Beginners Guide: River Arts District in Asheville, NC
The hip colorful buildings of the River Arts District in Asheville, NC Photo: Romantic Asheville
AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER
BEGINNERS GUIDE:
RIVER ARTS DISTRICT IN ASHEVILLE, NC
Known as the “RAD”, River Arts District is home to over 270 working artists and offices with an eclectic hip mix of colorful murals, bars, dining and event spaces. Located on the East side of town along the French Broad River, this cultural center of Asheville, a city already known for being artsy, is a great place to spend the day browsing for treasures and to stay through the evening for some fabulous food and drinks.
Having strolled a great number of artsy areas both in the US and abroad, I can honestly say that the selection and diversity found in this gem of a hub, is quite large. Whether you are looking for paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery, jewelry, fabrics or gifts-they’ve pretty much got you covered. This post will give you just a few reasons to plan a visit soon.
Enjoy a little more 411 on the RAD
MOTHER BREAD STORE
I suggest you start out first thing in the morning with a taste for a little wine and bread-both the staffs of life amma right? So check out the Mother Bread Store, a cute little shop with two or three tables outside, a couple of stools and some standing bars inside.
Heidi and Brett will be your hosts and they both know their way around all things sourdough which I absolutely adore (check out this blog post). “Mother” is the term used for the starter of this delicious easier to digest bread with sour soft sweetness surrounded by crispy brown goodness. Some folks have a mother that has been passed down for generations used as their starter for many different types of delicious recipes.
The day we visited, we grabbed a bag to go with six different things to try and ate almost every fabulous bite sitting outside with a brunchy glass of wine from an impressive list on offer. You can also order something from their casual cafe menu or grab a ticket to their Sunday Service (note this is often sold out-plan ahead). BTW, Brett is a very chatty sorta guy. 🤣
Mother Bread Store should be your first stop in the Arts District
MARK BETTIs GALLERY
One of the prettiest and most contemporary galleries in the district has got to be Mark Bettis. Displaying his own bold colorful paintings on wood panels, the artist/owner in his own words, is “not a gentle painter”. Filled with color, texture and physicality, Mark’s work blends abstract and figurative using oil and cold wax in a beautiful harmonious way.
Lovely interior of Mark Bettis Gallery in River Arts District Photo: Courtesy of the gallery
Urban Boxes in oil and cold wax by Mark Bettis Photo: Courtesy of the gallery
Even though he exhibits only eight or so artists, I spent quite a bit of time there. Since I used to have a glass gallery, I am always interested in this type of work and the gallery had some unusual and beautiful pieces by Deb Williams. The artist dabbled in stained glass, moved on to blown but found her life’s passion in the harder medium of cast glass.
Calling it a “love-hate relationship”, Deb’s works are stunning jewel toned treasures in purple, amber, blue, red and green. She creates organic shapes named after the nature that inspired them such as Blossom Bowl and Sunflower Leaf.
Other artists of note include the creative abstract ceramic works of Balsam Abo Zour. These fun pieces provide a pop of quirk to any collector’s room. David Sheldon’s indoor/outdoor sculptures are colorful energetic and are the perfect addition to a specially planned gardenscape.
PHILLIP DEANGELO ART
Next up, I stopped into Phillip DeAngelo Art and was very glad I did. For one thing, the artist uses the space to work and I always enjoy the opportunity to meet, greet and watch their creative processes. Phillip begins with unique texture on his paintings, mixing that with simple shapes and saturated colors.
Using implied symbolism, DeAngelo believes there is an order in nature if you know where to look. His landscapes capture pastoral settings with simple farmhouse shapes, groups of trees and the addition of animals such as cows and sheep.
A nice feature on DeAngelo’s work and space
Working in acrylic on unique substrates, the texture DeAngelo is famous for comes from the natural grains in wood or the patterns of an old ceiling tin. The textures uniquely suggest what should be painted upon them whether it is the composition of the sky, the movement of water or patches of grass.
Along with original works, you’ll find affordable framed giclees of some of his most popular pieces as well as nifty gift items like journals, bookmarks, face masks and cards. I bought a journal and some notecards with a favorite original painting featured on them.
Solidarity, a square framed giclee by Phillip DeAngelo
Along with Phillip’s work, he exhibits the wire and metal sculptures of the talented artist, Claudia Moore Field. A perfect pairing since Claudia’s work seems to celebrate nature as well. I fell in love with her animals from an owl in full wing spread to precious sheep with curly silver hair and black faces.
Draping trees that reminded me of the weeping willows in the backyard of my childhood home were placed on slabs of stone where the roots supplied the support for the sculpture as they do in real life for the trees. Her sense of humor is on full display with her colorful trees topped in red and yellow foliage and curious pelicans and turtles waiting for just the right spot in your garden.
EMBRACE THE SPACE BETWEEN
Not too far away from your bread and wine stop is a cozy little space with a fierce brand. Heather will tell you that Embrace the Space Between is all about “reigniting your divine feminine”. You can’t really walk by. The art and gifts will lure you in. There is an energy to the work-mark making at its best with a quirky sense of humor. You know I love quirky, especially if it is in celebration of women.
Heather’s work comes from the soul speaking to potential and curiosity with a sense of excitement where you’re allowed to ask some pertinent questions. Questions like; who said I gotta wear shoes that hurt my feet, pass on the bread bowl, wear a size six after babies or keep a thigh gap? Come on….don’t we all wanna say oh hell no to those? 🤣
CO-OP GALLERIES & ARTIST STUDIOS
Along with the choices of independent galleries to stroll, I was excited to see how many co-ops there were. Artists set up studios and work while the public watches where they can learn tricks of the trade on creating pottery, painting, jewelry making, fabric weaving and more.
Don’t forget to wander around the co-op galleries with individual artist’s studios
One of my favorites that I spent the most time in was Odyssey Co-op Gallery on Clingman Avenue. It features the works of over twenty-three ceramic artists working in a variety of materials and designs from Asian to contemporary. I bought a lovely teapot, some small rice bowls with chop sticks and a decorative vase that was perfect for my mantle.
CONCLUSION
Besides finding some fabulous things to take home, you can also enjoy signature cocktails and some great foods at a variety of spots. Personally I would start with drinks and small plates at Bottle Riot on Paynes Way. Not a full menu, just wonderful charcuterie plates, cheeses and snacks along with curated wines and a simple cocktail menu. Great vibe and open every day.
Want one of the best romantic atmospheres for date night? Check out The Bull and the Beggar; a little French style with your meat if you please. The contemporary interior design, low lighting and cool bar just scream eat here. Fresh oysters and escargot should be your starter followed by an Omelette Montagarde.
Romantic dinner a must at The Bull and Beggar Photo: Courtesy of the restaurant
Some more info on what to do in the RAD
It is said that the Obamas visited 12 Bones Smokehouse on Foundy Street and devoured plates of ribs. Their picture is on the wall to prove it. Families with kids will love this well-known spot with tender butts and sweet racks.
As you can see, the RAD can take at least a day to walk and shop and a couple of different nights to dine out or drink whether you love beer, wine or cocktails. Don’t forget to check out the events tab on their website for upcoming things you might want to plan for as well.
If you enjoyed what you read, you might also like other posts under Artful Ideal. You can find other artists that I love and get the 411 on other artsy endeavors in the world of dance, theater and music. Look for a coming post about a great little seafood restaurant you’ll wanna check out. Until next time…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
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