Community Calendar

Join EcoForesters, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation for a hands-on workshop on invasive species identification and control! This workshop will cover how invasives impact forest health, how to identify invasive plants, and control methods and strategies. Long pants and close toed shoes will be required to participate in the in-person field session. RSVP is required to attend, so register today!

Katherine Saul and Alli Marshall lead a one-day creative writing workshop at the NC Arboretum on Saturday, June 27, 10am-4pm.

Explore your connection to nature through creative writing and art making. By aligning with the natural world we’re able to experience calm, peace, and awareness of our own intuition. Principles of forest bathing, mindfulness, and creative play reveal deep wells of inspiration to be expressed through art and writing.

Teens are invited to come design their own candles at Mountains Branch on Saturday, June 27th at 11:00am. They will get to make several translucent candles with different decorations inside of them.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite's fabulous instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands! Come make your own wedding bands (or each other’s) in our fully equipped studio. Or just take this as a fun make-and-take in our amazing maker space. This class is a little taste of what it’s like to make jewelry as a profession.

You'll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 includes all materials

Arrive 15 minutes early to sign the safety waiver and get settled.

*Convenient parking is available just below the studio in either the Harrah's Parking Garage or Rankin Parking Garage, 1st hour is free!

The WNC Sculpture Gallery will host an Artist Talk with Bill Stronach on Friday, June 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM, offering visitors an opportunity to hear directly from the longtime Lenoir artist about his exhibition on view from March 14 through June 27, 2026. Known for his thoughtful and technically skilled work in wood and metal, Stronach draws on decades of experience as both an artist and educator, exploring the challenges and character of natural materials through sculptural form. During the talk, Stronach will discuss his creative process, influences, and the evolution of his practice, providing insight into how craftsmanship, material honesty, and problem‑solving shape his work. The event will take place at the WNC Sculpture Gallery, located at 4612 Patterson School Drive in Lenoir, and is open to the public.

Read more at: https://www.thepaper.media/culture_community/bill-stronach-exhibits-work-in-wood-metal-at-the-western-nc-sculpture-center-gallery/article_0da021fa-8b0a-4a91-a608-4b330ef991e2.html

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

Join our intercultural summer day camps where children 6-12 years old explore music creation, international dance, music instrument building, and other forms of art in a joyful and supportive environment. Each child receives personal attention and a meaningful creative experience.

**Show up at Ignite Jewelry Studios anytime between 11pm and 3pm to make your charms!

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 drop, jump ring, and base metal chain. (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 6 and up (but the littles will need help with the hammering), and a great rainy day or indoor activity in downtown Asheville!