This month’s wine tasting and art exhibit at aabani Salon & Spa (12 North Main St) is Thursday, March 4.  Hopefully we’ll be snow-free that evening.

Aabani Salon Spa Soiree
Wine Tasting and Art Exhibit
Wine, Art, Hors d’oeuvres
Thursday, March 4, 2010, 6-8 p.m.

Art: Patti Quinn Hill
Traditional and contemporary at the same time, the baskets created by Weaverville’s Patti Quinn Hill are spirited, graceful, and immaculately crafted out of archival paper. Hill begins with a traditional Shaker form, but from there her concepts, materials, and colors are unique and modern.  “Color is what grabs me, what I think of first.”

Wine: The Wine Studio
The Wine Studio (169 Charlotte Street, Asheville) will be presenting 3 Spanish selections for tasting.

aabani Salon & Spa (12 North Main St) is hosting this wine tasting and artist exhibition on Thursday, February 4, 2010. Stop by anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. to view the work of Maureen Hoxie and taste four French wines from Old World Wines. aabani plans to host a tasting/exhibition social every month.

Miya Gallery (20 North Main Street) is hosting a Holiday Open House Artist Reception on Friday, December 4, 2009, 5-8 p.m.  Artists Maureen Hoxie, Mary Mikkelsen and Henry Pope will be on hand, and they’ll have wine, cheese and other goodies during the evening.

The Fall edition of the Weaverville Art Safari is this weekend, November 7-8, 2009, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day.  They have 44 artists participating in the self-guided tour this time, and they’re also “thinking green” and encouraging people to carpool.  On Friday, November 6, 2009, the Reems Creek Golf Club (36 Pink Fox Cove Road) will again be the site of the Art Safari Preview Party from 7 until 9 p.m. Art lovers can meet the artists at the preview party, as well bid in a silent auction for artwork.  Door prizes, a cash bar, and snacks will also be available. Tickets are $10.

Download a Tour Map or preview participating artist’s work on the Art Safari website.

Want to know more?  Here’s the official press release:

The Weaverville Art Safari is Thinking Green
On November 7th-8th, 10am-6pm, the artists of the Weaverville Art Safari invite you to visit the town of Weaverville and the surrounding rural areas. Weaverville, located just a few minutes north of Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers visitors a unique small-town atmosphere with several street side cafes and eateries to compliment the many galleries and studios. Meet participating artists and preview their work on Friday, November, 6th at the Reems Creek Golf Course clubhouse from 7-9pm. This ticketed event includes a lively silent auction, door prizes, a cash bar and snacks. Tickets available at the door for only $10.

This Fall, the Weaverville Art Safari is thinking ‘green’. Many of the artists and craftspeople of the Safari who call Western North Carolina home choose to live and work here because they are inspired by the beauty of the world renowned landscape. In reverence of this environment, they choose to reuse, renew, recycle, and conserve. They encourage you to get on the green bandwagon too, by carpooling. Get a map online, or find one at the info booth on Main Street during the event, and share the adventure of the Safari.

When asked what makes their work ‘green’, this is what some of the Safari artists told us:

• Q Evon is a leader in the handcrafted jewelry world. Her new collection, named “D.I.G,” is built on the concept that jewelry doesn’t have to be made from materials unethically and harmfully extracted from the earth. For Q, making socially responsible jewelry is not just the “in” thing to do, it has been the foundation of her work for a decade.
• “As far as ‘green’ goes.” Diane English of the Great Cosmic Happy-Ass Card Co. reports, “My new prints are printed on recycled stock that has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council and is printed locally at a Rainforest Alliance Certified Printer.”
• Alicia and Beatriz Kelemen of K4 Glassart use reclaimed travertine, granite, slate and marble in creating their mirrors, art for the wall mosaics, sculptures, and Menorahs. “We go to stone, marble, and granite suppliers and ask for the material that they can’t use. They usually give us the scraps that are piling up on the floor. “We are selective in choosing the pieces that will fit our work,” says Alicia. “It’s worth the effort when we find a beautiful stone that inspires a new design.”
• Phil Atwood uses at least 50% – 60% recycled and used materials, and sometimes more, in making his metal birdhouses. “In fact my biggest source for supplies are thrift shops,” says Phil. He shares his recycling philosophy with buyers who love to find out his work is made of recycled materials.

The Weaverville Art Safari was founded nine years ago with the goal of drawing attention to the artisans & craft workers of Weaverville and surrounding areas. Over the years the event has drawn thousands of visitors from the southeastern United States and beyond. For more information and for a complete list of participating artists please visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com.

