WNC Staff
WNC Staff
Aug 2015
UNC Asheville students document life 100 years ago, when the United States was on the brink of war
Aug 2015
Throughout Western North Carolina sit dozens of public schools abandoned by time, consolidation, and changing demographics. In their heyday, they were community epicenters and veritable second homes for thousands of students. Today, some are boarded up, while others await imminent demolition and replacement by new state-of-the-art facilities. But there are also a handful of old schoolhouses tucked away in various corners of the mountains that have found new purpose as community centers, concert venues, historical beacons, and artists’ studios. Here’s a look at the past and present of eight of them.
Aug 2015
Throughout Western North Carolina sit dozens of public schools abandoned by time, consolidation, and changing demographics. In their heyday, they were community epicenters and veritable second homes for thousands of students. Today, some are boarded up, while others await imminent demolition and replacement by new state-of-the-art facilities. But there are also a handful of old schoolhouses tucked away in various corners of the mountains that have found new purpose as community centers, concert venues, historical beacons, and artists’ studios. Here’s a look at the past and present of eight of them.
Aug 2015
Hugging the banks of the North Toe River, surrounded by blue-tinged mountains, the rural Mitchell County town of Spruce Pine holds a rich history, one with tales of trains and commerce, a hoard of minerals, and a nationally recognized theater. After falling in love with the community and learning of its heritage, Boone-based events planner Elizabeth Hempfling decided to pay homage. “I wanted to do something that portrayed love, but wanted it to be unique and to mean something,” she says.
Hempfling staged a photo project that offers period recreations of Spruce Pine’s past, from the early 1900s to the 1950s, as well as snapshots of the thriving community today. In all, some 30 local residents pooled resources and time to stage, style, and snap pictures over four days. The result is a nostalgic portrayal of the town’s story, told with passion and reverence.
Jul 2015
A Cullowhee artist creates narrative jewelry that touches the spaces within
Jul 2015
Forty years after Elvis rocked Asheville, the city’s still all shook up about it
Jul 2015
The first full documentary on Nina Simone shows how she carried her talent, and rage, from Tryon to the world stage
Jul 2015
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center welcomes its first official director
Jul 2015
While remaining true to its past, the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts never stops exploring the reaches of contemporary art
Jul 2015
The region’s first pawpaw orchard delivers a Southern delicacy to local dinner tables
Jul 2015
Whether or not they fight for the title in the WNC Battle of the Burger, these joints are worth a visit
Apr 2015
24 must-do experiences await! Hit the road this summer for thrills, beauty, history, and local flavor in every county across Western North Carolina
Apr 2015
Three friends take on the arduous challenge of running the highest mountain range in the East in a single day
Apr 2015
Bike parts maker Cane Creek Cycling Components keeps
manufacturing on track in the mountains
Apr 2015
Specialty plates already raise funds for natural areas, and two new ones could help protect species of native fish
Apr 2015
Combine ease, adventure, and the great outdoors with these glamping opportunities
