Fine Arts and Crafts Plays a Major Role in the Cultural Activities of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Asheville has become a major player in the world art scene. The number of talented artists and artisans who have settled in Western North Carolina both contributes to... and attests to ... the amazingly high quality of life this area offers.
John Cram and his Blue Spiral 1, Bellagio, Blue Morning Gallery and Fine Arts Theatre has played a significant role in Asheville's Downtown Revitalization, the growth and revitalization of Biltmore, and the continuing evolution of the River Arts District.
The Dream Galleries of John Cram: The Force Behind the Asheville Art Scene John Cram and his galleries, the first of which began 30 years ago, have provided the impetus for and the solid nucleus upon which the rest of the Asheville Art Scene has been built.
John has pursued his dream through the creation of three distinctive galleries: Blue Spiral 1 represents fine art; New Morning Gallery is an "Art for Living" craft gallery recently expanded to over 13,000 square feet; and Bellagio, an art to wear gallery. Continuing his love of the visual arts, he renovated and opened the Fine Arts Theatre in 1997. The theatre features art and independent films and is adjacent to Blue Spiral 1.
VIRTUAL TOUR of the New Morning Gallery For over thirty years the gallery has displayed ceramics, art glass, garden art, fountains, wall hangings, jewelry, wood, furniture, and much more! "...Come and explore the exquisite collection of unique gifts that are sure to delight. Select from our handmade mugs in every shape and size to furniture and accessories. In the spirit of Art for Living you will find a delightful array of decorative items..." Located at 7 Boston Way in Biltmore Village
Bellagio Art to Wear ".... Bellagio means beautiful leisure. This beautiful wearable art boutique has been a delight since 1991. With memorable clothing by accalimed American textile artists, fashion designers, dazzling handcrafted jewelry and gorgeous one-of-a-kind accessories is located in Historic Biltmore Village, just around the corner from its sister gallery New Morning Gallery.
A distinctive boutique for "Art to Wear" collections, Bellagio features American designers exhibiting a passion for exotic textures, sublime colors and innovative techniques. Their unique talents inspire dressing as an art form. Visiting Bellagio one sees more than clothing and jewelry on display. Creating a metaphor "Art-to-Wear", Matt Chambers skillfully displays handsome collections of blown glass, ceramic art, and fantqastic wood objects by national and international known artists....." Features major art-to-wear artists such as Candiss Cole, Catherine Bacon (both shown above) and many others. In addition to gallery, holds 3 October Trunk Shows with artists available for custom fittings and special orders.
See our webpage on Art to Wear for a video.
Blue Spiral 1 Gallery
Founded in 1991. Presents the works of Southeastern artists and object makers in elegant and spacious surroundings. The 15,500-square-foot gallery spans three floors connected by an open stairway. Blue Spiral 1 presents thirty annual exhibitions of sculpture and paintings, objects and photography. Blue Spiral 1's upper level features a diverse collection of works by over 100 regularly represented artists. Also home to the Estate of Will Henry Stevens (1881-1949), an early 20th century modernist. On Biltmore Avenue in the heart of downtown Asheville.
16 Patton Fine Art Gallery
"...features original work by regional artists presented in an intimate gallery setting. We specialize in fine art for residential and private collectors, including paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, and more...."
American Folk Art Gallery
"...Contemporary Southern Folk art, North Carolina wood-fired pottery, custom picture frames and a generous helping of whimsy, exuberane and inspiration!"
Asheville Gallery of Art
Original oils, watercolors, acrylics, lithographs, mixed media and etchings. Downtown Asheville
Bella Vista Art Gallery
Located on Lodge Street in Biltmore Village. Local and international artists. Glass. Clay. Photography. Painting.
