While Benjamin Pryor’s debut book of poetry, Charactery, embraces Greek concepts, archetypes and fables, the poems are rooted in the poet’s native Haywood County and Western North Carolina.
Our Newest Stories
Book Feature: The New Natural Food Garden
A new book by Natalie Bogwalker and Chloe Lieberman grew out of work the two did to spread knowledge during the pandemic by establishing Growing Wise Online Gardening School. The book contains specific step-by-step gardening advice, informational charts and tables, photographs and personal stories.
From the Editor: May 2026
What a colorful issue is this one! We have white squirrels, golden hours, yellow trillium and red berries. And then there’s the reason, perhaps, that you picked up this issue: that vibrant, joy-evoking painting on the cover—Sunflower Sonnet, by Tania Dirks.
A Bird’s Note: American Redstart
The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a lively, medium-sized Warbler that is built like a Flycatcher. This wood Warbler has a glossy black plumage, contrasted by vivid bright patches of reddish-orange on their sides, wings and tails, and a soft white underbelly.
The Observant Gardener: Gardens Are Places of Repose
Spending time in a garden is a satisfying experience, whether it is a public garden or your own space. It is refreshing to pause during the day and do nothing. I find that being outside in my garden, with no particular agenda or plan, is a way to use my time to find repose.
Experience Harmonies of the Foothills at Tryon Painters and Sculptors in May
Harmonies of the Foothills, Tryon Painters and Sculptors’ (TPS’) third exhibit of the year will be on display until Saturday, May 23. TPS welcomes a guest artist to the exhibition: metal sculptor Bob Doster, whose career spans 43 years sculpting, with artwork placed worldwide.
Art with Character: Face Jugs Shine at American Folk Art & Framing in May
American Folk Art & Framing presents a studio filled with personality this month as the 14th Annual Face Jug Show opens online Wednesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. and in the gallery on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m., with a reception from 5-8 p.m. during downtown Asheville’s Mosaic ArtWalk & Benefit.
Experience Jaime Byrd’s Engaging Work During May Events
Artist Jaime Byrd’s work is on display at the newly remodeled Capella on 9 rooftop bar at the AC Hotel in Asheville through June 30. An artist reception will take place on Wednesday, May 27, from 6–8 p.m.
Astralis Ensemble to Perform Baroque-Era Works for ACMS Season Finale
The Grapevine: Need a Wine to Pair with Barbecue?
View the Work of Emerging Craft Artists on Display at Folk Art Center Starting in May
Spring Events at Asheville Salt Cave Invite Visitors to Slow Down and Reconnect
Artist Kathleen Stern Explores The Golden Hours at AGA
Downtown Waynesville Rolls Out Rebranded Art Evenings and New Mascot Wayne
Feature Artist: Ken Wheeler
Stewart/Owen Dance Returns to Wortham May 1-2
Cover Artist: Tania Dirks
In Bloom: Yellow Trillium
Blue Spiral 1 Gallery Launches New Exhibitions
The Laurel of Asheville is available in both