Overseas relocations are not helpful to my daily art habit. While I painstakingly wait for my art supplies to make their way across the ocean from Morocco, I’ve found another way to immerse myself. I’m visiting galleries and studios wherever google will find them.
Found: Mahogany House in Waynesville, NC
Get out of my way, utility post.
Waynesville, a small town of <10,000 is not the type of city you would expect to find Mahogany House. The gallery hosts some of the best artists in the region, including many from the River Arts District in nearby Asheville (see below). The decor in itself is worth a visit, but you’ll be quickly drawn in by the variety of mediums and styles on display. Artist studios in the back are open and owner T.E. Siewert is happy to show you around.
Found: River Arts District in Asheville, NC
One of the more colorful streets of the district.
For years my mother has been talking about Asheville’s River Arts District, but we’ve never been able to go. This time, I used the promise of 12 Bones’ famous ribs to lure my husband there. It worked. We went twice. The entire district is quite a large space to cover on foot, but ambitious visitors can definitely do it (read: not pregnant or carting children and wearing good shoes and carrying a River Arts District maps). There are 22 buildings and over 160 artists working there. It’s largely industrial. Rough, but made beautiful by its inhabitants. I loved the variety of styles and mediums, and I was even more impressed to learn that it’s largely a self-created, self-governed group. Gentrification…what artists do best (besides make beautiful things).
Found: Arts on Main in Gastonia, NC
This one is in the former Citizens National Bank Building of Gastonia’s Main Street. The art guild has cleverly used the old vaults to house some of the studios. Currently, it is home to 20+ artists, a gallery, and gift shop, and there is ample space for educational programs.
Found: Art Crossing, in Greenville, SC
Artists get prime real estate right along the river.
We spent an inordinate amount of time in these studios, partly because there were great things to see, and partly because it was raining cats and dogs. We visited the studio of the late Guy Stevens. His wife paints as well, many times inspired by her husband’s work. Another of my favorites was Betsy Powell in Studio 201 who has no arts education and only started painting after her children were grown. She doesn’t have a website, but she needs one. There’s plenty to see near Arts Crossing as well, including Freedom Bridge, the waterfall, and other redevelopment project along the river.
Soon, and very soon, my arts supplies (and camera) will have arrived from Morocco. I’ll be posting some new work shortly!