western north carolina

A collection of 60 posts

feature story

Creative Chemistry: The Secrets Behind Couples Who Craft Together

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we uncover the perfect equation for a successful creative partnership by speaking to couples who excel in collaboration.

artsville newsletter

January 2025 Roundup: Treasure Hunting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Preserving Rural Craft Communities, Plus the First Helene Retrospective

Our January newsletter spotlights the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, where artists are working to revive their communities through creative endeavors.

podcast

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area: How Western North Carolina is Crafting a Comeback

Director Angie Chandler and Craft Trails Coordinator Robin Johnston discuss the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's role in revitalizing WNC through craft.

photo story

‘From the Beginning’: Hurricane Helene in Photographs

Local photographer Michael Freas captures the impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville in a poignant new exhibition at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler.

artsville newsletter

December 2024 Roundup: RADfest Was Rad, Ceramist Michael Sherrill Perseveres, Plus an End-of-Year Overview

In December, we covered RADfest 1.0, interviewed acclaimed Bat Cave ceramist Michael Sherrill, and reflected on a particularly tumultuous year.

artsville podcast

Year in Review: Triumphs, Trials, and Bouncing Back After Hurricane Helene

ArtsvilleUSA reflects on a year filled with surprises in our last episode of the year. NOT REAL ART founder Scott Power joins in on the discussion.

q+art interview

Ceramist Michael Sherrill Reflects on Life in Post-Hurricane Bat Cave, NC

Sculptor Michael Sherrill shares the challenges of rebuilding his business after Hurricane Helene and highlights the community spirit that fuels recovery.

artsville newsletter

November 2024 Roundup: Rural WNC Arts Community Unites, Crafters Tally Their Losses, Plus Lessons From New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina

In November, we covered relief efforts in Mitchell County, evaluated the storm's economic impact on artists, and consulted leaders in Asheville and New Orleans.

feature story

Rural Western North Carolina Arts Community Unites to Heal and Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

In Mitchell and Yancey counties, local artists, volunteers, and arts organizations spearheaded the disaster relief response. Here’s how to support them.

feature story

Beyond the Storm: 6 Asheville Artists Reflect on Their Losses in Helene’s Aftermath

‘The biggest impact on me and my family is a loss of income as we move forward through these next few months without much tourism.’

podcast

Photojournalist Michael Freas Documents Disaster, Destruction, and Hope in Asheville

In a special bonus episode, Asheville-based photojournalist Michael Freas joins us to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

feature story

Rising Above the Flood: Resilience in Asheville's River Arts District After Hurricane Helene

A week after the record-high waters subsided, River Arts District artists gathered to assess the damage, share stories of hope, and create an action plan.

travelogue

Enka-Candler in Photographs: Legacy and Future

In September’s travelogue, ArtsvilleUSA heads to semi-rural Candler to see photographer Bob Ware’s new exhibition, 'Enka-Candler: Byways and Crossroads.'

feature story

The Kitagawa School: A New Vision of Craft, Ecology, and Community in Western North Carolina

Founded by Asheville sculptors Melissa Engler and Graeme Priddle, The Kitagawa School nurtures the relationship between craft, creativity, and the land.

q+art interview

Jewelry Artist Mary Timmer: Uncovering the ‘Softness’ in Metal

Located just north of Asheville in quaint Weaverville, NC, Mary Timmer’s studio is one of four spaces occupying the back of Miya Gallery on Main Street.

artsville newsletter

July Roundup: Quilting With Wood, Lobsters and Lighthouses, WNC Craft Residencies

In this month’s roundup, we chat with woodworker Valerie Berlage, nibble on lobster rolls in Nova Scotia, and learn about the Center for Craft’s new residency.

feature story

The Center for Craft’s New Residency Program Spotlights the Artists of Western North Carolina

Sponsored by the Center for Craft, the WNC Artist Residency allocates resources to two craft-based artists living and working in Western North Carolina.

featured artists

Infinite Horizons: A Journey Through Sue Dolamore's Creative Universe

Sue Dolamore's art is a journey of boundless experimentation, reflecting human emotion and connection, fostering creation and healing.

featured artists

Tiffany Payne: Crafting Magic in Asheville's Metal Scene

Tiffany Payne, WNC native, crafts heirloom-quality jewelry inspired by Appalachia and heritage empowering wearers with timeless elegance.

featured artists

Justin Breitzke: Crafting Wholeness Through Mixed Media

Justin Breitzke's journey from carpentry to mixed media art reflects resilience, experimentation, and the transformative power of creativity.

featured artists

Elle Tracey: Celebrating Fluidity and Evolution in Art

Elle Tracey: Celebrating fluidity and evolution in art. Explore her transformative work at artsvilleusa.com.

featured artists

Get Spruced Up! at Craft in the Courtyard April 25 2024

On April 25, enjoy Craft in the Courtyard, a delightful meet-and-greet with ArtsvilleUSA, WINK Hair Salon, Further Boutique, and the ever-popular FIG restaurant. On this special day, these creative businesses bring attention to crafts and creativity showing makers of jewelry, ceramics, glass and wearable weavings, products for hair care, fashion-forward

featured artists

Capturing the Soul of Appalachia: Anne Asplin's Watercolor Reflections

Capturing the Soul of Appalachia: Anne Asplin's Watercolor Reflections

featured artists

Isabelle Klauder - A Statement of Femininity in Fabric and Florals

Klauder challenges conventional representations of femininity, weaving together societal expectations with botanical imagery.

news and stories

Artful Adventures: Unveiling Hidden Treasures - Art in Hotels from New York to Asheville

Explore art, history, and heritage through hotel stays. From The Beekman in NYC's historic site to Asheville's Grand Bohemian and Kimpton Hotel Arras, discover captivating collections and immerse in cultural experiences.