The Art of Pumpkin Carving

Work of the Week Celebrates Halloween

The Asheville Art Museum Work of the Week is also a perfect piece with which to celebrate Halloween! Connie Bostic's, "Recognition of Death" ca 1988 , is a mixed media painting on plywood, 96.75 inches x 25 inches x 7 inches. Connie Bostic is an Asheville artist and writer whose artistic endeavors are predominantly in mixed media. She exhibited her work at the Asheville Art Museum in October 1987 and has managed the Zone One Gallery since 1992.

Bostic is known to have worked closely with Charles Clemmons on art projects such as this piece called, Recognition of Death, which is only one painting in a series of 23. This series was a collection of a large procession of panels which became widely popular. Recognition of Death depicts a human skeleton in a coffin-like box and is a piece in the Permanent Collection that points to the Museum’s dedication to acquiring art by Western North Carolina artists. It was donated to the Museum by the artist's own Zone One Gallery.

Valleytown Cultural Arts Center Monster Mash

October 30 from 8 PM - 11 PM at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center Goblins and Ghoulies can get Happy Feet. Come boogie the night away to all style of music from DJ Ed Cloud. Food, drinks and prizes are included and costumes are optional. All Proceeds benefit the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society. Tickets available at the door for $25 per couple, $15 individual. The Valleytown Cultural Arts Center is located at the corner of Chestnut and 3rd in downtown Andrews NC.

Annual Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction at John C Campbell

Nov 6 the Annual Blacksmith and Fine Craft Auction at John C Campbell Folk School  is an event not to be missed. The Silent Auction will take place from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. and the Live Auction will be from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in the Keith House Community Room.

Indian Rosewood Hollow Formed Vessel by John Mascoll

Items up for bid include donated works of fine art and craft by our talented instructors and artists. Traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, and woodworking will be represented, as well as other unusual items of whimsy. Proceeds benefit the craft programs at the Folk School. To preview auction items, click here.

A full day of events is planned in celebration of the new Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop. A Tool Auction will be held from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. in the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop. The official dedication of this shop will follow immediately afterward, from 10:45 a.m. until noon. Please call the office at 828-837-2775 or 1-800-FOLK-SCH if you would like to make a reservation for lunch, which will be held in the Olive Campbell Dining Hall at noon. Lunch is $8 and chili, salad, and cornbread will be served.

Last 2010 Saturday at the Ashe County Farmers Market

The 2010 season at the Ashe County Farmers Market will soon be coming to an end. The last"official" Saturday Market will be on October 30th from 8:00 AM to 1 PM. The annual Holiday Market will be open on several days in November and December.

In addition to a great variety of fresh produce the Market offers Nursery Products from blueberry bushes to herbs; Processed Food Products such as jams, jellies and honey; Grass-fed and pasture-raised Meats; Poultry and Dairy products including eggs and cheeses; Homemade Bread and baked goods; and a variety of Arts and Crafts in all media.

Come visit us at one of the most successful and vibrant Farmers' Market in the High Country of Northwest North Carolina before the season ends!

Winter Rentals at Penland School of Crafts

Penland doesn't offer classes in the winter, but that doesn't mean the studios are empty. Each winter, there is a small but lively community on the hill made up of staff members and winter renters. The books, clay, glass, iron, photo, textiles, and wood studios are available in January and February for folks who wish to work independently--the letterpress/print studio is available in February. Housing is also available. You can find complete information on the winter rental page of the website.

Special Workshop at Random Arts

Creating Aged Finishes ***ONLY $15.
Friday, Oct. 29th  1:00 till 3:30
How often have you reached for just the right grungy, rusty or distressed embellishment to complete a project? Now you can create your own rusted found objects that are unique to you no matter what the size, shape or composition. We will focus on the use of copper/patina and iron/rust paper, Formica, polymer clay, ribbons and much more. Clean up is easy with soap and water and there's 100% success rate in the outcome. You will leave with a completed collection of rusted and patina'd items as well as a cool box structure to carry them home. This is class that I am teaching at Artiscape in Ohio next April. Join me for this fun workshop and learn all this cool stuff! Only $15.

Limit 8 students. Please email to register.  Random Arts, Saluda NC.

Quilter's Quarters One Week Only Sale

October 25 - 30 One Week Only Sale at Quilter's Quarters, 2020 Dellwood Road Waynesville, NC. We have had a crew working hard on our new home and it is almost ready! We want you to be a part of our move, so we are offering you a huge sale for helping us. Your part is to take advantage of our "One Week Only" Sale. From 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 25th until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30th the ENTIRE store will be 25% off. The only exceptions will be the items that are already on sale or marked down. There is a large selection of books marked down 35-50% and several kits have been marked down. Come help us celebrate this special week in the life of Quilters Quarters.

Thanks to all of you who have volunteered to help with the actual move, but we can't really do much ahead....just be patient with us and we will get up and running as fast as we can. It is an exciting time for us so please come and join in the excitement and fun. 