"Asheville's premier studio art glass gallery as well as region's largest" On Haywood Street in Downtown Asheville next to Malaprop's
Bobo Gallery
22 Lexington Avenue, Downtown Asheville "...BoBo Gallery was first established in San Francisco in 1987. BoBo combines the best of small club music and dance environments with cutting edge underground gallery concepts to create a unique blend of social unity. The idea is to celebrate around art and music, demystifying the role of gallery and attempting to create a comfortable, social environment to show and critique different genre of art, music, poetry, performance and dance. We will attempt to showcase creative cultural ideas and attitudes that reflect our own feelings and concerns about the world we live in. BoBo will be providing a series of free shows and fund-raisers that support and reflect our views...."
Black Mountain Ironworks and Gallery
"Wander through and enjoy the sculptures exhibited on the lawn and listen to the water as it trickles from handmade fountains. Relax on a whimsical bench or stroll by the door to the studio. You may catch glimpses of works in progress. Imagine getting exactly what you want in iron. Black Mountain Iron Works forges your fantasies whether it is a garden gate or a special table you have in mind...."
Crucible Glassworks
"... Not only can you see the artists at Crucible Glassworks design and
create this exquisite art but you can also purchase those products that
have been made. Workshops are available..."
Flood Fine Art Center
"... is a non-profit contemporary art organization dedicated to bringing excellent, provocative art to Asheville from artists working around the world. We seek out art that is provacative, challenging, daring, relevent, and important. ... also hosts special events... Musical performances, workshops, community art projects, film screenings, and poetry readings are the kinds of events that Flood Gallery has organized and hosted." Located on the second floor of the Phil Mechanic Building,
on the corner of Clingman and Roberts Street(see map), situated in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District.
Folk Art Center
"...The Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. It houses the Guild’s century-old Allanstand Craft Shop, exhibitions in three galleries, a library and an auditorium. The Guild's Permanent Collection is featured in an exhibition of craft permanent from Appalachia. Located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382, theFolk Art Center was opened in 1980 as a cooperative effort between the Guild, the National Park Service and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, welcoming 250,000 visitors each year. From March through December, visitors can observe craftspeople at work in daily craft demonstrations as well as a series of educational events held year round. The Folk Art Center also houses the Eastern National Bookstore and Information Center. Free Admission.
Grove Arcade
Shopping, Dining and Regional Crafts. Space available on a daily basis in Portico Market "A dozen stalls housing farmers and craftspeople selling their wares directly to the public including local crafts, honey, handmade soaps and much more!"
Grove Arcade ARTS & Heritage Gallery is a project of the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation. It features the crafts, music and stories of the Blue Ridge. Visit the gallery and experience the places, objects and activities that authentically represent the people of Western North Carolina. The Gallery’s mission is "to strive to help drive the local economy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area by establishing strategic partnerships and promoting the region’s arts, crafts, music and cultural heritage."
Grovewood Gallery
"... This very special gallery is home to an extraordinary collection of fine craft, garden sculpture, and handcrafted furniture… presented in such a delightful setting that it’s no wonder it was chosen as one of the top 10 craft galleries in the country..."
" ... Biltmore Industries is located at 111 Grovewood Rd., adjacent to the Grove Park Inn. Today, in addition to Grovewood Cafe, the buildings house craft and furniture showrooms, an antique car museum, artist studios, an art gallery, weaving and spinning rooms..."
Haw Creek Forge
whimsical and unique copper garden sculptures. Virtual gallery.
Jewels That Dance
"... a fine jewelry store with heart and soul. Established in 1983... The store has grown from a tiny design studio for goldsmith Paula Dawkins to a thriving fine jewelry store.... for six years, been voted the best jewelry store in Western North Carolina by the readers of Mountain Xpress... a stunning collection of platinum, gold, titanium and sterling silver jewelry as well as an extensive engagement ring wedding band selection.... designs featuring diamonds, precious gemstones, opals and other rare stones.... our own designers as well as the work of many other contemporary nationally acclaimed jewelry designers such as Michael Good, Judith Conway and William Scholt...."
