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Known throughout the country for its spectacular Art Deco cityscape against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has long been an art and craft haven. Home to the Folk Art Center, Biltmore Estate and Village, and the Grove Arcade, the city has a rich tradition of supporting local art and craftsmanship. “Asheville has a wonderful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike,” raved Kathy Tavernia, of Miramar, Fla. “Museums and galleries are easily accessible, with ample parking … any driving between locations is rewarded with beautiful scenery.” The commitment to craftsmanship of the region is visible in the partnership between HandMade in America, a local nonprofit focusing on artists and craftspeople, and a local home developer. The two have come together over the past two years to create a custom show home, highlighting work of some 100 state artists incorporated into the home’s design. This year’s home will also be designated “green,” as it is being built to meet the standards of the state’s Healthy-Built Homes program. To see what’s going on in the state of sculpture in the South, don’t miss the RiverSculpture Festival. The two-month event, held every fall, showcases outdoor works of art along the banks of the French Broad River and includes weekend “happenings” integrating performances and art education with the sculptures. It all takes place just across the river from the River Arts District, home to restored warehouses holding galleries and studios. Many artists offer hands-on experiences to visitors at locations such as the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts. |
