stories

Our journalistic coverage delves into the lives of talented makers and craftspeople in Asheville, NC, and beyond. Explore articles celebrating regional artists, their techniques, and the diverse arts scene of Western North Carolina.

q+art interview

Layers of Hot Wax: How Erin Keane Blends Encaustic With Photography and Bookbinding

Asheville artist and educator Erin Keane specializes in encaustic, an ancient hot wax painting technique that adds texture and luminous color to her work.

travelogue

It’s National Library Week. Celebrate by Exploring the Interactive Maker Spaces and Crafting Libraries of Western North Carolina

As National Library Week unfolds, we explore the unorthodox Asheville 'libraries' prioritizing hands-on making, resource sharing, and artistic exploration.

artsville newsletter

March 2025 Round-up: Our Debut Exhibition, Craft Store Faves, Plus Pioneering Women in Textiles

This month, we kicked things off with a bang by launching ‘Reawakening,’ an exhibition featuring talented women textile artists from Western North Carolina.

travelogue

Joann Fabrics Is Closing. Here Are 6 Alternatives for Crafters in Western North Carolina

As Joann Fabrics shutters operations, crafters in Western North Carolina can explore these independent craft store options for all their creative needs.

q+art interview

Stitching Seasons: How Fiber Artist Deb Herman Captures the Cycles of Life in Western North Carolina

Weaverville artist Deb Herman explains how her connection to nature shapes her work and reflects the rhythm of the seasons in Western North Carolina.

exhibition

Reawakening: An Exhibition Statement From Curator Morgan Laurens

In celebration of National Craft Month, ArtsvilleUSA presents Reawakening, featuring nature-inspired works by Western North Carolina craft artists.

artsville newsletter

February 2025 Roundup: Collaborating Couples, Crafting Stronger Communities, Revitalizing The Block

This month, we featured collaborating couples, spoke with activists in New Orleans and Asheville, and visited The Block to learn about Noir Collective AVL.

feature story

Noir Collective AVL: Bringing Black Back to The Block

Asheville’s historic Black district is buzzing again thanks to businesses like Noir Collective AVL, a hybrid boutique and gallery in the heart of The Block.

feature story

Creative Chemistry: The Secrets Behind Couples Who Craft Together

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we uncover the perfect equation for a successful creative partnership by speaking to couples who excel in collaboration.

artsville newsletter

January 2025 Roundup: Treasure Hunting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Preserving Rural Craft Communities, Plus the First Helene Retrospective

Our January newsletter spotlights the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, where artists are working to revive their communities through creative endeavors.

travelogue

Take a Self-Guided Tour Through the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina

Explore the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina at your own pace, or join a guided tour this May during Haywood County’s Appalachian Heritage Festival.

photo story

‘From the Beginning’: Hurricane Helene in Photographs

Local photographer Michael Freas captures the impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville in a poignant new exhibition at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler.

artsville newsletter

December 2024 Roundup: RADfest Was Rad, Ceramist Michael Sherrill Perseveres, Plus an End-of-Year Overview

In December, we covered RADfest 1.0, interviewed acclaimed Bat Cave ceramist Michael Sherrill, and reflected on a particularly tumultuous year.

feature story

Celebrating a Year of Growth: ArtsvilleUSA Says Goodbye to 2024, Looks Ahead to 2025

Happy holidays from ArtsvilleUSA!

q+art interview

Ceramist Michael Sherrill Reflects on Life in Post-Hurricane Bat Cave, NC

Sculptor Michael Sherrill shares the challenges of rebuilding his business after Hurricane Helene and highlights the community spirit that fuels recovery.

photo story

River Arts District Revives Creative Spirit With Successful RADfest

Visitors flocked to the River Arts District on November 9 and 10 for its soft reopening, just six weeks after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

artsville newsletter

November 2024 Roundup: Rural WNC Arts Community Unites, Crafters Tally Their Losses, Plus Lessons From New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina

In November, we covered relief efforts in Mitchell County, evaluated the storm's economic impact on artists, and consulted leaders in Asheville and New Orleans.

feature story

Rural Western North Carolina Arts Community Unites to Heal and Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

In Mitchell and Yancey counties, local artists, volunteers, and arts organizations spearheaded the disaster relief response. Here’s how to support them.

feature story

Beyond the Storm: 6 Asheville Artists Reflect on Their Losses in Helene’s Aftermath

‘The biggest impact on me and my family is a loss of income as we move forward through these next few months without much tourism.’

artsville newsletter

October 2024 Roundup: Reporting on the River Arts District and Rebuilding Asheville’s Creative Ecosystem

In October, we covered the RAD’s destruction, pondered the future of Asheville’s artist community, and refocused our programming toward community needs.

feature story

Rising Above the Flood: Resilience in Asheville's River Arts District After Hurricane Helene

A week after the record-high waters subsided, River Arts District artists gathered to assess the damage, share stories of hope, and create an action plan.

events + news

An Update on Hurricane Helene From ArtsvilleUSA

We are safe but heartbroken. Much love from ArtsvilleUSA as we process and plan how best to serve and support the Asheville arts community in the future.

artsville newsletter

September 2024 Roundup: The Cultural Rebirth of Candler, A New WNC Craft School, Plus Affordable Business Workshops for Artists

In September, we toured the overlooked community of Candler, reported on The Kitagawa School’s development, and spoke with Jamie Karolich of Craft Your Commerce.

travelogue

Enka-Candler in Photographs: Legacy and Future

In September’s travelogue, ArtsvilleUSA heads to semi-rural Candler to see photographer Bob Ware’s new exhibition, 'Enka-Candler: Byways and Crossroads.'

feature story

The Kitagawa School: A New Vision of Craft, Ecology, and Community in Western North Carolina

Founded by Asheville sculptors Melissa Engler and Graeme Priddle, The Kitagawa School nurtures the relationship between craft, creativity, and the land.