The spirit of participation was present at 2022’s {Re}Happening. | Photo by Jesse Kit
This Saturday, April 20, the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is hosting the 12th annual (Re)HAPPENING, bringing together more than 20 contemporary artists to present immersive projects throughout Lake Eden.
History
(Re)HAPPENING is held at Camp Rockmont, the site of Black Mountain College from 1941 until its closure in 1957. The experimental liberal arts college was a haven for avant-garde artists, with incredibly influential artists like composer John Cage, painter Robert Rauschenberg, and writer + illustrator Vera Williams (just to name a few) among the students and faculty.
The college is also thought to be the site of the first “Happening” in 1952, which consisted of a theatrical, multidisciplinary performance arranged by John Cage.
Immerse yourself in the creativity
During the one-day event, a slew of contemporary artists carry on the legacy of innovation, recalling the Happenings of days past and the work of the artists of Black Mountain College. This year, the schedule is packed with ongoing installations, like “Threshold Gods” which features large suspended sculptures by Michelle Yi Martin, crafted of monofilament, horsehair, and jute.
Be sure to browse the full schedule of events so you don’t miss the scheduled performances — many of which are participatory, like “aloud,” where artist Amanda Wiles will guide participants in creating a soundscape in remembrance of the influential artist and advocate Connie Bostic.
Getting there
You can go ahead and snag tickets for this year’s (Re)HAPPENING and get a discount on adult admission through Friday, April 19 at 12 p.m. But if you’re interested in helping make the event happen, you can work volunteer shifts to earn free admission (and maybe even a tote bag).
On the day of the event, free Gray Line Trolley shuttles will be running from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot to Camp Rockmont to take you to and from the fun. Shuttling is encouraged as parking is limited, but if you plan on carpooling, you can grab a $15 parking pass with your tickets.
Events
Monday, April 15
Community Drum Class | Monday, April 15 | 7-9 p.m. | The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave., Asheville | Free | Practice your hand drumming skills with local drummer and instructor Larry McDowell.
Sona Jobarteh | Monday, April 15 | 8 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $20-$25 | See a performance by the Gambian artist, Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso.
Tuesday, April 16
Freestyle Embroidery Class | Tuesday, April 16 | 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Goldenrod Collective in The Canopy at Art Garden AVL, 191 Lyman St., #320-A, Asheville | $65 | Learn embroidery techniques and two simple stitches from artist Harper Leich before putting your designs on an item of clothing you brought.
Visiting Writers: Neema Avashia | Tuesday, April 16 | 7-8 p.m. | UNC Asheville Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights, Asheville | Free | Hear Avashia share readings from her memoir “Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place.”
Wednesday, April 17
Lunch and Learn: Single-Use Plastics | Wednesday, April 17 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Green Sage Cafe, 633A Merrimon Ave., Asheville | Free | Learn about MountainTrue’s efforts to curb the consumption of single-use plastics and see how you can help.
“Star Trek” Fan Club First Meeting | Wednesday, April 17 | 4-6 p.m. | Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston Ave., Swannanoa | Free | Sign up to talk “Star Trek,” watch episodes, play trivia, and make themed arts and crafts with other adult Trekkies at the first of these monthly meetings.
Tom Maxwell Author Event | Wednesday, April 17 | 7 p.m. | Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Ave., Asheville | Free | Maxwell will speak about his biography, “A Really Strange and Wonderful Time,” documenting Chapel Hill’s influential rock scene, with a Q+A led by Mark Capon of Harvest Records.
Saturday, April 20
Springtoberfest at White Labs Brewing Co. | Saturday, April 20 | 1-5 p.m. | White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S. Charlotte St., Asheville | Free | Tap your feet to Bavarian beats and enjoy food, games, cocktail specials + White Labs Brewing’s refreshing Spring Lager on tap.*
Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 6: Golden Glamour | Saturday, April 20 | Times vary | First Baptist Church Asheville, 5 Oak St., Asheville | $25-$75 | From Vienna to old Hollywood, this four-part performance features glamorous works from Mahler, Mozart, and more.*
Try This: Experience Biltmore® as an Annual Passholder
Presented by an AVLtoday Partner
Biltmore Passholders enjoy unlimited visits to the house and gardens throughout the year. | Photos provided by The Biltmore Company
Between gardens bursting with lush blooms and a spectacular exhibition of vibrant glass art, what could be better than spending a spring day exploring Biltmore?
How about going back again and again to experience the historic residence year-round? Because, let’s be honest, it can be hard to fit all 8,000 acres of history and activities into just one visit.
Luckily, you can enjoy the beauty of Biltmore every season with an Annual Pass, on sale at a $90 savings now through Tuesday, April 30. Keep reading to see how we spent our sunny spring day as Passholders + learn how you can Try This.
What we tried:
We took a complimentary-for-Passholders daytime tour of Biltmore, which included a journey through the lavish Biltmore House, the blooming gardens and grounds, and a fun-filled excursion to Anter Hill Village and the Biltmore Winery.
Our Voice, Buncombe County’s anti-sexual-violence and anti-human-trafficking agency, is celebrating 50 years of advocacy. Commemorate the nonprofit’s service to the community at its birthday party on Saturday, April 27 with speeches, food and drinks, and music from the Free Flow Band — get tickets.
Coming Soon
Post-pilates pale ale anyone?Brewwell, a combination brewery and wellness center offering craft beers and fitness classes, is slated to open at 51 Sweeten Creek Rd. in the former Down Dog location this winter. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Listen
Straight from the horse’s artist’s mouth. You can download the Otocast app to embark on a Public Art Audio Tour of the River Arts District and hear from local artists and art entrepreneurs about the pieces you see around town.
Try This
Create your own eco-printed and naturally dyed silk scarves or table runners with East Fork and Loom Imports (both local B Corp companies) at a workshop this Sunday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Your $75 ticket includes materials and coffee + pastries from Flora.
Regional
Brevard was named one of the 10 best small towns in the South by USA Today, which highlighted the area’s shopping, museums, and outdoor recreation. Planning to take a day trip? Don’t miss the 20th White Squirrel Weekend, Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26.
Environment
🥬 Lettuce talk about food waste
Reduce your food waste with the help of WNC Food Waste Solutions
Register for the Food Scraps Drop-Off program to take waste to local sites. | Photo by AVLtoday
57,500 tons. That’s the estimated amount of food waste generated in Buncombe County every year — but you can help reduce it. April is Food Waste Reduction Month in Asheville, and the local nonprofit WNC Food Waste Solutions has plenty of resources to help you cut back on your personal food waste.
Alongside resources for completing a home food waste audit, composting in your backyard, and registering for the City of Asheville’s award-winning Food Scraps Drop-Off program, WNC Food Waste Solutions also has a collection of recipes you can create using components you might have thought to toss.
But if you still need more inspiration for making delicious dishes from scraps, head to the Taste It, Don’t Waste It! Chefs Challenge to see how our area’s creative culinary minds do it. On Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 5 p.m., the talented chefs from DJ’s Pickles, Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co., and Goldfinch Cocktails & Kitchen will all be crafting bites at The Mule — but only one can be the champion.
The Buy
Seaav workout gear. Try out these trendy pieces from a brand who donates 1% of profits towards the We The Reef Foundation.
Speaking of East Fork, now’s the time to get your hands on discounted pieces of pottery during the Seconds Sale. The ceramics may be slightly aesthetically flawed, but they’re still perfectly functional (and beautiful). When you check out, you can also support Raíces in its mission of strengthening the cultural identity of children in the Emma-Erwin community through dance, art, and culture.
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