Community Calendar

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

The Beauty of the Bloom: A Celebration of Botanical Art

Step into a world of vibrant color and organic wonder at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. This May, we invite you to Pure Flora, a stunning multi-media exhibition dedicated to the breathtaking beauty of the plant kingdom.

Featuring talented regional artists, this collection explores our deep connection to nature through exquisite painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. More than just a gallery show, Pure Flora serves as the official lead-in to our milestone 20th Anniversary of Art in Bloom. Come experience the "botanical beauty" that has inspired our community for two decades and find a fresh perspective on the flowers and forests that surround us every day. Whether you are a gardener, a nature enthusiast, or a lover of fine art, this exhibition is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When: May 1st – May 22nd, 2026

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free & Open to the Public

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

The Beauty of the Bloom: A Celebration of Botanical Art

Step into a world of vibrant color and organic wonder at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. This May, we invite you to Pure Flora, a stunning multi-media exhibition dedicated to the breathtaking beauty of the plant kingdom.

Featuring talented regional artists, this collection explores our deep connection to nature through exquisite painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. More than just a gallery show, Pure Flora serves as the official lead-in to our milestone 20th Anniversary of Art in Bloom. Come experience the "botanical beauty" that has inspired our community for two decades and find a fresh perspective on the flowers and forests that surround us every day. Whether you are a gardener, a nature enthusiast, or a lover of fine art, this exhibition is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When: May 1st – May 22nd, 2026

Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free & Open to the Public

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

Make it yourself! Join us at our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio to make this silver + brass + CZ star charm. You'll solder, set, stamp, and polish your charm. Leave with your finished piece. *Silver chain included and family friendly activity ages 12 and up **All silver upgrades available and other charm shapes available as well

Fire and Water: Turner, Constable, and a Rivalry That Redefined Landscape Painting

Travel to Tate Britain, London, for a landmark exhibition uniting two of the most influential—and competitive—figures in British art. J.M.W. Turner’s blazing skies and dramatic vistas stand in striking contrast to John Constable’s intimate, faithful portrayals of the English countryside. Born just one year apart, the pair were famously described as “fire and water.” Celebrating 250 years since their births, this Artful Journey explores how rivalry, passion, and differing visions of nature helped transform landscape painting forever.

Friday, May 22nd, 10:30 - 12:00
Black Mountain Center for the Arts
$25 (All Refreshments Included)

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.