Upcoming Workshops
Explore the exciting world of creative art workshops at BMCA! Our programs are designed to inspire and engage participants of all skill levels. Discover the joy of painting, dance, and more, all while learning from passionate and skilled instructors. Sign up today for our creative art workshops and unlock your creative potential!
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Beginner Adult Ballet: Foundations
Wednesdays, January 14 - February 25
5:30 -6:30pm
Tuition: $85
Discover the beauty and strength of ballet this winter in Adult Ballet: Foundations—perfect for beginners or anyone looking to explore dance in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. This class focuses on basic posture, port de bras, turnout, alignment, and simple combinations, helping you build a strong foundation to move forward in your dance journey. Along the way, you’ll improve core strength, stability, posture, and bone health, all while enjoying a low-impact, mindful workout that nurtures your body, mind, and brain. No prior dance experience is needed—just bring curiosity, energy, and a willingness to move. Step into ballet this winter and enjoy the confidence, focus, and vitality it can bring to your everyday life.
Improve strength, balance, and posture in a fun, beginner-friendly adult ballet class—no experience needed.
Creative Writing Essentials
led by Shelby Wardlaw
Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, & 23
5-6:30pm
Tuition: $150
Do you have a story to tell? Do you scribble ideas down on napkins and notecards? Have you always felt the urge to write, but are unsure how to get started? In this fun and dynamic class, students will learn the essentials of masterful storytelling. Each class will include a craft talk, a mentor text, free writing prompts and time for sharing written work.
By the end of four weeks, you will know:
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How to mine your memories for inspiration
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How to get past mental blocks
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How to build complex, believable characters
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How to tie characters to setting
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How to enhance your plot through an understanding of place
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How to craft catchy dialogue that draws the reader in
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Plus you’ll leave with four weeks’ worth of free writes, prompts, and story ideas to get your
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writing projects going.
Excellent for beginners, intermediate students, or anyone who just needs a focused setting to kick start their creative work.
Shelby Wardlaw is a writer, teacher, and translator. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from
Columbia University and currently teaches in the Writing Program at Rutgers University. Her fiction, non-fiction and Russian poetry translations have appeared in Drafthorse, Interim, Northwest Review, Hunger Mountain, iō Literary Journal, Philadelphia Stories, hex literary, Vassar Review, and the Neon Door Literary Exhibit. In the spring of 2020, she won Honorable mention in the Pigeon Pages Fiction Contest. She was a Finalist for the 2021 Salamander Fiction Prize and the 2021 McGlinn Prize for Fiction and was selected as one of the top five finalists in The Writer magazine’s 2020 Fall Short Story Contest. In 2022, her story “Papaya Erectus” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Praised by The Writer editorial staff as a “stunningly talented writer,” Shelby is now working on her first novel.
AN Artful Journey
Exploring the Best Art Exhibitions of 2026
led by Julianna Caro
Fridays, 10:30am-12pm
Tuition: $25 per lecture
(refreshments included)
Join us for an artful journey to the world’s most exciting art centers: Boston, Denver, London, New York and Charlotte to virtually tour this year’s best museum exhibitions. Each artful journey will begin with a delightful morning drink and snack followed by an inspiring lecture and discussion with art historian and curator Julianna Caro. Together we will enjoy time to visit, connect and learn about current shows featuring artists such as Allan Crite, Camille Passaro, Raphael, Carvaggio, Turner and Constable.
January 30th: Allan Rohan Crite: Urban Glory at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
March 27th: The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism at the Denver Art Museum
April 24th: Raphael: Sublime Poetry and Caravaggio: Revolution
May 22nd: Turner and Constable at Tate Britain, London
Julianna Caro is an art historian, curator, museum educator, and a passionate advocate for wellness and transformative life experiences. Formally an art history professor and Chair of the Art Department at Warren Wilson College, she is the Head of Learning and Engagement at the Asheville Art Museum. Caro has curated exhibitions at the Black Mountain College Museum, the Center for Craft, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Her popular Friday morning lecture series, An Artful Journey, pairs engaging art history lectures with gourmet refreshments and time to socialize. With her company, The Artisan Tour by Julianna, she leads week-long excursions to Italy and local art and food tours. For more about Julianna, visit www.theartisantour.com.
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Grown-Up & Me Dance:
Arctic Animals
Mondays, February 2 - March 9
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Ages 1.5 - 3 with a grown-up
Tuition: $85
Embark on a frosty, fun-filled adventure in Grown-Up & Me Dance: Arctic Animals! This class invites little explorers ages 1.5–3 and their trusted adults to groove, twirl, and wiggle through the magical world of polar bears, penguins, and snowy arctic friends. Children begin to strengthen their gross motor skills, discover rhythm and musicality, spark early language and listening abilities, and gently practice being part of a classroom environment. Every session is a joyful opportunity to bond, move, and imagine side by side, laying the foundation for confidence and creativity in future movement experiences.
