Attention, locals and visitors: If you’re intrigued by Asheville’s creative climate, take advantage of LaZoom’s latest endeavor, the Asheville Art Tour. Hosted by local artist Gabriel Shaffer, the multi-axle expedition connects art enthusiasts to artists and offers a close look at the burgeoning art scene of Asheville from the open windows of the purple bus.
Beginning May 21, tours will take place every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Riders board the decked-out LaZoom bus at the French Broad Co-op at 90 Biltmore Ave. From there, the ride proceeds through downtown Asheville, the River Arts District and West Asheville. Throughout the tour, Shaffer delivers an oral history of Asheville, peppered with anecdotes of the art life and quotes by famous artists. Live musical accompaniment fills in the gaps (like crossing Patton Avenue or ascending the Clingman Avenue/Haywood Road hill).
The art tour examines Asheville’s eclectic creative landscape by calling attention to its Art Deco architecture, crafting traditions, downtown galleries, the Asheville Art Museum, public art, graffiti and the legacy of Black Mountain College.
The first stop, at Curve Studios and The Wedge in the River Arts District, gives riders ample time to step off the bus and check out the wares of local potters, jewelers, sculptors, weavers and painters, including Alena Hennessy, Constance Williams and Maria Andrade Troya. (Tours will rotate among featured River Arts District studios.)
The bus continues from there to West Asheville, stopping at The Meadows Building at 474 Haywood Road. On the ground level, Dustin Spagnola invites participants into his studio to discuss the creative process behind his large, graffiti-inspired paintings. Upstairs, the studios of up-and coming artists like Anna Thompson, Andy Herod, Kreh Mellick and The Thousand Collective are also open.
Throughout May and June, LaZoom is running a special of $28 per ticket, $15 for kids (regular price is $35). Cost of the ticket includes locally made snacks and discounts on art purchases made during the tour.
Visit lazoomtours.com to buy tickets.
like2.7 K viewsArt NewsAlena HennessyAndy HerodAnna ThompsonAsheville artBlack Mountain CollegeConstance WilliamsCurve StudiosDustin SpagnolaGabriel ShafferKreh MellickLaZoom ToursMaria Andrade TroyaRiver Arts DistrictThe Meadows BuildingThe Thousand Collective
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
This was such a joy to attend & so full of inspiration, offering a deep appreciation for our local quality of culture & aesthetic. Highly recommended for locals & visitors alike.
Gabriel Shaffer isn’t just an amazing artist, he is perfect for the job giving insight to this old ‘thought he knew it all’ kinda guy. I enjoyed it and wished it could’ve gone on for another hour or two.