Musings on art communities from the sci-fi loving shut-in

by Greg Vineyard

Although I did spend quite some time on Facebook recently reading peoples’ 75th birthday wishes to Star Trek’s George Takei, which does pretty much niche me into a particular level of quasi-fanatic, I don’t love JUST science fiction. As you know, I also love art. And in our region, I particularly love handmade art, craft, and how accessible it all is.

I’ve met many folks in the past few years as they stroll through Constance Williams Gallery in the River Arts District who exclaim that they are terrible artists, but great art appreciators. And they are the ones who actually make our world go ‘round, aren’t they? Without this particular segment of the population scampering to and fro throughout Western North Carolina with maps and shopping lists firmly in hand, we’d all have inventory piled up to the rafters! Those Who Shop deserve a medal. A locally-made, hand-crafted medal, of course.

There are many studio tours in our area, and Rapid River always pays particular attention, printing information and maps. Like farmer’s markets, these events are popular, and provide an excellent opportunity to be a major part of our economy by buying local. And for artists looking for a place to settle-in and create, these tours are also an ideal way to check out a particular area and meet one’s potential new cohorts.

If you’ve never been on a studio tour, you may be wondering, “What is SO intriguing about these things that make people come for miles around?” Some folks even plan their vacations around art-buying, with the Asheville area pegged as one of THE major places on their itinerary due to the volume of high-quality creations available here.

I think it’s that “Field of Dreams” scenario, where they saw us build it, and they came. Any given group’s compulsion to follow their passions and fling open the doors attracts the same type of energy. Before I lived here, visiting the River Arts District was always on my To Do List. I liked seeing real environments, with work-in-progress right there on the table. And I always found great gifts – for others, and for me. (Still do!)

Interestingly, “gung-ho,” a term I used in this column’s headline, is an adaptation from Chinese words that roughly translate to “work together.” Over time, the phrase has taken on a highly enthusiastic tone, and I think both feelings apply in my use of it here.

These communities of artists who band together and host open studios for the public are absolutely working together to make it all flow, and they LOVE what they do, which really does come across to visitors.

So, you may also be wondering, “What do I need for my art trek?” I recommend: 1) MAPS! And if you’re like me, you need 2) A Navigator! Take friends, and make sure at least one of them has a good sense of direction; 3) Water and snacks. You know how field trips are – you can end up out past dinnertime; 4) Cash. Add wonderful memories to a rewarding day with that little something that is just right for yourself or as a gift.

Whether you are one who creates, or one who supports their efforts, I hope you are able to check out this year’s studio tours, both near and far, and continue the amazing energy exchange we have here between artists and art appreciators. See you on the road and in the studio!

www.creativewayfinding.byregion.net.