Trailblazers and Torchbearers

​Your legacy is the impact you leave for future generations. This month, we explore the influence of Haywood County metal artist Rachel David, including her perspective on public art and artist mentorship; the future-focused vision of Molten Made, the first public forge in Western North Carolina and a permanent resource for artists; and the growing role of outdoor art in creating a cultural legacy that complements the region’s enduring natural beauty.

We also honor the legacy of ArtsvilleUSA’s founder, Louise Glickman, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. Louise is a force of nature in all regards. She created this organization to help artists grow and make their mark, from WNC to the world. Thanks to her vision, art lovers can come to ArtsvilleUSA to discover, celebrate, and enjoy the work of local artists. Please join us in wishing Louise a happy birthday by raising a glass or making a gift so that her legacy may continue to flourish.

Thank you for welcoming us into your inbox each week and allowing us to share the stories of artists making an impact in our community.

‘Open // Air’ Exhibition

This summer, step outside the gallery walls and into Open // Air, an exhibition that transforms parks, gardens, and trails across Western North Carolina into living showcases for sculpture and site-specific installations. Featuring work in wood, stone, metal, glass, and wire by a roster of acclaimed regional artists, ArtsvilleUSA’s summer exhibition offers new ways to experience art, nature, and the surrounding landscape.

View the Open // Air exhibition here.

Go Yonder! A Guide to Western North Carolina’s Public Art and Outdoor Sculpture

Break out the sunscreen and your sense of adventure. ArtsvilleUSA’s companion travelogue to the Open // Air exhibition guides readers on a scenic journey through outdoor sculpture parks, public art trails, and garden installations across the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains. Discover the region’s most intriguing public art and plan your own self-guided tour of must-see art.

Plan your self-guided tour of must-see art here.

Molten Made Forges a New Path in Asheville

Molten Made is heating up Asheville’s art scene with the city’s first fine art foundry, opening this fall in the River Arts District. Founded by local sculptors Julie Slattery and Paul Watson, the new space will offer metal casting services, a gallery, and hands-on workshops for artists and the public alike. With a mission to foster creativity and community, Molten Made is set to spark a new era for local sculpture.

Learn more about Molten Made Foundry here.

RED Metal Rising: Rachel David on Art as Activism in the Public Sphere

RED Metal Rising takes center stage in this month’s podcast episode, a behind-the-scenes look at sculptor Rachel David’s bold public works and her mission to transform urban spaces through art. We explore David’s creative process, her activism in the metalsmithing world, and the story behind her monumental sculpture “Fluvial” on Asheville’s Urban Trail.

Listen to our conversation with Rachel David here.

News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond

Here’s where we share quick craft bites for busy hands and hungry minds. This month: a virtual outdoor art exhibition, a glass show at Blue Spiral 1, plus the Anything Fiber Sale, and The Big Crafty festival.

Exhibitions

• ​ Open // Air | Open indefinitely | ArtsvilleUSA.com
  View Open // Air, our virtual summer exhibition featuring outdoor art from WNC artists, including Grace Cathey, Rob Levin, Elizabeth Brim, and Robert Winkler.
  
• Reflections | July 3 – August 26, 2026 | Blue Spiral 1
  Celebrate the expressive range of glass at the Reflections exhibition, featuring work by WNC artists and Artsville exhibitors Robert Burch, Kenny Pieper, Hayden Wilson, and more. The exhibition is open to the public throughout the summer. More information here.
  
• Connecting to Place: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational | Through July 25 | The Bascom
  This annual group invitational from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area highlights Western North Carolina’s craft scene and the artists’ connection to local natural materials. Works in various mediums are on display, celebrating both innovation and tradition in the region’s handicraft economy. More information here.
  
• Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Graduate Show | Through August 19 | Folk Art Center | ArtsvilleUSA.com
  The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the work of emerging artists from Haywood Community College’s renowned Professional Crafts Program. This annual exhibition features student works in fiber, wood, clay, and jewelry, highlighting technical skills, creative vision, and connections to Southern Highlands craft traditions. The exhibition marks nearly 50 years of partnership between the Guild and the college. View the online exhibition exclusively at ArtsvilleUSA.com.
  

Events

• ​ First Friday Craft Night | July 3 | Lexington Glassworks, Asheville
  Join the Downtown Arts District Art Walk for a special craft night at Lexington Glassworks, presented in partnership with ArtFolk. Watch glassblowers in action and try your hand at a craft project. This drop-in event runs from 5–7 p.m. and is free to attend. More information here.
  
• East-West Asheville Art Walk | July 10 | East-West Asheville, Asheville
  Experience the creative spirit of Asheville at the East-West Asheville Art Walk, organized by Lamplight AVL. On July 10 from 5–8 p.m., sixteen neighborhood businesses will host free arts-focused events, welcoming visitors to stroll the district and enjoy art, music, and community surprises. Join in to celebrate local creativity and connect with artists and neighbors. More information here.
  
• The Big Crafty | July 11–12 | Downtown Asheville
  Voted WNC’s favorite art event for 17 years, The Big Crafty brings together makers, artists, and crafters for a DIY festival. More information on this year’s event here.
  
• Anything Fiber Sale | July 25 | AB Tech Conference Center, Asheville
  Explore a haven for fiber enthusiasts at Local Cloth’s annual Anything Fiber Sale, held at the AB Tech Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 25. With more than 40 vendors offering unused yarn, fabric, tools, looms, and fiber treasures, this free event invites the community to browse and shop for all things fiber. Donations of fiber supplies are also being accepted through July 17 at 239 Amboy Road. More information here.

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured artwork: “Wildflowers of the Smokies” by Grace Cathey.