World-class teaching artists within reach of every young person we serve.
Resident Teaching Artist Programs
A Year-Round Lineup of Local Culture-Bearers
LEAF's growing roster of 16+ year-round Resident Teaching Artists brings cultural arts directly to local youth in Asheville and surrounding areas. Leaf provides opportunities for students to explore a vibrant range of traditions through hands-on workshops, classes, and residencies.
Resident artists are available year-round with opportunities to perform at signature LEAF events.
Pricing & Format
Workshops: 45–60 minutes, $150 - $250 per workshop
Class series: 60–90 minutes, daily or weekly – $125 per class
Residencies: In-school or after-school, 5 days, 1.5–3 hours per day, plus a performance – $800 - $1,200
Opportunities can be customized, so please inquire if you don’t see a format that suits your needs!
Resident Teaching Artists
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Adama Dembele
MUSIC | Traditional West-African Percussion
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Agustín Palomo Ramos
MUSIC | Percussion
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André LaSalle
MUSIC | Guitar
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Daniela Risquez
MUSIC | Multi-lingual Vocal Performance, Ukelele
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Derian Blane
MUSIC | Guitar, Songwriting
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Edwin Salas
THEATRE | Puppetry
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Eli Hamilton
THEATRE | Design & Production
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Isaac Hadden
MUSIC | Guitar
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Imani White
MUSIC | Percussion + DANCE | African Dance
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Jay Beck
MUSIC | Drumming
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Kelsey Moseley
VISUAL ART | Illustration, Recycled Art, Concept Drawing
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Lina Olson
VISUAL ART | Crafts
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McKinney
MUSIC | Guitar, Vocal Performance, Songwriting
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Melissa McKinney
MUSIC | Vocal Performance, Songwriting, Blues
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Nani Orsillo
DANCE | Hula
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Nik Hope
MUSIC | Percussion
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Ronald Rand
THEATRE | Performance
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Tarah Singh
VISUAL ART | Painting, Sculpture
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Utkarshika Baidya
DANCE | Bollywood
Visiting Teaching Artist Programs
Global Artists Take the Stage and the Classroom
Twice a year — spring and fall — LEAF invites performing artists from around the globe to lead weeklong residencies with elementary, middle, and high school students across Buncombe County. These are artists culturally rooted enough to grace the Festival stage, and mission-oriented enough to guide youth toward becoming global citizens and leaders, on stage and off.
It's a chance for students to learn directly from international culture bearers, build confidence through performance, and share what they've created with their community at the festival.
Pricing & Schedule
Visiting Teaching Artist residencies take place the week preceding large-scale LEAF events:
Daily Classes: 1.5–3 hours per day
Cost Range: $600-$1,200
Culminates in a performance at the event
Beyond the classroom, rent the space and make it your own.
Reserve our downtown venue, roll in the Easel Rider, or bring the U-LEAF stage to your event. Whatever you're celebrating, we'll help make it unforgettable.
