October offers up the kind of days we wish would never end, ones we want to linger over in our memories. Vibrant leaves swirling through the air, crunching underfoot and pressed between the pages of books. Brisk mornings and breezy, golden afternoons. Apples and pumpkins. Fireplace evenings as days shorten and temperatures drop. It all adds up to cozy and comforting.
Gina Malone, Editor
Timely exhibitions with contentment as a theme are on display this month: Creature Comforts at Flow Gallery, in Marshall, Comfort Foods and Memories at the Asheville Gallery of Art and Farm to Table at American Folk Art & Framing.
For many of us, crafting comes to mind as we enter the colder months. For professional craftspeople, creating happens year-round, but it is in October and early November that the Craft Fair of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair and the WNC Pottery Festival all happen. Read about those events and some talented artisans in our WNC Crafts section. And be sure to check out Feature Artist Anne Freels’ amazing corn shuck dolls, an Appalachian tradition that she has made her own with her unique dolls that, she says, “serve to open people up to what they honor or want to incorporate into their lives.”
With the glorious weather, it’s also the season of festivals and tours. Step out into glorious fall days for the Beaverdam Studio Tour, the Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival, the Kenilworth Studio Tour and the WNC Parade of Homes.
New seasons are getting under way at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts (p. 22) and North Carolina Stage Company, where theater-goers can experience a bit of horror in time for Halloween.
We spend more time indoors as winter approaches, and it’s a natural time to consider self-care. See what Asheville Salt Cave has for soothing body and mind at this time of transition.
There’s so much more Autumn on these pages: black walnuts, ravens and fall flowers. Enjoy all of it as you decide how to spend quieter days and make lasting memories at this loveliest time of the year.
Gina Malone can be reached at gina@thelaurelofasheville.com
