For over 30 years…

I have been catalyzing community through music, arts, culture, and creative gathering—locally at Lake Eden and globally across continents.

Connect.
Catalyze.
Create.
Ignite.

I meet people where they are, without judgment, and help elevate their mission, activate their vision, and bring bold ideas to life.

Come to Lake Eden.
Or invite me to yours.


Jennifer

GET IN TOUCH
GET IN TOUCH
A photo of Jennifer Pickering with shoulder-length red hair smiling, wearing a gray jacket over a black top, with gold jewelry including earrings and a necklace, standing against a multicolored background.

Bio

Visionary Connector & Founder, Executive Director Emeritus, LEAF Global Arts

For 30 years as a Visionary Connector and Founder of LEAF Global Arts (1995–2025), I helped grow a small business into a thriving 501(c)(3) nonprofit, rooted in Asheville–Black Mountain, NC and connected around the world.

As Executive Director Emeritus, my work has spanned community building, global arts exchange, and experiential events—shaping vibrant collaborations locally and internationally. To see the breadth of projects, leadership, and impact I bring to my work with others, explore some of the many LEAF Reports I created and led. 

Recognition & Awards

  • Kripalu Center, Co-Leader & Facilitator of Renewal in Resilience Week with “Live Life Like A Festival” Design Sessions, Stockbridge Mass., 2025

  • Folk Alliance International, Music as a Driving Force in the Space of Disaster, Montreal Canada 2025

  • Folk Alliance International, Clearwater Sustainability Award – LEAF Global Arts (2024)

  • Explore Asheville Arts & Culture Panel Feature  (2024)

  • Art of Mass Gathering Presenter (2022-2023)

  • Rotary Presentation & Recognition of Service (2022, 2024)

  • NC Presenters Consortium Conference Pecha Kucha Presenter (2018)

  • SERFA President’s Award for Contributions to Music & Culture in the Southeast (2016-2018)

  • Featured Speaker & Panelist at National & International Conferences, including TEDx, APAP, and the National Endowment for the Arts (2010-2023)

Community Service & Leadership

  • Member, Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance (2024-Present)

  • Board President, HACA Housing Authority of Asheville Woodbridge Housing (2022-Present)

  • Board Member, HACA Housing Authority of Asheville  (2014-2022)

  • Board Member, Asheville Area Arts Council (2012-2016)

  • Guest Speaker, College of Charleston & Other Institutions (2006-2010)

  • Board of Directors, YWCA of Asheville (1999-2005)

  • Board of Directors, Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce (1990-1993)

  • Board of Directors, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center (1992-1997)

  • Board of Directors, Kleiwerks International (2007)

  • Advisory Group Member, Levitt Pavilions Free Music Across America (2008-Present)

  • Consultant & Special Projects, Musicians National Service Initiative (2009)

  • Volunteer Work Exchange, Cross Cultural Solutions, India (1999)

  • Volunteer, Disaster Recovery Survivor Support and Resource Coordination, Swannanoa, NC (September 2024 - present)

  • Cultural Documentary Photographer (1992 - present)

  • Director & Owner, Camp Hollymont, Asheville, NC (1989-1994)

Education & Learning

  • Kripalu Center, Transformational Leadership, Stockbridge MA, 2025

  • John F. Kennedy Center, Partners in Education Institute (2018-2025)

  • National Guild for Community Arts Education, Leadership Institute (2012)

  • Duke University, Advanced Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership (2007)

  • Brooks Institute of Photography, Santa Barbara, CA (1992-1994)

  • Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC | Bachelor of Arts in English (1988)

  • Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (1984-1985)