While Western North Carolina is heralded for its magnificent autumn beauty, those in the art community know the best local color is found at the Weaverville Art Safari’s fall studio tour.
Held on November 2 and 3, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this year’s weekend show boasts more than 40 artists, which includes the addition of eight new artists.
The collection of nationally and regionally known talent provides a unique opportunity to explore the local art scene on an intimate level. Guests have a chance to meet the artists in their studios, hear the stories behind their collections, and learn more about the creative process.
“It’s always a rewarding experience to be able to share your art with the public,” says Tom Hoxie, Chairman of the Weaverville Art Safari and designer of contemporary Asian tansu furniture. “The Weaverville Art Safari is special in that it lets the community and artists meet and interact in a casual and fun setting.”
The self-guided tour allows guests to tailor their studio visits based on their interests and artistic tastes. “The opportunity to create a personalized experience makes the Weaverville Art Safari a gem in terms of regional art tours,” says Steven Forbes-deSoule, Weaverville Art Safari member and a creator of raku vessels and sculpture.
Works of art showcased include handmade pottery, glass, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, paintings, drawings, fiber art, and more. Many studios provide art demonstrations and door prizes.
A special preview party at the Weaverville Town Hall kicks off the event on Friday, November 1. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and includes live music, door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, desserts, and more. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction featuring art works donated by each participating artist. Event tickets are only $10 at the door, with additional door prize tickets available for $5 each. All event proceeds fund future Weaverville Art Safari events.
Weaverville Art Safari brochures containing maps and artist information are available at greater Asheville-area galleries, restaurants, and shops beginning in mid-September. Brochures will also be distributed from an Art Safari information booth located on Main Street in Weaverville during the show weekend.
A downloadable brochure and full details about participating artists are also available at www.weavervilleartsafari.com.
About the Weaverville Art Safari
The Weaverville Art Safari is an event staged twice each year—the last full weekend in April and the first full weekend in November—by a group of Western North Carolina artists whose studios are located in and around the communities of Weaverville and Barnardsville, NC.
The first Weaverville Art Safari was organized in the spring of 2001 with the goal of attracting visitors to this vibrant art community on the northern outskirts of Asheville, NC. Since then thousands of people have returned over and over each spring and fall to enjoy the shopping opportunities and the ambience.
If You Go: For more information on the Weaverville Art Safari and a list of participating artists, please visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com, or contact
Steven Forbes-deSoule at (828) 645-9065.
