What a colorful issue is this one! We have white squirrels, golden hours, yellow trillium and red berries. And then there’s the reason, perhaps, that you picked up this issue: that vibrant, joy-evoking painting on the cover—Sunflower Sonnet, by Tania Dirks.
The American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) is a lively, medium-sized Warbler that is built like a Flycatcher. This wood Warbler has a glossy black plumage, contrasted by vivid bright patches of reddish-orange on their sides, wings and tails, and a soft white underbelly.
Spending time in a garden is a satisfying experience, whether it is a public garden or your own space. It is refreshing to pause during the day and do nothing. I find that being outside in my garden, with no particular agenda or plan, is a way to use my time to find repose.
Harmonies of the Foothills, Tryon Painters and Sculptors’ (TPS’) third exhibit of the year will be on display until Saturday, May 23. TPS welcomes a guest artist to the exhibition: metal sculptor Bob Doster, whose career spans 43 years sculpting, with artwork placed worldwide.
American Folk Art & Framing presents a studio filled with personality this month as the 14th Annual Face Jug Show opens online Wednesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. and in the gallery on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m., with a reception from 5-8 p.m. during downtown Asheville’s Mosaic ArtWalk & Benefit.
Artist Jaime Byrd’s work is on display at the newly remodeled Capella on 9 rooftop bar at the AC Hotel in Asheville through June 30. An artist reception will take place on Wednesday, May 27, from 6–8 p.m.
The Asheville Chamber Music Series (ACMS) presents its 2026 season finale featuring the Astralis Chamber Ensemble on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville.
You might think this is a no-brainer, but there is actually some science, some wine pairing knowledge and some lived experience involved in choosing wine to pair with barbecue.
The Laurel of Asheville is available in both print and digital editionsWe are delighted you have chosen us to be your gateway—both through our popular print Asheville lifestyle magazine and our website—to the arts, culture, and communities that comprise the remarkable area that is Western North Carolina. In these pages, you will find behind-the-scenes stories about the region’s concerts, theatre and dance productions, festivals, restaurants, artists, and the multitude of locally-based businesses. We also enjoy bringing you features about the people and organizations who are caring for those in need, protecting our historic heritage, preserving our rich and diverse environment, and nurturing our cultural soul.
