Community Calendar

Join us for the Southeast’s largest gathering of farmers, gardeners, land-stewards, and food-system changemakers! Our Spring Conference supports, inspires, and educates people to farm, garden, and live organically by providing affordable, practical, hands-on education.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, you’ll leave with connections, knowledge, and inspiration to build a more vibrant, equitable, and abundant food and farming system.
What's in store:
• Your choice of 60+ classes spanning across 12 track topics including gardening, soils, farming business and production, earth stewardship, sustainable living, and more
• Hands-on workshops from experts across the region and practical demonstrations you can apply right away
• Networking and community-building with growers, educators, and advocates from across the country
• Affordable registration through sliding scale pricing, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities

Liz Zlot Summerfield is a seasoned potter and exceptional teacher. In this workshop students can expect to learn some of the ways Liz creates her whimsical and delicate forms. Students will be introduced to the techniques of darting while working with paper patterns. The making process will begin with simple functional forms and expand to include components such as lids, feet, and spouts.

This workshop emphasizes one-on-one interaction in a supportive, positive environment where experimentation is encouraged, and individual development nurtured.

Fee: $325.00 This fee includes the 2-day workshop, and a $30 non-refundable registration fee. Clay and materials provided by the instructor.

Date & Time: March 7th and 8th, 10am-5pm with optional power point presentation March 7th at 5pm

Level: Beginner to advanced. Ages 18+.

Firing: Bisque firing is available for an additional $20. Participants may pick up fired work or request shipping for an extra fee.

Explore Winter Fun & Movement with Your Little One – Grown-Up & Me Arctic Animals

Embark on a frosty, fun-filled adventure in Grown-Up & Me Dance: Arctic Animals! This class invites little explorers ages 1.5–3 and their trusted adults to groove, twirl, and wiggle through the magical world of polar bears, penguins, and snowy arctic friends. Children begin to strengthen their gross motor skills, discover rhythm and musicality, spark early language and listening abilities, and gently practice being part of a classroom environment. Every session is a joyful opportunity to bond, move, and imagine side by side, laying the foundation for confidence and creativity in future movement experiences.

Leap, Glide, and Stomp Through Winter Fun – Morning Mini-Movers Arctic Animals

Bundle up for a frosty fun adventure in Morning Mini Movers: Arctic Animals! In this playful winter mini-mester, dancers aged 3–5 will leap like Arctic hares, glide like penguins, and stomp like snow-covered polar bears as they explore dance through an imaginative, snow-themed experience. Each class helps young movers develop coordination, rhythm, focus, and creativity while building confidence in a classroom setting. Along the way, they’ll practice social skills, teamwork, and independence—laying a strong foundation for future dance classes, sports, and all kinds of movement activities.

Learn Ballroom Dancing with Your Partner – 4-Week Beginners Course, Feb 16–Mar 9

Ballroom 1 is the perfect way to extend the romance and give your special someone an experience you'll both treasure. ​Music, dancing, and fun are guaranteed as you and your partner explore the exciting world of Latin and Ballroom dancing. From the smooth elegance of foxtrot and rumba to the infectious rhythms of salsa, merengue, and swing, you'll discover styles that will have you moving with confidence and joy.​ This 4-week course is designed for beginners—no experience necessary! You'll learn the basics of social dancing and finally be prepared for your next wedding, party, or special event. No more chair dancing for you!

Music Theory for Singers: Read, Hear & Sing with Confidence

Strengthen your skills as a singer by learning the fundamentals of music theory and notation in this supportive, hands-on workshop led by Cary Fridley. Designed for singers ages 15 and up, this class focuses on ear training, sight-singing, and understanding traditional sheet music. You’ll learn to recognize and sing intervals like thirds, fourths, and fifths, follow choral scores with confidence, and connect what you see on the page to what you sing.
Tuesdays from 1:00–2:00 PM | Feb. 17–March 10 | Tuition: $8

This class is part of the Watauga Arts Council's "Fundamentals Week," the second week of each month (Feb-Oct), which features art classes that teach the basics of various media.

In this session, students will learn how to create the illusion of depth using one-point perspective with local artist and instructor Jeanine Hasty!

Start Your Journey or Strengthen Your Skills: Adult Ballet for Every Beginner

Step into the studio and find your rhythm! Beginner Adult Ballet: Building Blocks is a welcoming space designed for both brand-new students and those returning to the barre. This session focuses on the essential elements of dance—posture, alignment, and core stability—while introducing the fluid movements and musicality that make ballet so rewarding.

Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to move with more intention and grace, this workshop bridges the gap between simple positions and dynamic movement. It is a mindful, low-impact practice that prioritizes balance and bone health, making it an ideal choice for any active adult. Join our supportive community to build your confidence, improve your strength, and discover the poise that ballet brings to everyday life.

When: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 PM | March 11 – April 15

Who: Ages 16+ | New beginners welcome! Perfect for first-time dancers and returning students.

Cost: $85 for the full session.

The Benefit: A total-body workout that nurtures physical strength and mental focus.

Come stamp and hammer a charm pendant to your liking in Ignite's new Downtown Asheville studio! Group friendly up to 14 and a fun and quick experience in jewelry making. Choose from more than 60 unique styles and designs of metal stamps. Start with a brass piece in chosen shape (silver upgrades avail), then pick your accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can take up to 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.

*Includes Brass Charm, gemstone, jump ring

This is the perfect way to spend a part of your day while visiting our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio and gallery. Come stamp and hammer a charm to your liking! Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. You will start with a rectangular brass base, (or upgrade to sterling silver in a variety of shapes and styles) then choose your silver accent piece, and finally a gemstone of choice. After a quick demo by the instructor you can spend the next 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.

Our magnetic tumbler will polish your piece to perfection and you have an option of some finishing patinas as well. Upgrade to earrings, make additional pendants for friends etc.

$45 Base Price includes a brass charm, gemstone, and stretch cord.

*Additional chains/bracelets available for purchase at a discount

Some silver upgrades available for additional cost and additional pieces may be purchased to make gifts, extras, etc!)

This is family friendly, kid friendly ages 5 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!