Featured Gallery: Kress Emporium in downtown Asheville

Kress Emporium showcases the work of over 80 regional artists and crafts people along with a wide selection of fine antiques and collectibles. Not a museum or a gallery, The Emporium is a retail establishment where objects of beauty are sold for your enjoyment. The Kress Emporium is located at  19 Patton Avenue in Asheville NC. 

ArtsMart this Weekend in Old Fort

September 1:     ArtsMart   Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one-of-a-kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League.

Random Arts Update

Check out the new Random Arts  Sign:

Now there's no question what lies ahead...

August 28, 10 AM - 2 PM  - Art Journaling.  NO charge - NO pre-registration.  Join like minded artists in learning new techniques from each other for your art journals.   From color, to adhesives, to quotes, words or texture. It's total inspiration for 4 glorious hours.  You'll be encouraged and gently nudged  into being creative - it's a safe place.  Bring any supplies or projects that you want to work on.

August 30, 10 AM - 2 PM - Sketch and  Paint Glamour Shots.  It's so easy you won't believe it until you see it for yourself. You will want to frame it, it will be that good. $25. (short supply list) Pre-register by phone (828-749-1165) or email.

August 31, 10 AM - 2 PM   Tattered and Torn Bird.  By ripping, tearing or cutting scraps of paper, you will create a "one of a kind", framable masterpiece to keep or give as a gift. It will be uniquely "YOU" and you will leave with a completed work of art.  $25. (short supply list) Pre-register by phone or email.

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC.

NC Apple Festival includes art and crafts

August 31 - September 3    NC Apple Festival  This annual Labor Day Weekend Event features a street fair on Historic Main Street including: entertainment, arts and crafts, apple products, children and youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade on Labor Day. Get specific hours and schedule of events on the website.

Street Fair Hours:  Fri-Sun 10:00 AM-8:00 PM from 6th Ave-Caswell St; mini-festival on Mon. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM from 2nd Ave-Caswell St., King Apple Parade on Labor Day at  2:30 PM

Heartwood Gallery and Saluda Fridays

August 31 - Heartwood Gallery will be participating in Saluda Fridays, when downtown Saluda will stay open until 8 PM. Shop the Saluda Tailgate Market from 4:30 - 6:30 PM, then enjoy an evening stroll through Saluda shops and galleries. Heartwood Gallery will be open on Friday from 10 AM - 8 PM.

Heartwood Gallery offers handmade wearables, jewelry, paper, paintings, fine porcelain, stoneware, glass, metal and wood are just a few of the crafts on display. The Gallery is a destination well worth considering when you're looking for a special indulgence for yourself, your home or a friend. One of a kind describes not only the items found at Heartwood, but also the unique quality of the Gallery itself.

Johne C Campbell Folk School Feast

	Enjoy a first rate feast at the Folk School. Join John C Campbell Folk School  on September 1, 2012 at 6 p.m. for Culinary Collaboration: From the Mountains to the Sea - Southern France to Italy. Tickets are going fast for this wonderful dinner party curated by a collaborative team of talented Folk School instructors. Artistic food design, ambiance, and savory culinary delights make for a fun and memorable dining experience. View the menu for this special evening Reserve your tickets today: Tickets can be purchased at the Craft Shop by cash or check, or by credit card via PayPal online.

Market on Oak Fresh Fridays

August 24 - Fresh Fridays are back at the Market on Oak, 262 Oak Avenue i n Spruce Pine NC.. Find lots of fresh local foods including pasta, mushrooms, jams and jellies, herbs, tomato sauces, Parmesan crackers, rabbit and more. Opens at 10 AM.

