News

LOCAL BRIEFS: BRCC art, Saluda Grade Trail, NHHS woodworkers, 'Walk'n'Roll' on Ecusta Trail

Blue Ridge Community College’s annual student art showcase opens Friday, May 8, with a reception from 5:30-7 p.m.

By Bill Moss, Published: April 16, 2026

BRCC student art show opens May 8

Blue Ridge Community College’s annual student art showcase opens Friday, May 8, with a reception from 5:30-7 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. A staple of the college’s arts program since the late 2000s, the show has grown to nearly 20 exhibitions over the years.

This year’s showcase will feature student work spanning photography, drawing, 2D and 3D design, painting and figure drawing, along with art appreciation projects. In a special addition, instructor Rachel Vera partnered with local high schools through the Arts Council of Henderson County to co-teach classes and lead workshops — and artwork from those sessions will be included in the show.

Instructor Aaron Bernard says the show is often the first time they’ve presented their art publicly.

“It’s a meaningful experience,” Bernard said. “They can list show participation or awards on college and program applications. Seeing their pieces hung professionally always inspires the students as well. It makes the work become all the more real.”

The public is encouraged to attend.

“The work speaks for itself,” Bernard said. “We have as much talent here in Western North Carolina as anywhere else.”

Learn about Saluda Grade Trail next week

The public is invited to learn more about the Saluda Grade Trail, the rail-to-trail from Inman, S.C., to Saluda, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Polk County High School Auditorium in Columbus.

The project has been in the planning phase since the acquisition of the rail corridor last June. The forum will give residents, stakeholders and community leaders along the corridor a chance to learn about progress and stay engaged as planning moves forward.

The Saluda Grade Trail is being developed by Hendersonville-based  Conserving Carolina and PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well in South Carolina.

“Conserving Carolina and PAL have been working together to make sure this project is shaped by the communities it will serve,” said Summer Flynn, Conserving Carolina’s Saluda Grade Trail manager. “The April 23 forum is an opportunity to share what we’ve heard, where we’re headed and how people can continue to be part of the process.”

Attendees can connect with trail representatives and project partners, learn about community benefits and regional impacts, and hear updates on project status and next steps.

Young carpenters first in 'Pawrade of Homes'

A carpentry team from North Henderson High School was awarded first place and a $400 prize in the inaugural “Pawrade of Homes,” a workforce development initiative of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Students designed and built doghouses that debuted during the WNC Build & Remodel Expo, held March 21-22 at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center.

Enka High School placed second, receiving $200, and T.C. Roberson High School won third place and a $100 check. North Henderson also led all participants in raffle ticket sales, earning a tile saw donated by iQ Power Tools.

Other participating teams were from Asheville High School, West Henderson High School, East Henderson High School, A.C. Reynolds High School, Charles D. Owen High School, Clyde A. Erwin High School and North Buncombe High School.

North Henderson’s  winning project was a collaborative effort led by instructor George Mraz and his Woodworking II class. Thirteen students participated in the build, working from initial design concepts through final construction. After reviewing specifications from BABRM, each student submitted a design idea; the class selected a final concept by group vote, developed construction plans and worked together to build the structure. Students were organized into teams responsible for framing, roofing, windows and trim.

“The students enjoyed working on the project as it was a break from our regular curriculum, gave them a chance to work outside, and involved on-the-fly decision-making as we encountered various unexpected situations,” Mraz said. “Overall, it was a great experience.”

Organized in partnership with the association’s workforce development committee, the program featured doghouses built by students from 10 high schools across Buncombe and Henderson counties. The structures were displayed during the expo, where attendees and industry professionals could view the work and participate in a raffle supporting participating school programs.

The designs reflected a wide range of creativity, from a bright red, Snoopy-inspired doghouse with hand-painted characters to a home with orange trim and floral accents. Others featured Craftsman-style details, clean lines and thoughtful finishes that mirrored full-scale residential design.

Main2Main 'Walk & Roll' is Sunday

Walkers, joggers, rollers and bicyclists are invited to take part in the Main2Main “Walk & Roll” event on Sunday, April 19, supporting the Ecusta Trail.

Money raised from Main2Main will support the work of Friends of Ecusta Trail as it continues to build momentum for the trail’s completion and long-term stewardship.

Starting at 9 a.m. at the Henderson County Welcome Center, the first official community event on the trail features a 1-mile, 5K and full 12-mile out-and-back experience and ends with a community celebration hosted by brewery partner Booda’s Brewing Co. Registration is $61.13 ($25 for kids 12 and under). To sign up visit ecustatrail.org. Participants will receive:

• Custom bib for identification and bragging rights
• One complimentary beer ticket (age 21+)
• Friends of Ecusta Trail sticker
• Swag bag of free goodies from event partners
• Free entry to the “Finish Line Party” at Booda’s Brewing Co. from 11 a.m.  to 4 p.m.