Asheville Artists, Art Galleries & Crafters
Asheville is a hot-bed for the creative spirit. This spirit infuses our town, and like a well seasoned meal, Asheville is vibrantly flavorful. Our creativity can be seen in the architecture of downtown, the numerous art galleries and exhibits, and especially in the countless artisans who make a living in these mountains. Talent is in abundance when it comes to Asheville's Artistic realm, and it is no surprise given the inspiring natural backdrop that surrounds the valley we call home. Furthermore, the open mindedness and tolerance of Asheville has bred citizens who appreciate and have a healthy appetite for the arts.
Since the end of the 19th Century, when George Vanderbilt summoned in artisans and artists from various centers of civilization to assemble his vast mansion just south of downtown, this area has been alive with the arts. The influx of artists added to the Native American art and the European settler’s art, making Western North Carolina, and more specifically Asheville, quite the center of artistic activity. In later years geologists determined the soil to be rich in feldspar and clays, bringing potters to the area.
Today Asheville is lucky to have leaders that support the arts, as well as many local organizations that also support the arts, such as Arts 2 People, and thousands of ingenious and passionate local artists.
Downtown Asheville is Alive with the Arts
Downtown Asheville enjoys its own artistic microcosm. Just strolling downtown in Asheville it is easy to enjoy art on almost every corner. Stunning Architecture, graffiti, unique galleries, craft shops, tattoo parlors, theatres, churches, Museums, and street performers, these are the norm in Asheville...
Read More About the Arts in Downtown Asheville.
Asheville River Arts District
In recent times a revival has ensued and a thriving art scene has developed. The Underground Asheville Guidebook by Tom Kerr describes the resurgence as such, "Glass blowers, sculptures, metal workers, painters, photographers, woodworkers, actors, dancers, and musicians have converted the industrial and manufacturing zone from an aesthetic wasteland into one of the liveliest, creatively-charged art scenes in this part of the country..."
Interested in the Asheville River Arts District?
Art Beyond Asheville
Arguably, Asheville is the cultural center of Western North Carolina. With that said the entire WNC area is infused with and breaths great art. In fact it is easy to see the creative spirit that has permeated the entire region, by just getting out and exploring...
Explore WNC Art Beyond Asheville.
In-Depth Art Related Articles
- Update on the Asheville Mural Project Summer 09
- Media Arts Project Launches New Online Directory
- The Graffiti in Asheville is Getting Out of Control
- 2nd Saturday Artist Market Announces New Hours and Community Booth Guest
- Faces of Asheville - A Portrait Documentary Project
- Art Is My Job
- Media Arts Advantage Fund Open Now
- Magazine Ranks Asheville as Top Art Destination
- Local Photographer Wins Several Travel Photo Contests
- Riverside Studios Gallery Show
