So many cities have gentrified their arts districts for the benefit of tourists, which ironically makes them too expensive for artists to stay in and often removing the soul of the place. So it is really refreshing to find the the River Arts of District of Asheville is still a genuine work area for artists. It's a place of great integrity, where buildings from past industry have been repurposed with impressive respect.
During my exploration of the area I got talking to a ceramic artist in one studio, Greg Vineyard. His work is full of compelling rustic grace and you can find more of it here. He told me that a large number of the buildings in the district are owned by artists who rent sections out to other artists hence the rent is kept affordable. Where Greg rents space was an oil distribution building and the owner Constance Williams, herself a prolific and innovative artist, has been keen to keep the building well preserved. (More of her work here) No new nails are allowed in the walls, white temporary walls have been added for people to hang their work but are attached through already existing holes. We talked at length about art and influences, a rare treat.
Outside the sun lit the river bringing light and shadow to the buildings that still remain unused, but may one day live again through a new industry that has made the River Arts District of Asheville my New Favourite Place.