The Weaverville Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) presents a Neighborhood Art Market on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Weaverville Elementary School (129 South Main Street). The market, a benefit for the Weaverville Elementary/Primary Schools, will feature student art work and hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, holiday décor, gourmet foods (and more) from local artists.

Some new pieces from Weaverville pottery artist Joy Pansiera (Joy Creek Pottery).  You can see more of her latest work online at www.joycreekpottery.smugmug.com or live at Sanctuary of Stuff (who just opened a second location in Woodfin, at 440 Weaverville Highway) or Kress Emporium in downtown Asheville.

Arts for Life is a Weaverville-based non-profit organization which supports children battling cancer and other diseases.  They’re holding their first Arts & Crafts Market fundraiser October 22-24, 2009 at 30 Cedarcliff Road in Biltmore Forest. Info:

1st Annual Arts & Crafts Market
Join us October 22-24, 2009

Start your holiday shopping early and support a meaningful cause! Arts For Life Asheville will present its first annual Arts and Crafts Market October 22-24, 2009 in Biltmore Forest to raise funds that will benefit thousands of children facing medical challenges. The market will feature pottery, textiles, jewelry and many other great craft items donated by artists and community members from all over Western North Carolina. The entire proceeds from the sale will be used to provide hundreds of hours of art lessons to young patients and their siblings.

“Young patients and families count on us to bring them creativity, sense of calm, and positive activities to focus on during lengthy clinic visits and hospital stays,” says Anna Littman, founder and executive director of Arts For Life. “Our fantastic team of teaching and community volunteers are organizing the Art Market to keep this important work going. The Art Market is an inspiring illustration of the volunteerism and artistic excellence found in our great community.”

Arts For Life is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports children and adolescents battling cancer and other serious illnesses and disabilities. Their visual art, creative writing, and music programs decrease patient stress and anxiety, keep patients active and engaged, and help families cope with the realities of illness.

The market will be located at 30 Cedarcliff Road in Biltmore Forest. The hours of the market are Thursday, 4-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free.

A social knitting/handcrafters group open to everyone has been meeting on Tuesdays at the Weaverville Library (41 North Main Street). It’s free to participate and doesn’t require registration.  More info and dates/times:

All knitters, crocheters, as well as those who would like to work on other craft projects, are welcome to attend.  There is no charge and you do not have to register.  There will be no formal instruction.  This is a Social “Sit and Knit” for all to enjoy.  For information call 658-3074 or 242-0584.

Upcoming 2009 Dates
Tuesday, October 27, 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17, 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, December 1, 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 6-8 p.m.

Sorry for the limited number of postings this week.  I had my cousin’s wedding to attend in Ohio, then stopped off in Bardstown, Kentucky for a few days rest (and to learn a little about Kentucky’s Civil War history, Abraham Lincoln, and bourbon).

So now I have lots to update and get caught up on, but first things first:  the Fall Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands starts today and runs through Sunday at the Asheville Civic Center (87 Haywood Street, Asheville).  They’ve once again given me tickets to give away to the show, 5 pairs this time.  Entry form is below.  I’ll take entries through Noon tomorrow and will notify all winners immediately after so I can get the tickets to you.  As always, the information you provide will be used for this contest only, and I will only contact you if you win.  Good luck!

Local artist Jeff Pittman has created a new Main Street painting in time for Weaverville’s Art in Autumn festival. The original oil on canvas painting can be purchased along with limited edition prints and framed/unframed giclee on canvas. All are available from his website at www.jeffpittmanart.com/galleryhtml/weaverville_main_street-art.html, or you can visit him this Saturday at Art in Autumn. He will be in booth #27.

It’s almost time for the 3rd Annual Art in Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival.  This year’s festival is set for Saturday, September 19, 2009, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Main Street (between Merrimon Avenue and Church Street).  Over 100 artists will be showing their work, bands will be playing old-time and bluegrass music, and local non-profits will be selling food.  Admission is free. You can find more information, including a festival map and the list of participating artists and bands, on their website www.artinautumn.com.  A few other items of note:

Road Closures
Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. from the corner of Merrimon and Main to Church and Main. As a result traffic will be routed onto Alabama Avenue during the event.  We are anticipating thousands of visitors for this particular event.  The Police, Fire Department, and Emergency Services personnel have been alerted and will assist in monitoring the street closures.

Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to assist with setup, breakdown, information booths, and parking. If you would like to help with the event please contact Sherrye at 273-7306.

