True Conversations

As the only dedicated liberal arts institution in the University of North Carolina system, UNC Asheville kindles learning by offering students an intellectually rigorous education that builds critical thinking and workforce skills to last a lifetime. Small class size, award-winning faculty and a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program foster innovation as well as recognition.

Founded in 1996, the Center for Craft (formerly The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design) is the leading organization in the United States identifying and convening craft makers, curators, and researchers, and matching them with resources, tools, and networks to advance their careers. Over the years, the Center has become a vital community resource, serving thousands of visitors annually. As a national 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of craft, the Center administers more than $300,000 in grants to those working in the craft field. www.centerforcraft.org.

BLUE SPIRAL 1 presents work by exceptional artists and object makers in a light-filled, 15,000 square-foot gallery spans three floors connected by an open stairway in the heart of downtown Asheville. This spacious setting allows Blue Spiral 1 to offer considerable diversity, affording accessibility to various tastes and aesthetics.

AVLtoday is your resource for the best of what you need to know about Asheville, NC – curated, condensed and delivered to your inbox and social feeds every weekday morning.

Blue Ridge Public Radio is everything you love about public radio. BPR News offers NPR and local news coverage. BPR Classic provides classical music, NPR news and entertainment. Visit BPR.org to learn more.

Counter Culture Coffee is dedicated to finding and bringing to market the most exciting and delicious coffees in the world. We approach our work with a passion for the ideal of coffee perfection, a dedication to real sustainability, and a commitment to cutting-edge education throughout the coffee chain.

The Big Crafty revives the tradition of the community bazaar, a lively celebration of handmade commerce, featuring local food, music, and fine wares from a juried group of select indie artists and crafters.

We specialize in working with purposeful brands to craft creative solutions that make the world a better place. Driven by a core strength of connectedness, we believe that design can support improving the lives of all, being responsible stewards of our environment while maximizing the bottom line. We excel where art, design, and communication intersect to transcend boundaries and build social bridges. We’re passionate about the power of our stories to connect us through our common hopes, dreams, and struggles. We take our work seriously and are seriously fun to work with.

Housed in Asheville’s oldest intact downtown storefront, Horse + Hero specializes in printmaking and originals that are design-minded, worldwise and rooted in the craftways and culture of the mountain south.