Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Community Center

Historic former city hall transformed into multifunction arts venue—galleries, studios, theater—for rehearsals, events, and community rentals.

Public gallery shows (painting, sculpture, ceramics, photo), plus concerts, theater, readings, films, youth camps, “Art in Bloom,” and annual auction events.

Community-driven roles like gallery transitions, event setup, docent guiding, stage support, and garden assistance.

Art Center

Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus welcomes singers of all levels! Learn breathing, sight-reading, dynamics, and blending while exploring various musical styles. Free to join. Wednesdays 10:30 AM–12 PM at BMCA.

BMCA offers private music lessons for all ages and abilities. Learn voice, piano, guitar, harp, violin, bass, and more with skilled local instructors. Lessons focus on technique, creativity, and musical growth, tailored to each student’s goals and interests.

JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) teaches students 8–17 traditional mountain music on fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Classes focus on songs, dances, and games, guided by professional musicians in a fun, engaging environment. Instrument rentals available; waitlist open.

BMCA Dance offers classes for all ages and levels, from toddlers to adults. Explore ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, and inclusive MoveAbility sessions in a welcoming, supportive space. Build skills, confidence, and creativity while connecting with a vibrant dance community.

BMCA Clay Studio offers pottery classes, private lessons, and an Independent Study program for all skill levels. Explore wheel throwing, handbuilding, and glazing in a fully equipped studio. Six-week sessions, workshops, and Open Studio access help you grow your skills and creativity.

Experience live theater at BMCA! Our stage hosts plays for all ages, from classic dramas to modern comedies. Enjoy professional productions, local talent, and engaging stories that inspire, entertain, and connect our community through the magic of live performance.

BMCA hosts a diverse lineup of concerts, featuring genres from Americana and folk to classical and jazz. Recent performances include Anya Hinkle with Chris Rosser and Jake Wolf, and the Soluna String Quartet. These events showcase both emerging and established artists in an intimate setting

BMCA's monthly gallery exhibits showcase a diverse array of regional and emerging artists, featuring various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and ceramics. These rotating exhibitions provide a dynamic platform for local talent and are open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 AM

BMCA offers private music lessons for all ages and skill levels in various instruments, including voice, guitar, bass, violin, harp, and more. Lessons are taught by experienced local instructors and are scheduled directly with them. Flexible payment options are available.

BMCA offers a diverse range of workshops in art, music, dance, writing, and more, led by skilled instructors. These sessions cater to all ages and skill levels, providing opportunities to explore new creative avenues, develop techniques, and engage with the community in a supportive environment.

BMCA's special events showcase the vibrant arts scene of Black Mountain. From gallery openings and theatrical productions to community celebrations and music festivals, these events highlight local talent and foster cultural connections. They provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engag

Art School

Adult art classes for all levels! Learn drawing, painting, color, and design in a step-by-step process tailored to you. Explore many mediums and subjects, from landscapes to portraits, and showcase your work in our annual Emerging Artists exhibit.

Learn about some of the best art exhibitions of 2025. Each Artful Journey program will begin with a delightful morning drink and homemade pastry followed by an inspiring lecture and discussion with art historian and curator Julianna Caro.

Join Stephanie Nov. 15, 10am-2pm, for a holiday printmaking workshop! Design, carve, and print your own festive cards. Perfect for beginners or those with experience, this hands-on session includes supplies and guides you in creating unique, handmade holiday art. $80.

Dance School

Individualized Instruction: Tailored one-on-one sessions in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more.

A joyful, pay-what-you-can class for kids of all abilities to explore movement, music, and expression. Includes warm-ups, creative games, and dancing solo, with partners, or in groups. Mondays 5:30–6:15 PM.

Inclusive, pay-what-you-can class for teens & adults of all abilities. Gentle warm-ups, creative movement, and group dances build confidence and joy. Mondays 6:15–7:00 PM.