Raffle
Art in Autumn is sponsored and funded by the Weaverville Business Association. One of the ways they cover festival expenses is through the Art in Autumn Raffle. Local businesses have donated more than 40 items to be raffled off during the festival.  Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the Information Booths during the festival.  Here’s a few of the items they’ll be giving away:

• Free eye exam, ½ off glasses or contacts from Weaverville Eye Associates
• Lunch for two from Sunnyside Cafe
• 1 hour massage from A Way to Heal Massage
• 1 hour massage from Secret Garden Inn & Spa
• $25 Gift Certificate from Maggie B’s Wine and Specialty Store
• $50 gift certificate from Miya Gallery
• $25 gift certificate to Brown’s Floral from Beverly Hanks
• Pottery Piece from Mangum Pottery
• $50 gift certificate from Curtis Wright Outfitters
• $20 gift certificate from Mike’s Grill
• $25 gift certificate from Stoney Knob
• $50 gift certificate from Weaverville Ingles

Later this week I’ll publish any of the sales or specials local businesses will be having in conjunction with the event. Please check back for those.

Fall 2009 Class Offerings, from the latest Joyful Noise Community Music & Arts Center e-newsletter. I’ll be contacting the instructors for more information and class dates to include on the calendar, but thought some of you might want this information sooner rather than later, especially with the limited spots available in the Acting Class:

Joyful Noise Fall Recital
Mark your calendars: the Joyful Noise Fall Recital is tentatively set to take place on Sunday afternoon, November 8, at the First Presbyterian Church (30 Alabama Avenue).

Drama
Now offering Acting 101, an ongoing group class that will allow students to explore the acting craft using a wide variety of improv games, character building techniques and scene study to engage their creative spirits.  All the world’s a stage and the sky’s the limit when the imagination takes flight! Classes will take place on Fridays from 3:30-5:30 p.m., ages 8-13. Cost is $20/per 2 hour class and $18 for Joyful Noise families! Only 10 slots available, so call soon! Rebecca Morris, Director (828) 215-8738.

Visual Arts
Classes and workshops for children and adults in traditional hand quilting, art quilts, fiber arts, and drawing. Lynda Sondles, Instructor (828) 775-2499.

Performing Student Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble and intermediate & advanced String Ensembles perform music of different genres in a variety of venues. Gina Caldwell, String Ensemble Director (828) 649-2828. Justin Mabry, Percussion Ensemble Director (540) 521-9832.

Sole Impact Dance
Classes for adults, teens & children in beginning and intermediate clogging. Clogging classes explore flatfooting steps, open freestyle, and precision footwork as well as circle mixers, and hoedown figure dances. Heidi Kulas, Director (828) 319-7202. Fall classes begin 9/14/09.

Appalachian Arts Studies
Weekly Old-time Slow Jam for all ages, adult group instrumental and ballad singing classes, and private lessons on most Appalachian instruments. Natalya Weinstein, Director (828) 350-1396.

Chamber Music
Hone your skills and make new friends in small ensembles of mixed instrumentation (duets, trios, quartets, etc.) Kara Poorbaugh, Director (828) 551-0854.

Brio Concert Series
Sharing diverse programs and promoting chamber music in Weaverville and surrounding areas. Concerts are held in various venues in North Asheville, Weaverville, Marshall, and Mars Hill. www.brioconcertseries.org. Cynthia Roop, Director (828) 319-7077.

Please visit our website at www.joyfulnoisecenter.org for more information about classes, instructor bios, and both scholarship and bartering opportunities available to students.

If you’re been to Art Accents (1 South Main Street ) recently, you’ve probably seen their new aerial photo of Weaverville. It was taken this year by Art Accents owner and photographer Robert Mitchell, and closely matches an aerial photo of the town taken in 1939.  One of the most striking differences between the two photos – the number of trees (it shows we haven’t been named Tree City USA 19 years in a row for nothing). Art Accents has each print available for purchase – 12×16 prints are $35 each.

The 62nd Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is scheduled for July 16-19, 2009 at the Asheville Civic Center, and they’ve given me 5 pairs of tickets to give away. To enter, either leave a comment or submit your name and e-mail in the form below. Winners will be randomly selected at Noon on Tuesday, July 14. I’ll post a list of winners here, and I’ll contact you via e-mail if you win (the info you submit will be not kept or used for any other purpose).

This contest is now over. Congrats to ticket winners: Daniel Markham, Linda Payne, Rachel Smith, Cheryl Kotecki, and Vickie Lemonds!

