NEWSPERFORMERS |  FAMILY  |  HEALING  |  HANDCRAFTS  |  CULINARY 

DATES FOR 2024!

LEAF Global Arts RETREAT: May 9-12
LEAF Global Arts Festival: October 17-20

Lodging & Tickets on sale NOW for Retreat!

WORLD CHANGERS: Year of the Artivists
What does World Changing mean to YOU?

In 2024, we celebrate the extraordinary global citizens who not only create art but also champion causes that resonate with the heartbeat of humanity. These are the voices that echo in the halls of change, the hands that paint the canvas of a better tomorrow. Our chosen artists are not just masters of their craft; they are beacons of hope, tirelessly advocating for a world where justice, peace, and creativity flourish.

Our journey with World Changers is more than just an exhibition of talent; it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on the role we can play in shaping our world. As we delve into the lives and works of these remarkable individuals, let us be inspired to become active participants in the story of our global community.

Join us at LEAF Global Arts as we celebrate these trailblazers who dare to dream and act for a world that uplifts every voice, honors every story, and cherishes every life. Together, let’s continue this season of learning, growing, and transforming the world, one song, one story, one step at a time.”
— Otto Vazquez, LEAF Performing Arts Coordinator

 

Artist Sir Tom Foolery (Tommy Lee) created the artwork to guide the spirit of Retreat and inspire us. “This piece is called ‘Dear Momma,’ inspired by 2Pac’s song,” he explains. “To me, she is the embodiment of renaissance. There are so many women who are not only world changers, but give birth to world changers every day. I created this image while driving through the mountains going into the city. One Love Spirit!”

LEAF World Changer Poster May 2024

LEAF Global Arts RETREAT Performing Artists
(more artists, workshops, panels & inspiring moments tba)

David LaMotte

world-changing folk music

Danza Azteca Chichimeca

Aztec drummers, musicians and dancers will bring scared rituals to the stage! A must-experience!

Caña Dulce y Caña Brava

Son Jarocho - Mexican regional folk music

Natu Camara

West African folk fusion

Chinobay of Uganda

Ugandan music, dance, and culture

Adama Dembele of Ivory Coast

LEAF Schools & Streets Master Teaching Artist & Ivory Coast Culture Keeper graces LEAF with his immaculate rhythm!

Asheville Jazz Orchestra

An 18 member Jazz orchestra will take you on a sound excursion through time!

LEAF International Ivory Coast

West African drumming and dance

Ménage

All fabulous female trio of soulful Blues and Americana artists that are true LEAF favs!

Dr. Rico

jookin' dance

Andre Lassalle & The Sagittarius Project

soul and funk

Haviken Hayes

Legendary festival and club DJ/Producer from Miami brings his signature blend of Funk music to LEAF.

Asheville Hoops

hula-hoop instruction

Center for Conscious Living and Dying with Dr. Aditi Sethi & Jay Brown

Luna Ray

downtempo yoga

Santos S.O.U.L.

soul-infused rhythm and groove

Grounded

community healing through artistic expression

Elder Roy Harris

This esteemed community leader is one of our amazing Master of Ceremonies!

Sun Soo Martial Arts

Sir Tom Foolery

visual art and mural painting

Tribe of Love & Eagle Condor Council

sacred healing and earth-centered spirituality

Alex Krug

Alex Krug & Blacksmithing

heart-driven rock/Americana and Blacksmithing

EarthShine Nature Programs

environmental conservation education

McKinney

A true powerhouse vocalist and bassist, a LEAF resident teaching artist and daughter to the magnificent Melissa McKinney.

Monika Guerra

Amazing dancer from Miami teaches Salsa & Latin dancing at LEAF!

Zondo of Liberia

West African and Americana folk fusion

Amanda Lucidon

author of 'Chasing Light: Michelle Obama through the Lens of a White House Photographer'

Ronna Dragon

family-oriented songs and storytelling

Swingbillies of Boonetown

Appalachian and international folkfusion

Agustín Palomo Ramos

healing through drums and music

The Wandering Swordsman

padded swordplay

Cathryn The Grateful

minister ofmovement

Beloved Asheville

innovative community solutions

Chief Shaka Zulu & Zulu Connection

West African stilt dancing

Keith Shubert's Toybox Theater

Keith Shubert returns with his hilarious and wildly entertaining puppetry slam to Retreat!