The Market on Oak  is more than a gallery. The  Market  is a nonprofit  entrepreneurial project to develop industry in Spruce Pine and Mitchell County. and provide the gifted, vibrant people of the region a venue to market their handmade goods. The Market offers artisan crafts, pottery, quilts, furniture, glass, home décor, children’s items along with books from local authors, CDs, specialty food products from local farmers and food artisans

Stecoah Valley Artisian Gallery includes the works of 135+ Artisans

The Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery offers a unique opportunity for visitors  to buy original artwork as well as the fine crafts that have made North Carolina famous. You'll find a wide variety of traditional and contemporary works: paintings, pottery, weaving, wood-turned items, glass works, photography, note cards, jewelry, soaps, quilts, books and much more.

Also featured are many talented Cherokee Indian artists whose beadwork, pottery, masks and other artworks are produced today in the traditional ways of their ancestors.

 

The Gallery showcases the work of 135-plus artisans including the 40-plus members of the Stecoah Artisans Guild, a juried membership organization, as well as the Associate Artists of the Guild. A majority of the artisans are self-taught, while some are academically trained. Your purchases help support both the artists and the Stecoah Valley Center.

The Stecoah Valley Artisans Gallery is located in the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville NC (Stecoah Valley). Hours are Monday through Friday, year round 10 AM to 5 PM;  Saturdays April through November 10 AM to 5 PM;  Sundays  June through October Noon to 5 PM.

Upcoming Quilting Classes at John C Campbell Folk School

John C Campbell Folk School offers quilting classes for beginners to advanced levels with a variety which offers something for everyone wishing to express their art through fiber work.Aug. 24 - 26: The Perfect Star (Weekend)

Sept. 2 - 8: Foundation Paper-piecing a Thistle   (Scottish Heritage Week)

Sept. 9 - 14: Small Projects - Big Success

Sept. 23-29: Instant Garden - Just Add Fabric!

Sept. 30 - Oct. 5: Hand Appliqué & Embellishing 101

Oct. 7 - 13: Rail Fence Riot
 
Click here to browse all Quilting classes scheduled through June, 2013.

Current Exhibits at the Asheville Art Museum

On exhibit in the North Wing:

Ancient Forms, Modern Minds: Contemporary Cherokee Ceramics
Through Sunday, October 14, 2012

The Elemental Arts: Air | Earth | Fire | Water
Ongoing Exhibit

Second Floor Galleries:
The Essential Idea: Robert Motherwell's Graphic Works
Last day to view is Sunday, August 26, 2012

Fiore / Drawing
Through Sunday, September 30, 2012
(Holden Community Gallery)

East Wing:
Cycle, Hoss Haley
Artworks Project Space, ongoing exhibit

Prime Time: New Media Juried Exhibition
Through Sunday, September 9, 2012

New exhibition:
Mel Chin: High, Low and In Between
Through Sunday, November 25, 2012

The Asheville Art Museum is located at 2 South Pack Square in Asheville North Carolina.

Zen Doodle and upcoming workshops at Random Arts

August 21, 10 AM - 12 AM at Random Arts, 481 Louisiana Avenue in Saluda NC. Zen Doodle -  A "No Fee" NO pre-registration gathering of those of us who love to Zen Tangle with pens, papers and color.

More upcoming creative moments at Random Arts:

August 24, 1 PM - 3 PM -"Making paper from scraps" (email  to register)  You will make lots of 5 x 7 sheets of handmade paper to take home with you the same day. You will have the opportunity to add an assortment of natural elements to your papers including hydrangeas, fibers, mesh, threads and more to create unique one of a kind natural papers. It's fast, easy and fun for all ages. Only $22.  (pre-register & then start gathering a bag of scrap papers)  Limit 4 participants.

August 25, 10 AM - 2 PM - Nature Print Stamping  (email  to register)  Rubber Stamping with Fred Mullett Stamps. They are pulling out the  "oldies but the goodies" for  this one and using some of the "tried and true" techniques with these timeless rubber stamps. These nature print stamps include Ginkgo leaves, Teasel, Menapachi Fish, Ferns and more that were created directly from nature itself. Cards, collage, watercolor, stencils and more. Only $25. for 4 hours of fun.  *10% off all Fred Mullett stamps on the day of this workshop.

