I was wandering through the Riverview Station building in the River Arts District, looking in…read moreparticular for a couple of artists whose work I'd stumbled upon on the website. I went the wrong way, though, and ended up near the Art Garden. As I was turning around to come back, Galen emerged excitedly from his studio with another artist, and as they parted ways Galen enthusiastically invited me to his studio. It was so much fun to talk with the artist about their work! I'm not at all educated about art, and I can't speak about it in any kind of sophisticated or technical way, but I found his work incredibly interesting and very beautiful. He talked to me about one of the commissioned pieces he was working on--in fact, it was for the artist he'd been speaking with when he invited me in. He described how it originated, the "seed" the other artist had given him to create the painting (row, row, row your boat), and how he'd taken it from there. Galen uses words in his art sometimes, and this particular piece has strains from that nursery rhyme painted into it. It would be interesting to know how much of the words remain in the final piece, and how much fades into the background as the painting evolves. Galen had a new piece he'd finished that was simply stunning. I wish I had the $2,300 or so to buy it myself. I'm going to be bugging him for sure about a reproduction. As it was, I couldn't decide between three reproductions he had available, and he said he'd tell me a bit about each of them to help aid in my decision making. In the end I chose one that had some personal elements for him in it, as part of the mountains in the piece represent where he was born. I loved it anyway, but that made it extra special! As I was leaving he was inviting others in to chat and see his work. He's really such a fun guy to hang around and have a chat with, and really made me feel excited to buy my first piece of art!

This is a fun place to look around! It is like an antique store but I really think they have just…read moreabout everything! From signs to furniture to clothes to tools- you name it- it's probably here! Definitely a cool place to look around and see if there is anything you want to take home with you!

If I lived in Asheville or the vicinity this would be a shopping spot for me…read more Eclectic yet classy, true conversation pieces. It is one of those places that make you go ohhh and ahhhh. During my visit I did rush thru as I new it was near closing time and did not want to delay the artist in calling it a day. When we come back on our next visit, I will definitely allow more time for looking. The prices are on the higher side, but the uniqueness sets the items apart. You will have a one of a kind for your home. After shopping, there is outdoor seating to enjoy a craft beer and food trucks for casual picnic table dining. Trains pass by frequently so if you like taking pictures you will have plenty of photo ops here. Arts District is fun and inviting for all ages. Dogs are also welcomed.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated the area. 80 percent of the River Arts District was destroyed…read moreand about 600 artists lost artwork and their studios. We visited in December 2025, and the Warehouse Studios was recently reopened (they said that waters had reached the second floor) and they also told me that several studios could never be reopened. This area is clearly marked with signage, a-frame signs with murals, coffee shops, studios and stores. Walk in the studios, see the artists at work, talk with them about their art. The Blue Ridge mountains, nature, and flora are prominent in lots of art, though there is so much more -- pottery, glass, textiles, photography, jewelry.... This was one of the highlights of our AVL trip.

The service is great The even have popcorn and cocoa on…read morethe house. Kid and dog friendly with a small slide for the kiddies and a fire place outside There is a food truck outside- looks like good options Decent restrooms and parking space.

I've taken adult art classes from Peggy over the past 15 years from her studio in Cupertino. Peggy…read moredoesn't just show you the basics, she really makes students think about the process from beginning to end. From pre-planning an art project, to sketching to execution of the piece. I've learned more from her than any art teacher I've taken classes from in the past. She also teaches a variety of after school art classes for children as well as classes throughout the school year. It's always fun to see what the younger students come up with. She's pretty amazing and supportive of the kids as well. Her class offerings change regularly as well, so there's never a dull moment. I've taken PMC classes, mosaic art as well as the adult studio classes. Peggy's studio is really awesome - there are a lot of tools, supplies, books, and more to draw inspiration from. The grounds are lovely too - beautiful garden area with flowing water. It's a creative oasis for art students in Cupertino. :-)

I took ceramics from Peggy for 10 years and I cannot even start to tell you how much I learned…read more Peggy challenges her students to make whatever their mind can think of (and that can fit into the kiln). She teaches a variety of techniques in ceramics and allows her students to think for themselves and use their imagination. She also has an unimaginable amount of glazes to help make each piece of artwork very unique and exactly how the artist envisioned it. Peggy also teaches a variety of different art classes as well, not limited just to clay. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had and you will benefit so much if you or your child chooses to take a class (or several classes) from her!

I was introduced to Sanjay Sood through a mutual friend, his colorful and extroverted personality…read moreis readily apparent in his artwork and creativity. Sanjay suggested a beautiful custom painting and a set of hand painted scented candles from his shop, Mystic Masala. I never considered myself a "finer living" type of guy, but I guess I can be persuaded! I was impressed by the unique and subtle fragrances he uses, not overpowering and original. It reminded me of the cologne I probably should have bought. ;) If you want drab, lifeless gifts..do not shop here. If you want something unique and vivacious, this is the place to shop.

I was on a family vacation with my children, and we stopped in to look at the jewelry. The owner…read morewas extremely rude and accosted my child because she was looking at a piece of the jewelry. We love Asheville, but I would not recommend that you shop at this establishment. This shop is not a family friendly store.

This local ceramist's gallery is always on our list when visiting the River Arts district. This…read moretime I found some beautiful ceramic napkin rings and glass ornaments that we will enjoy for years to come. Shipping options are available for those who are not driving to Asheville. Stop by and support the local talent!

I enjoyed the different textures that are incorporated into the pieces, as well as the color…read moreaesthetic. These pieces could also blend into someone's existing patterns and place settings as they are almost neutral, with the different textures giving variety. Very peaceful.

Yes, cute, clever and unique gifts and have shopped here for years as Asheville resident BUT if an…read moreolder woman with a loud, sugary southern accent is working behind the counter, turn around and leave. Come back when one of the young women owners are there. We went for holiday gift shopping, knowing we'd be spending a chunk of money and getting something recipients appreciated but ended up putting everything down and leaving after enduring this woman's inane LOUD chattering to every person who walked in the store. Not only was her stupid chatter annoying, she argued with us about never having carried an item we know we purchased there! We lived in the Deep South for nearly 30 years and never experienced an encounter that felt like such an inauthentic put-on of 'southern charm.' Sorry Duncan &York. We love the store but this year there won't be anything from your store under our Christmas tree.

What a cute shop! We did a little pre-dinner shopping during our stop in Asheville. It's not a…read morehuge store but somehow we managed to spend almost an hour there because there were so many cute and clever gift items. There's a nice combination of local, handmade and well-known brands and you really have to go through the store a couple of times to truly appreciate everything they have to offer. Their greeting card collection is fantastic - everything from sweet to cheeky to sarcastic! You can find something for literally anyone thanks to their diverse collection of hip and modern items. Make sure to check out the sticker table at the register!!