Asheville Talent Slam

This exciting annual fund-raiser and talent competition is open to anyone at least 13 years old living in WNC who wants to strut their stuff in front of a live audience. Three winners will be awarded: $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place, plus $50 gift certificates for 3rd, 4th, and 5th place. Contestants will also receive professional feedback from local celebrity judges.

The event is a benefit for Eblen Charities and the steveNyou non-profit restaurant fund. Admission for both audience and performers is just $10 thru Etix, or $15 day of the show. The showcase will begin at 7 p.m. on March 15 at Jubilee, 46 Wall St. in downtown Asheville. Performers must register by March 4. Visit www.bioflyer.wordpress.com/asheville-sing-slam.

Empty Bowls

Saturday, March 23 at 5 p.m. First, select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Clay and Cherokee County Food Banks. Tickets are $25. Extra bowls may be purchased at the event for $20. Held at the John C. Campbell Folk School, Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall, One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902. Call 1-800-FOLK-SCH (365-5724), or (828) 837-2775, or visit www.folkschool.org.

Julia C. Burr Awarded Sculpture Commission in Greensboro

Black Mountain Sculptor Julia Burr has been commissioned to design, fabricate and install an artistic bus bench and shelter in downtown Greensboro, NC. The artistic bus shelter won the organization’s “Big Idea” 2012 competition. The magic of the transit shelter’s design comes from the curved structure and more than 20,000 translucent green marbles sandwiched between expanded metal walls. Visit www.jcburr.com