Asheville Prepares for Star-Studded Fundraiser

News Summary

Asheville, NC, is abuzz with anticipation for the Craft Watch event on April 3 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Tan France and Katherine Gray, the virtual fundraiser aims to support the crafting community impacted by the pandemic. Attendees can secure their tickets for just $25, contributing to recovery efforts initiated by the Center for Craft. The event will be moderated by Deborah Needleman, promising an engaging discussion on craftsmanship’s future. The Center, renowned for its creativity, continues to promote craft education and support with new initiatives.

Asheville Gears Up for a Star-Studded Fundraising Event

Asheville is holding its breath as the upcoming Craft Watch event approaches, and it’s bringing a touch of stardom to the cozy mountain town. On Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m., the beloved Tan France from the hit show Queer Eye and Katherine Gray from Blown Away will join forces for a virtual fundraising extravaganza. This event promises to be an exciting evening filled with engaging discussions about the current and future landscape of crafting.

Support for Crafting Community

Attendees can snag a ticket for just $25, a small price to support the vital recovery efforts for Helene organized by the Center for Craft. With the pandemic disrupting countless lives and livelihoods, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together and uplift the crafting community while enjoying an enlightening conversation.

Who’s Running the Show?

The conversation during Craft Watch will be moderated by Deborah Needleman, the former editor-in-chief of The New York Times Style Magazine and Wall Street Journal. With her impressive background, audience members can expect a thought-provoking discussion that dives into the nuances of craftsmanship and the direction it is headed.

Cherished Traditions at the Center for Craft

The Center for Craft, located at 67 Broadway St. in downtown Asheville, has been a beacon of creativity and learning since its founding in May 1996. Over the past 25 years, the center has been dedicated to promoting an understanding of craft through various means, including grants, exhibitions, public programs, and partnerships.

Notably, in the past year alone, they have awarded over $300,000 in grants to makers and scholars across the country. Their achievements include the establishment of the Craft Archive Fellowship by Marilyn Zapf, the director of programs and curator at the Center for Craft, to support research on underrepresented craft histories in the U.S. Zapf has a rich background herself, having worked in the craft field since high school and holding degrees in jewelry and metalwork, as well as a master’s in the history of design.

Virtual Programs and New Initiatives

In light of the changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Craft swiftly pivoted to virtual programming and even launched the Craft Futures Fund to help those in need. This flexibility allowed them to continue their mission and offer support to the crafting community when it was most critical.

As part of their efforts, the center is introducing a new Membership Program, offering annual memberships at $25. Members can look forward to exclusive content and updates, keeping them in the loop with the latest happenings in the world of craft.

Exciting Exhibitions Nearby

A Natural Influence at the Folk Art Center, running from February 8 to April 20. This exhibition features a stunning display of works by talented artists focused on the themes of nature, showcasing materials such as paper, metal, wood, fiber, and jewelry. Best of all, admission is free!

Wrap-Up

As the Craft Watch event inches closer, there’s palpable excitement in the air! The combination of star power, community spirit, and the mission of the Center for Craft makes this an event you won’t want to miss. So grab your ticket, settle in for an inspiring evening, and help support the recovery efforts to ensure that crafting remains a thriving part of our culture.

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Additional Resources

• AVLtoday: Craft Watch – Center for Craft Asheville
• Apollo Magazine: Marilyn Zapf – 40 Under 40 Craft Thinkers
• WLOS: Southern Highland Craft Guild Opens Natural Influence Exhibition
• Google Search: Craft Events Asheville
• Hyperallergic: Center for Craft Celebrates 25 Years
• Wikipedia: Craft
• Apollo Magazine: Angelik Vizcarrondo Laboy – 40 Under 40 Craft Thinkers
• Google Search: Craft Historical Significance
• ARTnews: Cannupa Hanska Luger at Center for Craft Asheville
• Wikipedia: Art