September 2025 Round-up: Looking Back, Moving Forward
In this issue: What our children stand to lose, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ opens in New Orleans, plus an open call for our small works exhibition and holiday market.
To my esteemed fellow artists and art lovers, it is so good to be back with you! In May, my family welcomed a happy baby boy, and we’ve spent the summer getting acquainted with each other. During my leave, Morgan, our dedicated editor, with the help of our wonderful volunteers and community partners, did a fantastic job keeping attention on our talented artists. I extend my gracious thanks to all of you and wish a warm welcome to our many new subscribers!
This month marks a milestone for WNC: one year since Hurricane Helene ripped through, washing away people, homes, and livelihoods. We were left without power, water, outside communication, and the sense of climate safety we once took for granted. As we grapple with the memories stirred by the rainy weather this week, we also make room to celebrate the connections we forged in Helene’s aftermath. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the New Orleans Academy of Art for hosting and co-curating the exhibition, A Tale of Two Cities, which opened this month to enthusiastic crowds. Community-driven events like this, RAD Resilience in Asheville's River Arts District last weekend, and the Hurricane Helene exhibit in Boone on Friday are crucial to processing our collective experience and restoring Western North Carolina’s arts economy.
My own family was privileged to enjoy the Southern Highland Craft Guild Heritage Festival at the Folk Arts Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway this month. The event highlighted a most important truth: what we pass along to our children never dies. For this reason, we must continue to embrace the arts and traditional crafts of our region and support the people who carry on this creative legacy. Every time our children see us do what needs must, we instill in them the Appalachian tradition of resilience. May they witness our joy in practicing creativity and building the deep connections that carry us through tough times.
A Tale of Two Cities
On the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene and the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, artists from Asheville, Western North Carolina, and New Orleans reflect on nature’s devastating fury and the process of rebuilding cultural assets in the exhibition A Tale of Two Cities.
A Tale of Two Cities runs through Nov. 8, 2025, at the New Orleans Academy of Art. For more information or to inquire about purchasing, please contact The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts here. Artists from Asheville and Western North Carolina will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from their sales.
View A Tale of Two Cities virtual exhibition here.
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Curators’ Panel
In the wake of natural disasters, art can serve as a lifeline for communities in urgent need of healing. Today, we’re chatting with the curators behind A Tale of Two Cities, a cross-cultural exhibition commemorating the anniversaries of hurricanes Helene in Western North Carolina and Katrina in New Orleans. Our guests include Kenn Kotara, an artist based in Asheville; Jan Gilbert, an artist from New Orleans; and Andrew Rogers, the executive director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (NOAFA), where the exhibition will be held.
Listen to our conversation with the curators’ panel here.
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Opens to Enthusiastic Crowds in New Orleans
On a sunny Friday in September, crowds gathered outside the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (NOAFA) for a long-awaited exhibition. Among the attendees were visitors who journeyed 650 miles southwest from Asheville, North Carolina, eager to see their artwork displayed alongside that of local artists in A Tale of Two Cities.
If you couldn't attend the exhibition, we invite you to explore its highlights through our photo story. You can also view the virtual version of A Tale of Two Cities on ArtsvilleUSA here.
Explore opening night here.
News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond
Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds. October is jam-packed with festivals of every stripe and feather, plus some spooky treats for horror fans.
Call for Artists
- ArtsvilleUSA Live Holiday Market: ArtsvilleUSA seeks artists to showcase and sell ornaments, small works, and handmade crafts at the YMCA’s Live Holiday Market. The event aims to build community, connecting artists with patrons and bringing visitors and members to the YMCA. Apply here.
- ArtsvilleUSA Small Works Exhibition: ArtsvilleUSA seeks craft artists to showcase and sell their work during our annual Small Works Exhibition and sale. This exhibition aims to connect artists of WNC with new markets and patrons for the upcoming holiday season. Apply here.
- Haywood County Arts Council Small Works Exhibition: A community favorite, HCAC’s annual Small Works Exhibition invites artists to showcase artwork, ornaments, and gifts 12x12 inches or smaller. Learn more here.
Exhibitions + Events
- Shine On: The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will host an opening reception for Shine On, marking their 25th anniversary. October 3, 2025. Learn more here.
- Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil: Don’t miss the opening reception for this Halloween-themed exhibition at American Folk Art & Framing, Friday, October 3, from 5-8 PM. Learn more here.
- When the Mountains Wept: This mixed-media community art show invites attendees to express their stories and emotions following Hurricane Helene. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for Appalachian Reclamation Alliance to support cultural and environmental efforts in the region. Oct. 3 at Nth Degree Gallery. Learn more here.
- John C. Campbell Folk School 49th Annual Fall Festival: This beloved annual event features 230 craft vendors and nearly 75 makers demonstrating traditional and contemporary crafts. October 4-5. Learn more here.
- Spruce Pine Potters Market: After rescheduling last year’s event for a later date, this unique ceramic showcase is back and bigger than ever, Oct. 11-12 at the Cross Street Commerce Center in Spruce Pine. Learn more here.
- LEAF Global Arts Festival: This family-friendly event returns to Black Mountain Oct. 16-19 for a 30th anniversary celebration of culture, music, performance art, and the healing arts. Learn more here.
- Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands: Presented by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, this long-running event features over 100 artists representing the Southern Highland region, live demonstrations, and hands-on craft education. Oct. 16-19 at Harrah's Cherokee Center. Learn more here.
- Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair: Enjoy spinning, knitting, weaving, crocheting, and felting demos at the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Oct. 24-26, WNC Agricultural Center. Learn more here.
In the News
- ArtsvilleUSA Press Page: ArtsvilleUSA has been receiving lots of press! To see what we’ve been up to, check out our new Press Page.
Special Thanks to Our Partners
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured image: “Moment by Moment” by Peter Roux.