The arrival of fall in Western North Carolina signals more than the start of colorful autumn foliage.
It also marks the arrival of one of the most popular studio art tours in the area, the Weaverville Art Safari. Held on November 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this year’s tour boasts 47 local artists and was included in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC awards.
The free event provides the exclusive opportunity to delve into the thriving artist enclave located in Weaverville and Barnardsville. Guests can see new art collections, interact with resident artists, and enjoy free art demonstrations. Some studios also offer door prizes.
Newcomers to the tour often become regulars, or in the case of photographer Joe Cagnina, they become a resident artist and join the tour. “I attended my first Art Safari in November of 2013 after moving to Weaverville from Berkeley, CA,” said Joe. “Having done a few shows in California, I was immediately attracted to the Art Safari concept because it made so much sense and the quality of art and craftsmanship was exceptional.” From local gems to artists who are lauded on a national level, guests enjoy studios showcasing handmade pottery, glass, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, paintings, drawings, fiber art, and more.
The caliber of art involved also attracted media figurative artist, Ann Hord-Heatherly to be part of the tour this fall. “The first time I attended the Weaverville Art Safari, I was astounded at the wealth of talent in the area. Now, several years later, I am truly excited to be a part of the event that helped bring me here.”
Founding artist Lelia Canter played an integral role in the creation of the Weaverville Art Safari and looks back on the early days with fondness. “Through the years, the growth and maturity of the Weaverville Art Safari has been like seeing your child grow and mature,” says Lelia. “It has become a great asset to the community it was created to benefit.”
Those unable to attend the tour can still experience local art from the comfort of their home. For the first time ever, the Weaverville Art Safari will offer an online auction of art donated by selected participating artists. The auction pieces can be previewed at www.uglymonkeyauctions.com beginning September 27. Bidding starts on October 24 and runs through November 2. Items donated will also be available for preview at donating studios both days of the Safari. All proceeds fund the Weaverville Art Safari, a non-profit organization.
Guests looking to plan their visit can pick up Weaverville Art Safari brochures containing maps and artist information at greater Asheville-area galleries, restaurants, and shops beginning in October. Brochures will also be distributed from an Art Safari information booth located on Main Street in Weaverville during the Safari weekend. A downloadable brochure with map and full details about
participating artists is also available at
www.weavervilleartsafari.com.
About The Weaverville Art Safari
The Weaverville Art Safari is an event staged twice each year — the last full weekend in April and the first full weekend in November — by a group of Western North Carolina artists whose studios are located in and around the communities of Weaverville and Barnardsville, NC.
The first Weaverville Art Safari was organized in the spring of 2001 with the goal of attracting visitors to this vibrant art community on the northern outskirts of Asheville. Since then thousands of people have returned over and over each spring and fall to enjoy the shopping opportunities and the ambience. Local B&Bs do a brisk business.
If You Go: Weaverville Art Safari, November 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the participating artists, visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com or contact Steven Forbes-deSoule at (828) 645-9065 or forbes143@charter.net.