Mark Bettis Art Gallery in the Wedge is a must if you are visiting Asheville and the River Arts…read moreDistrict. We discovered the gallery on one of our autumn trips, and now it's a regular vacation stop. You'll find it's just one of those places filled with interesting art, wonderful stories, and fantastic finds. The quality of the art is amazing, the staff is so helpful and friendly! And there is always something happening at the gallery every time we go. We've been lucky enough to attend several of the art shows during our trips to Western NC. I really can't say enough about it. We've sent so many friends and family there when they visit Asheville, and they always love it too. If you haven't been, it is absolutely a must.

Bright and inviting. Numerous artists on display. Always a fresh new look every time I walk in…read more Smiles and wealth of knowledge from the employees and artists. Great location with ample parking and numerous other galleries and restaurants within walking distance.

This gallery features local artists. It's possible you might meet one of them while you browse the…read morecollection, as was my good fortune on my visit. Ceramic pieces caught my attention, and artist Steven-ForbesdeSoule happened to be tending the gallery and was just great to speak with.

This is one of my favorite places in Asheville to go for Art openings…read more Located in the Ramp UNCA building, where students do engineering and sculpture, the Ramp Studios are new, clean and filled with creativity. There is one large gallery space with other studios littered throughout the building. At the far end, there is a new French Broad Chocolate Lounge factory/cafe which is a great accompaniment to an Art show. Ramp Studios throws great art openings that usually have a great turnout of people, with good food and drinks. Some of my favorite shows I've seen here have been the sculptures of Shanna Glawson and Evan Kafka's photography. Ramp Studios also sometimes hosts artist talks. There is some parking behind Astral footwear and some people park across the street in the storage units parking lot. Check this place out! Awesome stuff!

Riverside Studios has revitalized an old warehouse and turned it into a stunning art gallery. You…read morewalk into the large room, now divided into work spaces for [currently] nine artists with mediums ranging from mixed media, painting and sculpture. There's always at least one artist present, and sometimes you'll even find a friendly gallery dog on site. DO: start up a conversation with the artists! People in general have fascinating life stories, and at Riverside Studios, they're more than willing to give a little background history. Studio artists include: +David Berry: Landscapes flush with color, unique use of style and atmospheric glow. +Deanna Chilian: Abstract/Non-Representational Painting in Oil and Mixed Media, Charcoal/Ink Drawing. +Nat Dickinson: Landscape paintings of North Carolina and Maine. +Todd Frahm, Stone Cloud Studio: Stone, wood, steel, clay, bronze, as well as a variety of non-traditional material. +Kenn Kotara: Mixed media on variety of materials - 2D, 3D & installations. +Julie Miles: abstract & figurative painting. +Brit J. Øie: Mixed Media Paintings. +Lucretia Speas: Oil painting- realism, symbolism. +Ani Volkan: Printmaking with fabric, fiber, and thread. The gallery also includes a beautiful sitting area with antique couches, the perfect spot if you're looking to sit and admire artwork. Personally, I think these studios far outshine the studios up the street next to White Duck Taco (at The Hatchery). And lunch at White Duck and visiting Riverside Studios makes a perfect combination. The studio is currently open Monday-Saturday 11-4pm, but if you contact one of the artists direction, you can set up an appointment.

Always a joy to stop by and admire the creative colorful paintings here…read more Daniel is unpretentious and welcoming every time we have visited. Continued success!

