We often talk of teaching children new things, of encouraging and feeding their curiosity, of the excitement of watching them learn. But what about those of us for whom youth is just past or even long-gone? If there’s anything we know for certain, it’s this: Western North Carolina is filled with opportunities to learn—for all ages and all skill levels. This issue contains our Education 2026 section with some of the many classes, workshops and events awaiting curious participants.
Gina Malone, Editor
One bonus of exploring new topics is the social benefit, gathering with others who share your curiosity. Asheville Nerd Nites, held monthly, and regular classes and events at White Horse Community Hub, in Black Mountain, are two ways to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals while learning something new.
It’s March, and the onset of springtime with its warm breezes and awakening earth is always a good time for lifting spirits. Judith Canty Graves considers the many thrilling ways Spring shows herself. If you’re craving the outdoors, Weaverville hosts its annual Shamrock Festival, and there are trails soon to be explored at the newly established Fairview Community Forest, and ones especially designed for little ones’ minds and bodies in Hendersonville and Mills River.
The Asheville Symphony presents its biennial Artist Residency, welcoming opera great Isabel Leonard and offering many opportunities for the community to learn and engage with music during her residency. And at the Wortham Center for Performing Arts, Shana Tucker, the new education and engagement director, says, “I’ve always prioritized bringing high-quality, meaningful arts experiences to people of all ages, from K-12 and university students to adults and older community members, because I believe this with my whole heart—that the arts are a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for a select few.” Hear, hear!
Whether it’s art history, birdwatching, quilting or one of the many other exciting avenues of learning, I hope that an awakening world rouses in you—and me—the desire to learn something new this year. As Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with having said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”
Happy Springtime!
