RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

Just eight minutes away (2.6 miles) from Applewood is the extraordinary River Arts District, or RAD as locals have started to call it. Two square miles of riverfront abandoned factories and warehouses have been reborn and repurposed into a center for creative arts.

This phenomenon was not an accident. It was a convergence of several factors. It started with the 1970 Clean Water Act that led to restoring the health of the river water and the development of the French Broad River Park & Greenway Systems. It also grew out of the need for Asheville’s growing population of artisans for a place to create, show, and sell their work products. Artists needed cheap rent and large spaces.

Even then, one more factor was needed to make the River Arts District work as a destination—planning and community support. It was the entire community—the citizens, Asheville government, foundations willing to provide financial support, and corporations that would donate land and property. They all wanted to make the River Arts District work. RAD has blossomed into a vibrant center of art, creativity, commerce, entertainment, and dining fueled by the energy and creativity of its inhabitants.

To best understand RAD, I suggest you visit their website, www.riverartsdistrict.com. Here is an overview from the website:

"The River Arts District consists of a vast array of artists and working studios in 23 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along a one-mile stretch of the French Broad River. This eclectic area is an exciting exploration of arts, food, and exercise. Plan on spending a day or more visiting artists working in their studios, grabbing a bite of local cuisine or a brew and taking time to find art that’s perfect for your world.

More than 200 artists work in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax, paper and more. As unique and individual as their art, so too are their schedules. There are no official “Open Hours” for the River Arts District, but at any given time throughout the year, you will find a plethora of open studios and galleries. If you are coming to see someone in particular, your best bet is to check in with them before your visit. Do it here, online via our search feature, or check the Studio Guide.

Come be inspired, shop, meet the artists and watch live demonstrations! Some studios also offer classes and internships. See the individual studio websites for more information.

Take advantage of ample parking and hop aboard one of our free trolleys running on Second Saturdays and throughout the Studio Stroll Weekend. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, as well, in most studios and even on the Saturday trolleys! Come for the opportunity to take home that special artistic treasure made and sold by the artists you meet here. Start your collection today!