Special Holiday Art and Theatre Guide R A P I D RI VER MAGAZINE’S
A R T S & C U LT U R E WWW.RAPIDRIVERMAGAZINE.COM
December 2018 Vol. 22, No. 4
THE OLDEST AND MOST READ ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE IN WNC
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Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 3
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Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
CONTENTS 6 8 9 12 13 15 10 11 14 16 20 21 22
Detail of the painting “Mary’s Song,” ‘The Magnificent’” by G. Carol Bomer Cover: Grace Carol Bomer Holiday Gift: Linda Pannullo paintings use themes of pilgrimage, brings the best mosaic artists in the love, and sacrifice world to Asheville For the love of ‘toys’ now at Trackside Holiday Gift: Tree of Life Studios pottery completes your Holiday Shopping A Renaissance Nativity brings joy Give the gift of handmade at to the community Grovewood Gallery’s Sip & Shop NorthLight Studios promotes this autumn Homeward Bound Dec. 8 Cheryl Keefer’s ‘A simple Christmas’ New “RAD South” to host Holiday Market Dec. 8 Where the buffalo still roam here in Holiday Gift: MoMA Gifts WNC & Accessories Come to BlackBird Frame & Art
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310 Art: The gift of art - It’s almost like being in love
Art Classes Asheville Gallery of Art: “Energy and Life” at Asheville Gallery of Art Downtown Asheville: Cindy Walton “Gentle Growth” series explores love and faith Health: Advances in Cancer Therapy Bill Walz: Peace on Earth Fine Art Holiday art for your home and everyone on your Christmas List
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“ He Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is To Come.” acrylic on canvas by G. Carol Bomer
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Poetry Books: Malaprop’s presents Jen Sincero ‘You Are a Badass Every Day’ and Bobby Sullivan ‘Revolutionary Threads’ in December Black Mountain: Kate Thayer’s alluring winter art scenes of WNC Holiday Performing Arts Guide Rapid River Magazine’s Comics Festival: 35th Annual Festival of Lights & Luminaire’s in Dillsboro
35th Annual Festival of Lights & Luminaire’s in Dillsboro
NEXT MONTH
COLUMNS / DEPARTMENTS
ART AND MORE FEATURES
December 2018 • Volume 22, NO. 4
ON OUR COVER
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Holiday Art Gifts
JANUARY: ‘NEW ART FOR THE NEW YEAR!’ WELCOME 2019 EVERYONE HAS A STORY LETS HEAR THEM!
*Red # Holiday Art and Theatre Guide
Publisher/Layout and Design/Editor: Dennis Ray Poetry Editor: Carol Pearce Bjorlie CONTACT US: Rapid River’s Arts and Culture Magazine is a monthly publication in WNC. Mail: 85 N. Main St. Canton NC 28716 Email: Info@rapidrivermagazine.com Phone: (828) 712-4752
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
Distribution: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills Marketing: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills
ADVERTISING SALES: Downtown Asheville and other areas — Dennis Ray (828) 712-4752 Dining Guide, Hendersonville, Waynesville — Rick Hills (828) 452-0228 rick@rapidrivermagazine.com
All Materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted © by Rapid River’s Arts & Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rapid River’s Arts and Culture Magazine or the advertisers herein. © ‘Rapid River’s Arts & Culture Magazine’ December 2018 • Vol. 22, No. 04
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COVER
“Mary’s Song,” ‘The Magnificat’”
“Red Sea Crossing” — Vessel Series 30 x 30 inches oil and wax
“The Gardener” top 30 x 30 oil and wax and gold leaf
Grace Carol Bomer paintings use themes of pilgrimage, love, and sacrifice BY STAFF REPORTS • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
Grace Carol Bomer’s Christian faith informs her artwork and what she describes as a “desire to fathom God’s grace that surrounds us.” She says, “Even as a child I knew I wanted to be an artist. But instead, I graduated with a Secondary Education degree in English and taught school for six years and didn’t begin pursuing art as a career until I was in my early 30s when my husband became ill. We quit teaching and moved from Alberta to the US. What a fine time to start a new career and help support my family.” Bomer describes her journey with art from then on as a practice grounded in faith and miracles. Years later, Bomer’s paintings still focus on “concepts of eternal significance. My goal is to paint about the relevant story and the God who holds all reality together.” This month’s cover image, “He Who Is, Who Was, and Is to Come,” was her attempt to depict God as King (Lion) and sacrificial offering (Lamb). Bomer says, “God’s Word uses metaphor and simile and analogies so we can understand this amazing kingly Redeemer. This King came to us during this Christmas season as a baby. He was
incarnate or “made flesh” and lived among us and we saw His glory. Jesus is “the exact representation of God’s nature.” The book to the Hebrews tells about the supremacy of God’s Son. “Long ago at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” The author, C.S. Lewis helps us understand God in his Narnia book series. “Aslan is a lion— the Lion, the great Lion.” “‘Ooh,’ said Susan. ‘I’d thought he was a man. Is he — quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.’ “‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver . . . ‘Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.’” (C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Bomer’s paintings are about themes of pilgrimage, love, and sacrifice, and most importantly the
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mystery of the Incarnation of Christ. Mary’s Song (The Magnificat — Luke 1:46) “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he as looked on the humble estate of his servant.’” “The Gardener” panting is an analogy of Christ as the Master Gardener, who lovingly prunes and tends his garden. He also sends his Spirit blowing with the abundant golden leaves to help us grow. His grace is extravagant and under-girds all. Grace Bomer first applies gold leaf to her panels to depict this sovereign control and glory of God. Then she paints over it in oil and cold wax. But she allows the glory to shine through. “The Gardener” is currently hanging at Grace Center Gallery in Fletcher. It was selected and won Second Place in Grace Center’s 16th Annual Juried Show (juror: Virginia Derryberry, UNCA). The painting called “The Pleasure of Prayer” was commissioned for a cover for Discipleship Journal several years ago. It is oil and charcoal. Prayer is the believer’s moment by moment communication line with Jesus, the God who loves his soul and is acquainted intimately with all
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
COVER
“Babel and The Babe”
needs. It is so important that “the prayers of the saints” is listed as the fifth seal that is opened by St. John in his vision in The Book of Revelation. It is used by God to “move mountains.” Grace Carol Bomer The cover image has sold but giclee prints are available and can be found on her website gracecarolbomer.com. She paints and teaches in her medium of oil and cold wax and gold leaf at #6 Warehouse Studios in the River Arts District, 170 Lyman Street. Read about her work on her blog at gracebomer.wordpress. com. IF YOU GO
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
Artists Breakfasts Draw Crowds Artists, collectors and patrons are gathering in Asheville’s River Arts District for monthly socials. Artists’ Breakfasts are held on the last Thursday of each month. Up next: December 27, 10-1pm at 362 Depot. Organizer Richard Baker of Richard Baker Studios says he is pleased with the turnouts for the first two events. “It’s good to see the artists networking. And it’s also nice to meet Asheville’s art patrons.” Many of the 10 artists of 362 Depot are on hand to talk to those who attend for the camaraderie and food and to see new works. “People are coming in,” Baker says, “meeting the artists and purchasing artwork.” Coffee is provided and guests are welcome to bring food to share. Recent events have drawn attendees from Asheville and points beyond including Saluda, Hendersonville, Waynesville and Weaverville. For more info follow 362 Depot and Richard Baker on Facebook or call (828) 234-1616.
