The Wortham Center has launched ARTS RISING!, an initiative aimed at enhancing access to the arts as the community recovers from Hurricane Helene. This program includes $15 tickets for upcoming performances, reduced or pay-what-you-can class fees, and pop-up gallery installations showcasing River Arts District (RAD) artists. Recent ARTS RISING! highlights include discounted tickets to the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band and new lobby art by RAD artists Anna Bryant and Sarah Faulkner. Follow Wortham’s social media for more opportunities through this initiative. Learn more.
Expansion:
AdventHealth Hendersonville now offers contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) for women in Western North Carolina, especially benefiting those with dense breast tissue. CEM, available through the Hologic 3Dimensions® system, enhances cancer detection in dense breasts by using a contrast dye that highlights potential cancer early. With extended imaging hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, AdventHealth aims to make screenings more accessible and convenient. Women interested in CEM should consult their doctor to determine eligibility, particularly those with dense tissue or elevated cancer risk. Learn more.
Funding:
HCA Healthcare has donated $75,000 to the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry‘s (ABCCM) Veteran’s Restoration Quarters (VRQ) to support recovery from Hurricane Helene. This donation, part of HCA’s $1 million commitment to disaster recovery, aims to help restore the VRQ facility by Veterans Day 2025, providing a safe and supportive space for veterans experiencing homelessness. Mission Health, an HCA affiliate, also contributed to Veterans Day activities, with employees volunteering at ABCCM’s new warehouse. ABCCM’s VRQ program focuses on helping veterans achieve stable housing and employment through a comprehensive residential program. Learn more. Featured photo.
Happenings:
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is open for bookings with potable water available, and the River Lodge Canteen is serving coffee and provisions daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This Sunday, November 17, they’ll host the Wrong Way Revival, a community event featuring BBQ, live bluegrass music, and a flash tattoo pop-up with Taurean Tattoo. Held at 9 Midnight Drive, the event runs from noon to 6 p.m. Highlights include a donation-based BBQ dinner supporting the Employee Relief Fund, live music by The Barsters at 2 p.m., drinks and merchandise, and “Campfire Therapy.” The event is open to the public. Learn more.
The Asheville Art Museum is launching several new exhibitions this fall and winter, highlighted by American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection, opening November 16 and running through February 10, 2025. This exhibit showcases over 80 pieces tracing American art from the colonial era to the early 20th century. Other exhibitions include Anti Form: Robert Morris’s Earth Projects, Ginny Ruffner: Reforestation of the Imagination, and Forces of Nature: Ceramics from the Hayes Collection, alongside immersive installations addressing environmental themes. In response to Tropical Storm Helene, residents from affected counties can access pay-what-you-wish admission. For details, visit ashevilleart.org.
American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company will perform at the Wortham Center on November 14 and 15, presenting a diverse program that spans classical ballet masterpieces and innovative contemporary works. The company, which has shaped talented dancers into professionals for over 85 years, promises a dynamic showcase featuring fresh choreography and a mix of genres and stories. Ticket holders can join pre-show discussions with ABT Studio Company staff at 7 p.m. each night in the Henry LaBrun Studio. Each evening will offer a unique program, making this a must-see for dance enthusiasts. Get tickets here.
Tanger Outlets Asheville will kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival Celebration on November 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Paramount Kia of Asheville, this free, family-friendly event will feature live music from the Enka High School Marching Band, magic acts, face painting, giveaways, and a selfie station. Santa will light the tree at 6 p.m., followed by free photos with Santa in the food court. Holiday deals and special discounts for TangerClub members will also be available. For more information, visit tangeroutlets.com/asheville.
Partnership:
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and MANNA FoodBank have launched a special partnership in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. With both organizations’ facilities heavily impacted, Habitat’s ReStore staff will now assist at MANNA’s new warehouse, helping address the increased demand for food aid. This collaboration allows Habitat to keep their staff employed while strengthening MANNA’s efforts. The alliance exemplifies the nonprofits’ commitment to supporting the Asheville community during recovery and underscores their shared mission of helping residents rebuild and thrive. Learn more.
Reopening:
North Carolina Stage Company (NC Stage) will reopen on November 29, 2024, after an extended closure due to utility outages caused by Hurricane Helene. The theatre will resume with “All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914,” a historical holiday production about a moment of peace during WWI. Running through December 22, this show will feature a cast including Adam Kampouris, Steve McConnell, Willie Repoley, and an eight-member choir. To accommodate audiences, NC Stage is offering tickets on a sliding scale from $5 to $45 and free tickets for recovery workers. Tickets are available at ncstage.org or by calling 828-239-0263.