One Week Left for Penland Resident Artist Applications

Applications for the Penland School of Crafts Resident Artist Program are due at Penland by Friday, October 28. The resident artist program seeks to enrich the total educational experience at Penland by providing a stimulating, supportive environment for artists at transitional points in their careers. Penland resident artists are full-time, self-supporting craftspeople who live and work at the school for three years. Complete information online.

Asheville Art Museum Presents "Up for Discussion"

Up for Discussion, Sewell Sillman: A Continuous Broken Line with Mary Emma Harris + Amanda Burdan
Thursday, October 28, 7:00 PM Black Mountain College scholar and author Mary Emma Harris and Amanda Burdan, the Tatum Curatorial Fellow at the Florence Griswold Museum, will talk about the history of the college and present lessons learned from Josef Albers that directed Sewell Sillman's experimentation throughout his career as both teacher and artist. These fundamental principles informed Sillman's work in a variety of media as he solved and resolved the "problems" Albers originally presented. Please join us for this informative and lively conversation, followed by a book signing. $5 Members/Students; $7 General Admission

Hendersonville Craft Show this weekend

Oct 22-23   HENDERSONVILLE  NC -  Henderson County Crafters Association Craft Show   The Henderson County Crafters Association will host a craft show at the Blue Ridge Mall. Fri and Sat 10 am-9 pm & Sunday 1-6 pm

Sylva hosts ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge

Oct 23   ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge  transforms downtown Sylva NC into a Paris-like scene with colorful umbrellas dotting each corner and alcove. The ColorFest will be host to some of the most accomplished fine artists in western North Carolina for the annual ColorFest Art of the Blue Ridge. 10 AM - 4 PM  ColorFest, Art of the Blue Ridge is produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc in partnership with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visual Artists Association.

4th Friday Gallery Walk in Brevard this Weekend

Oct 22, 5 PM - 9 PM head to downtown Brevard NC for the 4th Friday Gallery Walks this weekend.  Enjoy an evening stroll in downtown Brevard as you  visit the art galleries, art stores, retail stores and restaurants that are staying open late. Most galleries have new artwork each month, and offer wine, munchies and music. Be sure to look for the 16 sculptures and five murals located in the downtown area as well. A brochure for the gallery walks can be found at any of the participating galleries or at the chamber of commerce. For more information call TC Arts at 884-2787 or go to www.artsofbrevard.org and click on Art Tours.

The Crafts Fair of the Southern Highlands in Asheville

Oct 21 - 24 one of the Southeast's most important craft events takes place this week in Asheville NC. The fall edition of The Crafts Fair of the Southern Highlands is four days of fine traditional and contemporary crafts. Over 200 craftspeople fill the two levels of the center selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry. The event takes place in the peak of the leaf season and is located in downtown Asheville at the Civic Center.

Tryon Arts and Crafts Festival Today and Tomorrow

October 16 - 17   TRYON NC  hosts the 3rd Annual Tryon Arts & Crafts Fall Festival   Now in the 3rd year of this wonderful event. Come see some of the areas finest arts and crafts, enjoy the artistry of talented local musicians and great food.

Last 2010 Asheville Art in the Park

October 16   Art in the Park   offers some of the region's finest artists in downtown's new Pack Square Park. 10% of proceeds are donated to local non-profit art organizations. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Asheville's newest festive venue while browsing and shopping a variety of art and craft.

Asheville Art Museum Used Art Books Sale

October 24, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Asheville Art Museum Used Art Books Sale + Half-Price Signed and Framed Christo and Jeanne-Claude Posters! Browse for art books at the Museum's first used book sale! We'll have great prices and you'll come away with some treasures for reading and inspiration. We are accepting donations for this event - please contact 828.253.3227, ext. 120 or nsokolove@ashevilleart.org.

The event also includes a huge sale of signed Christo and Jeanne-Claude posters! These high-quality, framed prints, signed by the artists themselves, will be discounted to only $200 (regularly $400)! This photo is an example - Preview these unique pieces of art here.

Arts and Crafts Festival in Tryon NC

Oct 16 - 17   head for the  3rd Annual Tryon Arts & Crafts Fall Festival  now in it's 3rd year.  The Event Features over 40 of the finest artisans and craftspeople of the region and  will be held rain or shine on the grounds of Tryon Arts and Crafts.  In addition to shopping for handmade, one-of-a kind arts and crafts, visitors to the festival will enjoy food from local eateries, live entertainment and fun activities for the kids. See demonstrations in pottery making, lapidary, woodturning, weaving, as well as metalworking in the forge throughout both days.

Downtown Andrews gets a Second Mural

Andrews Valley River Arts Guild has created its second downtown mural, The Wagon Train, designed by artist Steve Zigich. Building owners Ron and Marsha Clontz sponsored the paint and supplies and are so pleased with the results they are thinking about having an empty old gas station they own painted as a giant aquarium.

The Valleytown Cultural Arts Center has had a summer filled with notable events including one of the traveling Design Expo exhibits and workshops by two of the participating artists. Bryan Hughes, a member of the AVI Board, has started a new newspaper to provide an affordable venue for small town businesses. Plans for the publication include internet marketing .