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ART SHOW For the love of ‘TOYS’ now at Trackside Studios BY STAFF REPORTS • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
Fishing Buddies is reminiscent of a fishing expedition Pendergrass took with her nephew, age approximately 8 . “He used a woolly booger (very large, furry fishing Through a lifetime, fly designed to ‘crawl’ along these artists have loved the water’s bottom) to haul in a their own toys, purminnow that day. The minnow chased toys for siblings, was smaller than the fly. It was children, grandchildren, nevertheless a thrill for us both nieces and nephews, that he caught a real, live fish,” children of friends and she relates. “ Catch and release, charities. They know of course.” which ones were loved “The Quest” by Sandra Brugh through the years until Moore explored a very different raggedy or broken, persubject matter from her wellhaps replaced more than known watercolor landscapes. once. They know ones Moore says, “These toys were which were thrown in the my late husband’s and the dragcorner and forgotten afon is from a old drawing of his. ter parents urged a polite I combined these elements as I “thank you.” “Fishing Buddies,” 12 x 16 in. oil painting by saw in my mind’s eye. Toys from Virginia Pendergrass They know sometimes our childhood brings back joyful the boxes the toys come in memories of times past.“ can be more fascinatSahar Fakhoury paints toys ing than the toy itself. belonging to her grandchilThey have shared in dren and children of friends. the joy of watching “As in Big and Small,” she children play, and playexplains, “I use the child’s ing with children, with favorite toys and wooden their toys. blocks to spell their names. The paintings in That makes the painting even this show, and similar more special.” works, are someVirginia Pendergrass is a times painted as gifts Brevard artist known for her to children or their plein air landscapes and still families, sometimes life impressionistic paintas remembrances of ings. Her work has been moments shared with selected for many regional “Big and Small,” 10 x 10 in. oil painting by Sahar the child to whom Fakhoury and national exhibitions and they gifted the toy, and has garnered recognition for sometimes reminded the excellence through multiple awards. Her paintartist of a shared family experience. ings are shown locally at Trackside Studios in the “Nobody knows toys like Grandma,” according to Virginia Pendergrass, Sandra Brugh Moore, and Sahar Fakhoury—grandmothers all.
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Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
ART SHOW River Arts District, in Gallery in Hendersonville. She HeART of the Matter accepts commissions for toy Gallery in Brevard and paintings and wedding events, at Art Mob in Henderand teaches in her studio at sonville. Trackside. Her website is www. Fakhoury paints sahar-art.com. figures, portraits, Sandra Brugh Moore paints landscapes and still watercolor, watercolor pen and life in a realistic style. ink and acrylic plein air landHer work can be scapes, as well as in her studio. seen at Trackside Her work is shown at Trackside Studios in the River Studios in the River Arts District, Arts District, Asheat the Asheville Gallery, and she “The Quest,” 12 x 12 in. watercolor by Sandra Brugh ville Gallery of Art in also posts frequently on FaceMoore downtown Asheville, and book at Sandra Brugh Moore Art A Walk in the Woods and on Instagram at ncsandram.
She teaches watercolor classes regularly at AB Tech. Trackside studios “Toys” Group show December 2-30 at Trackside studios, 375 Depot Street, in the River Arts District of Asheville. Trackside Studios is open 10-5pm daily. A reception open to the public is December 8, 4-7 pm. Trackside Studios artist/manager Julie Bell (828) 545-2904 or visit Trackside during regular business hours. Virginia Pendergrass: www.virginiapendergrass. com • pendergrass.v@gmail.com. Sahar Fakhoury: www.sahar-art.com. Sandra Brugh Moore: ncsandram@gmail.com
IF YOU GO
A Renaissance Nativity brings joy to the community BY STAFF REPORTS • ASHEVILLE
The spectacular outdoor Nativity painting by Asheville Artist, Gloria Gaffney, is
painted in the full style
Renaissance era Gaffney’s original work while being tradiof the but
tional still manages to
reflect our culture and lifestyle in
2018.
Along with the magic and wonder of Christmas, everyone who views the scene will be filled with a sense of comfort, calmness and brotherly love. The Nativity encompasses the true Spirit of Christmas and will have a unifying effect on everyone who sees it this Holiday Season. The project took two years to complete from concept to finished display. It took a team of people to handle the painting because of its large size, polycarbonate shielding, and intricate lighting. The art is a gift to the Community from Gaffney, and she hopes that enjoying Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
the Nativity every year will become a household tradition in Asheville. At this time of year, her work is a reminder that Jesus came for everyone, not just for those who believe but for the unbelieving as well, and for all time. This visually stunning outdoor painting is on display at 5-11pm from Nov 22 - Jan 12, 2019 and can be enjoyed by driving by 89 Washington Road, Asheville 28801, as part of your Christmas celebrations. Gloria Gaffney Further works: Asheville City Hall, UNCA Highsmith Union, The Biltmore Estate and other collections. streetartist@netzero.net (828) 620-3022 • 89 Washington Rd., Asheville 28801 IF YOU GO
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310 ART
“Porch Recliners” by Katrina Chenevert, sepia watercolor on aqua-board, original 20x16
The gift of art - It’s almost like being in love
BY FLETA MONAGHAN • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
I spent a lot of time outdoors as a kid, soaking up the sun, enjoying the moods of the landscape, sitting on the shore of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico with its rhythmic tides and lapping waters. Watching the water ebb and flow put me in a somewhat transcendental and warm and fuzzy state of mind. Now, the sights of mountain seasons call to mind natures rhythms and wash over me like warm gulf waters. It is no surprise that my adult painting themes have always gravitated to dramatic water scenes and abstracted mountain landscapes as I try to communicate that indescribable state of mind that beauty evokes. Recently I read about a neurobiologist who has done quantifiable studies on how the brain 10 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
reacts to beauty. Semir Zeki, of the University of London, specializes in neuroesthetics. He measured the correlation of brain activity when humans experienced love, desire, and beauty, and has found that the parts of the brain that respond to visual art and music that the subjects identified as beautiful are the same areas that “light up” when experiencing love and desire. If you want a much more in-depth explanation, just look him up, he has some exciting videos and articles that explain much more thoroughly than I can. My takeaway is that it is a scientifically proven fact that my experiences with the beauty of nature, and my desires to recreate these scenes are explained by science and how our brains work. I have always felt the urge to Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
S h o p , L e a r n , E x p l o r e . . . E v e r y d a y , A l l Ye a r R o u n d Classes at 310 ART
“Tangled Up In Love” by Fleta Monaghan, encaustic 10x10
“Pathway To Atlantis” by Fleta Monaghan, ink, 24x18
experience that sensation that beauty evokes. And it is so exciting when others tap into that experience when they look at the artwork. They might sense something familiar, or enjoy something they cannot explain. Looking at beautiful paintings can be “Almost like Being in Love” as the song goes. It makes sense that if we want to enhance our lives and live our most self-actualized life, we will make sure we surround ourselves with beautiful creations both in visual art and music. (Most of the painters I know listen to music while they create, by the way). When you give someone
“Steve” by Nadine Charlsen, watercolor
one of a kind handmade art, you are giving a bit of love that will resonate with them every day and stimulate a happy and fulfilled mood. Waking up to art can set the stage for happiness. As the great lyricist, Fredrick Loewe wrote, “There’s a smile on my face, For the whole human race, Why, it’s almost like being in love.” Visit 310 ART to see original art created with love. 191 Lyman St, #310, Asheville, NC 28801. See 310art.com for more information can our class schedule. IF YOU GO
310 ART AT RIVERVIEW STATION
Marvelous Mondays with Lorelle and Nadine
Beginner and Up! Open art studios Mondays with instructor to guide you - start and continue year round in our Monday classes, 9:30-12:30pm and 1-4pm. Come the dates that work for you! See 310art.com for schedule and sign up. Beginners welcomed!
