Spirituality Issue
- Volume 24
- / Issue 22
Cover Design Credit:
Norn Cutson
Cover Photography Credit:
In this special issue, Xpress explores local approaches to spirituality — from the ways long-established congregations are responding to the changing role of religion in daily life to the little-known tale of pioneering turn-of-the-century forester Gifford Pinchot’s transcendent love.
arts
Asheville’s nonwhite literary scene, past and present, Part 1
“In a lot of places in the United States, you can still get a degree in English literature and not have to study any people of color,” says poet, author…Kwanzaa brings light to the season
This time of year, religion almost seems to corner the market on celebrations of peace and unity, but Kwanzaa offers the opportunity to attune the spirit through a cultural holiday. Many think…Soul portrait artists Racquel and Bobby Wilkins share their intuitive imagery
“People can think of it as a visual psychic reading, but I can’t guarantee what the messages will be,” artist Racquel Wilkins explains. “Art is for beauty and upliftment. ……Painter adorns Asheville businesses with unusual yuletide scenes
Scenes include yetis downing hoppy porters and devils skipping with lanterns. At Diamond Thieves Piercing and Tattoo, a grizzled skeleton even dons a big, red Santa Claus costume.Asheville-based tribute bands pay homage to their heroes
Singing and playing in homage to another's work isn't the same as performing one's own original music, but for the members of these local groups, playing in a tribute band…Smart bets: Brendan Gay
The Chicago-based comedian performs at The Southern Kitchen and Bar on Saturday, Dec. 23.Asheville Art Museum shares a collection of Christmas treasures
At noon on Friday, Jan. 19, visitors will get an in-depth look at Norton’s yet-to-be-revealed 2017 gift during one of the museum’s Art Break events.Smart Bets: A Family Affair
An array of Asheville talent pay tribute to Sly & The Family Stone on Dec. 22 at The Grey Eagle.Smart Bets: Make-A-Wish Christmas party benefit concert
The 16th annual show takes place Dec. 22 at The Orange Peel.Theater review: ‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas’ at N.C. Stage
Because of Maria Buchanan’s incredible performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better show than 'The Tweleve Dates of Christmas' this season.
food
Beer Scout: WNC beer industry notables reflect on 2017
Asheville-area brewery representatives name their favorite local and non-local beers from 2017, as well as standout industry accomplishments.What’s hot: WNC chefs predict local food trends for 2018
For many local chefs, the trends that matter often have more to do with the philosophy of food than the ingredients and focus on issues like food waste and transparency.Small bites: The Malvern opens in West Asheville
The Malvern opens, offering local and regional liquors and liqueurs. Also: Italian Nights at Isis Music Hall, a holiday party at Hole Doughnuts, DxE holds a holiday potluck, Ambrozia Bar…
living
Local shamanic group taps into the sacred power of music
Three local musicians share an interest in helping people in the community explore the healing power of sound and music in workshops and retreats.
movies
Screen scene: Local film news
Asheville-based hammered dulcimer player Joshua Messick releases a short documentary, Asheville Brewing unwraps its 7 Days of Classic Christmas Movies series and more.
news
Asheville Archives: Love in the time of Pinchot
In Paula Ivaska Robbins' latest book, On Strawberry Hill: The Transcendent Love of Gifford Pinchot and Laura Houghteling, the writer explores an unusual connection and undying love that began in…Local churches guide the next generation
A strong spiritual rudder can help young people navigate life’s problems long after they’ve sailed into adulthood, youth ministers say. In Asheville, some churches have changed the way their programs…WNC residents find inspiration in pilgrimage
Ashevilleans have a history of seeking, and many local residents have taken that search to spiritual pilgrimages along the Caminos of Europe. Now, Asheville has its own 16-mile Camino, a…The changing faces of faith
While Asheville thrives on a diverse spiritual life, shifting demographics and evolving notions of religion’s role in daily life have many historic congregations reconsidering the part they play in local…Conscious Party: T.C. Roberson alumni basketball game
Women's and men's basketball games take place Dec. 22 at T.C. Roberson High School to raise funds for the Sizemore family.Board approves 296-apartment complex off Aiken Road
After a tense back-and-forth between members of the board and residents in the audience, the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment approved the development of a 296-unit apartment complex on Aiken…County receives clean opinion from external auditors
In the shadow of an ongoing federal investigation into former County Manager Wanda Greene, the county received good news this week: a clean audit for fiscal year 2017.UPDATED: Racial tensions mar WNC holiday events
Separate incidents in Canton and Buncombe County over the past week highlight the racial tensions that have dominated headlines throughout 2017 in WNC and across the country.
opinion
Letter: Why I’m an animal rights activist
"And yet, in this mix of 'afflictions' is also optimism and joy in the awareness that the tide is rapidly turning worldwide — often led by the younger generations —…Letter: Vegan picture doesn’t match experience
"Being a vegan, I naturally know many vegans and vegetarians, and these people are peaceful [and] healthy, and love both animals and people."Letter: Give the gift of reading (and choose WNC authors)
"Western North Carolina is fortunate to have talented authors who write for children and young adults. Buying a local author’s book is good for the local economy and good for…
