Community Calendar

A Multi-Media Journey of Resilience, Fiber Art, and Painting by Julie Miles

Three summers ago, in a lightkeeper’s house-turned-museum off the coast of Maine, Julie Miles was asked a simple but piercing question: “Who are you outside of your family?”
“Made of This” is her answer.
After an eight-year hiatus from painting to support her family through her husband’s early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis, Miles returns to her artistic practice with work rooted in resilience, devotion, and rediscovery. What began as an homage to her farming grandparents evolved into an immersive exploration of material, labor, and belonging.
For this body of work, Miles learned to process and spin raw wool, dye fibers with plants over an open fire, and weave twill cloth on a vintage four-shaft loom. She turned to pinhole photography to create self-portraits in the landscapes of her Michigan youth—beaches, open fields, and rural expanses that echo memory and identity.
Blending fiber, photography, and painting, “Made of This” honors both the harshness and tenderness of life. It invites viewers to dwell in the quiet space where grief and joy coexist, where materials “dictate” their own becoming, and where loving it all—labor, loss, beauty, play—leads to a life well lived.
Join us for the opening reception on April 3rd and experience a powerful return to art shaped by devotion, discovery, and the enduring act of making.

April 3 – 26
Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reception: April 3, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts

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. 

Bob Dylan’s career has lasted the better part of sixty years now. He has never gotten by on sentimentality or nostalgia. He has never repeated his successes. Dylan has always pushed his work ahead.

NO PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS OR RECORDING. This show will be a phone-free experience. Use of cellphones, cameras, or recording devices will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their phones at all times and can access their phones throughout the event at designated Phone Use Area in the venue. All phones will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the event space. Anyone seen using a cellphone during the performance will be escorted out of the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring a bank or credit card for purchases inside the venue. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.

Resources For Resilience is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization sharing practical tools and research-based resources for individuals, teams, and communities to manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience in themselves and others.

In this 14-hour, interactive online training, you’ll learn the science of stress management and ways to build resilience in yourself and those around you. Walk away with easy-to-use, shareable tools that are designed for real life—whether you’re stressed at work, in your car, or even at the store.

FREE and open to all WNC residents, thanks to the support of our generous partners

14 contact hours of continuing education available through Area L AHEC for an additional fee

REGISTER NOW to attend and receive further event details

Can't make this session? Join our other virtual dates this spring!

May 21 & 22
June 16 & 17

A Multi-Media Journey of Resilience, Fiber Art, and Painting by Julie Miles

Three summers ago, in a lightkeeper’s house-turned-museum off the coast of Maine, Julie Miles was asked a simple but piercing question: “Who are you outside of your family?”
“Made of This” is her answer.
After an eight-year hiatus from painting to support her family through her husband’s early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis, Miles returns to her artistic practice with work rooted in resilience, devotion, and rediscovery. What began as an homage to her farming grandparents evolved into an immersive exploration of material, labor, and belonging.
For this body of work, Miles learned to process and spin raw wool, dye fibers with plants over an open fire, and weave twill cloth on a vintage four-shaft loom. She turned to pinhole photography to create self-portraits in the landscapes of her Michigan youth—beaches, open fields, and rural expanses that echo memory and identity.
Blending fiber, photography, and painting, “Made of This” honors both the harshness and tenderness of life. It invites viewers to dwell in the quiet space where grief and joy coexist, where materials “dictate” their own becoming, and where loving it all—labor, loss, beauty, play—leads to a life well lived.
Join us for the opening reception on April 3rd and experience a powerful return to art shaped by devotion, discovery, and the enduring act of making.

April 3 – 26
Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reception: April 3, 5:00 – 6:30 PM
at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts

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. 

A 4-Week Journey into Traditional Mountain Ballads with Cary Fridley

Experience the heart of the mountains through song. Join acclaimed folk artist Cary Fridley at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts for a soulful, four-week exploration of Southern Appalachian musical heritage.

Part vocal masterclass and part history lesson, this workshop invites you to go beyond the notes. You’ll receive a curated repertoire of regional songs, complete with lyrics and chord sheets, while learning the stories that shaped them. Cary will provide expert guidance on adapting melodies to your unique vocal range and share professional tips and tricks for musicians looking to sing and play simultaneously.

Details:

When: Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (April 21 – May 12)

Where: Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Cost: $80 per student

Who: Open to all levels. Bring your voice, guitar, or banjo!

Get ready for a fun night of "Paint Your Pet" at 12 Bones Brewing on Tuesday, April 21st, at 5:00 pm! This class is open to all skill levels, and our experienced instructors will help guide you in capturing your pet's unique charm in a portrait that you will love. 🐶 🐈 After purchasing your ticket, all attendees must submit a clear photo of their pet to monetandchardonnay@gmail.com by April 19th. Everyone will receive a 16x20" canvas with a detailed drawing of their pet, a reference photo, and all necessary painting supplies. We kindly ask that each guest buys at least one drink or menu item to support this awesome venue. For the best experience, we recommend arriving early to settle in and order some tasty bites and beverages before we begin! 🍺