Local Artists Open Studios to Guests

Spring brings a sense of renewal and vibrant natural beauty to the mountains of Western North Carolina.

With an array of wildflowers, lush mountain landscapes, and blue skies, it’s a time of inspiration for the artists in and around Weaverville, NC.

The community of artists celebrates with the Weaverville Art Safari. Held May 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this bi-annual event is a chance to experience the creativity that’s part of Asheville’s renowned art scene.

“We’re so excited about this year’s event. We have 53 artists participating this spring, making it the biggest event we’ve had in our history! Our artists are pulling out all the stops for the biggest and best show ever,” says Cindy Ireland, 2016 Art Safari President.

The free event is an immersive experience within the local art community, and has been rated one of the top studio art tours in Western North Carolina for numerous years. Using event maps, guests select routes to explore local studios. The event is self-guided with a relaxed pace that encourages guests to linger and talk with artists in a unique and personal way.

“We truly enjoy having folks come to see our work. Most linger to visit, savor the view, and enjoy a refreshment while they are here,” says Ann Hord-Heatherly who credits the event and the community of artists with their decision to make Weaverville their home.

In addition to meeting local artists, guests enjoy a sneak peek of the work that goes into each piece. Guests learn about the creative process and can watch demonstrations at select studios.

All artists sell pieces from their collections during the Art Safari, and many also give away door prizes. This year’s event boasts 53 artists who specialize in handmade pottery, glass, photography, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, painting, drawing, fiber art, and more.

Guests looking to plan their visit can pick up Weaverville Art Safari brochures containing maps and artist information at greater Asheville-area galleries, the Asheville Visitors Center, restaurants, and shops beginning in April. Brochures will also be distributed from an Art Safari information booth located on Main Street in Weaverville on May 7 and 8. A downloadable brochure with map and full details about participating artists is also available at www.weavervilleartsafari.com. If you would like to be kept up to date on Art Safari activities be sure to register for e-mail updates.

About The Weaverville Art Safari

The Weaverville Art Safari is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is staged twice each year–the first full weekend in May and the last full weekend in October–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, NC. Since then thousands of people from all over the country have returned over and over each spring and fall to enjoy the shopping opportunities and the ambience.

If You Go: For more information on the Weaverville Art Safari and participating artists, visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com.