travels: asheville, nc – the river arts district

May 20, 2016

I had the great pleasure of spending a few days playing with the fine ladies at the Asheville Quilt Guild this past week. That is always fun. Always. But to do so in a town like Asheville, NC, a haven of Art Deco architectural treasures nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a hotbed of excellent independent restaurants, and a hotbed for those who take craft seriously as an art form. I love Asheville.kinard_asheville_arts

IMG_3792The River Arts District, once an area filled with dilapidated warehouses, is fast becoming an amazing collection of galleries and spaces for artists and I spent several days exploring and, most especially, meeting some talented and friendly people who bring beauty into the world. I didn’t stop to think that most of the galleries are closed on Mondays – but there was still art on the walls and I did meet several really interesting artists doing interesting things.

Jen Toledo is a delightful young woman whose whimsical watery world is playful, graphic, and full of tentacles at the moment. FullSizeRender-3

 

IMG_3791kinard_Anna_toth_artwearAnna Toth runs the Asheville School for the Apparel Arts and does some beautiful shibori work for her custom made, one of a kind, art to wear.
If I lived in Asheville or nearby I would sign up immediately for her pattern making and design classes – just to brush up on my drafting skills and to work in such a bright and beautiful space.

 

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Sandra_Bottinelli3Sandra_Bottinelli2Sandra Bottinelli focuses mostly on animals but throws in a colorful landscape now and then. Her cloud portraits were amazing. I love her bright colors but mostly her sense of humor. I couldn’t resist purchasing a print titled “Love”.  The originals were almost 8′ tall. Who can resist a pair of pink and purple ostriches? Apparently not me.

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