Workshops: Coming Soon Still to come in 2018
All Occasion Cards - Dec 1
NEW FOR 2019
Taking the fear out of Watercolor - Jan 19 Oil and Cold Wax - Jan 25, 26, 27 Glowing Colors with Alcohol Ink - Feb 7 Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark - Feb 16 Flower Power, Pastels - Mar 9 Waxagrams - Mar 16, 17 Demystifying Watercolor - Mar 23, 24 Encaustic Comprehensive - Mar 30, 31 Beginning Oils - Apr 6, 7
Most or all materials are provided in our workshops! 2019 Workshops now online at 310art.com Classes for adults at 310 ART, 191 Lyman Street, #310, Asheville, NC 28801 www.310art.com gallery@310art.com (828)776-2716 Adult classes, beginner and up, most materials provided. Register online or at the studio. Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
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FINE ART NorthLight Studios promotes Homeward Bound Dec. 8 BY STAFF REPORTS • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
The Gift of Art + The Season of Giving = Meaningful times. The artists at NorthLight Studios share creativity with you through their talents: landscape, streetscape, impressionist, abstract, still life and figurative paintings, animal art, functional furniture, and home accessories. In celebration of the true Homeward Bound is moving people meaning of the season, each of into homes. the artists is donating a percentage of sales to Homeward Bound of Keefer, John WNC, “the key to ending homelessness.” Artwork at NorthLight Studios Faulkner, and Homeward Bound proudly uses the best Sara Faulkner practice “Housing First” model to end homelesson December 8 for beautiful works of art, libaness by moving people into permanent housing tions, appetizers, and merriment! Treat someone and providing the support that they need to stay you love with a piece of art, and help those less there. Since 2006, Homeward Bound has moved fortunate by doing so. over 1800 men, women and children out of cars, camps, and shelters into permanent housing. For more information or to donate directly, go to NorthLight Studios IF homewardboundwnc.org. YOU 357 Depot Street • Asheville, NC 28801 GO Please join Wendy Whitson, Angela Alexander, northlightstudiosasheville.com Bill George, Bernadette St. Pierre-George, Cheryl
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Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
FINE ART New “RAD South” to host Holiday Market Dec. 8 BY STAFF REPORTS • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
Britches, which will provide maker space for fabric artists in addition to selling new, vintage, handmade and upcycled clothing with flair. Representatives from both complexes chose the name RAD South, as they lie at the southern border of the thriving River Arts District. “It seemed like a descriptive, catchy, and easily remembered way to identify the area,” said Riverview Station’s Nadine Charlsen.
As further proof of the continued energy surrounding the development
Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD), Riverview Station and The Founof
dation have teamed up to form a vibrant region they’ve dubbed
South.”
“RAD
Artist Vicki Pinney at Riverview Station
Riverview Station is a well-established collection of 56 artist studios that has been a favorite shopping destination for locals and tourists alike for years, with galleries, open working studios, a café, and educational arts venues. The Foundation is an active region of warehouses that are currently being converted into studios, shops, restaurants, breweries, wineries and more. To kick off the partnership between Riverview Station and Foundation, the group will host a Holiday Market on December 8, 10-8pm. The work of over 75 artists and makers will be on display and for sale, and a scavenger hunt will encourage visitors to stop in at as many studios and shops as possible. Light refreshments will be served throughout the market. A post-market party will be held at Pleb Urban Winery, one of The Foundation’s newest tenants, from 8 PM to 10 PM, where the winner of the scavenger hunt will be announced. “We’re delighted to be pairing up with The Foundation,” says Riverview Station’s artist and RADA president Nadine Charlsen, “and we’re thrilled to see all the energy surrounding its development. Riverview Station has long been a thriving destination, so having new neighbors behind us is very exciting.” “Being the new kids on the block, we’re delighted to have gotten such a warm welcome from Riverview Station,” said Diane Curry, owner of The Foundation’s forthcoming shop, Sugar Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
Riverview Station 191 Lyman St, Asheville. The Foundation is directly behind Riverview Station on Foundy St. All spaces are in an easy to walk distance, and there is lots of parking in the #radsouth neighborhood. For additional details, contact Michael Franco: writermikef@gmail.com
IF YOU GO
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Asheville’s Longest Established Fine Art Gallery with 31 Regional Artists
Asheville Gallery of Art 's December Artist
Sun Sohovich “Ballerina getting ready” oil on Canvas
Sun Sohovich “Fishing man” oil on Canvas
Kari Swanson “EXUBERANCE” acrylic on canvas 36 x 36
“Energy and Life” at Asheville Gallery of Art
BY STAFF REPORTS • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
Asheville Gallery of Art’s December show, “Energy and Life” features the works of Sun Sohovich and Kari Swanson. Sun Sohovich is an oil painter working in many genres who is best known for her landscapes, seascapes, figures, and still lives. She taught herself painting through trial and experimentation, guided by her favorite master artists Quang Ho, Laura Robb, and Phil Starke. She enjoys depicting a strong sense of light and shadow and balancing hard and soft lines to create depth. “This show is about everyday life, what I see, what I feel, what is happening around me. Finding joy and happiness in life and expressing them through my paintings is what I love to do.” Sohovich is originally from Seoul, Korea, and has lived in the US since 1985. She resides in Waynesville with her husband and two dogs. She is affiliated with the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, WNC Plein
Air Painters, Asheville Urban Landscape Painters, and Haywood County Arts Council. Kari Swanson primarily uses acrylic paint but also likes to experiment with chalk, ink, and oil pastels. She uses texture and color to reflect the image and its movement to create a feeling and mood. For this show, she seeks to inspire her “viewers with their own stories and interpretations of what they see in the work and make a personal connection with each piece.” Swanson says of her own work, “The intensity of the colors and vibrancy of Asheville and the surrounding area are a constant inspiration to me, and I try to incorporate all of these images into my paintings.” Swanson studied at the Art Institute of Chicago as a young artist and continued her education later in life at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. She completed her studies in the art program at Miami University of Ohio. She has been represented
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in galleries in Beaufort and Charleston, SC, and was also a gallery owner and exhibitor at the Low Country Artist Gallery, Ltd. in Charleston, SC. The work of the two artists, as well as the work of the other 29 gallery members, will be on display and for sale through December. For further information about this show contact Asheville Gallery of Art at (828) 251-5796, or visit the gallery website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art. com, or go to the gallery Facebook page. Their complementary blend of impressionistic and abstract styles creates glimpses of everyday life filled with vitality and color. The show runs December 1-31 during gallery hours, 11-6pm Monday - Saturday and 11-4pm Sunday. The gallery,located at 82 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville across from Pritchard Park, will host a reception for the artists on Friday, Dec. 7, 5-8pm. Everyone is cordially invited to attend.