August 28, 10 AM - 2 PM  Art Journaling   NO charge - NO pre-registration. Join like minded artists in learning new techniques from each other for your art journals. From color, to adhesives, to quotes, words or texture. It's total inspiration for 4 glorious hours.

Register NOW for September Workshops:
Sept 7 - Uncovering the Secrets of color- Jane Davies
Sept 8 - Scribble Collage - Jane Davies
Sept 9 - Unbinding the Visual Journal-Jane

Sept 15 - Rug Hookers Show (Vendor)

Sept. 22 - "Paste it down" Collage Katie Kendrick $135

Sept. 23 - "Under the Influence of Art with Katie Kendrick $135

Asheville Art Museum Lunchtime Art Break

August 24, 12:00 - 1:00  PM at The Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC.  Lunchtime Art Break:  Three Paintings, Four Opinions This is a Docent-Led event, FREE with Membership or Museum Admission. 

The Asheville Art Museum offers year-around lunchtime Art Breaks, a series of gallery talks and presentations designed to inform and engage Members and visitors in dialogue with Museum Staff, Docents, featured artists and other special guests.

Asheville's River Arts District offers Daily Open Studios

The River Arts District in Asheville offers dozens of galleries and open studios daily.  Check out this weekend's schedule:

Saturday, August 18
10AM-4PM :: Cloth Fiber Workshop & BZDesign@Cotton Mill Studios

 10AM-4PM :: Hofman Studios @ The Wedge

 10AM-4PM :: Potter's Mark @ Cotton Mill Studios

 10AM-4PM :: Sutherland HandWeaving Studios@Cotton Mill Studios

 10AM-5PM :: Drakon Studios @ The Wedge

 10AM-6PM :: Jonas Gerard Fine Art

 10AM-6PM :: Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts

 10AM-6PM :: Village Potters@Riverview Station

 11AM-3PM :: Barbara Perez Fine Art

 11AM-4PM :: Brad Stroman @ Pink Dog Studios

 11AM-4PM :: CURVE studios and garden

 11AM-4PM :: Dyed in the Wool Designs @ The Wedge

 11AM-4PM :: Riverside Studios

 11AM-4PM :: Sassafras Studios @ Riverview Station

 11AM-5PM :: Desert Moon Designs@372 Depot Street

 11AM-6PM :: Daniel McLendon @ The Lift Studios

 11AM-6PM :: David Simchock Photography @ Studio 375 Depot

 11AM-6PM :: Vagabond Vistas Photography Instruction @ Studio 375 Depot

 12PM-4PM :: 310 ART Gallery @ Riverview Station

 12PM-4PM :: Roots Studios

 12PM-5PM :: Planet Art @ Studio 375 Depot

9:00am    John Mac Kah - Painting in Oils -Studio Classes

10:00am  Nia Class at Nourish & Flourish at 10:15 am

1:00pm    John Mac Kah- Open Air Painting - Landscape Classes

Sunday, August 19

 10AM-5PM :: Drakon Studios @ The Wedge

 10AM-6PM :: Jonas Gerard Fine Art

 11AM-4PM :: CURVE studios and garden

 12PM-6PM :: Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts

 1PM-4PM :: Riverside Studios

Artist Opportunities from Handmade in America

Voluteers needed for HandMade in America Events:
"Hand to Hand: Functional Craft in WNC" Opening on 5:30 - 8:00 PM, August 31
"American Craft Week" Reception on 5:00 - 8:00 PM, October 12

Project Handmade is calling for models - Project Handmade 2012 is looking for professional models with runway experience who will volunteer to participate in the Oct. 25 juried fashion show at the Asheville Art Museum. To read more about this opportunity click here

Artspace is calling for artists for Fine Contemporary Craft Exhibition - October 4, 2012: Entries must be submitted via www.callforentry.org by 11:59pm MT.  To read more about this opportunity click here

Silent Auction at Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Gather 'Round - Crafters who might want to donate an item for the silent auction, contact Jill Jones at jill@blueridgeheritage.com. Contributors may put their card/rack cards/brochures on the table with the item and bid sheet. We'll need to know the retail value, and also would appreciate the artist giving us an idea of an appropriate starting bid.  To read more about this opportunity click here.