UNIQUE is the descriptor that I think best fits Daniel McClendon's art. He starts with a blank…read morewooden "canvas", covers it in black or white, then randomly adds strokes of the opposite color. To see this happen is an experience that is close to unbelievable. Daniel then studies the result and magically uncovers an animal in those random brush strokes... From that point his creativity transforms the canvas, bringing out that animal in the most unique, colorful and unexpected ways. We were instantly fascinated with his work when we passed by his studio, which is itself just an amazing, inviting, comfortable, place to spend some time. Daniel himself is likewise an amazing, inviting, comfortable person... If you are anywhere near Asheville, and have any inkling that you enjoy impressionistic art, colorful abstract art, or just art... Stop by and meet Daniel, he's just a great guy. Ask him about his kids and you will see he's a great dad too. We have a lake house and wanted something that fit into the design of the place, so we waited, watching his creations as he posted them on his web site. Our first painting is an Eagle that happened to show up in several of his videos. We called and said that we would love to have this painting. He delivered it halfway to the lake as he took his kids to a park in Greenville... It now hangs over our fireplace. Our second painting was a Pheasant. We enjoy hunting Pheasant and this painting just resonated with us like the Eagle did. The Peasant is in our bedroom now. Recently we saw a Seagull with a fish below it. When we look out any window in our house we are likely to see a seagull diving for a fish dinner... We found a spot for the Seagull in our dining room, immediately called Daniel to hod it for us. He called when it as dry and we recently drove up to bring it back to its new home. We are huge fans of Daniel, not just because of his UNIQUE art, but also because of his personality. Stop by and see if you agree with me on both counts.

I enjoyed the Haen Gallery. It is a large gallery where every piece was given its space. The…read moreartists here are very talented in their techniques. The works are modern and in many styles so something for everyone to admire.

The Haen Gallery is an open, bright, well spaced and comfortable gallery. The location is great and…read morethey have offered compelling works of art since I first went when they were just opening. Lynn Boggess' art is absolutely fantastic and is some of the best work that they have featured. I also enjoy Larry Gray's work of vast landscapes of mountains and clouds. Check it out when in town.

Wren designed my wedding ring 28 years ago and my son just recently chose her to design his…read moreengagement ring. From start to finish Wren was a delight to work with. From her quick, pleasant responses to texts and e-mails, to her willingness to work with you on designs and ideas, to the timely finished piece of incredible art. My son's ring exceeded any and all expectations. It is absolutely stunning! They both are thrilled with the outcome! Thank you Wren for creating unique and very special rings for our family!

Absolutely first-class customer service - I couldn't even imagine having anyone else make a ring…read morefor me! My then-girlfriend and I stumbled upon this gem of a shop (no pun intended) while window-shopping. We were immediately greeted by the nicest saleswoman. I actually have trouble calling her that, as she seemed more like just a super-friendly person who also happened to know an awful lot about jewelry (NO pressure at all). Despite the fact that we weren't even in the market for an engagement ring (and told her that), she invested her attention and time in humoring us by measuring our fingers, showing us any ring we wanted to look at, and explaining that the artists can customize any nature-inspired (or non nature-inspired) piece. We left that day with a business card with a bunch of tiny tiny notes written on the back. As we weren't really looking for a ring at the time, the card found its way to the depths of my glove compartment. Fast-forward 6 months, and I finally used the card. By then I was living out of state, but the crew at Zest was no less friendly and helpful than had I been their lifelong next-door neighbor. Every phone call I made was answered and every email sent was met with an almost-immediate response as they helped me design/choose the PERFECT ring for my now-fiancée. I honestly can't even believe how pleasant the whole experience was with them. They even took payment over the phone and sent the ring through the mail. Couldn't have been friendlier, more-helpful, or more professional. Will DEFINITELY be purchasing my wedding ring from them in the future!

We got married 43 years ago in the smallest, thin gold bands. As we pursued jobs, opportunities, I…read morebought myself a hefty platinum ring with a nearly perfect one carat diamond. I wore it as almost social armor, but never connected it to my heart, my soul and as removed from my husband as a cold, white star. I gave the ring to my sweet momma. Years passed. We raised two children, bought a big old river farm. On a short little trip, we headed to Asheville: interesting, but not our vibe. I picked up a brochure and found Visions of Creation. On a whim, I slid a curvy band and artist made set onto my finger. It felt like it had been there all my life. Visions of Creation makes every other jewelry seem hollow. Every piece seems to carry heft, while being elegant. We are planning a trip back to Black Mountain. A visit to this magical place gives me something to look forward to.

June and Robert are awesome!! This is one of the best and my favorite Jewelry Store hands down!!!…read moreRobert has such a great eye for design and his craftsmanship is outstanding!!! I can't say enough good things about them. I travel 4.5 hours to shop there. They are that good!! Kim