Everyone loves art in some form, whether that is sculptures, street art, an oil painting, or simply an intricate sandcastle on the beach. Art districts are great because they pull artists from across the city or state into one giant melting pot where everyone’s work and creative thinking are on display.
The art scene in Asheville, NC, is no different. It offers blocks after blocks of art studios, paintings, and other creations drawn up by artists worldwide.
Some of the best things to do in Asheville, NC are visiting art galleries, enjoying the creations, and visiting a local restaurant or brewery afterward.
About The River Arts District
The Asheville, NC, River Arts District has been around since the late 1980s. The district essentially began when one artist purchased a former meat packing plant and repurposed it as a photography studio. Today, more than 15 art galleries in Asheville, NC, call the River Arts District home.
Over time, as the desire for an art-concentrated area of Asheville increased and businesspeople began to see the potential value in an art-centric district, Bill Goacher and his wife purchased a collection of old buildings in what is now the River Arts District. The buildings were rented at low rates to up-and-coming artists and sold to those same artists after they proved they were good tenants. Goacher sold the properties selectively, based on merit and showings of good faith, not simply the ability to pay the down payment.
The Art District’s first “open house” was in 1984 when the artists in the district opened their doors and showcased their art to the public. It was such a success that the event has since been repeated annually, growing to over 200 artists at each annual open house.
Art Galleries & Studios
The Art District in Asheville is composed of galleries and studios, as well as living spaces for the artists. The entire district can be walked from end to end in under 15 minutes; however, the small size means that creativity and innovation are jam-packed together to feed and thrive off of one another.
Cotton Mill Studios
Cotton Mill Studios is housed in the former Ashville Cotton Mill, one of the oldest buildings in Asheville. Constructed in 1887, it was a mill for processing cotton from the various plantations dotted around the South. However, in 1894, it was bought by Moses and Caesar Cone, who enlarged the Mill and added buildings to house a larger workforce. Unfortunately, in 1995, a massive fire burned over 60% of the building. However, destruction opens the door for creation, and the Cotton Mill building is now a workshop for 12 artists. There are weavers, landscape and oil painters, stained glass blowers, and a furniture maker within the doors of the old Mill. It’s worth a look if you’re in the area; there’s no shortage of art to admire.
Foundation Studios
Foundation Studios is host to many of the working artists and the art community in Asheville. The building houses studios, workshops, classrooms, and event spaces, making it, in effect, a kind of art school, or at least a special space where creativity can thrive.
Much of the artwork on display at Foundation Studios is available for purchase. The various art disciplines include wood burning, fiber art, ceramics, printmaking, and much more. The main function of Foundation Studios is as a community center to bring the art community and interested people together.
There are regular exhibit and gallery show openings at Foundation Studios. You’ll find classes offered that include basket weaving, oil painting, printmaking, and more. There are also parent-children classes designed for family bonding and some art education.
Level 42 Gallery and Studio
Level 42 is primarily a glassworks art studio dedicated to the many different disciplines of glass-based art. The artists’ focus is primarily on glass, although they do represent other mediums in the studio and gallery. However, within Level 42 resides Studio 42, an art studio devoted to flameworking. Flameworking involves choosing your medium and sculpting it as you wish, using a cutting torch. It is not only dangerous but thrilling, producing some beautiful artwork from the 2000-degree flame.
Level 42 sells both the glass artwork and flamework art in-house. The renovations to the building have created a modern contemporary art studio that’s both soothing and pleasing to be in, even if the presence of a cutting torch is somewhat exhilarating or frightening. Level 42 does offer flameworking classes meant to help you harness the power of the torch.
Plan Your Visit
Unless you live in Asheville or a nearby city, you’ll need somewhere to stay while visiting all these art galleries and breweries. That’s where Pete Key Properties comes in. We handle all kinds of Brevard, NC, vacation rentals, and the best vacation rentals Asheville, NC, has to offer. Most importantly, Pete Key has ideal pet-friendly Asheville rentals, so you won’t need to leave the dog home!
Dining & Drinks
After visiting art studios all day, you’ll no doubt be hungry and thirsty. Fortunately, artists apply the same dedication to their food and beer that they apply to their art! Here’s a list of the best restaurants in the Asheville area.
12 Bones
12 Bones offers fantastic Southern barbecue, slowly smoked over hot coals for hours over select hardwoods such as oak and cherry. They’re a small outfit situated in a building that looks like a small strip mall. However, that’s a good sign! All the best food in any city comes from buildings repurposed into something greater.
Barack and Michelle Obama, former President and First Lady of the United States, have been frequent customers of 12 Bones in the past, an extremely valuable endorsement. Food is served on metal trays, and chalk is provided for customers to draw on the walls. Their ribs are best served with a tall glass of iced tea. Art galleries and barbecued ribs: a perfect day trip. 12 Bones is one of the best restaurants in Asheville, NC.
Pleb
Pleb, short for Plebian, means common, among other things. However, in this case, it stands for one of the best wineries in North Carolina. Naturally, wine and art go together like bacon and eggs. The creation of wine is similar to a painting: dedication, patience, and above all, a passion for the craft. Pleb does sell their small-batch wine in 1-gallon growler jugs, although that might be overkill for a one-man visit to an art gallery. Try one of their wine tastings followed by a visit to an art gallery; learning to appreciate the wine will serve you well in your appreciation of art on canvas.
Wedge
Wedge Brewery brews craft beer for those who look upon beer as Picasso looked upon his paintings. Like wine and paintings, beer is an art form in liquid incarnation.
Wedge is also covered in large graffiti murals, inviting street art and brewers. Wedge is housed in what was once the largest leather tannery in America. Today, it’s a brewery serving IPA, Pilsner, Ale, and, on most days, a food truck with barbecue. Crisp beers and hot dogs make for a great day, especially when visiting an art gallery.
