Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Asheville Drag “BOO-runch” Fundraiser for Open Hearts Art Center
Eat, Drink, and Be Scary!
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – September 4, 2026 – Asheville Drag Brunch is serving up a frightfully fabulous BOO-runch on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Banks Ave. Bar. Shows are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with a sinfully delicious brunch catered by Biscuit Head. Proceeds benefit Open Hearts Art Center. Tickets start at $25, include brunch, and are available at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Ages 21 and up.
Voted Best of WNC once again, this Halloween-themed BOO-Runch is hosted by the bewitching Nova, with spellbinding performances by Jasmine Summers, Josie Glamoure, and Milo Mawile. Guests can expect killer looks, wickedly entertaining performances, and more Halloween spirit than one brunch should legally be allowed to summon. Costumes are encouraged, and seats will vanish faster than a ghost at sunrise.
Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501(c)3. For more information and tickets visit www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.
About Asheville Drag Brunch
Asheville Drag Brunch is produced by the nonprofit organization Bearded Lady Productions. Asheville Drag Brunch raises funds for other local nonprofits who promote acceptance, equity, and the welfare of Asheville’s community members. Recognized as Best of WNC: Best Drag Performer/Group year after year, Asheville Drag Brunch continues to unite entertainment and activism for a cause. Find out more at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.
About Open Hearts Art Center
The mission of Open Hearts Art Center is to empower adults with disabilities to discover and reach their full potential through the arts. They are a non-profit, fully equipped art studio and gallery in downtown Asheville, NC. Their team of professional artists and seasoned caregivers support and encourage their artists to reflect on their personal story as inspiration for their creative work. Find out more at: https://www.openheartsartcenter.org/.
A Paper-Flower Making Workshop with Angela Modzelewski
Join us Saturday, Oct 3rd from 1-3pm for WILDFLOWER WONDER: A Paper-Flower Making Workshop with Angela Modzelewski, MA, ATR-P, LPC-A of @wildartscreativecounseling
This workshop combines mindfulness with hands-on paper crafting to help you celebrate your own personal sources of joy and wonder. During this session we will slow down, pause, and reflect on micro-moments of wonder we’ve each experienced. After translating those experiences onto hand-painted paper, we will craft our own bouquets of wildflowers as sweet reminders to embrace the small wonders of daily life.
All materials provided
No prior art experience needed
Pay-What-You-Can pricing (Suggested $35/person)
Spaces are limited! To officially reserve your spot, please email info@openheartsartcenter.org
Open Hearts Art Center | 217 Coxe Ave
The Neurologues II
UnLabelMe Presents UnLabel NeuroDiversity: The Neurologues II in collaboration with two extraordinary Asheville nonprofits: the Open Hearts Art Center and Arms Around ASD.
We were elated by the response to our initial production of The Neurologues in October, a sold-out show that left audience members deeply moved and inspired, and others who could not get in urging us to “please do this again.” Well, here we are, thrilled to be creating The Neurologues II, two powerful shows with casts that feature an array of new, dynamic Storytellers who will surely entertain AND elevate you.
The Neurologues are a series of individual, deeply personal monologues about the vast spectrum of NeuroDiversity. From people whose identities and lives are deeply shaped by labels and diagnoses, to parents, caregivers, teachers, friends who have compelling stories to tell. We all know the power of storytelling, and there’s no form of it that finds its way inside of us, or is more powerful, than live, heart-opening stories that open perspective and foster more empathy, compassion and human connectivity.
There are two showings Saturday Sept. 5th at 7pm and Sunday Sept. 6th at 2pm
Tickets are $25, get them at the link below:
Greatest Hits: Studio Edition Gallery Show
We’re excited to invite you to the opening of our newest Open Hearts Art Center exhibit: 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙞𝙩𝙨: 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 on Thursday, September 3rd from 4–7 PM!
Inspired by music, rhythm, and all the creative energy that fills our studios, this collection features music-inspired works by our incredible OHAC artists.
Join us for opening night at 217 Coxe Ave for an evening of art, refreshments, light bites, and community! The exhibit will remain on display through November, so there will be plenty of time to come see the show.
We can’t wait to share our latest GREATEST HITS with you!
The Art of Letting Go With Alcohol Inks With Angela Modzelewski MA, ATR-P, LPC-A
The Art of Letting Go with Alcohol Inks
With Angela Modzelewski MA, ATR-P, LPC-A
SATURDAY AUG 22ND 2026. 1-3pm at Open Hearts Art Center
Are you holding onto a situation, an expectation, or a feeling that you’re ready to release? Join us for "The Art of Letting Go," a creative workshop designed to help you release what you cannot control and make space for peace.
