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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Laurel of Asheville
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260911T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260920T150000
DTSTAMP:20260731T162202Z
CREATED:20260730T224542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T162202Z
UID:10006770-1789155000-1789916400@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
DESCRIPTION:A powerful American classic returns to Asheville for a second season—bringing exceptional theater\, culture\, and community together at one of the nation’s most historic African American cultural institutions. \nPresented by Table & Mic Studios\, a subsidiary of Eagle Market Street Development Corporation\, CDC\, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner returns with an outstanding\, seasoned professional cast for its second year performing this celebrated American classic. \nExperience an unforgettable evening at the YMI Cultural Center—the oldest African American cultural center in the United States—where history\, storytelling\, and live performance come together.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner-8/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GuessWhosComingToDinner.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Caleb Owolabi":MAILTO:caleb080@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T140000
DTSTAMP:20260709T122831Z
CREATED:20260708T221434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T122831Z
UID:10006585-1784808000-1784815200@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:James C. McMillan Honorary Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special luncheon celebrating the life and artistic legacy of North Carolina artist James C. McMillan. Guests will enjoy lunch\, included with every ticket\, while exploring McMillan’s remarkable contributions to the state’s cultural landscape. Experience a never-before-seen exhibition featuring more than 20 works by the artist\, offering a rare opportunity to view pieces from across his career. The program also includes a special talk by Dr. Darin Waters\, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources\, who will share historical context on McMillan’s work\, legacy\, and the importance of preserving North Carolina’s rich artistic heritage.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/james-c-mcmillan-honorary-luncheon/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Contemporary-Cubicle.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T190000
DTSTAMP:20260609T230746Z
CREATED:20260609T185802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T230746Z
UID:10006439-1782410400-1782414000@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Black Experience Book Club - Juneteenth Edition
DESCRIPTION:YMI Black Experience Book Club is a multi-racial\, multicultural\, multi-ethnic gathering engaging in cross racial dialogue. We read books written by authors who identify as Black which serves as a backdrop to sharing our lived experiences. We meet the 4th Thursdays at The Gallery @ YMI (2nd floor\, main building) \nBorrow your book from Noir Collective\, Wed – Saturday 11 – 6 or from your local library. \nPurchase online: https://bookshop.org/a/94281/9780345806567. Or listen on libro.fm\, a platform that supports Indie Bookstores: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780593950418-giovanni-s-room
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/black-experience-book-club-juneteenth-edition/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/BE-Book-Club-June-2026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T200000
DTSTAMP:20260609T224638Z
CREATED:20260609T224638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T224638Z
UID:10006437-1781863200-1783195200@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Impact [.!?$]: An Art Exhibition for Junteenth and Civic Season
DESCRIPTION:IMPACT[.?!$] is a juried multimedia exhibition exploring the powerful influence and interconnectedness of people\, places\, and communities in an increasingly technology-centered world. Presented by the Asheville Black Art Futures Research-Practice Partnership in collaboration with the YMI Cultural Center\, the exhibition features original photography\, text\, collage\, fiber art\, and audio-visual works that examine how our actions\, relationships\, and environments shape one another.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/impact-an-art-exhibition-for-junteenth-and-civic-season/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/impact._-Civic-Seasoon-Art-Exhibit.png
ORGANIZER;CN="YMI Cultural Center":MAILTO:alexandria@ymiculturalcenter.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T200000
DTSTAMP:20260609T224536Z
CREATED:20260609T185523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T224536Z
UID:10006438-1781863200-1781899200@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Ujamaa Marketplace - Juneteenth Edition
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Juneteenth Edition of the Ujamaa Marketplace\, where culture meets commerce\, creativity\, and community—an intentional space where emerging entrepreneurs and artisans showcase their talents\, build meaningful connections\, and bring their goods to market!
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/ujamaa-marketplace-juneteenth-edition/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IG-post.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260131T210000
DTSTAMP:20260125T213104Z
CREATED:20260121T165118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T213104Z
UID:10005649-1769878800-1769893200@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Art Earth and Soul Kollective Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:The YMI Cultural Center will open Art Earth Soul Kollective\, a multidisciplinary exhibition examining race\, space\, faith\, and belonging in American life. The opening reception on Friday\, January 31 will feature visual and sonic works\, a live performance\, and opportunities for informal conversation. The exhibition remains on view through March 20.\nOpening Reception: Friday\, January 31\, 5–9 p.m.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/art-earth-and-soul-kollective-exhibition/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1_Instagram-Square-Feed-1080-×-1080_YMI-Cultural-Center-Art-Opening.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Art Earth and Soul Kollective":MAILTO:denisethorpe@icloud.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260110T200000
DTSTAMP:20251215T143040Z
CREATED:20251209T145949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T143040Z
UID:10005561-1768068000-1768075200@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Exhibition: “Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now?”  by Joseph Pearson
DESCRIPTION:Asheville\, NC — On January 10\, 2026\, the historic YMI Cultural Center will open “Portraits of Dignity: Do You See Me Now?\,” a compelling new body of figurative work by Asheville-based painter Joseph Pearson. Steeped in empathy\, social realism\, and decades of artistic discipline\, this exhibition invites viewers to reconsider how society sees—or fails to see—the individuals who are so often overlooked. \nRooted in close observation and an unyielding respect for humanity\, “Portraits of Dignity” offers a profound encounter with people whom society often consigns to the periphery. Each portrait becomes a moment of connection\, asking viewers to slow down\, look closer\, and witness the dignity\, complexity\, and presence of individuals too often unseen. \n“These are people we see peripherally\, people we pass by\,” says Pearson. “Doing this work required me to truly see them—to pay attention to their eyes\, their expressions\, the uniqueness of who they are. The question is simple: Do you see me now?” \nPearson’s mission is to open folks’ awareness to our neighbors\, considered on the fringe of our communities. A portion of any sale will be donated to favorite non-profits\, like Pisgah Legal Services and  MANNA Food Bank. Joseph and his wife Gael hope folks will consider doing the same if they have not already done so.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/exhibition-portraits-of-dignity-do-you-see-me-now-by-joseph-pearson/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/01-Portraits-of-Dignity.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Joseph Pearson":MAILTO:josephpearsonart@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250831T193000
DTSTAMP:20250719T012738Z
CREATED:20250718T165617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250719T012738Z
UID:10005043-1755718200-1756668600@thelaurelofasheville.com
SUMMARY:Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
DESCRIPTION:Written and Performed by Award-Winning Playwright and Actor\, Mike Wiley\nCo-presented by NC Stage and the YMI Cultural Center\n*Please note: All performances of Tired Souls will take place at the YMI Cultural Institute at 39 S. Market St. Downtown Asheville* \nTired Souls opens in Montgomery\, Alabama on December 1\, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But there were others who came before Mrs. Parks and laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson\, Claudette Colvin\, and others so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever. \nJoin us for a Q&A with playwright and performer Mike Wiley following each performance.
URL:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/event/tired-souls-king-and-the-montgomery-bus-boycott/
LOCATION:YMI Cultural Center\, 39 S. Market Street\, Asheville \, 28801
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-square-graphic-designs.png
ORGANIZER;CN="North Carolina Stage Company":MAILTO:ncstage@ncstage.org
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