To find additional opportunities listed by HandMade in America CLICK HERE.

Ooh La La Curiosity Market this Saturday in Asheville

August 18   Ooh La La Curiosity Market  An outdoor market in Pritchard Park featuring works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with up three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

Leicester Studio Tour

August 18-19   7th Annual Leicester Studio Tour   A free, self-guided studio tour including painting, prints, jewelry, pottery, fiber, brooms and more. To begin the tour, head northwest on Leicester Highway (NC 63) from Patton Avenue and follow the bright yellow signs to the studios, the first of which is only 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.

Visitors can also take Newfound Road to Morgan Branch Rd. and follow the signs to the Wildberry Lodge, 135 Potato Branch Road in Leicester. Wildberry, the founding sponsor of the Leicester Artists organization and there will be samples of each of the artists' works to help tour participants plan out their visits. The tour also will feature food vendor stops, one located centrally on South Turkey Creek Road and the other at the intersection of Leicester Highway and North Turkey Creek.

Art Journaling at Random Arts

August 14, 10 AM to 2 PM   Art Journaling - Bi-monthly gathering of all who love to add color, words, collage and more to art journals. It's 4 hours of NO Rules, NO stress creative time. Get away from  it all and join the fun. Bring your journal, and some of your art supplies and you'll be surrounded by supportive people who share your love of art.  NO registration necessary.

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Ave in Saluda NC.

Asheville Art Museum "Up for Discussion"

August 14  at the Asheville Art Museum, East Wing, 2 Pack Square in Asheville NC

 

3 PM - 5 PM  Discussion Bound: “The Photograph” by Penelope Lively. During this month’s reading group, participants will discuss “The Photograph” by author Penelope Lively. The mere discovery of an ancient photograph is the catalyst for this novel that combines themes of mystery, love, identity and art.

6 PM:  A Special Up for Discussion with studio potter Magdalene Odundo.

Arts and Crafts at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market

August 17 : Wilkesboro Open Air Market  Historic Downtown Wilkesboro's popular Open Air Market events series returns in 2012 starting on April 20 and continues the through August. Events will feature downtown merchants, food vendors, local wineries, musicians, regional farms and produce, arts and crafts, demonstrators, as well as non-profit and civic organizations.

Each Third Friday Open Air Market will be themed with live music, children's activities, contests, and more. The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area

Tryon Gallery Trot Tonight

August 11, 5 PM - 8 PM   Tryon Gallery Trot     Tryon comes to life with galleries hosting opening receptions, late hours, or featuring special events. View new art exhibits, meet and talk with artists and craftspeople, or authors and illustrators,  enjoy light refreshments, and view art demonstrations and  performances

Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival in Franklin

August 10 - 11  Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival BBQ, Music and Car Show. This two-day event features authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment ,a car show, cornhole tournament, crafters and tastin’ tent. This is an official North Carolina State BBQ Championship with $11,000 in cash and awards. Held in Franklin NC

The Grove Park Inn hosts Gingerbread House Demonstrations

August 11  Gingerbread House Demonstrations at The Grove Park Inn Get ready for the annual gingerbread house competition with a day of demonstrations designed to position you for success at the popular event. From design skills and scoring to baking secrets and transportation tips, the experts will with recipes, entry forms and other useful information available at the demonstration. There will also be special Gingerbread door prizes for some lucky attendees.

Blowing Rock Art in the Park

August 11   Art in the Park  Downtown Blowing Rock hosts a juried arts & craft show featuring 90 artists held in the picturesque  park once a month from May to October. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople show and sell their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. Prices for objects, from a handmade postcard to a large piece of furniture, range from $5 to $5,000.

