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 […]
Happy Valentine’s Day!
There are at least three saints named Valentine. Once upon a time, a priest named Valentine – who refused to comply with an order from a Roman Emperor to stop performing marriages – was condemned as a criminal. This Valentine didn’t lose his romantic idealism, though, and penned a love letter to the jailer’s daughter…who […]
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 […]
OpenDoors welcomes John Steele!
Please give a warm welcome to John Steele, our new Education Program Liaison! John began tutoring OpenDoors students more than three years ago, after years of teaching in public middle school in the Chapel Hill area, as well as serving as an Orton-Gillingham trained literacy interventionist at the Stone Mountain School in Black Mountain. Starting […]
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 […]
Happy 2017! Let’s Do This!
Five simple words. What do they mean to you? To a kid growing up in multigenerational poverty, these words can mean the world. Please help us educate, elevate and celebrate in the New Year! With ACCESS to resources, students who are not thriving at school can get academic support they need to grow and become […]
“How you do this one thing is how you will do everything.” – Zen saying
I know a woman named Theresa. She lives much closer to you than you think. She’s a hometown girl and she attended, but never graduated from Asheville High. She struggled with home issues and told me that she never saw many people from her neighborhood succeed. She says she didn’t have the confidence or encouragement […]
“Altitude Affects Attitude… Introducing The Elevation Fund”
We are extremely grateful to all our donors. It’s a community effort to break the cycle of poverty for children in Asheville, and every single contribution to OpenDoors helps achieve that mission. Monthly giving, specifically, at any level, allows for steady cash flow in unpredictable times and for us to say, “yes” and extend special […]
OpenDoors Best-Fit Schools Program
Students with dyslexia work harder than most students as they attempt to stretch themselves and break new ground every day. We, in close partnership with parents, sometimes ask that students with learning differences take risks and invest in themselves by switching schools and attending what we call a “Best-Fit School.” These are public, private or […]
Give the Gift of Community
“We have the resources to end poverty. The real question is whether we have the will.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The syllable “op” – as in optimism – derives from Latin. Ops was the name of the Roman goddess of harvests. She blessed the activities of sowing and reaping. Add to that the […]
Stop the Clock to Start Over
Rajie left the courtroom, went back to her lawyer’s office, and broke down in hysterical tears. She was almost screaming between gasping breaths, saying she doesn’t go to a “real school” because she has been labeled with behavior problems and therefore attends Asheville High’s Alternative program. She sobs a familiar teen sentiment, “No one understands […]
Thank You to All Pets Animal Hospital!
We would like to extend a warm thank you to our friends at All Pets Animal Hospital on Reynolds Mountain. Drs. Josh Cook and Eddie Heath graciously welcomed OpenDoors student, Jazel Thompson, into their exam rooms and operating rooms for 2 days of a shadow experience during his Thanksgiving Break from The Gow School. Jazel was able […]
Celebrating Thanks and Giving
Entering its fifth year, GivingTuesday is a global day of giving, fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — and helps counterbalance the materialistic frenzy of shopping that often overshadows what is meant to be a season of giving. Statistics show, for example, that […]
Early Childhood Education is a Goldmine for Investors
Tom Kerr is a volunteer at OpenDoors. In the following blog, he offers his perspective on why he’s convinced that devoting his precious time – and hard-earned money – to OpenDoors is actually one of the best investments he can make. Childhood Education is a Goldmine for Investors Harvest season is winding down and it […]
Let’s Stand Up for Children!
Asheville was honored last month by the presence of Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), who spoke on the issue of child poverty at an event organized by Pisgah Legal Services. The Children’s Defense Fund is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to […]
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 […]
The Key to Fueling Happiness
Research at Harvard Business School confirmed that philanthropic people are really and truly happier. The study also found that happier people are more inclined to give, and the more they give the happier they get. The conclusion is that philanthropy creates a perpetually-enhanced feedback loop to continually fuel our happiness, making it arguably the most […]
OpenDoors receives prestigious Melvin R. Lane Grant
OpenDoors is honored to be one of six recipients in 2016 of the Melvin R. Lane grant. This three-year capacity building grant will pay for an additional staff person and support strategic planning. Thank you to The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Melvin R. Lane Foundation board and family members who make this growth […]