IF YOU GO
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
MoMA Gifts & Accessories Come to BlackBird Frame & Art BY STAFF REPORTS • NORTH ASHEVILLE
BlackBird Frame & Art, long known for quality custom framing, is also earning a reputation as North Asheville’s source for unique art-inspired gifts and décor. • Flensted Mobiles – mid-century modern magic from Denmark since 1954 • Authentic Japanese puzzle boxes and hand-crafted wooden games - expert marquetry, precision, mentally challenging • Light-powered MOVA Globes – the Earth, spinning in your hands! • Lifetime oil candles – refillable vessels brimming with seasonal fruit and flora • Replica 14-19th-century compasses and astrological instruments imported from Spain Now, BlackBird has added items from MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art, like a vase inspired by the work of Piet Mondrian and a clock invok-
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
ing designs of the DeStijl art movement. Also added recently, a selection of affordable compact fireplaces, ideal for balconies and other outdoor spaces or used as tabletop accents indoors and easily moved from room to room. These are just some of the unique offerings BlackBird has searched out and brought to Asheville. Among others: letterpress cards, tags & notes, and handmade modern ceramic tiles. What’s a praxinoscope? BlackBird has them. Add to these an offering of local fine art prints, unique photo frames, and greeting card lines not found elsewhere in WNC. And, of course, the region’s most exceptional and most diverse selection of custom framing options. Unusual, inspired gifts and décor are right in line with BlackBird’s reputation for remarkable
quality and service. BlackBird Frame & Art is an award-winning independent framer and gallery owned and operated by Pat and John Horrocks, home to seven Certified Professional Framers, more than any other shop in the country. BlackBird features expert framing and showcases fine art prints at 365 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Open weekdays 10-6 & Saturdays 10-3pm. IF YOU GO
70 Main Street • Clyde, NC 28721
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 15
More of what Makes Asheville Special: Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music • Fun
Downtown Asheville Cindy Walton “Gentle Growth” series explores love and faith BY STAFF REPORTS • ASHEVILLE
Cindy Walton’s faith and her wonder at the natural world are the source of her motivation and strength as an artist.
One of her gifts from God is to create paintings that reflect the beauty of His creations, an act she calls “A freeing time. A time of joy.” The warmth and effervescence of the Florida coast and the quiet energy of mountainous Western North Carolina are both strongly evident in her
Burpigyhotuern holidays
paintings, and she has developed highly personalized techniques that translate and transform Cindy Walton nature and iconography. As a result, her pictures, whether abstract or figurative, are transformative interpretations rather than literal renderings. Cindy is particularly expert in the use of cold wax methods and is highly respected as a teacher of the medium. Through writings and bold marks traveling in and out of the layers of oil and cold wax, she captures action, energy and the quiet musings of nature. Still, as with all gifts from God, painting does not always come easy, even for someone who
FINE JEWELRY & DESIGN STUDIO
828-254-5088 63 Haywood St. Downtown Asheville www.jewelsthatdance.com
Happy Holidays To Everyone! 16 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
• Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music IDEAS WANTED
Apps • Beauty • Electronics • Housewares • Medical Pets • Tools • Lawn and Garden • Toys and more!
Call 844-207-9536 for our FREE Idea Starter Guide. 100% Confidential • Davison charges fees for services
The above paintings are inspired and reflective of growth in faith to trust God in times of question and uncertainty that leads to further growth. has been committed to art since childhood. “In a time of discouragement, I find my prayer life is important,” she says. “Especially in those times, I feel that God hears my voice and helps me find inspiration for the work in front of me.”
Cindy Walton Her “Gentle Growth” series of paintings can be seen at her studio at Wedge Studios 129 Roberts St, Asheville, 28801. Open Thursday - Saturday, 11-4pm or online at www.cindywalton.com. IF YOU GO
Live From WVL Radio Theatre:
It’s a Wonderful Life adapted by Willie Repoley
Nov. 28 - Dec. 15 • 2018 15 Stage Lane in Downtown Asheville
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Ginna Hoben
Dec. 12 - 30 • 2018 Discretionary Content: Adult Language.
www.ncstage.org Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
828.239.0263 RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 17
HOLIDAY GIFTS Linda Pannullo brings the best mosaic artists in the world to Asheville BY STAFF REPORTS • WNC
your skill level with the fantastic California instructor, Carole Choucair Oueijan in a three-day immersion for Mosaic Drapery, Sept. 27, 28, 29. Laura Rendlen is back with her new Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark workshop brave the concepts of highlights and shadows, gray scale, tone,
Are you looking for a unique gift for that artsy person in your life?
Support Clean / recyclable Newsprint
Perhaps you know someone who would like to try their hand at a new technique? For the past six years, Linda Pannullo has been bringing the best mosaic artists in the world to Asheville. Each one offers a different style for this ancient yet contemporary medium. Accomplished Baltimore artist Yulia Hanansen returns April 6-7, 2019 with her new class, “Interpreting Paintings into Mosaics.” Learn how to paint with Stained Glass. British Maestro Martin Cheek is back on May 10-11 with his new “Cheeky Animal” glass fusion kits. Choose from Owls, Peacocks or Underwater Scenes — a great Mother’s Day gift. Debra Mager will be here for three days, Sept. 13,14, 15 and will teach you how to make a fabulous whimsical Ladies in Hats mosaic. If you are an experienced mosaic artist, deepen
and value. All levels are welcome except for Carole’s. Linda is also an instructor, teaching locally and at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Take one of her signature Picassiette Pothead classes and make funky art for your home and garden. She offers FUNctional mosaic mirror and Lazy Susan classes for beginners. Linda Pannullo Email her at linda@lindapannullomosaics. com for her newsletter. Call (828) 337-6749 for more info, check out her FB page and website www.lindapannullomosaics.com/home.html. www. facebook.com/lindapannullomosaics.
IF YOU GO
Simple, delicious food with vegetarian options, Craft beer on draft, great wines, kids menu, to go menu, daily specials.
112374 7376 Firefly 18 01 17
18 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
We’re bringing brunch downtown! Sundays 10:30 til 2:00. Open daily except Wednesdays 11:30-9:00 454-5400 128 N Main Street, Downtown Waynesville
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
HOLIDAY GIFTS
Ceramic art tiles by Motawi Tileworks (top) Dancing Rabbis Menorah by Scott Nelles (bottom)
Give the gift of handmade at Grovewood Gallery’s Sip & Shop BY STAFF REPORTS • NORTH ASHEVILLE
Tree of Life pottery completes your Holiday Shopping BY STAFF REPORTS • WNC
Tree of Life Potters is excited to unveil unique hand-built functional and decorative stoneware ceramics from the heart of the Appalachian mountains to bring the plant magic of the forests to your home. They create all their pieces by impressing local ferns, flowers, leaves and bark into clay and staining in the images with iron oxides and painting glaze into leaves for a fossilized style that is captivating and unlike
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
any other art form. They also offer beautiful vases, mugs, platters, jewelry and more for every price point. They are a family of naturalists with a deep appreciation for the medicine of the botanical realms, and they are honored to share this special gift with their home community. Tree of Life Potters Jimmy and Clay Savely (828) 989-8372 www.treeoflifepotters.com
IF YOU GO
Grovewood Gallery offers a refreshing shopping experience during its annual Holiday Sip & Shop event, 10-5:30pm on December 7 & 8. Enjoy complimentary wine, warm cider, and cookies while shopping for unique gift items, including wooden bowls and utensils, ceramic tableware, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards and much more. Gallery merchandise will be discounted 10% during this event, and local makers will be on hand performing craft demonstrations including: Asheville fiber artist Karen Kennedy who will demonstrate needle-felting using locally dyed wool
to create festive holiday snowmen, painter Cynthia Wilson will show acrylic layering and collage techniques, and doll maker Charlie Patricolo will work on her signature cloth angel dolls in various stages of completion and transform them into delightful creations. All demonstrating artists will have original works of art for sale. The 10% discount does not apply to demonstrators’ artwork, custom/ special orders, or Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures. Grovewood Village 111 Grovewood Rd Asheville, NC 28804 (828) 253-7651
IF YOU GO
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 19
ADVANCES IN CANCER THERAPY Medical students have known
for some time that the next great leaps in medical therapy would be in the fields of immunology and/or cancer therapy.
