Appalachian Academy of Therapeutic Arts

Here we are, raw and ready for the next step. Please join us

From Collapse to Clarity A New Path to Sovereignty

🌿 Four Years Ago Today, We Danced Barefoot in the Grass…

On May 1st, 2021 — while the world was shut down — something sacred happened in the hills outside Asheville.

We called it The Shindig at Shope.

It was more than a music festival.

It was a reclaiming of joy, community, and truth — with live bands, fire-spinners, barefoot children, local food, and a bonfire that lit up the mountain sky.

We gathered in defiance of isolation — and in devotion to life.

And it changed everything.

From that single day came:

✨ A nature-based school: The Appalachian Academy of Therapeutic Arts
✨ A weekly Freedom Farmers Market with up to 200 people each week
✨ A vibrant community grounded in health, sovereignty, and connection

Though our school closed after Hurricane Helene, the memories are forever.

The children who learned in the forest, the families who met at market, the music that moved our souls — it all began on that one sunny day.

And now… we’re continuing the story.

🎙️ Introducing: The Rising Sovereign Podcast
Hosted right here on Substack, it’s where we’ll share the stories, lessons, and voices born from this movement.

👉 Read the full 4-year anniversary reflection here:

https://open.substack.com/pub/risingsovereignpodcast/p/four-years-since-the-shindig-at-shope?r=5h0jaf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Thank you to everyone who was part of it.
The fire still burns. The music still plays. And we’re just getting started.

Four Years Since the Shindig at Shope A Celebration That Sparked a Movement

Amazing upcoming workshop!!

Saddle up for a night of fun and fundraising! Join us on June 15th for an epic evening of farm to table cuisine, wine and cocktails, and LIVE MUSIC at the Grand Eagle Resort in Fairview! Event proceeds will help us expand our natural horsemanship program!

Early bird pricing is still available!
https://www.appalachian-academy.org/summer-sovereign-supper

Meet Our Chef!
Chef Nate Meharg's interest in cooking began as a kid by helping his parents and grandparents in the kitchen. He pursued this interest after college by attending culinary school in Austin, Texas. From Austin he moved to New Orleans, LA where he honed his skills by working in some of the top restaurants in the city, several of them being James Beard award winners and finalists. Chef Nate has over 22 years of kitchen experience and draws his inspirations from the seasonality of ingredients and from his southern upbringing and the influences on this southern cuisine from different areas around the world, including the Caribbean, West African, French and Spanish.
Are your taste buds tingling yet?? GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
https://www.appalachian-academy.org/summer-sovereign-supper

EMF Awareness, Forest Fun & Fancy Feasts!

You won't want to miss these upcoming EVENTS! Solutions for Safer Technology -TONIGHT, May 23rd @6:30pm- AB Tech Asheville, Fergusen Auditorium

JOIN US for an Epic Evening of
up-scale locally-sourced dinner, drinks, live music, speakers & MORE taking place at the private Grand Eagle Resort, in Fairview, NC.

Space is Limited! Early Bird Tickets
now through May 24th! Link in bio✨
*ON-SITE Childcare available*

The 2024 Summer Sovereign Supper is a fundraiser for our Equine Program.
Natural Horsemanship at AATA surpasses the norm, encouraging deep personal growth through one’s relationship with nature.🌲

You won’t want to miss this! Tickets available NOW - link in bio🤩⛰️

Have you heard? We are celebrating! Come celebrate with us, the sacred space we have created for our children to thrive! Join us for fine food, local wines, and live music on June 15th for a magical evening in the mountains!
EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICING AVAILABLE AT:
https://www.appalachian-academy.org/summer-sovereign-supper

Stop by and see us today at Glad Heart Farms today!

🌱Spots are still available, but filling up fast!
Gift your child an unforgettable week of natural discovery with us at AATA!🌱
🌎🐢🦎🦋🐌🦧🌳🍄🌼🌞
https://www.appalachian-academy.org/2024-summer-camp