River Arts District, Asheville

The River Arts District is hot! For 2012, many new studios, galleries and restaurant have opened. It's home to 150 artists creating high-quality fine art of every variety in 20 buildings, many of which are converted warehouses along the French Broad River near Downtown Asheville. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Many are open year round, seven days a week. On second Saturdays each month, many artists have special shows, workshops and other events. All the artists open for two weekends a year for the River Arts Stroll (read more below). For a great tour of the area, take a LaZoom Art Tour.

The area is attracting new restaurants and even a brewery. Check out 12 Bones Smokehouse for great BBQ and down-home cooking.

The"River Arts District" signs are easy to spot along the small triangle of streets and avenues with road names such as Clingman, Depot, Haywood, Lyman, Riverside and Roberts. See our Gallery Guide some of the individual galleries.

River Arts Studio Stroll

June 9-10 & November 10-11, 2012, 10AM-6PM
Almost all of the studios are open for the River Arts Studio Stroll, held two weekends a year (June and November). During the Studio Stroll, 150 artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the old factories and warehouses along the French Broad River. The Studio Stroll is free and open to the public. Most studios are within walking distance of each other, and there is plenty of free parking. Go home with new ideas, gifts for friends and even something special for you.  See more great Art Events & Festivals.