But the latest advances are taking place by combining these two areas to treat cancer, so much so that the successful treatment of President Jimmy Carter and others have appeared in the news media. First, a simple description of the immune system. All cells have glycoproteins (sugar/protein combinations) on their surface – antigens. Specialized white blood cells (monocytes) scan the body, looking for antigens on cell surfaces that do not look human, but “foreign,” like they don’t belong – most commonly bacteria or viruses. The monocytes transform to another white blood cell (plasma cell) which produce antibodies – a glycoprotein that is a specific match to that antigen. The antibody locks on to the antigen and causes (1) the bacterium/virus to be non-functional, (2) the bacterium/virus to be glued together, which stimulates inflammation and attracts white soldier cells (leukocytes) to destroy them or, (3) the antigen/antibody complex to “stick out,” attracting T-cells which kill the foreign invader. Some of the plasma cells develop a “memory” of the antibody so that the immune system can respond quickly to any future invasion (which is the purpose of vaccination – to make “memory” cells). The immune system is supposed to destroy cancer
Your Health
By Max Hammonds, MD
withdrawn from the body, processed to enhance their cancer-fighting ability, and re-infused in large amounts. These two therapies have markedly improved the successful treatment of leukemias, lymphomas, some lung cancers, and some skin cancers. But these therapies have not been beneficial in the most common cancers – solid tumors like colon, breast, and prostate. These cancers have fewer mutations and are harder to invade because they are solid. Enter the newest advance, checkpoint inhibitors (halts the “checkpoint” advantage for cancer cells) that allow the immune system to “see” the cancer cells and allow the T-cells to attack. Today’s new world of cancer treatment uses combined therapy. Traditional radiation and chemotherapy are used in smaller, shorter doses to disrupt the mini-environmental “wall” of solid — Photo by Louis Reed tumors and stimulate inflammation, attracting the immune system. Then the new methods – monocells in the same way. However, (1) cancer cells are clonal antibodies, T-cell enhancement, and/or produced by the body and are not readily seen as checkpoint inhibitors – penetrate and destroy the solid “foreign,” (2) normal body cells have “checkpoints” tumors that were hard to reach. This new strategy is that tell the T-cells not to attack them – cancer cells beginning to show remarkable results in previously have the same checkpoints, and (3) some cancers resistant cancers. surround themselves with a mini-environmental “wall” The future of cancer treatment is the hope of a “vacthat makes it hard for the T-cells to get close enough cine” that can stimulate the immune system to create to attack. “memory” cells that can respond quickly with canHowever, cancer cells have mutations in their DNA. cer antibodies should any cancers appear. For now, These mutations lead to multiple “foreign” antigens cancer prevention is ideal since 80% of all cancers on their cell surface, antigens that can be specifican be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. cally targeted by antibodies. Since 1994, at least 80 Meanwhile, the medical community is making great monoclonal (targeted for one specific antigen) antibod- strides toward the eradication of any cancer, should it ies have been created and approved to attack these appear. Live healthfully, get the recommended cancer specific “foreign” antigens. Since 2002, the few T-cells screenings and be alert to the newest advances in that readily recognize these “foreign” antigens are cancer therapy.
20 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
PEACE ON EARTH Peace on Earth, goodwill to all. – Luke 2:14 (Commonly seen on holiday cards) Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me. – Christmas song lyric Peace on Earth. This has been a wish associated with the Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter Solstice holiday season dating back to the Biblical pronunciation by angels upon the birth of Jesus. The general association would have humanity overcoming violence and settling into sustained peace, but as the 20th Century Christmas song wisely continues, this cannot happen unless there is peace within individuals, and since the only individual I can take full responsibility for is myself, we might consider beginning with ourselves. But – this tends to be where our faith ends. We think we cannot have peace unless there is peace around us, and since there is seldom true and real peace around us, we cannot be peaceful. We just sing the song and send the Holiday cards. What is peace? Is it only a treaty of no blatant acts of violence between nation-states? No. Peace is complete peace, the felt-sense of no hostility and warm welcoming to all and everything. It is the absence of the roots of violence – anger, insecurity, covetousness, mistrust. Can we even feel this for ourselves without qualification, without some lingering sense of measuring our worth against the worth of another or an impossible self-image placed in us by parents and society? Buddhism speaks of the uneasy sense of dissatisfaction that plagues humans, that drives them to craving and fears. Is it not this craving and fear that sets us against each other, even against ourselves? This is not peace. This is what leads to wars and every act of aggression, judgment and rejection. There is never enough, so we must take more, take what does not belong to us, even if it is only through a passive-aggressive comment, even thought, meant to make more of me and less of the object of the comment or thought. This is violence, not peace. Why do we take what does not belong to us? Why do we project hostile feelings onto others and ourselves? Is it because of insecurity and feelings of inadequacy that we are attempting to keep at bay, because of deflation of our egos caused by a wholly unrealistic need to be beyond criticism that our egos project as necessary just to be OK? And in this relentless top-dog, underdog game there is always perceived criticism and falling short - and we are seldom OK. So the game spins on. We feel no peace because of this relentless low intensity war that has no truce, even between family members and people who love each other, let alone the everyday people who flow through our lives. Even a silent mental judgment towards another is a declaration of war and there is no peace, for every shot in this war comes around and hits the one who thinks it, depriving us of peace. And what is our ego? It is the experience of a separate self, seeking to survive. Every animal has an ego, a contraction of consciousness energy devoted to survival, to finding food, shelter, procreation, defense against the dangers of the world. Humans, however, seek not only physical survival, but, having invested
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
ZEN PHILOSOPHY WITH BILL WALZ psychological identity in this ego, seek an abstract existential survival, the continuation and amplification of a story of “me” that requires a constant making more of “me” just to be enough. Like a shark that must keep swimming to survive, modern humans seem to need to keep acquiring possessions, status, importance, significance for this ego-self to survive. In making more of “me” there is the compulsion to make less of others, of all of Life. We need “more” just to be enough. We swim on, devouring others, devouring Nature just to psychologically survive. So we think. We have to realize that “Peace on Earth” really means the peace OF the Earth, the harmony and non-judgmentalism that is Nature. Survival is survival, not opinions about what is needed for an abstracted notion of survival, not depending on anyone’s opinion or judgment. The Lion DOES lie down with the lamb even in its killing and devouring the lamb. The lion holds no malice toward the lamb. The lamb holds no malice toward the lion. They are doing what is natural. They are living and dying without judgment, without malice. The moment of kill is terror for the lamb, but fear of this moment does not contaminate its life. This is peace. Aboriginal humans knew this. They lived on the Earth, feeling they were of the Earth and in kinship with the lion and the lamb and the rivers and the trees and each other. Tribes fought for hunting ground, for survival, but their wars were limited, with limited lethality, just like animals fighting for territory – not to the death, but just to assert sufficient strength. They never fought over whose god or political system was true. They did not organize hierarchically in which there were classes of people who exploited other classes of people. Everyone, even the mentally ill had a valued place within the tribal structure. The most respected individual was the one who was the most generous to others. The notion of problems of self-esteem that plague moderns would be ridiculous to them. Killing for survival is not violence. It is Nature. Aboriginal hunting was done with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the “give-away” of Life that supported their life. Yes, they were human, and struggled with the emerging demands of ego for recognition and power, and sometimes, like with the Mesoamerican Mayans, Aztecs and Incas, the ego took over and their societies went crazy and came to be at war with Nature, and so, led these societies to their demise in a bloody elevation of violence as their god. Yet we call those societies “civilizations” and not the Nature-based cultures who continued life within Nature. We call them “savage.” Who was really savage, the ones who lived quietly in Nature or the ones with all the gold and crowns and war and deforestation and conquest and victims for sacrifice? European “civilization” descended into the lands of indigenous people like an invasion from an alien planet bent on replacing the indigenous society with their own, taking what did not belong to them, committing genocide. They could do this because they lived in a consciousness of violence, of egoic compulsion to
negate others so as to elevate the shaky sense of self conditioned by the violence of hierarchy and class within their own culture to which no one was immune, not even kings. A mind of violence was the ground in which the seeds of violent actions could grow and eventually take over the world. The ego flatters itself and declares the victorious culture superior, when all they were was more violent - more inventive and organized in their violence. In this is a warning. Human civilization is based in violence as long as it is based in ego’s demand to be elevated above Nature and to separate out “me and mine” from “you and yours.” This can lead to religious and political wars and wars of genocide and war with Nature. It can lead to false hierarchies of who has value and who does not. It leads to killing – not only of the body, but of the soul. It leads to crisis of self-esteem that needs us to assault the self-esteem and worth of others. Killing someone’s personal psychological security to temporarily buttress our own shaky psychological security IS violence, and eventually leads to killing on massive scales, to genocide, to driving species to extinction, to throwing the balance of the Earth into crisis. Does it have to be this way? Can there be Peace on Earth? Yes. But it will require evolving human culture out of egoic separateness and competition. There must be a new embrace of the peace OF the Earth in which human civilization with its technology is turned to supporting the harmony of the World and not its conquest. It will require the transcendence of psychological violence, the compulsion to make more of me by making less of you, of taking what does not belong to us. It will require the meaning of civilization to be compassion and cooperation, not competition and exploitation. It will require love and goodwill to all. Are we actually capable of this? Of course we are, for we have experienced this peace many times. We experience it in moments in Nature, in the forest, on a mountain, at the ocean, looking into a starlit sky. We experience it when we hold a baby, when we look at a loved one and realize we love them. Perhaps it is experienced in meditation. Yes, we are capable of love and peace, it is just that we must bring this peace into everything we do and with everyone we meet and insist on it as the guidepost for our society. And, yes, let it begin with me – and you. Where else can it begin?
