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.

This is an exhibition of multiple artists works as they pertain to the interpretation of relationships between color and mood. Consider the emotional power of color and the way it evokes story, atmosphere and meaning. This exhibition hopes to reveal a playful and experimental interaction through color's ability to shape perceptions and influence emotions. 

For Immediate Release
April 7, 2026

Ruff’ton Roots Plant Sale Returns

To Celebrate the Spring and the Sixth Growing Season of Ruff’ton Roots

Rutherfordton, April 7, 2026 — Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden announces the return of our Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, April 18th, 10 am – 12 pm, under the shade sails at 128 Hospital Drive, Rutherfordton, NC. Parking is available in the lot off Edwards Street (turn in at the Ruff’ton Roots sign) This is a celebratory kick off of the sixth growing season for the Community Garden.

Event Details
The Ruff’ton Roots Plant Sale is a collaboration of Community Garden volunteers offering chemical free, locally grown plants as a fundraiser for the Garden’s annual operating expenses. The Plant Sale will offer selected varieties of herbs, vegetables, and beneficial flowers. Volunteers are excited to share their garden knowledge and experience. Plants are available in 6 packs and 4 inch pots, for $4, and 6 inch pots for $6. These special community prices are 20 percent lower than retail offerings. Ruff’ton Roots merchandise will be available as well. Cash is preferred, with cards accepted for purchases of $5 or more. Doors open promptly at 10:00 am, and it is recommended to arrive early, as popular varieties go fast.

About the Garden
Founded in 2021 as a special project of the Town of Rutherfordton, Ruff’ton Roots Community Garden’s mission is to grow healthy food, healthy people, and healthy communities in Rutherfordton and beyond, with a vision to empower a food secure community. 2026 programming builds on six years of volunteer efforts and community support. We are excited to continue our collaboration with the Welcome Table Coalition, where Ruff’ton Roots will feature garden produce and locally sourced meat as a monthly community meal provided May – September at First United Methodist Rutherfordton Fellowship Hall. All food grown at Ruff’ton Roots is shared with the community by donations to local food pantries and through our Free Produce Stand at St. Gabriel’s Jericho Road Kitchen on Wednesday mornings, starting the last weeks of April.

The Ruff’ton Roots Gardens at 128 Hospital Drive and LeRoy Mull Drive are now open for visitors, with Safe Pathways signage installed for a self-guided tour. We are a volunteer community organization, with additional ongoing support provided by the Town of Rutherfordton, Rutherfordton Public Works, Broad River Water Authority, and private donations. To learn more or become a volunteer, visit rufftonroots.org or email rufftonroots@gmail.com

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For more information, press only:
Jason Maglaughlin
202.597.9678
rufftonroots@gmail.com
For more information:
www.rufftonroots.org
@ruffton_roots on Instagram and Facebook

The award-winning Asheville Drag Brunch is back with another spectacular Saturday brunch on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Banks Ave. Bar. Shows are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Expect big performances, bigger hair, and the biggest delicious brunch from Biscuit Head South. Proceeds benefit Youth OUTright. Tickets include brunch, start at $25, and are available at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Ages 21 and up.

The area's longest-running and award-winning professional drag brunch show is hosted by the effervescent Koko Dove, with dazzling performances by Sya Cox O'Hara, Jasmine Summers, and special guest Sunny Dior; a lineup so good it should come with a warning label. Snag tickets before the mimosas, and the seats, run out.

Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501(c)3. For more information and tickets visit www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.

Festival will have three music stages featuring talented acoustic artists throughout the day. In addition to live performances, there will be food trucks, vendors, and beer sales. We encourage you to bring your instrument and participate in one of our three jams: Celtic, Old Time, or Bluegrass.

There will be dance demonstrations and lessons, storytelling, and a contra dance from 6-7 PM to conclude the day. Activities for children include a giant inflatable slide, face painting, and an instrument petting zoo.

Rain or shine! No dogs, please!

Come for lunch and a brew and then shop from our local makers! 12 Bones Brewing is hosting a Spring Arts Market with a variety of local artists and vendors. Sip, shop, and support local makers on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12–3 p.m.

Craft Your Own Garden Masterpiece: A Two-Part Mosaic Workshop

Add a touch of ancient artistry to your backyard! Join us at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a one-of-a-kind mosaic birdbath. Whether you’re a total beginner or have dabbled in mosaics before, this class guides you through every step of the process—from design and ceramic cutting to the final grouting.

In the first session, you’ll design your pattern and adhere your chosen ceramic pieces to the birdbath. In the second session, you’ll learn the art of grouting with a variety of colors to choose from. You will leave with a beautiful, functional piece of garden art and the foundational skills to create mosaics of all shapes and sizes!

When: Sat, April 18 (12:30–4:00 PM) & Sun, April 19 (12:30–2:30 PM)

Where: Art Room, BMCA (Please enter through the bottom back door)

Tuition: $90 (Includes all supplies; $5 discount for members)

Experience Level: All levels welcome—perfect for beginners!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Meditative Melodies! Escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in an environment of harmony, joy, and community. Nestled in the heart of North Charlotte, Meditative Melodies is a vibrant, family-friendly afternoon dedicated to inner wellness and outward cultural celebration.

While our cultures and languages are diverse, our core human need for peace and togetherness is universal. Come experience this shared harmony through expert-led relaxation and a breathtaking showcase of global arts!

✨ Event Highlights:

* Guided Meditation & Wellness: Led by Distinguished Speaker Brian Jones (author and Heartfulness trainer with 50+ years of experience), featuring an introduction to Heartfulness, a relaxation experience, Q&A, and a special Brighter Minds demonstration.

* Special Guest: We are honored to be joined by Concord City Mayor Steve Morris as our Chief Guest of Honor.

* Global Arts Showcase: Breathtaking live music and dance performances celebrating diversity, including:

* Indian Traditions: Carnatic music, Kathak, and Bharatnatyam dance.

* Latin American Heritage: Mexican Folklórico by Luz de mi tierra.

* African American Culture: Contemporary saxophone performance.

* Chinese Arts: Bamboo flute and Erhu melodies.

* Japanese Culture: Upbeat J-Pop music.

* Classical Dance: Traditional Ballet.

GCCA is hosting an Art Supply Flea Market!

When: April 18, 2026 AND September 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Where: Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA), 101 Abney St.
Who: GCCA members can apply to sell; the public is welcome to shop

GCCA members are invited to apply to be vendors and sell art supplies, tools, and materials. Tables will be provided, and vendors pay a flat $15 fee. Vendors may sell items in whatever format is most convenient for them.

In addition, we’ll host a Free For All table for scraps, well-loved, or extra supplies—drop off items you no longer need or take something new-to-you for free.

If you are interested in applying, please reach out to alexis@artcentergreenville.org for the interest form.

Bluegrass Saturday