Kress Emporium
"... presents a collection of excellence in art from luminous stained glass and hand-thrown ceramics to elegant paintings, evocative sculptures, extraordinary handcrafted jewelry, and much more.
The collection represents the creativity of more than 80 distinguished regional artists and craftspeople and is showcased in the spacious splendor of the historic Kress building in downtown Asheville...."
Mountain Made
"...celebrates the artisans and entrepreneurs of Western North Carolina by creating a viable market for regionally produced fine art and fine crafts. Mountain Made store front featuring the work of over 80 artisans including beautiful pottery, hand painted silks, jewelry, furniture, original oils-pastels-watercolors, stained glass, textile art, blown and fused glass, iron work, gourds, hand made books, and more...."
The Potter's Mark
High-Fired Stoneware Pottery, Including Dinnerware, Baking and Serving Pieces, and Decorative Items. Located in the River Arts District.
Sacred Fires Glass Studio
"... Rebecca Ann Robertson and Wann Near’s Kiln formed and Fused Glass Studio... WE create glass masks, panels and bowls that are inspired by Goddess, tribal , shamanic and archetypal images...."
Vadim Bora Gallery & Studio "...
A spacious second-floor gallery overlooking Battery Park Avenue, Vadim Bora Gallery & Studio is remnicent of a European style art-salon, showcasing the works of international artists from various geographical regions of Russia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia as well as North Carolina and other areas of the United States. The gallery features thematic exhibitions of painting, sculpture, etchings, drawings, and mixed media and is located adjacent to the artist/owner's studio..."
Vitrum
"... is a young, vibrant gallery that celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship of contemporary glass art. Originally opened in 1995, the gallery moved to its current location in Asheville's historic Biltmore Village the next year. Vitrum was then purchased by David Ross, a young businessman with a passion for glass. David redesigned the gallery to take full advantage of the building's charming architectural quirks and superb natural light. Many galleries include glass pieces in a mix with crafts and other art forms. Ross believes there's something very special about seeing glass art on its own. Vitrum was carefully designed to provide the best possible showcase for this medium, capitalizing on the interplay of light, color, and form. The effect on first-time visitors is hard to describe--"wow" is a common reaction. Located in one of the country's major studio glass centers, Vitrum is committed to presenting the best in local and regional glass art, as well as work by carefully selected artists from other parts of the US. The gallery also showcases paintings and prints by innovative two-dimensional artists...."
Wickwire Gallery
Hendersonville. Fine art and folk art. Open First Fridays til 9
Woolworth Walk
Asheville's largest gallery in a meticulously restored Woolworth's store... features "...more than 150 exhibiting artists and artisans selling and making jewelry, fine art, decorative art and crafts in it’s nearly 20,000 square feet of air-conditioned, quality display and studio space...."
Discover the Bliss of the
Artists of the Toe River Valley
Art and fine crafts are a significant part of what makes the Asheville area so blissful. Drive 45 minutes north of Asheville, and you'll enter an area full of extraordinarily accomplished artists and artisans.
One common thread is the Penland School of Arts and Crafts which has served as a magnet for attracting many of these artists. The Penland Gallery features the art of many of the artists who have also taught had residencies at Penland. Other artists have their work exhibited at one or more of the several galleries that dot the region: two Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) Galleries, one in Burnsville and the other in Spruce Pine... and the Crimson Laurel Gallery in Bakersville. Many artists also have galleries at their studios which are open daily. Twice a year, TRAC sponsors a two-day studio tour to over 100 of artists studios, which is a great time to connect with these artists personally. Sometimes you can even get 'bargain seconds' during these tours.
To start your tour of Toe River Valley artists in Asheville, drop byAriel across from Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. This is a contemporary crafts cooperative which showcases the work of twenty outstanding artisans, most of them from the Toe River Valley... Artists like Ken Sedberry, Janet Taylor, Melissa Cadell, Jane Peiser, William and Katherine Bernstein, and many others.