Morning Mini Movers:
Arctic Animals
Mondays, February 2 - March 9
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Ages 3 - 5
Tuition: $85
Bundle up for a frosty fun adventure in Morning Mini Movers: Arctic Animals! In this playful winter mini-mester, dancers aged 3–5 will leap like Arctic hares, glide like penguins, and stomp like snow-covered polar bears as they explore dance through an imaginative, snow-themed experience. Each class helps young movers develop coordination, rhythm, focus, and creativity while building confidence in a classroom setting. Along the way, they’ll practice social skills, teamwork, and independence—laying a strong foundation for future dance classes, sports, and all kinds of movement activities.
Valentine's Heart Mosaic Stepping Stones
led by Michelle Bettencourt
Saturday, February 7th • 1:00-4:00pm
Sunday, February 8th • 1:00-3:00pm
Tuition $80 (supplies included)
Ages 12 and up
Ready for some color in your yard? This class will introduce you to the ancient art form of mosaics through the creation of your own, unique heart-shaped mosaic stepping stone. In the first session, you will learn the basics of mosaic design, select and cut/break tessere (ceramic tiles, plates and other materials) and adhere them to your concrete stepping stone. In the second session, you will learn how to grout your piece and will have a number of colors of grout to choose from. After just two sessions you will leave with a beautiful mosaic heart-shaped stepping stone for outdoor use and the knowledge to make mosaics on a number of substrates. See Michelle’s general guidelines and links for mosaics here.
Valentine's Burlesque Class
led by Claire K. Landis
Friday, February 13th • 7:30-9pm
Tuition $25
Ages 16 and up
Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of sparkle, sass, and sophistication this Valentine's season! Join Claire for a sultry Friday night experience where classic burlesque meets modern empowerment.
Whether you're looking to surprise someone special or simply celebrate yourself, this 90-minute workshop will have you feeling confident, sensual, and absolutely radiant. Learn timeless burlesque choreography designed to make you feel incredible in your own skin—no dance experience necessary, just bring your bold energy and willingness to play.
Sip on indulgent bubbly as you master alluring moves, playful gestures, and that unmistakable burlesque confidence. Claire will guide you through a complete routine that's equal parts glamorous and fun, creating the perfect blend of instruction and celebration.
Galentine's Polymer Clay Earrings Workshop
led by Cristy Leonard
Saturday, February 14th • 10am-12:30pm
Tuition $55 (supplies included)
Ages 16 and up
Celebrate friendship and creativity this Galentine's Day at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll create your own pair of unique polymer clay earrings to wear or gift to your favorite gals.
Heads, Hearts, & Hands
In Bloom
A Family Workshop and Experience with Artist Tommy Simpson
Saturday, February 14th • 2-3:30pm
Ages 7 & up with a parent or guardian
$20 per child/adult pair
Additional pairs $10
All supplies included
Parents and children are invited to join artist Tommy Simpson for an afternoon of art and creating together. Each adult/child team will create a beautiful bouquet together. What a fun activity for Valentine’s Day! You’ll also get a chance to engage with Tommy’s exhibition in our Art Gallery and talk to the artist about his whimsical creations.
All supplies will be provided. Children must be at least 7 years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Please register in advance. Space is limited.
Valentine's Ballroom Workshops
led by Justin Chaple
Mondays, February 16th - March 9th
Ballroom 1: 6:30-7:30pm
Ballroom 2: 7:30-8:30pm
Tuition $125 per couple
Ages 16 and up
Ballroom 1 is the perfect way to extend the romance and give your special someone an experience you'll both treasure. Music, dancing, and fun are guaranteed as you and your partner explore the exciting world of Latin and Ballroom dancing. From the smooth elegance of foxtrot and rumba to the infectious rhythms of salsa, merengue, and swing, you'll discover styles that will have you moving with confidence and joy. This 4-week course is designed for beginners—no experience necessary! You'll learn the basics of social dancing and finally be prepared for your next wedding, party, or special event. No more chair dancing for you!
Ballroom 2 is how you keep the sparks flying. Expand your knowledge with more dances, more steps, and more fun as you and your partner deepen your connection on the dance floor.
Because the best relationships keep growing. In this intermediate class, you'll refine the essential elements that make great dancers: style, tempo, hip motion, footwork, and frame. These are the components that will make you confident and skilled on any dance floor, at any venue—turning every wedding, date night, or special occasion into your moment to shine together.
Custom Wedding Dances
Ages 18+
$200 for three 55-minute lessons
Imagine a custom wedding dance to the song and style of your choice. Make a lasting impression for your first dance as newlyweds. You are in good hands with over 25 years of teaching and choreography experience.
Use all three lessons for you and your partner or two for you and one for your friends and family so everybody looks good on the dance floor.
Contact the BMCA office to learn more!
About the Instructor
Originally from San Bernardino, California Justin began dancing at the age of 7. He grew up competing on the east coast and west coast winning national awards along the way. After high school he was a professional dancer for the cruise line industry for 6 years; working for Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. During that time he was dance captain and company manager of up to 16 cast members. Justin performed in shows featuring themes from Las Vegas to Broadway where he traveled the globe. On land, Justin has worked for Arthur Murray International teaching and competing in the genre of ballroom, he was trained by world-winning international Latin and Smooth champions. Justin is certified in tap and jazz through Dance Masters of America. He has choreographed high school and community theatre, judged show choir and dance competitions and most recently he is working with Hickory Community Theatre last season. Justin is currently a doctor of physical therapy and is working towards blending the art and science of human movement.