Asheville Parks & Recreation Afterschool Students’ Art Featured on Covers of City of Asheville Budget

Creating the City of Asheville’s annual operating budget is a complex process that starts months before it is adopted by City Council. Reflecting long-term strategies and priorities, the proposed budget covering the upcoming fiscal year from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 was developed based on council priorities, community input, and staff guidance. When it is presented to Councilors for a vote on June 9, it will stand apart from previous budget documents, featuring artwork by young Asheville artists on the front and back covers.

sketch of asheville city hall and mountains — Mabel Hussey-Mitchell

sketch of asheville city hall, mountains, and municipal building — Gladys Dray

sketch of fish in water and sun — Freyja Winston-Ferrington

sketch of school, community center, and counselor — Elise Heinerth

sketch with a tree, butterfly, and sun — Kaia Reid

sketch with stick figures swinging, popsicles, legos, geometry dash, eating, and basketball — Everette Heinerth

sketch with stick figures playing game — Daisy Slavin

sketch with figures play a game, swinging, and playing basketball — Colin Carpentier

sketch of dog between builings — Sadie Reid

sketch with figures standing next to trees — Mia Griffith

sketch with stick figure picking up trash — Maren Steelman

sketch of three stick figures and dog — Itzayana Hernandez

sketch of a basketball court — Zamir Jenkins

sketch of an airplane — Katzely Hernandez

“What Does My City Do for Me?”

Members of the Finance and Management Services department approached Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and the Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) department with an idea for local youth to show city leaders what matters most to them, asking APR Afterschool students to grab markers, crayons, and colored pencils and interpret the theme, “What Does My City Do for Me?”

Asking these future leaders to think about how City of Asheville services make a difference in their young lives elicited varied creative responses. To some, it is a favorite park or community center where they spend time. For others, it means fire trucks that keep them safe, friendly City employees, or festivals and programs that bring us together.

Winning Artworks

Mabel Hussey-Mitchell

Fifth grader Mabel began drawing cats at just three years-old, and since then, art has become a special way for Mabel to express themself and free their mind. While they enjoy drawing, their favorite art form is music because of the unique melodies and rhythms it brings. Through both art and music, Mabel loves using creativity to share their imagination and emotions with the world.

Gladys Dray

This first grade artist loves expressing herself through drawing and creative crafts. Inspired by her dad’s hard work at the police station, Gladys created this portrait to honor and highlight his dedication. Drawing is her favorite art form, and in her free time she especially enjoys sketching fluffy cats. Her love for cats began at a young age after growing up around many cats and hearing her mother talk about them often.

View the Submissions at City Hall

All submissions will be showcased in the lobby of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. before the City Council meeting on June 23. The winning artists will be recognized during the meeting when Mayor Esther Manheimer announces July as Asheville Parks & Recreation Month.

Explore More with the City of Asheville

Building the City of Asheville’s budget for the next fiscal year begins almost as soon as the new fiscal year starts. Community members are invited to follow the process each year. Check out key dates in the budget process for the budget that takes effect on July 1, 2026.
View APR’s free program guide online or pick up a copy at community center locations
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