Details about the show:

At a Glance
What:  The 62nd Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Where:  Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood Street
When:  July 16-19 & October 15-18, 2009
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Admission:  Adults $7, children under 12 free.  Group discounts available
Additional information:  www.craftguild.org or 828-298-7928

For four days each July and October, the Civic Center in Asheville comes alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts.  The Fairs, a local tradition since 1948, showcase the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and feature craft demonstrations, regional music and entertainment.

Over 200 craftspeople fill the two levels of the Civic Center selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry. As members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the exhibiting artists have passed a rigorous jury process to become a part of the organization.  Membership is open to artists who live in the mountain counties of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and the Virginias.

While locals and visitors can find crafts at numerous galleries, the Fairs are unique in that they offer people the opportunity to connect with the artists by purchasing directly from them.  The community this fosters is important to craftspeople and patrons alike.  In an age of mass production and imports, the connection to fine American craft and the individual maker is more relevant than ever.  The Fairs help the Southern Highland Craft Guild fulfill its mission to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation.

Raku pottery artist Steven Forbes-deSoule is hosting another 50th Firing Kiln Opening at his studio on July 18. Yesterday he started firing the first of 49 raku pieces he’ll create over the next 16 working days. On Saturday, July 18, he’ll open his studio to visitors to watch the firing of the 50th piece, which he’ll then give away. He’ll be documenting the process on his blog, www.stevenforbesdesoule.com/blog.  Details from the invitation:

Steven Forbes-deSoule’s 50th Firing Kiln Opening
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
143 David Biddle Trail, Weaverville

You are invited to an exclusive Raku firing demonstration and sale at my studio.
I will fire 49 raku pieces, one piece at a time, over the course of sixteen working days leading up to the opening event and will document this on my website/blog starting June 25. On the day of the event, the 50th piece will be fired as visitors observe. At 5 p.m. this final piece in the series (estimated value of $700) will be given away in a random drawing to one of the day’s attendees. You need not be present to win. The other 49 raku works produced during this conceptual event will be on display and available for purchase.

A week long summer art class will be taught in Weaverville July 13-17 for grades K-5. As of this week she had only a few spots left for all the classes she’s teaching this summer (in Weaverville and Arden), so if you’re interested you should probably contact her sooner rather than later. Here’s the info:

Week Long Summer Art Classes 2009

What?
Week long Summer Art Camps for rising K-7th grade students.  Sessions are 2 hours per day.  Students will work with a wide range of subject matter and experiment with different creative mediums including watercolor, oil pastel, pencil, clay and collage.

Where and When?
In Weaverville:  (at Mrs. Angel’s mother’s home)
July  13-17, for grades K-5th*, 10 a.m.-Noon

In Arden: (at Mrs. Angel’s home in the Glen Arden area)
June 22-26, for grades 4th -7th*,  2-4 p.m.
July  20-24,  for grades K -4th*, 10 a.m.-Noon

*grade levels can be flexible to accommodate scheduling or siblings

How Much?
$85 per student
$40 deposit due at sign-up
Max class size is 8 students

About the art teacher
Molly Angel grew up in Western North Carolina and has taught art at Veritas Christian Academy, North Asheville Christian School, and private and group lessons.  She has a BA in Studio Art from Meredith College.  She has been teaching art for 5 years.

To Register
Call or email Mrs. Angel at furmanandmolly@hotmail.com or 681-0106 to check availability.  Then mail the following information with your check to reserve your child’s space to:  Molly Angel, 24 Pinehurst Circle, Arden, NC 28704

• Child’s Name
• Parents Name
• Age
• Grade
• Address
• Phone
• Which week and time

Students should bring a water bottle and a smock or apron (or wear older clothing).

Pistil and Stamen opened its doors last Friday at 6 Central Avenue (sharing the space with Kitchen Scapes at the old Garden Station location ). The new store features an eclectic mix of gifts, vintage antiques, jewelry, perfumes, lotions, teas, and garden herbs. They’ll also have items specially made for the store, including mexican-inspired hat racks by a local artist (which should be in later this week). A 10% off opening store sale is going on now. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. Phone number is 484-9842. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

The new Weaverville Tailgate Market starts tomorrow.  It will take place every Wednesday until October, 2:30-6:30 p.m., outside the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise. Every Tuesday they’ll be sending out a newsletter with some of the vendors and the items they’ll have for sale (if you would like to receive the weekly e-newsletter email visdial@aol.com with the subject line “Info Weaverville Tailgate Market”). Here’s the vendor/item list from this week’s newsletter:

Allen Wentworth: Native plants, original music, kombucha mushrooms, herbs, odd plants, origami

Angel Ridge Farms: I will have hand-spun yarn, finished items and fiber for sale.

