Gallery Hopping Like It's 'Emily in Paris' But Make It Mountain Weird
Three days immersed in Asheville's vibrant arts scene
Dylan's Take
Here's what they don't tell you about Asheville's art scene: it's not trying to be Brooklyn or Portland. It's its own weird, wonderful thing. I discovered this during my first Second Saturday art walk when I watched a guy making sculptures out of old banjo parts while discussing Marxist theory. Only in Asheville, y'all. The River Arts District alone has more working artists per square foot than anywhere I've been, and unlike galleries where you whisper and nod knowingly, here you can watch artists actually making things and ask them why they chose that particular shade of blue. It's less 'Gossip Girl at the Met Gala' and more 'crafty friend who somehow makes a living doing what they love.'
Seasonal Editions Available
Spring Studio Stroll
When artists throw open their doors
Holiday Craft Spectacular
Shopping local but make it art
Your Weekend Schedule
Downtown Galleries & Museum Night
Asheville Art Museum
Start with the newly renovated museum - the architecture alone is stunning
Insider Tip: Free admission 5-8pm on the second Wednesday of each month
Woolworth Walk
Local artist gallery in a restored F.W. Woolworth - 100% local work
Insider Tip: The soda fountain still works and makes amazing floats
Haywood Street Galleries
Gallery hop along Haywood - Blue Spiral 1, Momentum Gallery, etc.
Insider Tip: Most galleries stay open late on Fridays with wine
Sovereign Remedies
Cocktails surrounded by rotating local art installations
River Arts District Studio Crawl
Riverview Station
Massive studio complex with everything from ceramics to metalwork
Insider Tip: Second Saturdays mean all studios are open with demos
12 Bones Smokehouse
BBQ lunch in the heart of RAD - Obama ate here!
Insider Tip: The blueberry chipotle ribs are absolutely amazing
Foundation Studios
Explore 3 floors of artist studios in an old warehouse
Insider Tip: The Marquee has the best mountain views from their rooftop
Curve Studios
Focus on functional art - pottery, textiles, jewelry
Insider Tip: Jonas Gerard's abstract studio is mind-blowing
DSSOLVR
Brewery break with rotating art exhibitions
The Grey Eagle
Live music venue with local art displays
West Asheville & Street Art
West Asheville Mural Tour
Self-guided tour of Haywood Road murals and street art
Insider Tip: Start at the Mothlight for coffee and a map
Revolve Gallery
Contemporary gallery focusing on social justice art
Sunny Point Cafe
Brunch with local art on the walls
Insider Tip: The wait is real but the huevos rancheros are worth it
ZaPow! Gallery
Comic art, lowbrow, and pop surrealism
Insider Tip: They do custom framing for affordable prices
Odyssey Co-op Gallery
Artist-owned cooperative with rotating exhibitions
Must-Do Experiences
- Second Saturday art walk in RAD
- Asheville Art Museum rooftop views
- Watch a working artist in their studio
- Buy something directly from an artist
- Street art photography in West Asheville
- Gallery hop with wine on Friday night
- See the Woolworth Walk soda fountain
Insider Tips
- Second Saturdays are huge - plan accordingly
- Many artists sell directly from studios (no gallery markup)
- RAD floods occasionally - check conditions after heavy rain
- West Asheville galleries are quirkier and more affordable
- Downtown galleries are fancier but pricier
Where to Stay
Walk to all the studios
Artsy neighborhood vibes
Getting Around
- • RAD is sprawling - comfortable shoes essential
- • Downtown galleries are walkable from each other
- • Bike the greenway between downtown and RAD
- • West Asheville is very walkable along Haywood
Photo Ops
- 📸 Foundation Studios mountain views
- 📸 Any RAD mural wall
- 📸 Asheville Art Museum glass facade
- 📸 Woolworth Walk soda fountain
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