Annie Wenz

multicultural roots music

Doug Orr & The Southern Highlanders

traditional highland music

Flamenco Appalachia

Flamenco dance

Quadre Stuckey

Gullah Geechee culture and art

RAWtools South and Forging for Peace with Scotty Utz

peace forging and blacksmithing for nonviolence

Meet our media partner,
Asheville Multicultural!

This is LEAF Retreat...

An intimate festival — only 1,500 tickets sold!
Super family-friendly
So many magical moments
Workshops, classes, discussions, & more
Healing Arts
Wellness & Healing Arts
Global music & art
Performances that stir the soul
Fostering connections
Inspiring natural beauty

LEAF Retreat, May 2023

Feel the music! Steve Atkins' photos capture the moments

LEAF Retreat, May 2023

More magic! Tia Nicole's photos refresh our LEAF love

LEAF Retreat, May 2023

Unforgettable moments captured by Matt Spence

LEAF Retreat for All Ages

All of LEAF is family friendly with activities spread throughout the magical setting. Watch performances, create, play, discover whimsical puppetry shows, sing, dance, and LEARN! Enjoy children’s crafts, hoop and flow, and play boffer games. Immerse in cultural creative arts in Easel Rider with LEAF teaching artists. Swing in the Jelly Dome. Play sports with a global community.

If you have little ones, Elfhaven Childcare in Buckeye Lodge is a world of wonder and time for parents to go play. 

Healing Arts Workshops & Booths

Massage Therapists|Chiropractic Consult|Workshops | Lectures | Ceremonies | Yoga | Movement Activities | & MORE

Enhance your Retreat experience with a massage or a chiropractic consult. We will have multiple healing artist booths and LMTs providing a variety of modalities including: Ashiastu, Thai, deep tissue, myofascial release, cupping, and more. 

Enhance your LEAF weekend with Healing Arts, Movement, and Earth Skills workshops, all with the intention of helping you flow with whatever comes your way.  Enjoy flow yoga to live music, nature hikes, dance, music workshops, sound healing, meditation, and more. Express your true self without judgement.

We are so grateful for our wonderful  presenters and vendors! Currently we are curating for 2024. TBA in late March.

Handcrafts & Folk Artists

LEAF Love to amazing Artists who artfully inspire the LEAF experience! LEAF Festival’s Juried Handcraft Art Fair exhibits 50+ national & local artisans. More artists coming soon….

drawing | painting | fiber | furniture | glass | jewelry | metal work | mixed media | photography | printmaking | ceramics | apparel | wood

Browse and shop the colorful booths, meet the artists, and visit the Global Interactive Outpost to win artful donations from fabulous artisans at LEAF Art Raffle benefiting LEAF Schools & Streets. Check out & shop these amazing LEAF Festival Handcraft Artists! You can support artists online now and buy gifts at LEAF Retreat & Festival.

Culinary Arts

LEAF Cafe in Eden Hall and various Culinary Booths throughout the festival grounds provide gourmet, international fare from local chefs. All the food is freshly prepared on site, and there is something for almost anyone from vegetarians to BBQ fans. We have a good diversity and long hours to keep everyone happily fed. { Gluten Free & Vegetarian Options Available }

Want to save time & money? Want 5 World-Inspired Meals for $65?

Culinary Food Booths
LEAF Festival hosts various local culinary artists that represent many cultures and cuisine options to make your LEAF life delicious. A few change from time to time; however, many culinary booths are longtime LEAF Traditions. Click on images below to see the various culinary booths throughout the festival. 

Need to revive your festival spirit? Visit their eateries in Asheville area.

Love to All our LEAF Family & Friends

Come see us at LEAF Global Arts Experience in Downtown AVL — Open Year-Round

Celebrating 51 Festivals & Counting!
Connecting Cultures & Creating Community Through World Music & Arts