
Trolls: A Field Study
Twelve life-sized troll sculptures crafted from fallen branches and wooden pallets invite hands-on interaction and contemplative reflection on human life along the NC Arboretum's woodland trails for all ages.
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Hands-on outdoor play for children and families exploring the Arboretum’s woods with fairy house and gnome home building, stick fort construction, pond life exploration, and nature storytelling to spark imaginative learning.

Hands-on outdoor play for children and families exploring the Arboretum’s woods with fairy house and gnome home building, stick fort construction, pond life exploration, and nature storytelling to spark imaginative learning.
Hands-on outdoor play for children and families exploring the Arboretum’s woods with fairy house and gnome home building, stick fort construction, pond life exploration, and nature storytelling to spark imaginative learning.

An evolving exhibition from a winter artist residency at The North Carolina Arboretum, presenting site specific, nature inspired responses to the forest’s sights and sounds as it shifts from dormancy to spring.

An evolving exhibition from a winter artist residency at The North Carolina Arboretum, presenting site specific, nature inspired responses to the forest’s sights and sounds as it shifts from dormancy to spring.
An evolving exhibition from a winter artist residency at The North Carolina Arboretum, presenting site specific, nature inspired responses to the forest’s sights and sounds as it shifts from dormancy to spring.

Guided arboretum walks for reflective nature journaling, combining field sketching, poetic observation, and basic scientific note-taking across multiple botanical sites with optional prompts and instruction from arboretum staff.

Guided arboretum walks for reflective nature journaling, combining field sketching, poetic observation, and basic scientific note-taking across multiple botanical sites with optional prompts and instruction from arboretum staff.
Guided arboretum walks for reflective nature journaling, combining field sketching, poetic observation, and basic scientific note-taking across multiple botanical sites with optional prompts and instruction from arboretum staff.

Illustrated lecture tracing Blue Ridge ecosystems from the Ice Age to the present, examining paleoclimate-driven shifts in native plants and animals and implications for contemporary conservation.

Illustrated lecture tracing Blue Ridge ecosystems from the Ice Age to the present, examining paleoclimate-driven shifts in native plants and animals and implications for contemporary conservation.
Illustrated lecture tracing Blue Ridge ecosystems from the Ice Age to the present, examining paleoclimate-driven shifts in native plants and animals and implications for contemporary conservation.

Intimate gallery exhibition of contemporary women artists rooted in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting material mastery across sculpture, textiles, and mixed media. Runs through May 17, 2026; gallery open Wednesday through Sunday.

Intimate gallery exhibition of contemporary women artists rooted in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting material mastery across sculpture, textiles, and mixed media. Runs through May 17, 2026; gallery open Wednesday through Sunday.
Intimate gallery exhibition of contemporary women artists rooted in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting material mastery across sculpture, textiles, and mixed media. Runs through May 17, 2026; gallery open Wednesday through Sunday.

Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.

Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.
Guided walk through a working mushroom farm demonstrating spawn inoculation, log and substrate techniques, and fungi identification among shaded beds in the Swannanoa Valley and seasonal harvests.

Twilight forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) among Blue Ridge mountain hemlocks and rhododendron at The North Carolina Arboretum, guided slow walks emphasizing sensory awareness, breathwork, and grounding to reduce stress and deepen nature connection.

Twilight forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) among Blue Ridge mountain hemlocks and rhododendron at The North Carolina Arboretum, guided slow walks emphasizing sensory awareness, breathwork, and grounding to reduce stress and deepen nature connection.
Twilight forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) among Blue Ridge mountain hemlocks and rhododendron at The North Carolina Arboretum, guided slow walks emphasizing sensory awareness, breathwork, and grounding to reduce stress and deepen nature connection.

Seasonal summer arts festival at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center showcasing local artisans, handmade crafts, and family friendly outdoor activities that create a lively community gathering.

Seasonal summer arts festival at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center showcasing local artisans, handmade crafts, and family friendly outdoor activities that create a lively community gathering.
Seasonal summer arts festival at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center showcasing local artisans, handmade crafts, and family friendly outdoor activities that create a lively community gathering.