Then stop in the Blue Spiral One gallery on Biltmore Avenue and ask to see the Robert Johnsons. He usually has a one-man show there once a year or so. Other well-known Toe River Valley artists frequently exhibit at the Blue Spiral in solo or group shows: Mark Peiser, Kate Vogel and John Littleton, Shane Fero, to name a few.
Notable Galleries Outside of Asheville
Oliver's Southern Folk Art Gallery (Hendersonville)
Oliver's Southern Folk Art Gallery (Hendersonville)
"... Our gallery specializes in art produced by self taught artist from the Southern United States , with an emphasis on art made by African-American and Appalachian artist. We have spent the past seven years traveling across the south, buying this art directly from the artist and documenting their unique cultures. All the art we feature is authentic and we usually provide a photo of the artist with the piece of art, along with a bio of the artist...." Located between Hendersonville and Flatrock on Highway 225 (Greenville Hwy).
Carlton Gallery
"... As the largest and most established gallery in the area, we are celebrating our 25th year of business in the High Country. Toni Carlton, a native of the area, selects creations from traditional to contemporary and features the widest variety of fine art and upscale handmade crafts by over 300 artisans. From extraordinary blown glass and wind sculptures to exceptional pottery, jewelry, and paintings we offer something for everyone...." Located in Foscoe, in the Grandfather Community... on the way to Boone.
Crimson Laurel Gallery "... The original heart pine floors, tongue and groove ceiling, and walls are still in tact and wormy chestnut was salvaged from the building’s exterior for use throughout the renovations. The square front on the face of the building is close to the original design and the original entrance and porch ceiling have been preserved...." This meticulously and lovingly renovated historic building on Crimson Laurel Way in downtown Bakersville is home to many of the Toe River Valley's finest craftsmen: Ron Slagle, Shane Mickey, Ken Sedberry, Mark Peters, Gay Smith, David Wilson, Melissa Cadell, Suze Lindsay, Kent McLaughlin, Matt Willig, David Ross, Tracey Dotson, and many others. Located in Bakersville, about an hour's drive north of Asheville. See Toe River Galleries & Tours for more information about this "Destination Area for the Serious Art and Craft lover and collecto" which has sprung up around the Penland School of Crafts.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
"... supports the mission of Appalachian State University through regionally
significant exhibition, education, and collection programs. Underlying
the center's mission is the belief that the arts play vital roles in
the development of creative and critical potential, and in
experiencing, interpreting, understanding, recording, and shaping
culture. ...."
Below is an excellent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the helps define some of the bliss and magic that has resulted from the proliferation of art galleries over the years. We are quoting it here at some length only because it's been our experience that newspaper articles tend to be quite ephemeral and this one deserves to be preserved.
Asheville, N.C. — The cool temperatures and stunning vistas of western North Carolina beckon in summer, but there's more than nature's handiwork to see around Asheville.
You can spend many a pleasant afternoon in the city's 100-plus arts and crafts galleries, checking out the spin that artists put on nature's materials. As you finger the delicate lip of a clay pitcher or trace the wood grain in a chair, you can share their pleasure of creation.
Longtime crafts tradition
The mountain crafts tradition began with southern Appalachia's earliest settlers, for whom the ability to fashion a wooden bucket or a quilt was a necessity of daily living. Over the years, institutions such as Penland School of Crafts and the Southern Highland Craft Guild helped artists refine the tradition and expand it to include all sorts of designs, traditional and contemporary.
Now, thanks to the thriving arts community that has grown up in the region's largest city, you can see pottery, furniture, jewelry, wearable art, blown glass and fine art. You can see items gathered not only from the Southeast, but from elsewhere in the United States and abroad. There's a Red Square Gallery of Russian Art & Culture downtown at 7 Rankin Ave., for instance.
