One Neighborhood, an OpenDoors Arts Program, was created by long time board member and supporter, Dr. Eric Howard, with Roots & Wings Founder and donating artist and sponsor, Ginger Hagood, Tim Schaller (Wedge Brewery) and Darren Green (Old Wood Company). The vision of One Neighborhood is that students from neighborhoods surrounding the River Arts District […]
Preview Art Affair 2017 Auction Items
March 3, 2017 by
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!
February 14, 2017 by
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
February 2, 2017 by
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!
February 1, 2017 by
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!
January 30, 2017 by
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
January 26, 2017 by
“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
January 19, 2017 by
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!
December 30, 2016 by
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
December 21, 2016 by
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”
December 21, 2016 by
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
December 21, 2016 by
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
December 14, 2016 by
“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
December 14, 2016 by
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!
November 22, 2016 by
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
November 22, 2016 by
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
November 6, 2016 by
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!
November 2, 2016 by
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!
October 18, 2016 by
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
August 29, 2016 by
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 […]
