5 Reasons to Love Living in Asheville’s River Arts District

Asheville’s River Arts District is a bright jewel of the Southern Appalachian art scene. This small but vibrant commercial district sits sandwiched between downtown and West Asheville. But in recent years, it has taken on a character of its own. The RAD, as it’s known, is an ever-expanding complex of art studios, galleries, and innovative […]

4 Great Places in Asheville to Discover Glass Art

It doesn’t matter whether this is your first visit to the mountains or you’ve lived here all your life. When the local flora ignites in a blaze of color, you stop in awe to appreciate the way the crisp, vibrant colors reflect against the clear blue mountain sky. Honestly, the worst thing about the fall […]

Odyssey ClayWorks Helps You Leave Your Mark

The sun has set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains cradling Asheville. On Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District stands a large warehouse that’s home to Odyssey ClayWorks. It’s all lit up and buzzing with the spirit of creativity and inspiration. “Our mission here is to build community through the artistic medium of clay,” said […]

Agents Answer: Where is the Best Place to See Local Art in WNC?

Western North Carolina has a long and rich history of fine visual arts and traditional crafts. From traditional Cherokee rivercane baskets, made for thousands of years, to innovative multimedia art from the area’s newest residents, there is an overwhelming amount of art to experience.  If you’re not sure where to start your journey of discovery, […]

Wedge Brewing Co. Turns Rust into Gold

Grabbing a seat at a table within the Wedge at Foundation taproom, Tim Schaller looked around the large industrial space, observing countless patrons sipping on beloved ales and taking in the sunshine radiating over the River Arts District in Asheville. “You know, the original business plan called for just a little old man’s bar,” Schaller […]

3 Ways Art Galleries Make a Difference in the Community

Western North Carolina’s many galleries have created exciting downtown destinations for artists and art lovers alike. But more importantly, art spaces add new life and a sense of identity to our neighborhoods. From Asheville’s River Arts District to Main Street Weaverville to Marshall High Studios in Downtown Marshall, burgeoning art scenes have rejuvenated local mountain […]

5 Places You’ll Love to Walk to from the Condos at The Landings

Are you in search of a home that offers you the perfect combination of contemporary urban living and picturesque natural surroundings to complement Asheville’s vibrant “live, work, play” culture? Then, look no further than the world-class condos at The Landings! This 40-unit condominium development is the latest addition to the city’s fabric. With mountains in […]

12 Ways to Stay Safely Tapped in to the Local Art Scene

It’s still easy to enjoy local art—from the safety of home! For many of our mountain communities, the arts have led the way in the revitalization of main streets and neighborhood centers. Art studios, galleries, and museums reflect the character of their communities through exhibits of local artists, regular events, classes, and training. But right […]

Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery Brings New Meaning to Going with the Flow

It’s a rainy morning in the depths of the River Arts District (RAD). Inside the cozy artisan studios and large warehouses are hundreds of creative minds milling about: painters, sculptors, glass blowers, metalsmiths, and beyond. With a stream of vehicles splashing through large puddles near the roundabout, acclaimed abstract painter Mark Bettis sits in his […]

8 Places in WNC that Prove that Art Should be Accessible to All

There has always been a rich atmosphere of creation throughout Western North Carolina. The Appalachian mountains have a storied history of handmade crafts, ranging from weaving to woodworking, pottery to jewelry. Fine artists have been attracted to the area for more than a century, as well. Innovative artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Josef and Anni Albers, […]