Leaf Global Arts

10/22/2026

LEAF Schools & Streets and International Reunion Recap:
Visiting teaching artists Adama Dembele (Ivory Coast), Melissa McKinney (USA), Masankho (Malawi), Los Vega (México), The Rising Stars Fife & Drum (Mississippi, USA), and El Khat (Yemen) came to Buncombe County and led cultural exchanges with more than 490 local youth. From the Son Jarocho rhythms of Mexico, to storytelling from Malawi, to the traditions of blues and roots music - each artist highlighted cultural preservation and the power of each artist highlighted cultural preservation and the power of arts education to build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the traditions that shape our communities.
“The curiosity of the youth and their excitement to learn about our culture reinforced the importance of this work.” Los Vega

The Impact: 491 youth served through Visiting Teaching Artists Residencies this October.

09/15/2026

09/02/2026

We’re excited to share that Leaf Global Arts has found a new home here at Camp Grier.

Since 1952, Camp Grier has created opportunities for young people and families to connect, grow and thrive. As we continue working toward a stronger, more vibrant future for Western North Carolina, we believe arts education, cultural exchange and global connection are essential to the success of our kids and our communities.

Leaf joins a growing family of Camp Grier programs and initiatives, including WORX Project, Grier Village, Tanawha Adventures, G5 Trail Collective, Pisgah Productions and, of course, the summer camp and outdoor programming that have been at the heart of our Old Fort campus for generations.

We are committed to keeping Leaf Schools & Streets, Leaf International and arts-focused summer camp programming alive and well, and have already welcomed key members of the Leaf Global Arts team to our staff to help ensure continuity in core programming and support a smooth transition.

We know that this news will bring much curiosity and excitement. We ask for your grace in responding to your questions as we finalize the details. Over the coming months, we will continue to explore what it means to bring our two worlds together and share with you all our vision to build an even brighter future for Western North Carolina.

But for now, welcome to the family, Leaf

08/20/2026

08/06/2026

Only a handful of spots remain!

This Summer at Leaf has been one for the books!

You still have a chance to join in on the fun August 10-14 for our final week of summer camp themed around songwriting and poetry.
Space is extremely limited, so register today at https://www.theleaf.org/camps

Camp Details
Ages: Rising 1st grade through age 12
Location: LEAF Global Arts | 19 Eagle Street #120, Downtown Asheville
Drop-off: 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Monday- Thursday Pick-up: 3:00 PM (sharp) - Extended Day option available for additional fee
Friday Pick-up: 12:00 PM after the Parent Showcase

Photo Credit: Steve Atkins Photography

08/05/2026

📣 Hey Asheville! If you haven't dropped in, you're missing out! 📣

Everyone is welcome in our community. From classes and concert to Summer Camp and Songwriting, Leaf is here to connect you with other creatives in the Asheville community. Mark your calendars, or better yet, register today! (Psst, we've included the link below) 😉

AUGUST: ways to engage with Leaf this month | https://www.theleaf.org/calendar

WEEKLY OFFERINGS ($10)
• Doundou Stick Drum Class w/ Adama MONDAYS | 5–6PM |
• Let's Sing w/ Daniela Risquez MONDAYS | 6–7PM |
• Songwriting Workshop w/ Derian Blane TUESDAYS | 4:30-5:30PM |
• Let's Dance Bollywood w/ Utkarshika Baidya SATURDAYS | 10:30–11:30AM |
• YALA Cultural Tours and West African Drumming SATURDAYS | 12–2PM | (suggested donation $10)

EVENTS
• The Gayest Show on Earth SAT. AUGUST 15 | 6PM |
• Live @ Leaf: Songwriter Series WED. AUGUST 19 | 7-9PM |
• Parents Night Out: Moana @ Leaf Global Arts FRI. AUGUST 28 | 6-9PM |

Branch out with Leaf this month and join our flourishing community of creatives. See you there!

📍 LEAF Downtown | 19 Eagle St, Asheville
🔗 theLeaf.org

08/05/2026

Sundays don't have to be all laundry and meal prep - join us at Oak & Grist Distillery for live music, food, and fun!

What: Afternoon Tunes @ Oak & Grist, FREE!
When: Sunday, August 9 | 3-5PM |
Where: Oak and Grist Distilling Company, 1556 Grovestone Road Black Mountain
Who: Emeline Scales

About the artist:

Emeline Scales is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Asheville, NC. Raised in Appalachia and surrounded by bluegrass, Emeline held true to her traditional roots while growing new, funky branches, beautifully weaving the past with the present with songs that are unapologetic, earnest, and witty. From tentative talent show performances to accompanying her dad at the Montford Music and Arts Festival, Emeline took every opportunity to take the stage. Now, at 24, with an album and EP released and more music on the way, Emeline is ready to be heard at full volume.

Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

08/04/2026

Calling all songwriters (active or aspiring!)

Asheville is filled to the brim with creative people like you.
If songwriting is a creative outlet that interests you, we'd love for you to join us on Tuesdays this month for songwriting workshops with Derian Blane!

This welcoming space offers an opportunity to hone your skills as a musical storyteller.

What: Weekly Songwriting Workshop
Who: All are welcome!
Where: Leaf Downtown | 19 Eagle St, Asheville
When: Every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 PM

08/03/2026

One Night Only: Songwriters, this one is for you! ✨🎵

Share your original songs and the stories behind them in a Songwriting Circle with Sari Jordan TUES. AUGUST 4 | 6:30 PM 9:00 PM |
Leaf Global Arts
📍19 Eagle Street #120, Asheville

6:30 PM - Doors
7PM - Sari Jordan
7:30 PM - Open Circle

$10-15 Suggested Donation

Learn More: https://www.theleaf.org/calendar/songwriter-circle-w-sari-jordan