“Land values went sky high, and huge inns were built to accommodate the visitors. The kingdom was awash in gold, and ornate schools and offices were being built at a record pace with the help of the money-changers and the naive municipal bond buyers. What could possibly go wrong?”
When you think of Asheville’s River Arts District, what comes to mind are probably things like painting, sculpture, pottery, glass blowing — you get the drift. But as the neighborhood continues to expand and evolve, new businesses are also popping up. In the last six months, a number of retail shops have opened in the […]
Several front-of-house positions are open, but the deadline to apply is just around the corner.
“The trains kept delivering huge quantities of black treasure to the river basin, but some pretenders began to threaten King Coal’s empire. These upstart princes came from a rapidly emerging dynasty called Petroleum, whose emissaries were traveling far and wide to challenge King Coal’s awesome power.”
The figure-scapes portion of the series explores themes of decay, metamorphosis and rebirth. A female subject is present in each painting. “Throughout Western art, the female figure has been used … to represent certain ideas and philosophies — liberty, justice,” says Pearson.
The executive chef talks about inspiration, creativity and the joys and challenges of running the popular River Arts District dining destination.
River Arts District Artists partners with MANNA FoodBank and Ingles for a canned food drive. Also, Highlands Food and Wine Festival celebrates its 10th year, Addison Farms Vineyard launches a wine club, the West Asheville Tailgate Market holds a Caribbean soul food supper and a new Mediterranean restaurant will open soon in the former Chorizo spot in the Grove Arcade.
“Is the city interested in offsetting this issue and maintaining and growing diverse communities — starting with folks who have been in Asheville decades upon decades?”
Citizen activists, members of Asheville’s Tree Commission and city officials are exploring the possibility of increased oversight on how trees are managed within the city limits. But with a lack of definition in key parts of the city’s policy, and obstacles at the state level impeding regulations on private property, updating Asheville’s tree ordinances is proving to be an uphill battle.
Asheville’s rustic, arts-and-industry-dominated River Arts District is on the brink of a major transformation. From road realignment, sidewalk construction and expanded bike lanes to an ambitious network of greenways with the RAD as its central hub, substantial changes will be taking place over the next few years that will improve the way residents and visitors to the city access, explore and inhabit the area.
Ambivalence permeates the River Arts District. For many, its continued growth seems inevitable. Some speak of it with a hint of despair, others address it matter-of-factly. Regardless of who is talking, you can almost hear the inner monologue going on inside their heads — the back-and-forth of what was, what is and what might be.
Residents commuting down Lyman Street and Riverside Drive have most likely noticed some serious changes to the tree line around 12 Bones. Work crews have been busy removing trees from the area, a project that is expected to continue through the fall. “I’ve been out of office almost 15 years, and I’ve gotten several calls […]
“We wanted to create a networking place for local musicians. A place for them to meet other musicians to play and jam and get together.”
Scores of Asheville residents met with city staffers and representatives from Nelson Nygaard, a national transportation consulting firm, on Wednesday, August 17 to learn about and provide feedback on an early-stage proposal on instituting a city shuttle service in and around downtown Asheville.
Asheville Music Tours offers a stroll through downtown, highlighting the city’s rich musical past, as well as celebrating its present day achievements. Meanwhile, in the River Arts District, Asheville Art Studio Tours leads guests through a series of workspaces and galleries while sharing tales of the area’s former industrial days.
Every year, several of Asheville’s local artists pack their suitcases and catch flights to teach their crafts abroad. From basketry to pottery and painting to fiber arts, these forms are discussed in seminars and taught in workshops all over the world.
Rob Sebrell views Foundation as more than just a skatepark. “It’s a sculpture garden of sorts,” he says. “A public, creative space.”
The latest art exhibit at the Pink Dog Creative in the River Arts District seems, in part, a response to all this talking at, rather than conversing with, or, better yet, thinking through.
“I thought of myself as the adventuring painter on the beach, you know, but I could have just been some dead guy.”
“Eminent domain as a legal concept is one of the last remaining vestiges of European feudal societies. Despite its popularity with the likes of Donald Trump, it has no place in the 21st century.”
“There’s no ego battles,” muralist Ian Wilkinson says. “Everybody leaves it on the wall.”
