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.
The economic explosion of the turn of the century brought Architects and wealthy philanthropists to create a diverse downtown area. Asheville’s collection of Art Deco Architecture continues to remain second only to that of Miami Beach as far as the southeast is concerned. Such architects as Richard Sharpe Smith, Ronald Greene, Douglas Ellington, and Rafael Guastavino are among the many that helped to architecturally represent the diversity felt by those who live and have lived in this forever progressive heart of WNC.
Speaking of history and art, Asheville's Urban Trail is the perfect blend. This 1.7 mile walking tour through downtown Asheville, tells a story of Asheville’s past. The trail begins and ends at Pack Square, takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and consists of 30 stop, each with a bronze statue. Each of these statues is accompanied by a plaque which elucidates on some of the fascinating history of downtown and the various noteworthy people who once resided here.
The Asheville Art Museum located at Pack Square presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule of exhibitions and public programs bringing art to the public. The Countless galleries that pop up every day, and the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association host five annual City Center Art Walks that take place on the first Friday of April, June, August, and October between 5-8pm. All the galleries open their doors and the public is given the opportunity to connect with artists and other local art lovers.
As if this isn’t enough, Asheville has its own Fine Arts Theatre, which plays independent, art house, documentaries and foreign films, and is also one of the primary locations for the Asheville Film Festival. Many times a year downtown hosts Festivals such as The Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival, and Bele Chere, to just name two.
