stories

Our journalistic coverage delves into the lives of talented makers and craftspeople in Asheville, NC, and beyond. Explore articles celebrating regional artists, their techniques, and the diverse arts scene of Western North Carolina.

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We Didn't Know What 2025 Would Bring. We Made Art Anyway

From exhibitions to cultural milestones that brought WNC together, here's what we pulled off in 2025—and why it matters to the arts community.

feature story

Revisiting ArtsvilleUSA’s Most-Loved Stories of 2025

Join us as we look back at ArtsvilleUSA's top stories of 2025—featuring readers' favorites, staff selections, and hidden treasures worth rediscovering.

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Edible Architecture: Highlights From the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition

Following a hiatus due to Hurricane Helene, the National Gingerbread House Competition made its sweet return to Asheville at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

artsville newsletter

November 2025 Round-up: Sharing Food, Crafting Community, Seeking Asylum

In this issue: artisan tablescaping, the Afghan Women’s Craft Collective, plus open letters from the RAD's Jeffrey Burroughs and Center for Craft's Stephanie Moore.

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Sisters in Stitches: Afghan Women Cultivate Community Through Craft and Cuisine

Three years ago, Asheville nonprofit Sisters in Circles launched the Afghan Women’s Craft Collective to assist asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives in the United States.

photo story

Holiday Tablescaping: 12 Artisan Finds for a Memorable Celebration

Handmade treasures from Western North Carolina bring warmth, character, and charm to your holiday tablescape, from décor to dinner essentials.

op-ed

A Tale of Two Hurricanes: ‘When the Water Rises, Artists Rise, Too’

Jeffrey Burroughs, President of the River Arts District Artists, reflects on his role as a speaker and participating artist in the climate-themed exhibition ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’

op-ed

Learning to Breathe Again: After Helene, Art Exhibition is ‘A Moving Classroom’

Stephanie Moore, Director of the Center for Craft, reflects on the powerful opening reception of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ at the New Orleans Academy of Art.

artsville newsletter

October 2025 Round-up: Magic Season in the Mountains

In this issue: reclaiming joy, a visual tour of the region’s best festivals, and a spotlight on LEAF Global Arts and the Street Creature Puppet Collective.

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‘So Many Possibilities’: The Street Creature Puppet Collective Steps Back Into the Limelight

The Street Creature Puppet Collective brings whimsy back to WNC this fall, reviving the local arts landscape and delighting audiences at regional festivals.

travelogue

The Spirited Return of Fall Festival Season in Western North Carolina

Fall festival season in Western North Carolina is making a big comeback after extensive cancellations last year due to Hurricane Helene.

events + news

Two Open Calls for Artists: Live Holiday Market/Small Works Exhibition

ArtsvilleUSA invites artists from WNC to showcase and sell their small works, ornaments, and handcrafted art perfect for holiday gifting.

artsville newsletter

September 2025 Round-up: Looking Back, Moving Forward

In this issue: What our children stand to lose, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ opens in New Orleans, plus an open call for our small works exhibition and holiday market.

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‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Opens to Enthusiastic Crowds in New Orleans

On opening night, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts featured hurricane-related art from New Orleans and Western North Carolina.

artsville newsletter

August 2025 Round-up: A One-Year Milestone

In this issue: Why all art is political, reflecting on the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, plus photos from Kenn Kotara’s summer artist residency.

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Asheville Artist Kenn Kotara Chronicles Mammoth Lakes Residency in Visual Journal

As the summer sun wanes, mixed-media artist Kenn Kotara looks back on his Mammoth Lakes residency in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

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‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Exhibition Unites Asheville and New Orleans on the Anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Helene

'A Tale of Two Cities' commemorates the shared experiences of New Orleans and Asheville as they navigate the aftermath of climate-related disasters decades apart.

artsville newsletter

July 2025 Round-up: Make Summer Your Best Creative Season

Why summer is perfect for creative pursuits, plus a spotlight on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s inaugural exhibition.

travelogue

Plan Your Visit: Explore the Artists, Studios, and Handmade Treasures of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails

The Blue Ridge Craft Trails, developed by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, promote arts tourism and support economic sustainability throughout the region.

feature story

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

Join the ‘Arthouse’ crowdfunding initiative and suggest your favorite regional artist for future episodes of the innovative home design series.

artsville newsletter

May 2025 Round-Up: Your Story, Written in Clay

This month, we explored a small part of the local clay scene, including Black Mountain sculptor Libba Tracy, Village Potters, and the Kamm Teapot Collection.

q+art interview

High Tide: Libba Tracy’s Sculptures Highlight the Urgent Plight of Endangered Animals

Black Mountain ceramist Libba Tracy creates whimsical sculptures that address pressing climate issues while celebrating the wonders of the natural world.

photo story

A Toast to Tea: Exploring the Kamm Teapot Collection

Celebrate Mother's Day and International Tea Day with a curated selection of teapots by Western North Carolina artists from the Kamm Teapot Collection.

artsville newsletter

April 2025 Round-up: Library Economics, Slavic Folk Art, Plus Hot Wax Painting

In April, we celebrate the season with Ukrainian Easter eggs, explore Western North Carolina's low-cost makerspaces, and highlight bookbinder Erin Keane.

q+art interview

Layers of Hot Wax: How Erin Keane Blends Encaustic With Photography and Bookbinding

Asheville artist and educator Erin Keane specializes in encaustic, an ancient hot wax painting technique that adds texture and luminous color to her work.