Community Calendar

Fusing old school string band instrumentation with rock and roll exuberance, The Brothers Comatose cement their status as standard bearers of a thriving, innovative West Coast roots movement on their intoxicating new album, Golden Grass. Recorded with co-producers Greg Holden and Tim Bluhm, the collection is as diverse and enthralling as the California landscape itself—at times carefree and breezy, at times wild and rugged—with lush, organic arrangements full of rich vocal harmonies and driving guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and upright bass. While the record marks the group’s first release with newest member Addie Levy, the result is quintessential Brothers Comatose: a warm, joyful reflection on identity and the ties that bind from a band that knows exactly who they are (and exactly where they come from).

Founded by Ben and Alex Morrison in 2008, The Brothers Comatose first emerged from San Francisco with their 2010 debut, Songs From The Stoop, which helped earn dates with the likes of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Greensky Bluegrass, and Trampled By Turtles. In the decade-and-a-half that followed, the critically acclaimed quintet would go on to release five more full-length LPs, rack up nearly 50 million streams, land festival slots at Outside Lands, High Sierra, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, tour with Lake Street Dive, The Devil Makes Three, and Yonder Mountain String Band, and build up a devoted following thanks to their raucous live shows and relentless schedule.

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.

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 free lecture series at the tribal museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee History & Stories explores culturally significant sites, stories, and figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to attend, and registration is not required.

Join us for Songwriting Monday! On the First Monday of each month between February and October, join renowned instructor Lauren Hayworth for this class aimed at both beginner and intermediate level students at the Watauga Arts Council in Boone, NC.

Students will explore song structure and fundamentals, as well as learn basic music theory. Techniques for creating effective lyrics will also be explored with writing prompts. Some knowledge of music (especially on a chord-based instrument like guitar, piano, or ukulele) is helpful, but NOT required. Singing ability is useful but not required.

Students are encouraged to bring their own notebooks and instruments.

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.

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!