Asheville Studio Stroll

Today was the 15th annual Studio Stroll around the River Arts District here in Asheville. I have never been, so Tommy packed up the baby and we hit the road to see some local artists and their studios. This photo was taken in one of the studios. I was about to get the artists card when baby Z peed all over everything and had to have an emergency re-diapering. Who did this painting? I have no idea because I was busy using the sun to air dry my child.

It was an amazing day with perfect weather and plenty of good things to see for free! Unfortunately, we weren't able to go to all of the studios because the heat was getting to us and after all that walking I was done with looking at other peoples artwork. I could say a lot about what we saw, but instead, I am going to highlight the 4 artists who talked to me and offered me their card.

Jeri Bella

www.jeribella.etsy.com

After walking way off the beaten path of the main Studio Stroll area, we came to Jeri Bella's studio. Wow, what a nice person! That kind of sums up the whole encounter. Somehow Tommy knew her (not a surprise since he knows everyone in Asheville). We didn't get to see much of her work, but there were other displays with handmade jewelry, and a case with a large stamp collection for sale. Her business card says she specializes in "Pendants, Magic sticks, Necklaces, Sculpture, and Bracelets".

Next up was Mitch Rumfelt

www.wanderlostfilm.com

Yet another really nice person. Mitch is making a movie right her in Asheville called "Wanderlost". In fact, he told me that much of the shooting was done in the studio we were standing in and within a mile of the River Arts District. You can't really get any more 'local' than that. We watched his movie trailer which is due out sometime in early 2010. I was so impressed that I actually wrote my email address on his mailing list to be notified when it is released.

Right next to Mitch's studio is Rob Hunt

www.forevertattooasheville.com

Rob seemed to be in the middle of a painting when we walked into his studio. He has a tattoo parlor somewhere in downtown Asheville, but is also a visual artist. His studio was mostly paintings with a wildlife theme of sorts. Now that I think of it, I wish I had asked him what they were about because there was something else going on with the paintings that I couldn't understand just by looking at them. Check out his website, it has some amazing photos of his tattoo work.

And last, but not least...

Alex Stevens

www.alexstevens.com/

Sorry, no photo from Alex, but I can tell you that his custom wood pieces were beautiful! I love this kind of stuff. I was kind of disappointed with his website because it doesn't have any of the really neat things I saw in the studio. The items were mostly functional pieces like bracelets, furniture, household items. He works in Black Mountain but was showing his stuff at the Studio Stroll today.

So what did I learn today? 

Even though I have been out of the "art loop" for a couple of years now, things pretty much look exactly the same as when I left. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but at least I don't feel very far behind. I do have to say, I am still amazed by some of the prices I see on things. A small somewhat ordinary looking painting for $7,000...

Maybe I am out of the loop.