For second year, Asheville rated top arts destination
Excerpted from: Asheville Citizen-Times Staff Reports April 17. 2009
Exciting, reliable, budget-friendly locales captured readers’ hearts and votes as cities nationwide vied for top ranking in AmericanStyle magazine’s 12th annual Top 25 Arts Destinations poll.
For the second year, Asheville, with a storied crafts legacy dating to the turn of the century, held the No. 2 spot among small cities. Once again, the winners’ list features a mix of traditional destinations and emerging arts scenes where galleries contribute to community revitalization.
“Remember the vital roles played by artists during the last recession,” said Wendy Rosen, publisher of AmericanStyle. “They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now: Just look at what young artists have done to bring tourism to Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, and how artists have made Asheville, a must-visit destination off the beaten path.”
“Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from,” Ms. Rosen added. “Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products.”
AmericanStyle magazine is a national lifestyle magazine for art enthusiasts, collectors and travelers. The annual Top 25 Arts Destinations readers’ poll has earned the magazine national recognition as the premier arts travel resource.
Submitted by Beverly-Hanks Relocation Team
