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.

Here's where art is wonderfully local and diverse. An amazing store with a variety of artworks like…read moreT-shirts, cards, figurines, art prints, woodworks and so much more. For me, this is the Asheville i came to discover and is a mini indoor art faire with so much to choose from. The same people create and run a twice yearly art faire called THE BIG CRAFTY that must be seen to fully appreciate!

This is a fun store that sells many things that you don't need but you find yourself purchasing…read morefrom this fun "general store." You will not get bored and it will be a great source for that hard to buy surprise gift.

Kress Emporium is located in the historic Kress Building. The store is divided into individual…read morebooths so each artist has their own area but you pay for everything up front. They have everything from magnets to clothing to jewelry to photography to pottery to mixed media. I enjoying coming here and browsing until I find that item or items that are calling my name. It is a great place to find those unique items you are looking for.

This place was fun to explore as it is set up as vendor booths inside. There's plenty of local art…read moreor goodies that are handmade inside as well as other misc decor like items.

I've walked by this museum quite a bit without entering, because honestly I didn't expect a ton. I…read morefound an excuse to come in for a free community day when it happened to be raining. The price is normally pretty high for a ticket, though of course a membership for the local may be worthwhile. It's bigger than it looks from the outside, with several levels going up to the rooftop. I found a mixture of Appalachian culture and modern art, and the collection was interesting and certainly felt like Asheville. Facilities were ample, and the views from the rooftop cafe would be worth sitting down for on a nicer day. I had concerns that the tone would be overly one-note, but it was a diverse collection that included, but did not over-emphasize, political messaging. Most people come to Asheville to go outside and I would not make this museum my first stop, but for those looking for something downtown, I found it a worthwhile visit.

The Asheville art museum was hosting "Community Days" so there was not an entrance fee. Normally it…read moreis $20, so reasonable and well worth the price. It isn't a huge museum but there was a wide variety of art to be inspired by. Contemporary, impressionism, sculpture and so much more. There is also a wonderful area just for young people to make their own art, relax, read and play!! More museums need spaces like this! I was especially impressed with the gallery showing art made by the local high schools and middle schools.

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.

Gary and Francisco make you feel so welcome and at home here. I stopped in with my dog and they…read morewere really sweet to us! I didn't realize they don't just showcase art, but also have a gift shop in the back with artsy gift items! Their art is very reasonably priced and they have something for everyone! Such a fun place to get inspired and it definitely stands out in Asheville with their contemporary style. I will definitely be back for more art opening!!!

This is an incredible art gallery located in the heart of downtown Asheville between the Art Museum…read moreand Marble Slab ice cream. The gallery is small but mighty, packed with colorful modern art. The gallery owners are welcoming and passionate about art and about community. This space is a must-see for art lovers!

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.

In a very cute town filled with beautiful stores, galleries, gift, shops, restaurants, and…read morewonderful coffee shops, this was our favorites store! It was completely filled with beautiful art, pottery, jewelry, everything you can imagine and all such high-quality. The store has a great vibe and was popular with others exploring the town. The service was friendly, they had a bathroom for patrons because we were in there a long time, and the pieces were moderately priced. But there were some fantastic pieces, which were priced higher, which I'd love to come back for! Intriguing store! Great little town, all completely walkable.

What a fabulous shop filled with all kinds of art in all mediums! The pottery and glass was…read moredelightful, but I seriously enjoyed lapping the store twice to take everything in! I will have to visit again next time we vacation in the area. Support artists! Shop small, shop local.