Bee Tree Farm: Italian Tomato sauce, Pesto, sauteed peppers and onions, Fruit Preserves [not jams or jellies] cobblers, zucchini and yellow squash breads, veggies and herbal tea.

Carawan Seafood: We’ll be selling a variety of fresh North Carolina seafood. The variety changes but lately we’ve been getting speckled sea trout, rockfish or striped bass, black drum, tilefish, bluefish, catfish,sea scallops, shrimp, tuna, and any day now we’ll be getting live soft shell crabs.

Celia: Lampwork glass, beads, jewelry, key rings, hair bows, zipper pulls, bags, etc.

Dewain Mackey:  Pork, lettuce, molasses, Zeke Filiss, vegetable transplants, lilacs, flowers and plants.

Dillingham Family Farm: We have plenty of eggs today. Justin took our beef to processor so look for Dillingham grass fed beef in a couple of weeks.

Fork Mountain Farm: Swiss chard, gourmet lettuce blend, mesclun mix, arugula, mizuna, tat soi, extra dwarf pak choi, mustard greens, radishes, turnips.

High Country Nursery: Large selections of Japanese maples that would make a wonderful addition to your yard. They are also wonderful accent plants that add an elegant touch to your landscape. I will also be bringing several different conifers like bald cypress and dawn redwoods. For those who like smaller things: dwarf pomegranates, re-blooming lilacs and desert rose will be in stock

Highgate Farm: Escarole, boc choi, kale, spinach, turnip greens, dried tomatoes, green onions and maybe shitake mushrooms.

Hugh’s Hope Nursery: I’ll be selling perennial plants & shrubs – azaleas, hostas, lilies, lily of the valley, etc., and some small succulent gardens that I will be selling for Mother’s Day presents.

Jeff Owen: Chevre, aged raw milk goat cheeses.

LoafChild Bakery: We offer organic breads and pastries, and whole-grain sweets.

Outback Woodworks: This week I will be selling bird houses, bat houses, feeders, solar food dryers and worm composting bins

Spinning Spider Creamery: We will have fresh spreadable chevre for sale in a variety of herb combinations and flavors. We will also have raw milk aged cheeses as well as bloomy rind cheese available to sample and purchase as well.

Visual Dialogue: Hand Carved designs on American made Glassware. Custom work on Awards, Logos, personalized names, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays. If I can see the image,it can be put on a glass. Also glass doors for homes, shower doors, windows. My wife, Cathy, creates Hypertufa planters, stepping stones , and soy candles. Hypertufa is the best pot you can have for all your herbs and flowers. Eco-Friendly, porous and perfect for all your plants needs.

The Spring Weaverville Art Safari Tour is this weekend.  This time there are 44 artists participating in and around Weaverville. The Preview Party is tonight at the Reems Creek Golf Club, featuring a silent auction, door prizes, food, and a chance to meet the artists. Tickets are$10 and doors are open 7-9 p.m.  Participating artists will open their studios 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for the tour.  As always, it’s free. You can find all the information you need, including sample work by the artists and a detailed brochure/guide map, at www.weavervilleartsafari.com.

Here’s what some of the Main Street businesses will be doing during Art Safari weekend:

Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store (113 North Main Street ):  Open Saturday and Sunday with wine Tastings throughout the day.

Mangum Pottery (16 North Main Street ): They’re giving away a free mug with every $100 purchase.

Rodney’s Auto Service (37 North Main Street ):  He won’t be open, but the North Buncombe High School Odyssey of the Mind team will be holding a yard sale fundraiser on Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shop Around the Corner (55 North Main Street ):  Their Anniversary Sale is going on, plus they’ll have their Sample Saturday tasting and Tea of the Day (a cold one, since it’s supposed to be hot this weekend). Open Saturday only.

Weaverville Drug Company (3 North Main Street ): The ice cream counter will be open Saturday, 9-3 p.m.  Cones will be 99 cents and waffle cones $1.49.

Weaverville artist Diane Hall will be holding a four-week children’s art class in her home studio May 2-23.  Classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until Noon and are for ages 6-12.  The subject is “Tropical Fish” and they will be doing basic drawing, acrylic painting, collage/assemblage and basic printing.  The cost for the 4 weeks is $60. Space is limited to 8 students and pre-registration is required.  Call her at 645-6246 to register or for more information.

Hall also does pet portraits and will be participating in the Spring Weaverville Art Safari Tour April 25-26.