HandMade in America's Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs Upcoming Meetings

• Asheville- HandMade In America offices, Wednesday, September 5, 6-8 pm
• Todd/Boone- Todd Mercantile and Bakery, Wednesday, August 8, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Hendersonville / Brevard- Blue Ridge Community Collage, Patton Building, Monday, August 20, 5:30-7:30 pm
• Marion- McDowell Technical Community College, Harold Smith Building, Monday, Aug 27, 6-8 pm
• Cullowhee- Fine Arts Museum, Western Carolina University- Star Atrium, Wednesday, August 22, 10am-12pm

Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs is a HandMade in America program that connects Western North Carolina women with one another, with resources (including training and technical assistance) and with markets – for the purpose of creating new and expanded craft based businesses.  For all the information on HandMade in America's Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs CLICK HERE

West Jefferson Gallery Crawl this Weekend

August 10  West Jefferson Gallery Crawl  Stroll the streets of an historic mountain town, enjoy the cool mountain breeze while listening to the sounds of street musicians and "popping" in and out of West Jefferson's many galleries. Open House in more than 15 art galleries and studios.

New Exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

August 10 - The Blowing Rock Art and Hisotry Museum's third major exhibit, North Carolina Treasures: A Painter, a Potter and a Rocking Chair Maker, will open with a Preview Reception at 6:30 PM on August 10. 

The new exhibit will feature three of the state’s most talented and beloved artists and artisans: Lexington native and renowned painter Bob Timberlake, whose paintings have been featured in galleries and museums from  North Carolina to New York to California to Tokyo; Blackberry resident Glenn Bolick, who with his wife Lula Owens Bolick and daughter Janet Bolick Calhoun  is continuing a family tradition of pottery that spans six generations; and Marion craftsman Max Woody, a seventh-generation chair maker whose work graces homes around the world.

 

(Left to right) Potter Glenn Bolick, Painter Bob Timberlake and Rocking Chairmaker Max Woody will be featured in BRAHM's next exhibit, North Carolina Treasures.

Tickets to the Preview Reception, which may be purchased in advance or at the door, are $30 per person and include wine and hors d’oeuvres. The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is located at 159 Chestnut Street on the corner of Main in Blowing Rock NC.

Wood Day at the Folk Art Center

August 11   Wood Day at the Folk Art Center  An annual celebration of wood crafts including craft demonstrations and hands-on activities. The Twelfth Annual Carve Off Competition takes place between 1 - 3 PM. For the contest, participants have two hours to turn a simple block of wood into a work of art. Carvers must sign up by 12:30 to participate. Demonstrations include flute making, wood turning, broom making and furniture design and construction. FREE admission.

The Folk Art Center is located at milepost 385 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC.

Biltmore Village Annual Art and Craft Festival

August 4-5  40th Annual Village Art and Craft Festival   This annual event held in historic Biltmore Village offers  high quality art and crafts from 100+ exhibitors. Held on the grounds of The Cathedral of All Souls. 

Mount Mitchell Craft Fair begins Today in Burnsville

August 3-4   Mount Mitchell Craft Fair  Hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors will participate in the 56th Annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. The event takes place on the Town Square and surrounding streets. Handcrafters from all over the United States come to sell their wares including baskets, candles, kettle corn, pottery, stained glass, and so much more. The event is free to the public with entertainment throughout the day.

Waynesville Art After Dark

August 3  Art After Dark  Downtown Waynesville NC galleries and studios remain open until 9 PM. The evening features special openings, demonstrations, artist receptions, and music.

Beech Mountain hosts the 31st Annual Crafts on the Green

August 4   31st Annual Crafts on the Green Approximately 85 vendors from all over the mountains will have their crafts and art work available for purchase. This annual event is located at a cool 5056 foot elevation. Food venders will also be available.