June 2025 Round-up: Art in the Garden

Recently, flower enthusiasts gathered along the paths of Black Mountain for the annual Art in Bloom fundraiser at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA). Armed with digital maps, attendees explored private gardens, looking for plein-air painters, before returning to BMCA to admire floral arrangements inspired by the regional artists’ exhibition.

With summer in full swing and warmer weather inviting us outside, there’s no better time to skip the galleries—unless you’re craving a little air conditioning—and explore the outdoor art of Western North Carolina. This month’s newsletter is packed with stories, including the 19th annual Art in Bloom fundraiser, that celebrate the region’s natural beauty and the artists who bring it to life. To view the artwork and floral arrangements from this year’s event, which aimed to support artists in the River Arts District affected by Hurricane Helene, visit BMCA’s Instagram.

We also revisit our conversation with Scott “Doc” Varn, the founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting natural and historic landmarks. One of their current initiatives is the Chimney Rock benefit exhibition at Saluda Studios, which runs through July 31. This exhibition features artwork from local artists that captures the essence of Chimney Rock before it was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Notably, forty percent of the proceeds from each sale will go directly towards the park's restoration efforts.

Finally, we’re excited to announce that we’ve teamed up with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) to spotlight the amazing arts and crafts scene right here in Western North Carolina. As part of this partnership, we’ll be hosting BRNHA’s inaugural exhibition on ArtsvilleUSA next month. We hope this collaboration inspires everyone to get outside, explore the region’s craft trails, and enjoy the local arts that reflect our incredible surroundings.

Art in Bloom: Black Mountain Center for the Arts Annual Fundraiser Supports RAD Artists

“Art in Bloom has grown bigger every year,” says Lori Cozzi, executive director of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts for the past six years. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, the beloved event is shining a much-needed spotlight on the artists of the River Arts District (RAD), whose lives and studios were upended by Hurricane Helene last fall. “This year, we only invited River Arts District artists in an effort to support them and bring attention back to the RAD,” says Lori, noting that the Center has reduced its commission on the regional artists' exhibition to just 10 percent this year. “We want to help them get back on their feet.”

Read about Art in Bloom 2025 here.

Preserving a Picturesque America With Conservationist Scott ‘Doc’ Varn

Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in June 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Scott “Doc” Varn, founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America, as part of our outdoor art-themed coverage in June 2025.

What’s more exciting than an epic treasure hunt, searching for America’s wild places? Today’s guest, Scott “Doc” Varn, is the founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA). Based in Asheville, NC, this unique organization upholds the conservation work begun by Victorian artist-explorers, who documented America’s unspoiled natural beauty with prose and illustrations. Their expeditions paved the way for PAPA and its contemporary conservation efforts, which are equal parts adventure and art.

Listen to our conversation with Scott “Doc” Varn here.

‘Arthouse’ in Asheville: Nominate Your Favorite Regional Artist for a Chance To Shine On Home Design TV Series

"We have really dramatic walls and high ceilings, so we want the art to stand out," says Nishal Patel, pointing to a large space above the bed she shares with her husband, Nish, in their recently renovated Chicago condo. With their baby arriving in just three weeks, the couple's spacious home is smooth, spackled, and baby-proofed—but still feels bare. Acquiring original artwork is the final touch in their renovation, and they're eager to find pieces from local artists that reflect the ambiance of their home and infuse it with life. Luckily, the Patels have help from Arthouse, an innovative home design TV series that connects everyday art lovers with local artists in their homes and studios.

Now, as Arthouse launches its crowdfunding campaign, Asheville residents have a unique opportunity to be part of this exciting project. The series aims to raise $150,000 through Indiegogo to produce a full-length pilot featuring artists from the Chicago area; for a small contribution, art lovers can nominate local artists or nearby communities in Western North Carolina to appear on future episodes. The crowdfunding campaign runs through July 25, 2025.

Learn more about Arthouse here or visit the Arthouse crowdfunding campaign here.

News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds.

Exhibition + Events

• Blue Ridge Roots Revival: Hosted by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) and Jazz Foundation of America, this summer and fall concert series aims to celebrate local music heritage and support community recovery following Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Dates, times, and locations can be found here.
• Art in the Garden: See the plein-air paintings from Black Mountain Center for the Arts’ annual Art in Bloom event. Free and open to the public, Art in the Garden runs through July 25 at BMCA. Learn more here.
• Chimney Rock Benefit Exhibition: Hosted by Preserving Pictureque America (PAPA), the Chimney Rock exhibition celebrates the reopening of North Carolina’s iconic Chimney Rock State Park after the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Forty percent of the proceeds from each sale will go directly towards the park's restoration efforts. Shop online or at Saluda Studios through July 31.
• WNC Craft Futures: From Here: Don’t miss the Center for Craft’s current exhibition, featuring 40 regional craft artists impacted by Hurricane Helene, on view through Aug. 30. Learn more about the exhibition and the awarded artists here.
• Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational: Hosted by Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA), the nonprofit’s first exhibition features 33 artists included on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. The exhibition runs from July 2 through September 28 at the Mars Landing Galleries. Learn more here.

Special Thanks to Our Partners

This copy has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of the artist(s); featured photo: courtesy of Black Mountain Center for the Arts.