Story and Photos by Irene Sperber

	Fall foliage is Asheville’s current work of art

I recently traveled to Asheville, North Carolina to see what all the hoo-ha was about. You can’t go two seconds without talking to someone who’s just moved there, just visited, just bought a house or looking to buy a house. 

A quick overview of the art world from an outsider, anted up a few interesting snippets.  I fear the first visit warrants a second glance.

The River District Artists is a community of artists on the French Broad River’s old warehouse neighborhood.  They are committed to supporting artists by providing studio space and their version of our Gallery Walks, the Studio Stroll.

In the central old town of Asheville, no chain stores are allowed.  Imagine.  Miami, take notes. 

The Asheville Art Museum is a very credible institution.  An exhibition of Postcards of Asheville and western North Carolina will run from November 13 through March 4.  In the Museum building you will find all the maps and info you will need for an informed visit---make sure you tromp along the Urban Trail around the city, trail map in hand.

	Mother Nature’s fall palate in Asheville, North Carolina

The Blue Spiral Gallery on Biltmore Avenue has some lovely works of southeastern artists.  It’s also home to the estate of Will Henry Stevens, an early 20^th century modernist---his paintings and pastel drawings are in major museums and private collections.

The literary arts are not left fallow in Asheville.  Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in the autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. His old boarding house is a famous landmark which I stumbled upon outside our hotel.

The old Kress & Woolworth stores now provide small spaces for local artisans to display and sell their craft.  While not high art, it is an interesting mélange of local craftsmen and a place to purchase a bauble of two for friends back home.