolina. Hayes Performing Arts Center Makes It Easy To Support Its Repositioning Fund Drive:
Donate Items on Our Wish List  cleaning supplies; mowing and other landscaping services; copy paper, toner and other office supplies; piano tuning, computer repair and other services click here.
Volunteer   Whether you're interested in patron services, fundraising, data entry or marketing, we're confident you can find the perfect role  click here.
Bid on Auction Items or Buy from Our Store To purchase Hayes Center items like hats, shirts and mugs, please click here to visit our online store
You Search, We Receive   GoodSearch will donate a penny to the Hayes Center for each search you initiate on our search engine at www.hayescenter.org.
We Now Accept Monetary Donations Online  Through the security of PayPal, you can be assured that your donation will arrive quickly and safely. For more information, please visit here.

New Random Arts Spring Workshop

March 20-21, Random Arts Studio, Saluda North Carolina. Patti Brady  conducts a two day workshop - we will work on a small 10" x 10"plexiglass box. The boxes can hang on the wall or sit upright on a table, We will play with layering images and acrylic glazes by working on both sides of the box. The box is just a departure point for us to explore a range of acrylic gels and grounds. Included in the options of mark-making: making acrylic skins, printed skins, dremel tools lines, stencils, drips, drops, Iridescent and Interference paints and more. All the paint and gels will be provided by Patti and Golden Artist Colors. $195.00

Patti Brady is the Working Artist Program Director for Golden Artist Colors. She has developed curriculum for acrylic classes for artists and art educators. Patti currently has trained and manages 42 national and international artists for the Golden Working Artist Program.

Sylva Art Show Helps LTLT

Feb 20, 5PM-7PM, Spring Street Cafe, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva North Carolina.  Artist Phyllis Jarvinen will be opening "Watershed - close to home", a show of paintings and drawings she has done on site in the regional area. Phyllis, very generously, is donating 15% of the sales from this show to LTLT with an additional 5% if the purchaser is an LTLT member. The show will be up at Spring Street through March. Read More about LTLT (Land Trust for the Lillte Tennessee).

Visual Arts Center Gets a New Home

Jan 31, The Rutherford County Visual Artist Guild Visual Art Center, 160 N Main Street, Rutherfordton North Carolina. On Saturday morning Visual Arts Center Artists moved their artwork from 173 N. Main St. in downtown Rutherfordton to 160 N. Main St. The new location is just across the street and down to the corner. The Art Center features a large gallery space for wide variety of artwork and hand created gifts, as well as, a well-lighted studio for classes and workshops. An Opening Night Event is scheduled for early March. Dan Bair is a guild member:

HandMade Creative Lab & Social Mixer

Jan 11, 5:15pm-6:45pm, 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102 (corner of S. Lexington & Hilliard Ave.) Asheville North Carolina. Topic: New Year's Creative Re-orientation for Artists:
-  How do you reset priorities and let creativity drive your business?
- Where do you get stuck and what keeps you there?
-  Gain insight from colleagues on your possible next actions steps.
Social Mixer afterwards at Asheville Brewing Company at 77 Coxe Ave.
HandMade in America  - "Our mission is to grow handmade economies by creating tools, markets and partnerships that honor craft, cultural heritage, and a spirit of community." Learn more are Handmade in America...

Brevard Holiday Gallery Walk

Dec 18, downtown Brevard NC. Looking for those last minute gifts? Why not shop local and support local artists. The galleries, art spots and restaurants in downtown Brevard will host a Holiday Gallery Walk on Friday,  from 5:00-9:00 pm. Stop by and enjoy the many new exhibits and art locations in the downtown area. Be sure to look for the 16 sculptures and five murals located in downtown as well. For more information call TC Arts Council at 828-884-2787 or go to www.artsofbrevard.org and click on Art Tours.

Southern Highlands Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale

Dec 5, Dec 12, 10AM-4PM, The Folk Art Center, Milepost 382, Asheville NC. Over 70 artists will be participating over the course of the two day sale. The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s annual Holiday Sale has become such a popular event that an extra day has been added this year.  Craftspeople will be on hand in the center’s auditorium to sell select work 10-50% off retail.  Choose from a variety of gift items including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood.  Buying from artists supports the local economy and promotes the mission of the Guild which is bringing together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Website: http://southernhighlandguild.org/