travels: asheville, nc – the river arts district

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.

The 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. 

 

Anna 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.

 

Sandra 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.