Thirty-one artists in Hendersonville invite you in

Wandering through art galleries can evoke many responses. One may wonder about the artist’s inspiration, technique, intention or message. One may admire the artist’s creativity, ability, and expression. One may ask what sort of space an artist needs in order to create such beauty.

Well, most artists would say their most important space is their internal creative space. A place inside that blends intuition and technique, where the imagination births into manifestation. A place that demands attention. A place that demands care and feeding in order to continue to grow and expand.

Another important space to these artists is their external creative space:  the studio. A studio that encourages creativity and supports the internal process so that creation can occur. A studio that — once arranged — doesn’t demand attention, but offers inspiration and ease of use. A studio where one doesn’t need to take time out from the creative process to search for the right color or tool.  A studio that facilitates the creative process. 

There are over 12,000 books listed in Amazon under the search “artist studio.” People are definitely interested in how artists set up their studio and use their space to create.  It seems that the more technical and impersonal our world has become, the more important the personal touch has become. An artist’s studio is just such a personal touch.

Open Studio Tour

But you don’t have to buy a book in order to learn about artists’ studios. You can visit them yourself during Henderson County Arts Council’s fourth annual Open Studio Tour.  Thirty-one individual Henderson County artists have agreed to open their personal studios for the weekend of Sept. 25 – 26 so that those who are curious (or envious!) can visit and experience where the imagined becomes physical. Five galleries of The Henderson County Gallery Guild are also participating, with many offering demos from their resident artists. 

The Open Studio Tour offers a unique invitation to visit individual artists’ studios, where the alchemy of creation occurs. Visitors are able to see artists at work as well as purchase their art on site. The core activity for the weekend is a free self-guided tour. 

Tour brochures with each artist and gallery listed and a map of how to find them are available at The Arts Council of Henderson County at www.acofhc.com. 

Perhaps you’re interested in the artists that live in one special area; if so, you might choose to visit a particular group on the map.  Or perhaps you are intrigued by a specific artistic medium; if so, you may choose to visit artists of that medium.  Or you can just get in the car and enjoy the fall leaves and weather that makes WNC so famous.  There’s nothing like observing Nature’s art in between viewing hand-made art!

Want To Get A Head Start On The Studio Tour? 

A preview exhibition is up at The Arts Council and closes with a reception on Friday, Sept. 24. The public is invited to attend to become acquainted with the wealth of artists and media being represented in the Tour.

A Plethora of Art

A variety of artists and media will be represented. From pastels to oils to water to acrylics; from stained glass to mosaics to pottery to glass. From books to wood to jewelry to dolls.  What’s your pleasure?

Tour brochures with each artist and gallery listed and a map of how to find them are available at The Arts Council of Henderson County (828-693-8504), The Henderson County Visitors Information Center (1-800-828-4244), The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce (828-692-1413), and at local Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, and Hotels. Maps, information, and links to participating artists are available at www.acofhc.com. 

For further information contact The Arts Council at 828-693-8504.