Annual L.E.A.F. in Black Mountain this weekend

Oct 14-17  Lake Eden Arts Festival   A weekend celebration of world folk arts: music concerts, dancing, handcrafts, healing arts, poetry, kidventures and workshops. Beautiful mountain camp setting with lakes and camping. Held at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain NC.

Robert Tino Print Sales benefit Friends of the Smokies

The close of the 2010 season at Mt. LeConte is November 23rd.  Whether you've made the trek this year, or in years past, surely great memories of your adventures remain.  Famed Smoky Mountain artist and native son Robert A. Tino captured the peace and beauty of this mountaintop retreat in 'The Lodge at Mt. LeConte', commissioned by Stokely Hospitality in 2009 during the park's 75th anniversary year.

 

Proceeds from the sale of each print benefit Friends of the Smokies!  To order yours today, in time for the holidays, click on the image above!

FENCE Wine & Art Festival at Derbyshire tomorrow

Oct 10 in Columbus NC the  2nd Annual FENCE Wine & Art Festival at Derbyshire combines two of Tryon’s most recognizable traditions. FENCE brings you the second annual benefit wine tasting and art festival at Derbyshire. This wonderful event will allow you to sample the fruits of the region’s growing viticulture from several distinctive vintners. While enjoying these regional offerings for the palate, you may also explore artwork reflecting the Foothills’ rich arts and crafts heritage.

Heartwood Gallery Celebrates 25 Years

Oct 9 at 5:30 PM Heartwood Gallery is celebrating it's 25th year of selling American craft with a reception and show spotlighting four regional potters. Outstanding pottery has long been a focus of Heartwood's collection and this show will feature special work by four western North Carolina potters. Heartwood Gallery is located at 22 East Main Street Saluda, NC.

"Focus on Four" celebrates American Craft and Heartwood's 25th anniversary with the works by four western North Carolina potters: Karen Newgard, Emily Reason, Sarah Wells Rolland and Robin Bryant Kirby. 

Spruce Pine Potters Market a very Special Event

Oct 9 - 10  The   Spruce Pine Potters Market   is a unique gathering of the region's greatest potters and clay artists. Enjoy wonderful food and beautiful handmade pottery on a colorful autumn weekend at the historic Cross Street Building in Spruce Pine North Carolina.

John Mac Kah exhibit at 16 Patton Gallery

Asheville artist John Mac Kah presents a solo exhibit at 16 Patton Gallery beginning October 23, 2010, with an opening reception from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The exhibit, which runs through November 27, will include Kah's new painting of the French Broad River, entitled "The Ledges." A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the painting, a 24 x 48-inch oil on panel depiction of the rapid section of river just north of Asheville, will benefit local non-profit RiverLink.

Kah attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, and currently paints out of Long Branch Studios, located in Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive in Asheville's River Arts District. His work can be found at www.jmkah.com.

East Asheville Studio Tour this weekend

Oct 9-10   come to B;lack Mountain NC for the EAST of Asheville Studio Tour. More than 30 artists and craft professionals open their studios and galleries for a FREE self-guided tour. See demonstrations and view or purchase original works. Get a complete map with directions online. The tour is a participant in American Craft Week.

Fall Harvest Craft Festival at the Old Mill

Oct 9   CHEROKEE  Fall Harvest Craft Festival at the Old Mill 1886 Artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include, Cherokee stone carver, wood carvers, gourd artists, blacksmith, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441 a mile south of Cherokee. Festival hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. 828-497-6536

Opening Reception at Echo Gallery

Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park celebrates American Craft Week and the diverse talents of Asheville artists in all craft and invites you to the opening of “American Craft in WNC”, on Friday, October 8 from 5 PM - 8 PM. The show will feature new work from Asheville-area artists working in ceramics, wood, textiles, metal, encaustics, oils, ink, and mixed media. Work will include functional and decorative ceramics and tile, decorative and wearable textiles, jewelry, ornaments, furniture, sculpture, plush toys, accessories, and more.

Cloth Fiber Workshops for October

October 9 , 10 AM - 5 PM Fabric Collage with Margaret Couch Cogswell. Participants will combine and layer fabric using simple hand and machine stitching techniques to create unique cloth "pictures." Expect to leave the class with a completed collage ready to hang on your wall. Level: all levels, fee: $85 + materials.

October 29, 30 10 AM - 5 PM  a two-part workshop, Make a Pattern from Your Favorite Garment,  with Susan Stowell.  Part I: Learn how to lay a garment out on paper and create a pattern without taking the garment apart! Within that process, you'll become aware of the shapes of pattern pieces, adding seam allowances, the importance of straight grain lines, how a garment is constructed, and different fabrics appropriate for recreating the garment. Part II: In part II of this workshop you'll cut out your pattern in muslin and sew it together, using an existing garment as a guide for construction. You'll then learn how to adjust your garment and pattern for that perfect fit. Level: all levels, fee: $85/day + materials (you may take just one or both days).

Cloth Fiber Workshop is located at  122 Riverside Drive, Studio D, Asheville North Carolina.