Bill Walz has taught meditation and mindfulness in university and public forums and is a private-practice meditation teacher and guide for individuals in mindfulness, personal growth and consciousness. Information on classes, talks, personal growth and healing instruction, or phone consultations at (828)258-3241, e-mail at healing@billwalz. com Learn more, see past columns, video and audio programs at www.billwalz.com
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 21
FINE ART
Holiday art for your home and everyone on your Christmas List BY STAFF REPORTS • MILLS RIVER
Why go to one of those big-box stores where everything looks
the same and is mass produced?
Instead, why not come to Susan Stanton’s studio and gallery and select a thoughtful image that matches the personality of your special someone? The right piece of art sends the message that you care, and you have taken the time to select something as unique as they are. When you gift a piece of art, you gift something that will last a lifetime. You will be remembered every time they look at their photograph. We have an image for everyone on your shopping list. Select an adorable animal for the kids or the kid at heart, a rustic image that provokes nostalgic memories for senior folks, or a peaceful nature image for the yoga lover! Do you have that hard-to-buy-for professional? Why not a canvas photograph for their office? No matter who it is, we can help. Do you prefer to let them choose their image? We have gift certificates too. Tis the season of family and friendship – a time when celebrations steeped in traditions fill your home. Cozy throws, crackling fires, and the smell of home-baked cookies warm your
heart. As you prepare for the holidays, consider a new piece of art for over the hearth or in the dining room. Choose a crisp winter scene or a bright red, snow-covered barn to get you in the holiday spirit. At Susan Stanton’s gallery, we have a vast on-hand inventory ranging in size from 8x12 to over seven feet. Custom orders are also available, but you will need to order those pieces soon! No matter your budget, we can help. To make shopping easier, for the month December we offer evening and weekend appointments for you to come by the studio and have a look.
Susan Stanton Photography Studio and Gallery The gallery is a closed-door gallery studio, meaning clients (or just the nature lover) need to set up an appointment time if they would like to visit. It is in an unmarked building so visitors must contact Stanton for directions. Preview Susan Stanton’s images on her website at www. SusanStanton.com. She can be reached via phone or text at (828) 808-1414.
WHEN YOU GO
Susan Stanton Photography Studio and Gallery. Call to set up an appointment (828) 808-1414 • w w w. S u s a n S t a n t o n . c o m 22 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
IN ARTIST'S WORDS
“Rainy Afternoon Stroll” by Cheryl Keefer
A simple Christmas
“Headed Home” by Cheryl Keefer
“Hopeful in the Rain” by Cheryl Keefer
BY CHERYL KEEFER • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
My mother was not a cheerful Christmas shopper. As a child, the word “Grinch” came to mind. Today, bombarded with advertising, social media, and my own expectations, I can begin to understand my mother’s angst. She grew up in a crazy world, was born just before the Great Depression, she sent close
relatives and boyfriends to fight in WWII. By the 1960’s, with color TV and at least a radio in every home, the world had become much more comfortable, but with a new “Mad Men-materialistic-twist.” Maybe she didn’t want to go back completely, but she did want a simpler Christmas with loved ones and maybe an apple and an orange under the tree.
— Wishing you peace, and a simply joyful Holiday Season. Cheryl Keefer NorthLights Studio • Seven Sisters Gallery, Black Mountain • Asheville Gallery of Art • Coming January 2019, The Ramp, S Building Studio 157, Asheville • www.CherylKeefer.com
WHEN YOU GO
Seasons of Art
“When we have positive energy we create light and color in our art.” — Olga Olga Dorenko Fine Art Studio • Asheville River Art District • Warehouse Studios • 2nd Floor, 170 Lyman Street • Wed-Sat 12-5pm or by appt • (828) 713-8362 Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 23
THE POET'S VOICE December — The Pink Wave Because of the midterm voters, 118 women were elected and re-elected to Congress. This is a big deal. This month, instead of Christmas poems, (you know them) I decided to include WOMEN poets in my article. For starters, let us give a hand to Anita Earls, the NC Democrat elected in Raleigh. In WOMEN’S words here comes
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the tide! From “Finding What you didn’t lose” by John Fox, there is wisdom from Natalie Goldberg. She writes, “Listening is receptivity. The deeper you can listen the better you can write. You take in the way things are without judgment.” Helen Keller writes: “It seems to me that there is in each of us a capacity to comprehend the impressions and emotions which have been experienced by mankind from the beginning. Brenda Ueland writes: Think of your self as an incandescent power—illumined.” From Bill Moyer’s book, The Language of Life, Rita Dove includes the poem, ‘Canary.’ Billie Holiday’s burned voice had as many shadows as lights, a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano, the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.
