Friday, March 10, 2020 will mark Asheville’s Fifth Annual Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald Day. For the last four years, the City of Asheville has read a proclamation declaring March 10th a day of remembrance to an artist who spent much of her life in Asheville, and we are planning several events that will be part of this week of celebration that takes place from March 8–14, 2020.
New this year is the Spirit of Zelda Award, which has been established to honor the free and creative vitality of Zelda Fitzgerald who left a lasting mark on the city of Asheville and the world. Zelda’s dedication to the arts were witnessed through her painting, literature and dance.
This *$100 Award* is provided by The Zelda Fitzgerald Day Committee to a woman residing in Western North Carolina who embodies artistic passion while building and strengthening community.
Candidates for this award demonstrate a steadfast determination, utilizing creativity to achieve desired goals. Overcoming barriers i.e.: sexism, racism, financial setbacks, recovery from health issues or addiction, etc. will be given priority. Creative gifts could include: writing poetry or prose; performance art; the visual arts; dance; music; non-profit work; community organizing; gardening or other. A strong candidate is someone who serves her community to help make the world a more compassionate and connected place.
The award is intended to aid in the completion of a current or future project.
“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.”
Zelda Fitzgerald
Celebrate Zelda
On Sunday, March 10, 2019, the City of Asheville will mark Asheville’s Fourth Annual Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald Day, with festivities around town between Saturday, March 9 – Friday, March 15, 2018. The community is invited to CELEBRATE ZELDA’s creative spirit and honor her memory through a week long celebration of the arts!
Second Saturday Art Exhibit at the Wedge, “How Much The Heart Can Hold”, 129 Roberts Street, Second Floor, Asheville, NC 28801. Featuring Artists from Aurora Studio & Gallery and other works, some exploring the life of Zelda Fitzgerald and the 20’s. Dawn Eareckson from Aurora Studio will be demonstrating her “expressionistic art” style in Cindy Walton’s Studio, #2A.
Writings of Zelda Fitzgerald, “How Much The Heart Can Hold” – Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe – 55 Haywood Street, Asheville 28801. Join us for readings by locals Lynnora Bierce, Tom Downing, Maggie Imhoff, Jason Sanford and visiting historian, Carroll McMahan as they read works of Zelda Fitzgerald. ADDITIONALLY Asheville’s own Jim MacKenzie will host a Zelda Trivia Contest (with prizes).
Discussion Bound book group: “Save Me the Waltz” by Zelda Fitzgerald, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood Street, Asheville 28801. Sponsored by the Asheville Art Museum. This monthly discussion sponsored by the Asheville Art Museum is a place to exchange ideas about readings that relate to artworks and the art world, and to learn from and about each other. This month’s program is moderated by Lisa Nanney, professor of American literature, and Kristi McMillan, the Museum’s adult programs manager. Free.
Malady or Motivation, what can Zelda and local artists teach us about trauma and creativity? Lord Auditorium at the Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville 28801. A discussion hosted by Dr. Daniel Johnson MD, who will offer a presentation on the link between creativity and mental illness and recovery, with a panel discussion with local artists.
A ROARING 20’S EVENING at The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market Street, Asheville, 28801. Come decked out in 20’S PERIOD APPAREL, listen to the jazzy sounds of the ALBI & THE LIFTERS, a Trivia Contest hosted by Jim MacKenzie and enjoy a classic Prohibition cocktail. PRIZES will be awarded the FOR BEST COSTUME! Arrive between 6 – 7pm, to enjoy appetizers along with MONIKA GROSS of At-A-Site Theater who will be offering intimate one-to-one readings of Zelda Fitzgerald’s writings. $10 Cover Charge for this Fundraiser – donations will go to Aurora Studio & Gallery.
Events sponsored by the support of The Asheville Art Museum, Aurora Studio & Gallery, Block Off Biltmore, Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe, Pack Memorial Library, The POP Project, Wedge Studios and the CELEBRATE ZELDA COMMITTEE.
Aurora Studio & Gallery 