Beginner tap for kids to explore rhythm, music, and movement. Learn tap basics, coordination, and storytelling through fun activities. Tuesdays 4:00–4:45 PM. Tap shoes required.

For dancers with some experience (beginners welcome!). Build precision, rhythm, and musicality through tap technique and choreography. Tuesdays 4:45–5:45 PM. Tap shoes required.

A welcoming drop-in class for adults new to tap. Learn rhythm, footwork, and Broadway-inspired moves in a supportive, fun space. Tuesdays 6:00–7:00 PM.

Explore modern, jazz, and lyrical styles in a creative, supportive class. Build technique, expression, and confidence through choreography and improvisation. Wednesdays 5:30–6:30 PM.

A welcoming open-level class focusing on posture, strength, and grace. Enjoy barre and center work in a supportive, body-positive space. Wednesdays 6:30–7:30 PM.

Creative dance class building coordination, imagination, and musicality through playful themes and movement games. Thursdays 3:00–3:30 PM.

A fun 15-min add-on for KIM dancers. Learn tap basics to build rhythm, confidence, and musicality. Tap shoes required. Thursdays 3:30–3:45 PM.

A playful class blending ballet, jazz, and lyrical basics. Builds coordination, listening skills, and creativity with themed lessons. Thursdays 3:45–4:30 PM.

A fun fusion of contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz. Kids learn technique, floorwork, and choreography while building confidence and creativity. Thursdays 4:30–5:15 PM.

For dancers with some experience (beginners 11+ welcome). Build strength, flexibility, and artistry through contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. Thursdays 5:15–6:15 PM.

An advanced teen class blending contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz. Focuses on technique, conditioning, artistry, and improvisation. Thursdays 6:45–7:45 PM.

Performance team for committed dancers enrolled in ballet or contemporary. Learn choreography, build skills, and perform at community events. Thursdays 6:15–6:45 PM.

Bond through playful dance, music, and movement with your toddler. A joyful intro to rhythm, coordination, and creativity. Saturdays 9:00–9:30 AM.

A fun intro to ballet foundations through themed lessons. Builds coordination, balance, flexibility, and musicality. Saturdays 9:30–10:15 AM.

Beginner ballet with barre, center work, and storytelling themes. Develops strength, posture, and creativity in a supportive setting. Saturdays 10:15–11:00 AM.

For ballet students building strength for pointe. Focus on ankle, core, and foot conditioning. Requires theraband (yoga mat suggested). Saturdays 11:00–11:30 AM.

Intermediate ballet with barre, center, turns, leaps, and conditioning. Expands technique, strength, and artistry in a supportive space. Saturdays 11:30–12:30 PM.

Gentle tap & jazz class supporting balance, brain health, and joy. Dance seated, standing, or with support in a welcoming, body-positive space. Tuesdays 10:00–11:00 AM.

Pottery Classes

Hands-on 6-week pottery sessions include studio tools, firing, glazes, and clay; plus options for independent study and private/group lessons.

Adult Education School

BMCA Clay Studio offers pottery classes, private lessons, and an Independent Study program for all skill levels. Explore wheel throwing, handbuilding, and glazing in a fully equipped studio. Six-week sessions, workshops, and Open Studio access help you grow your skills and creativity.

Explore modern, jazz, and lyrical styles in a creative, supportive class. Build technique, expression, and confidence through choreography and improvisation. Wednesdays 5:30–6:30 PM.

A welcoming open-level class focusing on posture, strength, and grace. Enjoy barre and center work in a supportive, body-positive space. Wednesdays 6:30–7:30 PM.

A welcoming drop-in class for adults new to tap. Learn rhythm, footwork, and Broadway-inspired moves in a supportive, fun space. Tuesdays 6:00–7:00 PM.

Join Lawrence Knorr, founder of Sunbury Press, for a Nov. 8 presentation on book publishing. Learn tips for authors, explore the latest in the trade, and hear about their new Lucky Shoe Press imprint highlighting Southern Appalachian history and culture. $25.