The Central Asian country of Kazakhstan once topped my travel wish list. A National Geographic documentary on falconry sparked interest in this remote region where the ancient sport is revered. But traveling halfway around the world to see falcons, I’ve learned, is not necessary.
During COVID, a Waynesville writer with the pen name Zeebo wrote humorous stories and sent them to his sister for fun. He later collected the works, based on his early life adventures in Brooklyn, NY and elsewhere, into a book, The Blueberry Society, and published it in February.
A native of Western North Carolina, ceramic artist Hannah Burnisky has spent more than a decade working with clay, creating functional ceramics inspired by the forests, trails and mountain landscapes that shaped her childhood.
“This book (and the forthcoming ones in the series) is the perfect companion for anyone interested in hiking on the AT because it not only covers the technical data needed such as mileage markers, water sources and campsites but also features stunning professional colored photography,” says co-author Amber Adams Niven.
Rachel Elise Aughtry, of Rachel Elise Studio in Mars Hill, announces a line of collaborative work with Angelic Rutherford of Rutherford & Pug, also in Mars Hill. Rutherford & Pug opened this year and offers wares including textiles, art, home furnishings and curated vintage items.
Brandy Clements and Dave Klingler, owners of the Silver River Center for Chair Caning and instructors of chair seat weaving, call themselves “Chair Nerds” for their embrace of this traditional—and practical—craft.
The Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts has undergone evolutionary changes through the years since Brian and Gail McCarthy began the organization under the name Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts in 1993.
Daniel Essig, known for building intriguing sculptural books, will speak about his process and the meaning behind his works at Mica Gallery in Bakersville on Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m. His sculpted books feature enclosures of found treasures, and he also creates sculptures of creatures such as alligators or birds carefully holding a handmade book.
The Laurel of Asheville is available in both print and digital editionsWe are delighted you have chosen us to be your gateway—both through our popular print Asheville lifestyle magazine and our website—to the arts, culture, and communities that comprise the remarkable area that is Western North Carolina. In these pages, you will find behind-the-scenes stories about the region’s concerts, theatre and dance productions, festivals, restaurants, artists, and the multitude of locally-based businesses. We also enjoy bringing you features about the people and organizations who are caring for those in need, protecting our historic heritage, preserving our rich and diverse environment, and nurturing our cultural soul.
