LOOK 2020, the magical, creative jewel of a team of OpenDoors volunteers, artists, craftsmen, and local visionaries, will take place on Leap Night, February 29th. Most certainly, this year will open your eyes, blow your minds, and offer you a clear vision of how ambitious our shared community can truly be. Seeing is believing. Exciting […]
Hayden Wilson Makes Molten Glass that Melts Human Barriers
WNC native and 2nd generation glass artist Hayden Wilson manages the nonprofit public access studio at the Asheville Glass Center. He also volunteers with OpenDoors students, mentoring them with hands-on training in the art of glassblowing. That exciting after-school initiative is possible thanks to OpenDoors’ unique One Neighborhood arts enrichment program. The program, run and […]
Live and Let Flourish
Ladies and gentlemen, hire a sitter, check the weather forecast, download your Uber app, and join us for an elegantly iconic evening as we break the cycle of poverty for children. Shocking, positively shocking! Art Affair 2019: Mission X. Celebrating 10 years of breaking the cycle of poverty. Join us at Ambrose West […]
Nicki Ingle: Spying the Sustained Value Behind Mission X
Asheville native Nicki Ingle brings business, marketing, and nonprofit experience ─ plus a deeply-felt love of Asheville ─ to her volunteer role as Co-Chair of Art Affair 2019: Mission X. We asked her about that, as part of the OpenDoors 10th Anniversary “10 Years10 People” series. Question: What’s your focus leading up to this […]
Larry Hopkins and OpenDoors of Asheville: A deliriously-rewarding relationship.
For its 10-year anniversary, we are highlighting a few special members of the OpenDoors community. Larry Hopkins, who moved to Asheville in the mid-1990s, owns and operates ananda hair studio (22 Broadway St., Asheville) and its offshoot, ananda west (37 Paynes Way in the River Arts District). An avid supporter of the arts in WNC, […]
Art Affair 2019
Mark your calendars!!! Tickets will go on sale January 18, 2019….
Art Affair 2018 Featured Artist Spencer Herr
We are thrilled to have stalwart OpenDoors supporter Spencer Herr as this year’s featured artist for the Art Affair. Mr. Herr’s work received one of the highest bids in last year’s auction, and with growing momentum as a nationally renowned artist, we feel fortunate that he selected a piece for the Art Affair specifically with […]
5 Tips for Success at a Benefit Art Auction
Lauren Brunk of Brunk Auctions gives us the inside scoop on how to navigate a benefit auction, help a worthy cause, and have fun! We’re sold. Choosing the right piece for you. The most important thing someone should consider is their personal reaction to the artwork: does it make them feel something? The “why” […]
Behind the Curtain
The creative whizz-bang momentum of OpenDoors’ Art Affair usually starts around June, with visionary stylist Larry Hopkins, owner and founder of Asheville’s ananda hair studios, sketching concepts on a cocktail napkin with the OpenDoors creative team looking on. He’s saying something like, “I think the feel is… and the look could feature…” and from there, […]
Was It Anything But Amazing?!
Thank yous abound to more than 425 of you who attended Art Affair 2017; Urban Canvas – a HUGE success! The impending weather was ominous, but when a diverse happy crowd of hundreds of beautiful people streamed through the doors of Wedge @ Foundation and 12 Bones, we knew the best party of the year […]
Preview Art Affair 2017 Auction Items
Thanks to our incredibly supportive and eager donating artist community, we are excited to reveal the 2017 Art pieces, showcasing top local artists in both our Live and Mobile Auctions. 100% of the proceeds from this auction help provide opportunities for students growing up in multigenerational poverty, like intensive tutoring or summer academics, so that they can reach […]
Artist in the Spotlight–Darren Green
Sustainable, locally sourced, and handmade. Capturing the spirit of the mountains… The Old Wood Company in the River Arts District specializes in artful home furnishings with a conscious emphasis on quality of materials, uniqueness of design, customization options, and a high level of service. Founder, Darren Green says, “I set out to develop a company that […]
Tickets for Art Affair on sale NOW!
Click here to buy tickets! Life is our medium; education, enrichment and advocacy are our palette; and this vibrant city is our community canvas. Join us at the newly revitalized Foundation, the fabulous new Wedge Brewery and 12 Bones location. This gala event celebrates artistic Asheville with a vibrant palette of art, entertainment and an […]
Artist in the Spotlight–Cindy Walton
“Working with Cindy Walton has been a joy. She is always eager to give. She is an ‘of course!’ person,” describes OpenDoors Art Chair, Kristan Dewey. This year will mark Cindy’s 5th year donating to the OpenDoors Art Affair. Cindy creates her colorful abstractions using the venerable cold-wax method with oils. She is also […]
Artist in the Spotlight–Spencer Herr
Funny, approachable, and flannel-wearing; Spencer Herr has donated to OpenDoors’ Art Affair for the last 7 years. This year he will certainly not disappoint. Visit his studio and you will hear the backstories of all the painting around you. “Shelter V,” an acrylic, graphite and airbrush piece, could serve as an unexpected reminder of the […]
March 10, 2018 – Make Your Plans!
Art Affair 2018–Imagine Nation–Transforming the lives of local student from the experience of “NO” to the unlimited possibility of “KNOW.” Highland Brewing. 6 pm VIP, 7 pm Gen Admin. Presented by Harmony Motors Click here to purchase tickets! Questions? Event Chair – Dosty Quarrier (704) 576-3999 or dquarrier@opendoorsasheville.org Art Chair – Kristan Dewey (828) 231-0732 or […]
“Swift gratitude is the sweetest” -Greek Proverb
Thank you artists, hospitality donors, corporate sponsors, and our beautiful, bighearted guests! Art Affair 2016 was the most successful Art Affair in the history of the event, generating more than $130,000 in vital support for hundreds of local children as they grow, succeed, and shine their brightest. Green Man Brewery owners Wendy and Dennis […]
“I believe that children are our greatest asset.”
“Voyage” by Josh Copus “If I decide to donate a piece to an art auction, I want to feel proud of what that piece represents, because it is an honor and a privilege to be approached for a donation to a worthy cause. When I give, I always make sure to give something that I […]
