Lamplight AVL is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focusing on the arts based in Asheville, NC. We support artists by providing space, time, and resources for the creation of innovative art that they share with our community.
Founded by Adam and Emily McDaniel, Lamplight AVL builds on our region’s rich legacy of supporting inventive, original art that bends genres, pushes boundaries, and moves the cultural conversation forward.
Our team includes: Adam McDaniel, President of the Board; Emily McDaniel, Executive Director; J Seger, Vice President of the Board; and Lauren Van Epps, Secretary of the Board.
Founders of Lamplight AVL Adam and Emily McDaniel with their dog Dolly. Photo by Travis Gillett.
The building above houses both Drop of Sun Studios and The Residency at 821. Lamplight AVL runs The Residency at 821 and several other programs that will occur within Drop of Sun Studios. The event pictured here was a public art opening by the Artists in Residence in December, 2023.
Lamplight AVL hosts a series of programs, including residency programs, that provide time, space, and resources to artists who create work and share it with our community in a variety of ways.
Lamplight’s first program, launched in 2022, is The Residency at 821. It allows artists of any discipline to live in our residency space and create new work for periods of up to 28 days. The artists’ use of the space is fully funded by donor contributions. Learn more about The Residency here.
Swannatopia’s Bug Mall
Lamplight AVL hosts mini-residencies for musicians at Drop of Sun Studios in collaboration with DOSed Records, an independent record label emerging from the vibrant community there. Through this collaboration, DOSed supports a curated roster of hand-selected artists by providing exceptional production that is distinctive, collaborative, equitable, transparent, and accessible. Focusing on artist sustainability and community, DOSed is dedicated to amplifying and empowering artists who create unique sounds and offer innovative perspectives.
*Please note: this program is currently FULL and is not accepting applications at this time. If you are interested in this program, please feel free to email emily@lamplightavl.org to be added to our waitlist, but there are no openings available at the moment.
Drop of Sun Studios Live Room
Lamplight AVL is developing a new program in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The program consists of phased support of local artists to ensure their immediate and foundational recovery, with a vision of keeping artists in the Asheville area. More to come soon.
In addition, Lamplight AVL is working to achieve one of our long term goal of partnering with other residency programs to allow the artists who create work in our spaces to bring their art to other communities.
Community Event at The Residency at 821
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Lamplight AVL. We’re so excited about the programming we are creating and the potentially transformative impact it will have for art and artists in Asheville.
If our mission moves you and you would like to support our efforts, you can make a donation to Lamplight AVL through the website’s donate button. Donations can also be made online here. All donations made to Lamplight AVL are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. If you would prefer to send a check, you can address is to Lamplight AVL, 101 Vermont Avenue, Asheville NC 28806. You can also reach out to us at emily@lamplightavl.org to hear more!
The Big Beautiful Crankie Project Show
Lamplight AVL is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that supports the community through engagement with music and the arts.
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