Many galleries and studios are clustered in two areas: Asheville's historic downtown, where 1920s art deco architecture adds to the artistic flavor provided by some 30 galleries, and along the French Broad River to the west. More than 70 artists and crafters have carved studios from the former industrial buildings on the river's east bank to form the River Arts District.
Three of the largest and best-known galleries, however — New Morning, Grovewood, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild's Folk Art Center/Allanstand Craft Shop — are outside these areas.
Center for Craft, Creativity and Design "... University students and faculty participate in workshops and sponsored
residencies of international artists, are featured in exhibitions, and
benefit from curriculum development in craft studies, public art and
community design. Workshops, exhibitions and national research
sponsored by CCCD, elevating the value of craft, benefit the
professional craft artist. The general public walks the nature trail,
attends talks and workshops, and visits exhibits. The Conference Center
provides a high tech, multimedia meeting space for regional education,
nonprofit and corporate use...." Located on the UNCA Kellogg Center, Hendersonville Upcoming Exhibits "... Tea Time Talks, receptions, tours and forums scheduled monthly are designed to provide additional information on the exhibitions and an opportunity to meet the artists. Notices of upcoming programs are sent throughout the year to those on the mailing list...."
Handmade in America
"...HandMade in America was founded in 1993 with a belief that economic revitalization wasn’t necessarily tied to luring "modern" industry to the region but in making known the hidden heritage and craftspeople that are so vitally a part of western North Carolina. Since then, HandMade has evolved into a nationally recognized, multidimensional institution that has sparked initiatives and creative collaborations in education, small town revitalization and community development, economic development, environmentally sustainable strategies and enhanced opportunities for makers of the handmade object, heritage tourism, and incorporating crafts into building design and furnishing..."
The Media Arts Project
"... cultivates innovative arts & technology in western North Carolina. The MAP provides exhibition programming, professional development, outreach, and education. We are driven by the belief that the media arts are integral to the vibrant cultural and economic life of the region...."
Sponsors varous events at local gallery, music and theater venues (BoBo Flood, Fine Arts, Orange Peel, etc.) to raise the public's consciousness.. some examples:
Underground filmmakers and their films
The possibilities and potential of various types of Electronic Media
Discover the Bliss of
Collecting Fine Arts and Crafts
Handcrafted in the Blue Ridge Western North Carolina is fast becoming known as the Santa Fe of the east coast. Here, tucked into the hills and at the end of dirt roads, skilled American artists and artisans are producing crafts of rare beauty and striking originality. Come visit the studios and galleries of over 150 weavers, jewelers, glass blowers, potters and wood carvers. The book includes practical information about each studio, including directions, address and phone number, hours of operation, and LISTPRICE range, as well as information about local lodging.
The Nature of Craft and the Penland Experience "... In honor of its 75th birthday, Penland has created a very special gift that celebrates its own history and that crafters will treasure forever. It is, first and foremost, a visual delight, with 137 images of pieces created by Penland instructors and shown at an anniversary exhibition. But the volume goes beyond the Penland School, with a series of original essays that offer a fresh and inclusive vision of the power of crafting.
Written primarily by those outside the field—including a Nobel Laureate chemist—who came to Penland and immersed themselves in the unique experience, these articles look at crafting from the perspective of the anthropologist, scientist, folklorist, sociologist, poet, cultural historian, and critic. Their thoughts prove provocative, highly personal, and unforgettable...."
The Potter's Eye: Art and Tradition in North Carolina Pottery Classic North Carolina stoneware pots--with their rich textures, monochromatic glazes, and minimal decoration--belong to one of America's most revered stoneware pottery traditions. In a lavishly illustrated celebration of that tradition, Mark Hewitt and Nancy Sweezy trace the history of North Carolina pottery from the nineteenth century to the present day.
