The Westwood home will transform into a hub for the arts. | Photo via Lamplight AVL
Local arts nonprofit Lamplight AVL has announced plans to transform the house next to Harvest Records into affordable artist space and a third place to host arts and music programming.
The project marks the final phase of Lamplight AVL’s three-pronged plan to support the creative community post Helene.
In the wake of Helene, the nonprofit quickly launched its Recover, Remain, and Thrive program. The “recover” phase began in November 2024, distributing $1,500 relief grants to 20 artists impacted by the storm. The “remain” phase awarded $115,000 in larger grants to community hubs to help artists stay in town.
Lamplight AVL’s cofounder and executive director Emily McDaniel said the goal of the third phase has always been to provide affordable artist space. This summer, after looking at many potential spaces, the organization bought the house at 2 Westwood Pl. to bring that goal to life.
“For us, the integration of artists in this community is the heartbeat of this town,” McDaniel said. “Without it, it just doesn’t feel like the same place. That’s why the ‘thrive’ program turned into Westwood.”
Wedge Brewing is opening its Foundy Street location once again. Today, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12, the brewery will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. Regular hours will resume Wednesday, Oct. 15. Wedge has downsized its own footprint in the space, renting out parts to new restaurant tenants. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Opening
Parts of Richmond Hill Park will reopen tomorrow, Oct. 11 after extensive debris removal efforts. Several hiking trails will open this weekend, and by next week, 16 of the park’s 18 disc golf holes will be open. See which areas will remain closed as work continues.
Arts
New S&W Market bar Periscope has more in store than craft cocktails and seasonal pie. It doubles as an art space, hosting an exhibition opening for mosaic artist Janic Levitt thisevening, Oct. 10 and hosting Craft Club with Gather Studio, a biweekly crafting pop-up for all skill levels. See the October schedule.
Announced
Nonprofit FIND Outdoors has taken over the Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center, keeping it open amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Additionally, agreements were extended to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open through Sunday, Oct. 19 and the Blue Ridge Parkway facilities open through Friday, Oct. 31. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Traffic
Following structural repairs, the Wall Street Parking Garage will reopen to the public tomorrow, Oct. 11. With the Wall Street garage open, all four city-owned garages will be accessible.
Number
$571,000. That’s how much grant funding the NC Arts Council distributed across 21 Buncombe County arts organizations, including the Asheville Symphony, Center for Craft, and LEAF Global Arts. The majority of funds are earmarked for arts programming and administrative support.
Civic
The towns of Weaverville and Woodfin and the Woodfin Water and Sewer District are holding municipal elections this year. The deadline to register to vote in this election is today, Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. — same-day registration will also be available during early voting, beginning Oct. 16. Here’s what to know about the election.
Outdoors
Beginning this week, there’s a new brush and leaf collection schedule. Only brush trimmings will be collected for two weeks, then only leaf collection will occur for two weeks, with the cycle alternating through mid-January. Check the October schedule and brush up on your brush collection requirements.
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Category
City
Plans for permanent H2O pretreatment
Plans are being made for a permanent pretreatment system. | Photo via City of Asheville
The temporary water pretreatment systems installed by the US Army Corps of Engineers after Helene will be disassembled after Sunday, Nov. 30, the end of hurricane season. FEMA has been fielding operating costs of $6 million per month as city officials plan to put a permanent pretreatment system in place. Preconstruction planning and design is underway, but the build could take up to five years and come with a $150+ million price tag.
The filtration systems are designed to treat especially turbid water, adding an extra layer of protection to the municipal water supply. “The systems serve as a redundancy,” according to the city, although the reservoirs are vulnerable to future weather events. The water remains safe to drink without the pretreatment systems.
Debris removal has begun at North Fork and will continue for a few months. It will follow at DeBruhl as well although a timeline hasn’t been set.
The Buy
Fall = cozy vibes only. We’re staying warm (and stylish) with these five picks:
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Here’s a treat for reading to the end of the newsletter today. After attending the Asheville Art Museum’s “Lasting Legacies” exhibit to learn all about our city’s most famous architects, you can take your museum ticket to Periscope for a complimentary slice of pie with purchase. Spoiler alert: Art deco architect Douglas Ellington designed the S&W Cafeteria.
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