Curated survey of studio ceramics from the Gail and Brian McCarthy collection, tracing Highwater Clays' 45 year legacy in WNC through wheel thrown stoneware, experimental glazes, and community focused craft histories.

Curated survey of studio ceramics from the Gail and Brian McCarthy collection, tracing Highwater Clays' 45 year legacy in WNC through wheel thrown stoneware, experimental glazes, and community focused craft histories.
Curated survey of studio ceramics from the Gail and Brian McCarthy collection, tracing Highwater Clays' 45 year legacy in WNC through wheel thrown stoneware, experimental glazes, and community focused craft histories.
Interactive gallery tours highlighting curated objects from the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection and current exhibitions. Volunteer educators and museum staff lead rotating, object focused conversations suitable for drop-in visitors; no reservations required.
Interactive gallery tours highlighting curated objects from the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection and current exhibitions. Volunteer educators and museum staff lead rotating, object focused conversations suitable for drop-in visitors; no reservations required.
Interactive gallery tours highlighting curated objects from the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection and current exhibitions. Volunteer educators and museum staff lead rotating, object focused conversations suitable for drop-in visitors; no reservations required.

Docent led exploration of the museum's current featured exhibition, guiding small groups through gallery flow, close readings of significant artworks, curatorial insights, and a short Q&A to deepen visual and historical understanding.

Docent led exploration of the museum's current featured exhibition, guiding small groups through gallery flow, close readings of significant artworks, curatorial insights, and a short Q&A to deepen visual and historical understanding.
Docent led exploration of the museum's current featured exhibition, guiding small groups through gallery flow, close readings of significant artworks, curatorial insights, and a short Q&A to deepen visual and historical understanding.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.
Resonant gongs and crystal bowls wash through the Arboretum gardens in a guided sound bath, encouraging deep relaxation and meditative listening among towering native trees and cultivated plantings.

Guided, hands on art class exploring seasonal flora and fauna through observational sketching and nature inspired techniques on the WNC Nature Center grounds; ideal for beginners and anyone seeking outdoor, creative study.

Guided, hands on art class exploring seasonal flora and fauna through observational sketching and nature inspired techniques on the WNC Nature Center grounds; ideal for beginners and anyone seeking outdoor, creative study.
Guided, hands on art class exploring seasonal flora and fauna through observational sketching and nature inspired techniques on the WNC Nature Center grounds; ideal for beginners and anyone seeking outdoor, creative study.
Guided slow looking sessions led by a volunteer educator at the Asheville Art Museum, using close observation to cultivate relaxation and interpersonal connection within museum galleries.
Guided slow looking sessions led by a volunteer educator at the Asheville Art Museum, using close observation to cultivate relaxation and interpersonal connection within museum galleries.
Guided slow looking sessions led by a volunteer educator at the Asheville Art Museum, using close observation to cultivate relaxation and interpersonal connection within museum galleries.

Docent led in gallery walkthrough offering close looking and curator insights into the museum's current show, with contextual art history commentary, thematic highlights, and Q&A for visitors seeking deeper understanding.

Docent led in gallery walkthrough offering close looking and curator insights into the museum's current show, with contextual art history commentary, thematic highlights, and Q&A for visitors seeking deeper understanding.
Docent led in gallery walkthrough offering close looking and curator insights into the museum's current show, with contextual art history commentary, thematic highlights, and Q&A for visitors seeking deeper understanding.

Contemporary craft works by regional artists explore sinuous form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media in the Focus Gallery at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Contemporary craft works by regional artists explore sinuous form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media in the Focus Gallery at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Contemporary craft works by regional artists explore sinuous form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media in the Focus Gallery at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hands on studio art activities led by museum staff encourage participants to make collection inspired works using varied materials and techniques. Drop in, all ages and abilities welcome; free for members or included with museum admission.

Hands on studio art activities led by museum staff encourage participants to make collection inspired works using varied materials and techniques. Drop in, all ages and abilities welcome; free for members or included with museum admission.
Hands on studio art activities led by museum staff encourage participants to make collection inspired works using varied materials and techniques. Drop in, all ages and abilities welcome; free for members or included with museum admission.