Through guided meditation and a unique art process—using breath to move alcohol ink in ways that surprise and delight—we will explore the gentle, powerful practice of "letting be." This is a safe, compassionate space to acknowledge what you’re carrying and discover the freedom that comes when you stop trying to control the outcome.
Come create with us and embrace the unexpected. You will leave with a ceramic coaster or two that is uniquely your own.
No art experience is required, just curiosity. Ages 12+. All materials are provided.
Suggested donation: $25
TO SIGN UP PLEASE EMAIL INFO@OPENHEARTSARTCENTER.ORG
Facilitator Bio: Angela Modzelewski, ATR-P and LPC-A, integrates art-making with mindfulness and nature-based approaches to foster growth through creative expression. Her therapeutic art workshops support personal well-being, resilience, and reflection.
Disability Pride Parade
Join us for our Second Annual Disability Pride Parade! See the posters below for the parade route and details about the events!
Dwelling In Color
Please join us on Thursday, April 30th at the Open Hearts Gallery (217 Coxe Ave) for our next showcase, “Dwelling In Color.”
Our artists and staff have been hard at work in the studio creating a vibrant collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, all centered around the theme of home and what it means to truly dwell. This special exhibit will feature earrings, ceramic lamps, vases, cards, handpainted furniture, and original artwork, each piece crafted with care and creativity.
Whether you’re looking for something meaningful for your space or the perfect, heartfelt Mother’s Day gift, this is a beautiful opportunity to support local artists and take home something truly unique.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Quilt Auction
Welcome to our Quilt Auction!
This one‑of‑a‑kind quilt is filled with the spirit and creativity of our Open Hearts artists. Each square was lovingly hand‑dyed using an ice‑dyeing technique they learned through our beautiful collaboration with Local Cloth, resulting in colors and patterns as unique as the artists themselves. Lightly batted for softness and ease, this quilt is perfect for hanging as a meaningful piece of art or draping over a bed or couch to bring warmth, color, and heart into any space.
Your bids & participation means more than you know, it keeps our mission thriving and reminds our artists that their work is valued and celebrated. Artists receive 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this quilt.
You can place your bid by clicking the link at the bottom or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to make a general donation. Either way, we’re so happy you found your way here and are supporting our artists and our mission.
Bidding begins on Sunday April 26th at 8am and ends May 3rd at 8pm
Annual Talent Show: "Life's A Beach"
Open Hearts Art Center invites the community to its annual Talent Show, “Life’s a Beach,” on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8pm PM at The Event Center at Highland Brewing, located at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville.
🕓 Doors open at 4:00 PM
🌊 Show starts promptly at 5:00 PM
Step into a joyful, inclusive celebration as our performers bring coastal vibes to the stage through music, dance, and visual performance. Perfect for families and friends, this uplifting evening is packed with fun, energy, and heart.
🌭 Food trucks will be available outside the venue. Stop by Bigfoot Long’s to try their special Open Hearts beach-themed hotdog. Please note: no outside food is allowed inside the venue.
🎟 Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out!
☀️ Raffle: We’re excited to share what’s in the raffle this year! It’s a real good one and includes a variety of amazing items/experiences from:
• Stillpoint Wellness
• Foggy Mountain Brew Pub
• The Med Asheville
• Wheelhouse Asheville
• Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.
• Asheville Yards
• My Body of Art
• Solita Designs
• Breakout Asheville
• Strada Italiano
☀️ ️ HUGE THANK YOU to our generous sponsors and donors: Pitts, Hay & Hugenschmidt Law Firm; Randy & Donna Weast; Don & Frani Olson; Stillpoint Wellness; Highland Brewing; Mellow Mushroom Asheville; and Pie.Zaa.
To stay the most up-to-date on all things Open Hearts/ Talent Show, please follow up on Instagram and Facebook at @openheartsartcenter
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE! ⛱️
New Year Nature Mandala Workshop
NEW YEAR NATURE MANDALA WORKSHOP
Welcome the new year with intention, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
In this 2-hour art therapy workshop, we’ll begin with a meditation and go outdoors for a mindful nature walk, gathering fallen leaves, petals, seeds, and other small offerings.
With these gathered pieces, you’ll create your own nature collage or mandala. Click below to learn more and sign up!
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that encourages people to give back through donations, acts of kindness, or volunteerism.
Please consider donating to Open Hearts Art Center.
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Holiday Market Interest Form
If you are interested in being a part of our Holiday Market this year, please fill out the following form. Please include Holiday Market Vendor Application-Your Name in the subject line. Attach any information about the products you will be selling (size, medium, quantity, etc.) and please include images of some of the products as well.
Private
Studio Rental
Our gallery and studio space are wonderful for all kinds of events.
