Spectacular Southern Appalachians

The Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association – Asheville Region’s annual summer exhibit is on display at the Cradle of Forestry through July 31, 2012.

The exhibit includes more than 50 images celebrating the beauty and wonder of western North Carolina’s landscapes, flora, and fauna. It conveys the group’s goal to develop a community that celebrates the beauty of nature through photography, and promotes an appreciation of nature within the region.

The Cradle of Forestry is located in the Pisgah National Forest on Highway 276 near Brevard, NC. Visit www.cnpa-asheville.org, or www.cradleofforestry.com.

 

Have Fun, Do Good

Like to fish? Love to kayak? Does hiking in our beautiful mountains make your day? Love to create a beautiful garden or grow your own food? Do a search to identify what local organizations offer activities that support and care for what you love.

Love to garden? Ask about community gardens in your town or at your church. Like to fish? How about adopting a stream or a section along a river? Think about supporting those organizations that protect and maintain the areas you enjoy. Begin your search at www.haywoodwaterways.org.

 

Readings & Signing at Malaprops Bookstore

Appalachian Fiction – Reading, Booksigning, and Concert

Saturday, July 14 at 7 p.m.

Meet Kimberly Brock, author of The River Witch, and Erika Marks, author of Little Gale Gumbo while you enjoy the music of Anna Kline and the Grits & Soul Band.

Of The River Witch, author Joshilyn Jackson says, “…a haunted landscape, authentically Southern, where the tragedies of the past and the most fragile, gorgeous kind of love-soaked hope are equally alive.”

Novelist Melissa Senate offers equally high praise for Little Gale Gumbo: “With its irresistible settings — from New Orleans to an island off the coast of Maine — unforgettable characters, and heartfelt explorations of love, family, and secrets, [this] is one of my favorite novels of the year.”

The Pretty Girl

Sunday, July 15 at 3 p.m.

Debra Spark, a faculty member in the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers, will read from and sign The Pretty Girl: Novella and Stories. Author Monica Wood has written, “Each story is so different from the next, each character a little code to be cracked, each time period and geographical location completely convincing, each life thoroughly absorbing.”

Anne Freels Demonstration & Booksigning

Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

Anne Freels, known for her colorful and contemporary flair on a traditional Appalachian craft, has published the first comprehensive illustrated book on how to make her specialty dolls: Making Colorful Corn Shuck Dolls. Meet Anne as she demonstrates techniques she has developed over more than three decades of crafting and selling her dolls worldwide. A booksigning will follow.

Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood Street, (828) 254-6734, www.malaprops.com.

 

John Rountree – Postcards Along the Way

MESH Gallery presents Postcards Along the Way, black and white photography by John Rountree. This event is free and open to the public. Come by and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages!

The show will run from Monday, July 2 through Friday, July 27, 2012. A reception for the artist will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 6 -8 p.m. at MESH Gallery, located at 114-B West Union Street in downtown Morganton, NC.

 

The Stray Birds

This buzzed-about young acoustic trio draws upon the richness of American folk music traditions. The group’s signature sound lies in outstanding songwriting that soars in three-part harmony.

The Stray Birds will release their first full-length album this summer. For more information visit www.thestraybirds.com.

Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 at White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd. Phone (828) 669-0816 or visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com

 

DramaRama

Asheville Community Theatre is debuting DramaRama, an entire week of unique, affordable, fun events that redefines fundraising for the downtown theatre. DramaRama events will run from July 7-14, with seven different events including a kick-off party honoring ACT groundbreakers, a fashion show, and two variety shows. Tickets are available for all events and range from $10 to $25.

DramaRama kicks off with a staged reading and champagne reception, and continues throughout the week with: a fashion show at the Renaissance Hotel; a theatre trivia night hosted by Michael McMurtrey at Olive or Twist; a Sing-a-Long movie night – Grease at the Fine Arts Theatre; a storytelling night – Best of Listen to This hosted by Tom Chalmers; and two variety shows, a junior version and an adult version.

“It’s a full-on celebration of Asheville, our community, and theatre,” said Jenny Bunn, Marketing Director at Asheville Community Theatre. ”

For more information and ticket prices call (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.