The craft community is alive and well in Asheville, where a variety of artisans show off their creativity and skill with pieces you’ll be proud to show off. Many of these can be found within the River Arts District, which is easy to navigate and fun to explore.
As you search for the perfect souvenir to reflect your Asheville adventures, keep the following favorites in mind:
Odyssey ClayWorks
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For a hands-on experience like no other, sign up for a workshop at Odyssey ClayWorks. There, you’ll be guided through the process of creating a personalized piece such as a mug or bowl. You’ll love hanging out at the pottery wheel, but you can also score beautiful finds from the pros at the Odyssey Gallery, where you’ll find stunning creations produced by both instructors and resident artists.
Wedge Studios
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Asheville tourists typically associate the term ‘Wedge’ with the city’s beloved brewery. Atop this location, however, rests a treasure trove of artwork known as the Wedge Studios. The brainchild of metal artist John Payne, these studios are home to dozens of working artists. Top galleries to check out as you explore the Wedge’s artistic enclaves include:
- FD Found Design Studio & Gallery. Specializing in reclaimed metal and found objects, this unique studio offers intimate visits by appointment. As you browse these intricate works, you’ll quickly observe that the aesthetic beauty of imperfection takes center stage.
- Philip DeAngelo Studio. Minimalist style and unique textures set the works on display at the Philip DeAngelo Studio apart. While you’ll find plenty of options to hang on the wall at home, you can also invest in a journal featuring Philip’s finest works of art.
- Sarah St Laurent Art. The intricate beauty of encaustic is a big deal for Sarah St Laurent, who plays with fire and heat as she produces encaustic wax. She creates everything from tiny ceramic houses to rust-inspired collages.
Pink Dog Creative
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Another haven for resident artists, Pink Dog Creative can easily be spotted due to its colorful exterior. Inside, however, you’ll find far more impressive visuals made possible by artisans who use a variety of materials and techniques to great effect. Other highlights include Grind Coffeehouse, Fresh West Pizza, and Vivian, where you can grab a drink and a bite before or after you shop. Don’t forget to check out these resident artists:
- Mudhoneyz Studio. The wood-fired ceramics found at the creatively-named Mudhoneyz are both useful and visually impressive. Created by three of North Carolina’s most talented potters, these sculptural works could play a key role in your kitchen or dining room.
- Linda Azar. Level up your jewelry collection with a pair of earrings or a necklace created by Linda Azar. A skilled member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, she emphasizes organic and architectural elements in her artistic accessories, which feature sterling silver, brass, and semi-precious stones.
- Andrea Kulish. You can’t find authentic Ukrainian pysanky eggs just anywhere, but they’re available in abundant supply at Andrea Kulish’s studio at Pink Dog Creative. There, you’ll also discover woodcuts, notecards, and more.
Riverview Station
Converted warehouses make for the best artistic collectives, as evidenced by Asheville’s Riverview Station. Over a century old, this charming structure combines creativity with a true sense of community that will make you feel right at home as you explore its top studios. Keep an eye out for these talented creators:
- Gallery Mugen. Bringing the best of Japanese ceramics to the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District, the award-winning artisan Akira Satake specializes in gas and wood-fired creations, including Shino stoneware, vases, and yunomi teacups.
- Celia Barbieri. The next time you’re tempted to give the love of your life fresh flowers, consider something more original: a button bouquet. The lovely pieces at Belia Barbieri’s Riverview Station studio include found objects such as vintage glass light fixtures and recycled sweater felt.
- Matt Tomey. This woven sculpture artist brings the outdoors inside by using branches, vines, and bark harvested in and around Asheville. Check out his baskets, orbs, and other creations, which fit in perfectly when put on display in rustic homes.
Curve Studios
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Stroll through the luscious gardens of Curve Studios, where you’ll find expansive buildings that house eight talented artisans. Highlights include:
- Angelique Tassistro. Playful pottery takes on a magical feel at Angelique Tassistro’s studio, where you’ll find innovative works similar to those on display within her permanent collection at the New Orleans Museum of Modern Art.
- Pattiy Torno. Blending the best of quilting and photography, Pattiy Torno has created a revolutionary artistic style she refers to as ‘fotopiecing.’ She also produces affordable alternatives in fleece, including vibrant blankets and sweaters.
- Silver River Chairs. Caning is far from a dying art, as evidenced by the self-described ‘chair nerds’ at Silver River Chairs. Excited by the impressive demand for their work, they’ve expanded their restoration business into a full-fledged school and museum, where visitors can learn more about the surprisingly exciting practice of chair caning.
362 Depot Street
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This small collective of working artists offers a hidden gem of a gallery that would be a shame to miss. Stop in on your way to or from Pink Dog Creative, which is located just steps away. Top artists found at 362 Depot include:
- Jeff Pittmann. Snag a cityscape painting featuring Asheville’s downtown area from Jeff Pittmann’s studio, where you’ll also find landscape images that highlight the beauty of the city’s surrounding mountains.
- Kathryn Brahaney. A variety of mixed media masterpieces can be found within Kathryn Brahaney’s studio. Her unique wind chimes make for an especially whimsical gift or souvenir.
- Andy’s Artful Furnishings. Constructed from reclaimed metal, wood, and glass, Andy Cooper’s artful furnishings are almost too visually impressive for their intended purposes. They prove that functional doesn’t need to mean boring.
Support Asheville’s artisan community by browsing the city’s lovely studios. You’ll be amazed by the creativity on display at these locations. Don’t be surprised if you emerge with a vast collection of gifts and souvenirs.
