It’s a Synergy Thing

by Greg Vineyard

Well, it’s that time again. You know, that extra-special event known as STUDIO STROLL, hosted by the River Arts District Artists (RADA). Over 165 artist members across 22 historic buildings are open together, all weekend.

While many larger venues are open six and seven days a week, allowing folks to find art, working studios and great food any day they choose to visit, the Studio Strolls are the result of a much larger, synergistic effort that is well worth the trip down the hill from downtown.

Nearly every activity taken on by individual members throughout the year to function as an organization, as well as to put on Studio Stroll, represents the type of steady volunteerism that has helped build the dream of a community where people can see, learn, meet and shop in a way that’s fairly unique in the country.

I’ve been inspired to write about Studio Stroll every June and November, and Rapid River selflessly dedicates a whole section of those months’ issues to the River Arts District. And the River Arts District has garnered increasing regional and national attention. Every member who makes a public relations effort, whether through media channels or simply by providing an excellent shopping experience for out of town visitors, contributes to the growing phenomenon.

The River Arts District has shaken off some old definitions from days gone by and developed some new, cooler ones. People are attracted to the energy of this visually fascinating place, due to the art in the buildings, and because of the historic buildings themselves. In addition to RADA’s events, there are other cooperative actions going on all around, contributing to that “working together” feeling.

For example, the artists at Constance Williams Gallery held an art show to benefit the “Green the RAD” program by Asheville Greenworks, an organization that enthusiastically supports the District in many ways.

RADA’s home turf is a daily destination, and I encourage you to come on down and enjoy the flavor of it all. Here are some suggestions for your Studio Stroll experience:

1) Commit! Decide to spend the day and enjoy! If you are reading this after Studio Stroll weekend, come on down anytime and enjoy it at a quieter pace – even on a Sunday, one can find several buildings open, great art and tasty food.

2) Prepare! Go to www.riverartsdistrict.com, the official and only website of RADA, for maps and more. And of course, if you are reading this column, you hold in your hands the official Rapid River Studio Stroll pullout section, which also has a map, as well as information on artists and advertisers.

3) Stroll! Walking from building to building is great exercise. But you can also … Ride! RADA’s synergistic friend, the Grayline Trolley, will be running a circuit throughout the District all day Saturday and Sunday.

4) Connect! Meet and learn about the artists of your community, ask questions, observe demonstrations, and chat with the strangers all around you who also love art. Who knows? They could become an integral part of your interactive, active Asheville life.

5) Support! RADA members appreciate visitors who are seeking to decorate their lives with amazing hand-made creations. Your Studio Guide provides a member listing, building by building, to help you confirm that you are supporting an actual dues-paying member. And please consider supporting the businesses who support RADA through their trolley sponsorship and Studio Guide advertising. It’s part of that synergy thing.

See you at Studio Stroll!