They demonstrate the intriguing historic and aesthetic relationships that link pots produced in North Carolina to pottery traditions in Europe and Asia, in New England, and in the neighboring state of South Carolina. With hundreds of color photographs highlighting the shapes and surfaces of carefully selected pots, The Potter's Eye honors the keen focus vernacular potters bring to their materials, tools, techniques, and history. It is an evocative guide for anyone interested in the art of North Carolina pottery and the aesthetic majesty of this resilient and long-standing tradition.
Turners and Burners: The Folk Pottery of North Carolina "... This richly illustrated portrait of North Carolina's pottery traditions
tells the story of the generations of "turners and burners" whose creations are much admired for their strength and beauty. Perhaps no other state possesses such an active and extensive ceramic heritage, and one that is entirely continuous. This book is an attempt to understand both the past and the present, the now largely vanished world of the folk potter and the continuing achievements of his descendants...."
The best book I have ever read on folk pottery.
Warren E. Roberts, Journal of Folklore Research
Turners and Burners makes an enormous contribution to the study of North Carolina folklife. . . . North Carolinians, rejoice!
North Carolina Folklore Journal
An excellent book to read if you are interested in North Carolina, American ceramics, folk life, or general craft practices.
Winterthur Portfolio
Turners and Burners brings the simple utilitarian wares of North Carolina into meaningful historical and cultural context.
Journal of American Folklore
North Carolina Pottery: The Collection of the Mint Museums "...If you have the slightest interest in North Carolina's unique pottery
tradition, this book provides a lavishly illustrated catalog of the
collection of the Mint Museums of Charlotte, NC. Each potter's
biography, genealogy and work history is included with an example of
the work of each. There are essays by pottery experts to explain the
background on various types of pottery, techniques, locations, etc., as
well as the history of pottery making in North Carolina...".
The Art of Buying Art "... For anyone leery of investing in art, anyone interested in starting collecting, and anyone simply interested in learning more about contemporary art, Ms. West's book is essential. "Buying Art" is well written, engaging and very informative and will make you a much more knowledgeable and shrewd collector...."
"... an artist cooperative featuring handmade work of renowned local artists from Asheville and the surrounding area. Enjoy original works in clay, fiber, glass, iron, metal, paper and wood...." Located on at 19 Biltmore Avenue in Downtown Asheville, next to the Mast General Store.
".... Bellagio means beautiful leisure. This beautiful wearable art boutique has been a delight since 1991. With memorable clothing by accalimed American textile artists, fashion designers, dazzling handcrafted jewelry and gorgeous one-of-a-kind accessories is located in Historic Biltmore Village, just around the corner from its sister gallery New Morning Gallery. 
A distinctive boutique for "Art to Wear" collections, Bellagio features American designers exhibiting a passion for exotic textures, sublime colors and innovative techniques. Their unique talents inspire dressing as an art form. Visiting Bellagio one sees more than clothing and jewelry on display. Creating a metaphor "Art-to-Wear", Matt Chambers skillfully displays handsome collections of blown glass, ceramic art, and fantqastic wood objects by national and international known artists....." Features major art-to-wear artists such as Candiss Cole, Catherine Bacon (both shown above) and many others. In addition to gallery, holds 
"Asheville's premier studio art glass gallery as well as region's largest" On Haywood Street in Downtown Asheville next to Malaprop's 
"... The original heart pine floors, tongue and groove ceiling, and walls are still in tact and wormy chestnut was salvaged from the building’s exterior for use throughout the renovations. The square front on the face of the building is close to the original design and the original entrance and porch ceiling have been preserved...." This meticulously and lovingly renovated historic building on Crimson Laurel Way in downtown Bakersville is home to many of the Toe River Valley's finest craftsmen: Ron Slagle, Shane Mickey, Ken Sedberry, Mark Peters, Gay Smith, David Wilson, Melissa Cadell, Suze Lindsay, Kent McLaughlin, Matt Willig, David Ross, Tracey Dotson, and many others. Located in Bakersville, about an hour's drive north of Asheville. See 
