Barbara Hughes Shows How Narnia Studios Builds Community

A real community tradition doesn’t start with a committee. It starts with a sidewalk, a few kids with chalk, and one adult willing to say “yes” and then do the hard work of making it safe, fair, and welcoming.We open with a practical real estate market update for Henderson County and the greater Western North Carolina area. Home sales are still happening, prices are holding relatively steady, and inventory stays tight, but the rhythm has changed: days on market are longer and the path from listing to closing takes more patience. We talk through what those numbers mean for buyers, sellers, and anyone thinking about timing a move when interest rates feel stubborn.Then we bring on our friend and neighbor Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios in downtown Hendersonville and the heart behind Chalk It Up, now marking 30 years. Barbara shares how a simple scene outside her shop turned into one of Main Street’s most beloved family-friendly events, why she’s determined to keep it free, and how the rules (no words, no symbols, no signing, no dogs, and no “helping” in the little-kid category) protect the spirit of the day. We also cover the event logistics: categories by age, a professional division, volunteer judges, a participation cap of 150, and how to register through narniastudios.com by printing and delivering or mailing the form. Plus, there’s a special patriotic theme incentive supported by a local partnership with Asheville Regional Airport.If you love downtown Hendersonville, local art, and the kind of traditions that get people off screens and back into community, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a reason to come downtown, and leave us a review with the tradition you hope never changes.