SAVE THE DATE:

Art Affair 2026: Rooted in Community

Saturday, March 7th 2026

at The Crest Center & Pavilion

Presented by:

Three women laughing and engaging in conversation at an indoor event, with one woman holding a plate with a small furry animal, possibly a rabbit.

Thanks to our incredible community, we raised

over $300,000

at Art Affair 2025 to support our students and families.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who came together to make this year's Art Affair so special.

Coming off of a hard end to 2024 and into 2025 on a strong note is incredible. This is such a beautiful testament to the Asheville community, and we are so grateful for the recognition and support.

What is Art Affair?

OpenDoors’ annual Art Affair fundraiser celebrates students while raising awareness and critical funds to eliminate the opportunity and achievement gap in the Asheville community.

A black and white photo of a group of people at an auction, with some holding auction paddles numbered 110, 188, and 134, in a room with an exit sign overhead.
Three women standing on stage at an event, with one speaking into a microphone. The woman in the middle is wearing a white dress, smiling. The woman on the right is wearing a black dress, holding the arm of the woman in white. The woman on the left is smiling and dressed in a dark blue outfit.

Proceeds directly support OpenDoors students moving to and through college and career by providing increased access to education, enrichment, and other critical resources.

Two people, a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair holding a glass of red wine and a man with curly hair and glasses, looking at artwork in a gallery with brick walls. The artwork includes a black and white portrait and a large abstract painting.
A young man with dreadlocks stands at a podium in front of two microphones, holding a certificate. He is wearing a dark, patterned dress shirt and dark pants, and appears to be at an award or recognition event. In the background, people in formal attire are seated, with one man in a tuxedo and bow tie visible.

Thanks to generosity of donors, supporters, artists, and local businesses, last year’s Art Affair raised $340,000 for OpenDoors Asheville, which led to an increase in our students served, hours of tutoring, students at summer camp, and so much more.

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Event highlights include:

  • Live and mobile auctions featuring extraordinary artwork and experiences donated by area artists and supporters

  • Annual “To & Through” scholarship and Laureate of the Year awards

  • Food and signature drinks from WNC’s top chefs and mixologists

  • Live entertainment by top-notch regional musicians and DJs

And so much more!

Want to get in on the action?

Join our Art Affair Committee!

We are always looking for new members to give us ideas and inspiration for artist outreach, decor, hospitality, venue, entertainment, and more.