Take an old 4800 square foot cabinet workshop built in 1950, transform it into a stylish art gallery and event center, and you have just what owners Mark & Susan Johnston-Olivari created.
The gorgeous gallery space has exotic hard wood floors, high ceilings with beautiful exposed beams, a sitting area with coffee bar, and spacious classrooms. The Art House Gallery and Studio is a new addition to the Flat Rock art community, showing works from a varied group of artists from the surrounding area.
The artwork displayed is diverse and draws the viewer in for a closer look. The works currently featured are Veronika Hart’s incredible surrealistic human animal fusions, Susan Johnston’s serene oil landscapes, Heidi Mayfield’s emotional and energetic abstracts, Kate Thayer’s special process of watercolor and pastel landscapes, and Bobbi Polizzi’s unique, one of a kind, mysterious, whimsical sculptures.
The Art House also hosts events, personalized parties, art classes, dance classes and more. The space is also available for wedding receptions and private parties. The owner Susan Olivari has a vision of uniting art and philanthropy; she has hosted several fundraising events including the children’s Christmas party to benefit Hospice Home Health. Her true love for art and the artistic community is reflected in her all-inclusive events held at the gallery. She is working diligently on her next venture, “Game of Hearts,” to be held on Valentine’s Day. This charity dinner benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Hendersonville.
This elegant event should not be missed and is celebrated with a delicious romantic dinner, champagne, and most importantly a “Game of Hearts.” During the evening you will dart to a painting by one of the great kids from the Boys and Girls Club that captures your heart, and take it home. Along with the children’s heart paintings, local artists will provide artwork that is inspired by their own true love, for a silent auction.
Live light jazz music will be provided by Ellen Trnka and special guest musician Paul Sciro. Catering this event is Robyn Painter of Dandelion. Tickets will be sold at The Art House Gallery & Studio and Dandelion Eatery. Cost is $58 per person. Seating is limited. RSVP at (828) 595-9500 or (828) 808-3594. Paintings of hearts by the children of the Boys and Girls Club will be on display until the 14th.
For evening entertainment and fun, The Art House is currently holding an Art Movie night every 1st Saturday of the month. Art movie night is not your average movie night at the theater; picture a huge projection screen with intimate seating while you devour hors d’oeuvre, popcorn and drinks with discussions after. The upcoming movie will be The Red Violin, February 1 from 6-9 p.m.
Current art classes include a Masterpiece Series, inspired by founding artistic geniuses Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and others. This adult art class is set up for you to recreate a masterpiece of your own while you sip on your favorite wine. Great for girl’s night out or date night. We supply all materials. Friday, February 7 from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments included.
Sacred Circle Dance by Tarleton Brooks will be held February 15 & 23 from 4-6 p.m. In the very near future, they will have music night, where musicians will have an open mic and enjoy a little improvisation from time to time. Also a two-day landscape painting workshop with Jill McGannin from Atlanta will be held on March 21.
All in all, the Art House Gallery & Studio is making a bang with their multifaceted space. A full schedule of events and classes can be found online at www.arthousegalleryandstudio.com.
If You Go: For more information on events and classes please call (828) 595-9500 or email arthousegallery5@gmail.com. The Art House Gallery & Studio, 5 Highland Park Rd., E. Flat Rock, NC, between W. Blue Ridge Rd. and N. Highland Lake Rd. For more information please visit www.arthousegalleryandstudio.com.