1) Avery County Chamber Small Business Expo April 15
The annual Avery County Chamber Business Expo returns to the Rock Gym (Avery County Parks and Recreation building located on Shady Street) in downtown Newland on Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Whether you are operating a small business, home based business or are seeking members for your organizations growth, this is an outstanding opportunity for Chamber members and businesses in the community to showcase and promote their business services and products, while networking and discovering new resources for the growth of your business. This free admission expo, open to the general public, will offer media exposure for your business or organization to others seeking your services. Classes will be held during the day on social media, Pinterest, Constant Contact an the new Chamber interactive database where members can take control of their own marketing needs. For a nominal fee of just $30 for Avery Chamber members and $35 for nonmembers, your business will get a jump start on the spring and summer season in the High Country. The Avery Chamber will supply the tables, chairs, power if needed so grab your display and join us for a day of networking, giveaways and media promotion. The Business Expo is sponsored by the Avery Journal News, Avery Job Link, Mayland Small Business and High Country Radio. Call the Avery Chamber to reserve your space at 828-898-5605.
2) Needlework Class at Harrill Senior Center in Boone
We are now accepting registration for a new session of needlework class. Classes will meet at the Harrill Senior Center each Thursday from 1-4 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 17. The instructor is Marianne Evans and the charge for the 12-week session is $38. Instruction will be available in knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, cross-stitch and hardanger. Class size is limited. Any age may attend but priority is given to persons age 60 and older. The deadline for registration is 12:30 p.m. on the first day of class. Please call the senior center at 828-265-8090 for more information.
3) Nature Photography Weekend Registration Opens April 1
Online registration begins April 1 for Grandfather Mountain’s annual Nature Photography Weekend, a stimulating workshop for photographers planned for May 30-June 1. The annual event features presentations from five renowned photographers, spectacular shooting opportunities on the Mountain and a friendly but competitive photo contest.
The 2014 speakers are:
– Gene Furr – Retired photojournalist for The News & Observer and recipient of more than 200 photography awards.
– John Isaac – Retired United Nations photographer, world traveler and author of numerous photography books.
– Jim Ruff – Award-winning nature and landscape photographer and former engineer and educator.
– Les Saucier – Professional photographer and creator of the Flowerpod and Macro Flashlight, two innovative tools for macro photographers.
– Tony Sweet – Former jazz musician and professional magician turned photographer, author of five books on the art of photography.
These presenters will speak on a range of topics during sessions in the afternoons and evenings, allowing participants to explore Grandfather Mountain and take their own shots during the day. Opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography also will be offered. Participants are invited to camp free at the Woods Walk Picnic Area during the weekend, taking advantage of one of few opportunities to stay overnight inside the attraction. Admission to Nature Photography Weekend is $115 and covers three-day park admission, Saturday evening meal, entry to all presentations and a flash drive for submitting contest entries. Family members and guests of participants may visit the Mountain at a discounted rate during the weekend if registered ahead of time. Online registration begins at midnight (12 a.m.) April 1 at www.grandfather.com. Photographers should act fast — the event usually fills within a matter of days. For more information and description of speakers and their presentation topics, visit grandfather.com/events/nature-photography-weekend-2/ or call (828) 733-2013. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest and participate in educational research activities. For more information, call 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.
4) Art Critic and Lecturer Eleanor Heartney Lectures March 28
The Smith Gallery at Appalachian State University will present a lecture by art critic and author Eleanor Heartney on Friday, March 28 at 4 p.m. in Room 114 of Belk Library and Information Commons. The lecture, “Art Today: Tales of Plastic Surgery, Genetically Altered Rabbits and Other Acts of Art,” is free and open to the public. Heartney is a critic and author based in New York City. She is a contributing editor to Art in America and Artpress and has written extensively on contemporary art issues for publications such as Artnews, Art and Auction, The New Art Examiner, The Washington Post and The New York Times. In her talk, she will present and dissect works by contemporary artists including a group of younger women artists and the issues that their work raises. She will also show the audience items that are labeled art today and discuss what they tell us about the definition and meaning of art. The Smith Gallery, formerly the Catherine J. Smith Gallery, is in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at Appalachian. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-7338 or visit www.art.appstate.edu/cjs.
5) Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band at Legends April 10
On Thursday, April 10, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band will play live at Legends at Appalachian State University. Doors are at 9 p.m. and tickets are $7 for ASU students in advance and $10 at the door and for guests. Funk has a new spokes band, and that band is Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band. Known for their raucous live shows and outrageous stage wear, the Booty Band’s sound is a mix of deep funk, high energy rock, plus a little old school rap and soul thrown in for good measure.