By Carol Bjorlie — “THE POET BEHIND THE CELLO”
(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass, magic spoon, magic needle. ake all day if you have to with your mirror and your bracelet of song.) Fact is, the invention of women under siege has been to sharpen love in the service of myth. If you can’t be free, be a mystery. From THE Emily we have a tribute to books! There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul! From Jane Hirshfield’s book, October Palace, we read the poem, ‘Autumn.’ Again the wind ‘flakes gold-leaf from the trees and the painting darkensas if a thousand penitents kissed an icon till if thinned back to bare wood, without diminishment. From my friend, Kirsten Dierking, a Minnesota poet, from her book, Northern Oracle, we have the poem ‘9/11’ She drives to the airport and even before they stop her car and even before they ask which flight
of her heart falling story by story through atriums of throat and chest, collapsing like a stricken building, like stars at the end of a universe. From lucille clifton’s book: good woman, we have the poem, i am not done yet as possible as yeast as imminent as bread a collection of safe habits a collection of cares less certain that i was a changed changer i continue to continue where i have been most of my lives is where i’m going. From The Wind Blows The Ice Breaks, there is the poem of ‘Margret Hasse.’ Meadowlark: Mending Song What hurt you today was taken out of your heart by the meadowlark who slipped the silver needle of her song in and out of the grey day and mended what was torn. From Annie Dillard’s Reader, she writes - ‘ALL WOMEN READ THIS!’ The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there. I couldn’t agree more. SHOW UP!! You never know what will happen. —Carol
her husband was on, she feels the weight 24 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
BOOKS
Malaprop’s presents Jen Sincero ‘You Are a Badass Every Day’ and Bobby Sullivan ‘Revolutionary Threads’ in December BY STAFF REPORTS • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
‘You Are a Badass Every Day’ by Jen Sincero Jen Sincero is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, success coach and motivational cattle prod who’s helped countless people transform their personal and professional lives via her products, speaking engagements, newsletters, seminars, and books. Her #1 New York Times bestseller, You Are a Badass®: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life (2013), has sold well over two million copies, is available in 20+ languages, and continues to grow in popularity around the globe. Her follow-up, You Are a Badass® at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth (2017), also a New York Times bestseller, is written with the same inimitable sass, down-to-earth humor and blunt practicality that made You Are a Badass® an indomitable bestseller and Jen a celebrated voice in the world of self-development. Jen’s third book, You are a Badass every day: How to keep your motivation strong, your vibe high, and your quest for transformation unstoppable, provides pocket-size inspiration and guidance to keep your transformation on track. For anyone who has ever had trouble staying motivated while trailblazing towards badassery, You Are a Badass Every Day is the companion to keep you fresh, grateful, mighty, and driven. In one hundred exercisVol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
es, reflections, and cues that you can use to realign your mind and keep your focus unwavering immediately, this guide will show you how to keep the breakthroughs catalyzed by Sinceros iconic books You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass at Making Money going. Owning your power to ascend to badassery is just the first step in creating the life you deserve You Are A Badass Every Day is the accountability buddy you can keep in your back pocket to power through obstacles, overcome the doubts that hold you back from greatness, and keep the fires of determination roaring while you reach your goals. Location: Jubilee Community Church 46 Wall Street • Asheville • Thursday, December 6 6 pm. Doors Open at 5pm. Tickets available at malaprops.com. Each ticket includes a signed copy of YOU ARE A BADASS EVERY DAY. • Cost: $25 • Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe • (828) 254-6734
IF YOU GO
‘Revolutionary Threads’ by Bobby Sullivan Revolutionary Threads offers an American Rasta’s retelling of episodes in American history with an anticolonial thrust, accented by Bobby Sullivan’s own experiences. The book ties together various subjects while returning each time
to the culture of Rastafari, social justice movements, and cooperative economics. From how we perceive history in general, America’s precolonial past, and global capitalism’s early development and the resistance to it, to political prisoners and a celebration of religious tolerance, the book approaches North America with an African-centrical perspective. Sullivan aims to dispel the oversimplification of our perceptions of Rastafari, as well as other cultures, in the age of the Internet, where the loudest voices are often the most extreme and divisive. Revolutionary Threads ends with two chapters focused on Nigeria and Somalia as examples of the possibilities of our ancient future. Sullivan grew up in the Washington, DC punk scene, fueled by Rasta rockers the Bad Brains and the foundational Minor Threat. His most notable band continues to be Soulside which had multiple releases on Dischord Records. Sullivan became an activist, working with Food Not Bombs, the Anarchist Black Cross political prisoner support network, and a Rasta prison ministry. He currently manages a retail grocery co-op and sits on the board of the National Co+op Grocers. He lives in Asheville with his wife and four daughters. IF YOU GO
DEC. 2018
PARTIAL LISTING
We host numerous Readings & Book clubs, as well as Salons! Visit www.malaprops.com
READINGS & BOOK SIGNINGS
Bobby Sullivan launches ‘Revolutionary Threads: Rastafari, Social Justice, and Cooperative Economics’ 12/04 - 6pm Jen Sincero presents You are a Badass Everyday 12/06 - 6pm Children’s author Debra Frasier as the “Queen of Letters” 12/08 - 1pm Quincy Troupe presents ‘Miles and Me’ 12/08 - 7pm Laura E. Wolfson presents ‘For Single Mothers Working As Train Conductors in conversation with Elizabeth Kostova’ 12/11 - 6pm Notorious H.B.C. (History Book Club) 12/20 - 7pm Works In Translation Book Club 12/27 - 7pm HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
55 Haywood St.
(828) 254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM Sunday 9AM to 7PM
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe • (828) 254-6734 • Tuesday, December 4, - 6pm RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 25
“Cool...” by Kate Thayer
“The Blue Season” by Kate Thayer
“Wintersong,” by Kate Thayer
Kate Thayer’s alluring winter art scenes of WNC BY KATE THAYER • DOWNTOWN BLACK MOUNTAIN, ASHEVILLE, FLAT ROCK
The Spirit of Winter is surrounding us with all its mysterious color combinations. Creating its gentle moods in sunshine or shadow. My work celebrates the leafless trees standing tall through the months of Winter. The snow
covers all with a protective blanket. Oils and pastels create the many subtle differences in the look and feel of snow and the gentle sounds of Winter. Being from Wisconsin winter is my favorite season.
26 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Kate Thayer Seven Sisters Gallery, Black Mountain • Asheville Gallery of Art • Gallery of Flat Rock. www.KateThayer.com IF YOU GO
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
VACATIONS
As you grow older, you learn a few things. One of them is to actually take the time you’ve allotted for vacation. — John Battelle Rose Parade &
The Great Room. Tatonka
Where the buffalo still roam here in WNC
Guest enjoying the model train layout.
for a small charge. Bison meat is available for purchase as well. Buffalo Creek is a pet-friendly 72-acre working bison ranch. There also have llamas, alpacas, mini horses, mini donkey, goats & rabbits on site. Children of all ages enjoy feeding the barnyard animals, touring the vast “O” scale model train layout or hiking to the playground. All of the cabins have game rooms, hot tubs & outdoor fire pits.
If you are looking for a “quiet get away from it all retreat,” this is it. Relax in your luxury cabin or take long hikes on the property. There is also fantastic fishing within walk-
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BY STAFF REPORTS • CLYDE
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HOLIDAY PERFORMING ARTS
Asheville Symphony New Year’s Eve concert brings circus arts BY STAFF REPORTS • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
The Asheville Symphony’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration reaches new heights this year, with a performance of Cirque Musica’s Crescendo. The show pairs thrilling performances by jugglers, contortionists, acrobats and other Cirque performers with stirring orchestral favorites from classical, pops and more, performed by the Asheville Symphony. The concert takes place on Monday, December 31 at 8 p.m. in
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville, under the baton of Music Director Darko Butorac. “We wanted to do something new and exciting this New Year’s Eve,” said Asheville Symphony Executive Director David Whitehill. “Cirque Musica’s internationally acclaimed Cirque artists bring a new dimension, a thrilling visual element, to this performance. Paired with blockbuster musical works played by our orchestra, it’s
going to be an edge-of-your-seat experience that the whole family can enjoy.” The Asheville Symphony Asheville Symphony New Year’s Eve: Cirque Musica presents Crescendo Monday, December 31, 2018 • 8 p.m. • Thomas Wolfe Auditorium • www. ashevillesymphony.org, (828) 254-7046, Symphony office at 27 College Pl., Suite 100, or at the U.S. Cellular Center Box Office.
IF YOU GO
Tom Godleski’s ‘Snowbound’ returns to ACT Nov 30 - Dec16 BY STAFF REPORTS • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
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Though the weather outside is frightful, inside this small town train depot it’s delightful. ACT invites you to get cozy with Snowbound, a family-friendly play that celebrates this season of giving. Local playwright, musician, and storyteller Tom Godleski used authentic stories and details to create
a holiday play steeped in WNC tradition. Snowbound is directed by Lori Hilliard and is written by Asheville native and winner of SART’s 2009 Scriptfest competition, Tom Godleski. The play will include original bluegrass music played live onstage by local bluegrass musi-
cians. This is the second time that Asheville Community Theatre has produced the play. Asheville Community Theatre November 30-December 16; performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm • 35 East Walnut Street • (828) 254.1320 • www.ashevilletheatre.org
IF YOU GO
‘A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas’ Nov 29 - Dec 22 BY STAFF REPORTS • HENDERSONVILLE
Flat Rock Playhouse launched the premiere production of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas in 2017 and broke box office records for seasonal production. Featuring favorite holiday songs, spectacular dance numbers, and sublime vocals, A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas had audiences a-ring-ting-tingle-ing for more. This
28 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
year’s production, will journey through iconic holiday scenes, including the streets of a bustling city and a wintry wonderland. Interspersed with festive musical numbers and jovial scenes, this production will also celebrate the serene beauty of classic songs such as “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas.”
Flat Rock Playhouse November 29 - December 22 Performances Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm and 7:30pm (select), Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday 2pm. Box office at (828) 693-0731, toll-free at (866) 737-8008 or at www.flatrockplayhouse.org. • 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
IF YOU GO
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
HOLIDAY PERFORMING ARTS
AmiciMusic presents “FOUR-HAND HOLIDAY” from December 14-16 BY STAFF REPORTS • BLACK MOUNTAIN, BREVARD, ASHEVILLE
AmiciMusic will close out 2018 with a fun fourhand piano program showcasing some of the best-loved pieces of the holiday season. Pianists Alex Watson and Daniel Weiser will share the piano in this exciting choreography of twenty fingers competing for the 88 keys. AmiciMusic, now in its seventh year of presenting high-quality chamber music in intimate venues and non-traditional settings, is dedicated to
breaking down the barriers between performers and audience. Their concerts are very informal and relaxed with founder and Artistic Director Weiser telling short anecdotes before each piece that help puts each composer in context. Weiser and Watson will perform this program in four different venues on the weekend of Dec. 14-16. On Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30, they will be at the White Horse Black Mountain. On Satur-
day, Dec. 15, they will perform two shows — one at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Brevard at 3pm and another at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Asheville at 7:30. On Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2pm they will perform at a special House Concert in Asheville. IF YOU GO
Visit www.amicimusic.org and click on the link to “Asheville Concerts” at the top of the page.
North Carolina Stage Company presents two Holiday productions for December BY STAFF REPORTS • DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
North Carolina Stage Company (NC Stage) is bringing back a season’s holiday hit, The Twelve Date of Christmas and adding another production, Live from WVL Radio Theatre: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ The performances will alternate between November 28 and December 30.
until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly bring a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. Live from WVL Radio Theatre: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
The Twelve Date of Christmas After seeing her fiancé kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where “romance” ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism
“The performance is perfection and ends all too soon without a contrived conclusion.” Tony Kiss, Asheville Citizen-Times. Live from WVL Radio Theatre: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ This fresh adaptation of the film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is
struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night. The professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio, but the show must go on, and so a small but intrepid band of employees manages to create the story’s dozens of characters and scenes using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects. North Carolina Stage Company 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville November 28 - December 30 Wednesday-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, Select Saturdays at 2pm For information on season passes, upcoming productions, educational opportunities and much more, call the theatre’s box office at (828) 2390263 or visit www.ncstage.org
IF YOU GO
‘25th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular’ at The Magnetic Theatre BY STAFF REPORTS • RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, ASHEVILLE
The Magnetic Theatre invites you on a trip back in time, as we present the wonderfully wicked 25th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular, which opened on Thursday, November 29 at The Magnetic Theatre and runs through Saturday, December 15. Now in its 9th year, this R-rated holiday spectacle is a hilarious, envelope-pushing ode to the TV Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
specials of yesteryear, with the dysfunctional Bernstein clan doing a variety of skits and funny commercials for local businesses. This show is unquestionably for adults only, and only for those who are willing to go along for a ride with some delightfully depraved individuals. For the first weekend, November 29 – December 1, performances are at 7:30 pm. For the last two weekends, December 6-8 and
December 13– 15, performances are at 7:30 pm with Friday – Saturday at 7:30 pm and 10pm. The Magnetic Theatre Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.themagnetictheatre.org, or the door. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are only $21 and can be reserved by contacting Co-Artistic Director, Katie Jones, at 864-356-6984 or kjones@themagnetictheatre.org.
IF YOU GO
RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE | 29
DECEMBER Comics www.brotherrock.net
Ratchet and Spin
30 |RAPID RIVER’S ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE
By Jess and Russ Woods Ratchet and Spin © 2018
Corgi Tales
By Phil Hawkins
Best in Show
By Phil Juliano
Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
FESTIVAL
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. —Martin Luther King, Jr.
35th Annual Festival of Lights & Luminaire’s in Dillsboro
Asheville Raven & Crone helps you with your Holiday Buying
BY STAFF REPORTS • DILLSBORO
The 35th Festival of Lights and Luminaire’s “Follow the lights to the historic town of Dillsboro” happens Friday and Saturday, December 7 & 8, and December 14 & 15, 5- 9pm. There will be over 2500 white lights adorning the historic buildings. Flickering flames of luminaries soften the shadows of the streets bringing excitement as the merchants of Dillsboro open their doors and hearts to the community. The festival provides a unique holiday shopping experience. Each night offers a lot to do with free-refreshments, musicians and singers performing, carolers, and old-fashioned horse and buggy rides. Children can share their wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop in Dillsboro’s Town Hall. Retail shops offer a variety of quality arts and crafts, unique gifts, clothing, gourmet foods, and wine, and specialty Christmas items. Friday, December 7, is WCU and Southwestern ComVol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018
munity College Night. Students and faculty are invited to enjoy special discounts (with ID) and the night will culminate with a grand prize drawing. Free parking and shuttle transportation for the event will be available at Monteith Park each night of the festival. Come on out, bring your sweetheart, bring the family, stroll among the lights illuminating this mountain village and start your holiday full of good cheer. All the restaurants will be open, so come for an early family meal and then join in the festivities. Dillsboro is located in the Smoky Mountains of WNC at the intersection of US Hwys. 19/74 and 441. It is 45 minutes west of Asheville and just 20 Minutes from Franklin, Cherokee and Bryson City. For more information, call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (800) 962-1911 or visit www.mountainlovers. com. www.facebook.com/DillsboroNC. IF YOU GO
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOR LIFE!
December is filled with holidays! Whether you celebrate Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or Festivus, Asheville Raven & Crone is the place to shop. Shopping may not be your favorite word during December, but our shop is a respite and a feast for the senses. Located in convenient North Asheville, with ample parking, you enter to warm greetings, soothing music, a complimentary cup of tea and a dazzling area of possibilities. Candles, teas, herbs, incense, journals and more. Not sure what to get for that particular person? We also offer gift certificates. Place that in a festive greeting card (we have Tree Free cards!) and you will be set. Or let us help you create a gift basket of delights.
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Vol. 22, No. 04 — December 2018