Art galleries in the Asheville area abound! Did you know that western North Carolina is one of the top areas in the country for art? Thousands of extraordinary artists live in our Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover hundreds of art galleries and artist studios to browse. While downtown Asheville has the largest collection of art galleries (25+ of them), you'll find a variety of art and craft galleries in Biltmore Village and in many of the quaint small towns. (Pic above: Bender Gallery)
Our favorite place to explore art is the River Arts District, located near downtown Asheville and Biltmore. This industrial riverside area has become the home to 185 artists in 25 buildings - making a great treasure hunt! See artists at work and buy directly from them. See much more in our River Arts District Guide.
Explore more art on drive-able trails for 25 Western North Carolina counties with 200 craft sites on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails.
If you enjoy events that feature many artists this year, see our Top 80 Asheville & WNC Festivals & Tours.
Asheville Area Art Galleries
Lexington Glassworks
Watch glassblowers at work and see their amazing creations on display in their working studio in downtown Asheville. Their taproom features local beer in hand-blown glasses! Open 7 days. 81 South Lexington Avenue.
Grovewood Gallery
Nationally recognized for its dedication to fine American art and craft, Grovewood Gallery is noted for its charming, old-world setting and rich craft heritage. Located in historic Grovewood Village, the gallery offers two expansive floors of finely crafted furniture, ceramics, jewelry and more, contributed by over 400 artists and craftspeople from across the United States. Free parking on-site. 111 Grovewood Rd.
Momentum Art Gallery
See spectacular contemporary art from artists in western North Carolina and throughout the United States - browsing is welcome in this downtown gallery. 52 Broadway.
Gallery of the Mountains
Located inside the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, this gallery showcases American handmade crafts by more than 100 local and regional artists living in the Southern Appalachians. Discover curated collections of finely crafted jewelry, pottery, home décor, unique gifts, and Asheville-made mementos. 290 Macon Ave.
Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery
Located in the heart of the River Arts District in Asheville, meet five professional artists at this working studio featuring contemporary art including abstract paintings, glass sculptures, wildlife paintings and more. Mark Bettis works with oils and cold wax, building up multiple thick layers on wood to create fields of texture. Workshops also! 123 Roberts Street
Bender Gallery
This fine art gallery in the center of downtown Asheville specializes in contemporary figurative and abstract works of United States and international artists creating exceptional paintings and sculptures at all stages of their careers. The gallery focuses on a modern aesthetic in a sophisticated white cube format and enjoys a sterling reputation as the area’s top fine art gallery. 29 Biltmore Ave, downtown Asheville
New Morning Gallery
This 13,000-sq. ft. gallery represents 500 American artists with hand-crafted furniture, home accessories, pottery, glass, jewelry, garden sculpture and other imaginative gifts. Located in Biltmore Village at 7 Boston Way.
St Claire Art
At this must-stop studio in River Arts District (344 Depot Street, #104), watch Stephen create brilliant paintings that come to life with intense color and contrast. His fascinating “Dialuminism” process allows light to pass through layers of paint, reflecting off metal. Open Mon-Sat 10 AM-5 PM.
Folk Art Center
Art lovers should not miss the Folk Art Center. It showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians and includes rotating exhibits, live demonstrations and a large gallery shop. Free admission. 8 miles from downtown. Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 382 near the US 70 intersection.
Blue Spiral 1
A must-stop for art lovers with three floors of fantastic contemporary fine art and craft. An extensive exhibition schedule, presenting 15 shows annually, often featuring 4-5 simultaneously within various venues inside the gallery. 38 Biltmore Avenue
Toe River Arts Gallery, Burnsville
The TRAC (Toe River Arts Council) Gallery in downtown Burnsville showcases local artists with changing exhibits and a great gallery shop. See work from over 150 artists and craftspeople in a variety of media: clay, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, fiber, wood, sculpture, mixed media, and more. 102 West Main Street, Burnsville
Ariel Gallery
Contemporary Craft Cooperative owned and operated by the artists. Featuring eleven local, award winning artists, this downtown Asheville gallery is a premier showcase for handmad jewelry, ceramics, metalwork, fiber, glass, woodwork and furniture. Meet and purchase directly from local artists. 19 Biltmore Avenue
Bottinelli Fine Art
Browse and see the artist at work in this studio and art gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District. Sandra Bottinelli paints in oils using classic techniques to modernize her subjects with a focus on color and the many moods it conveys. 129 Roberts Street, 2B7
Jackson County Green Energy Park
Tour this fascinating arts facility that is powered by methane gas captured from the old town landfill, providing heat for blacksmith forges, metal foundry, glassblowing, greenhouses and heating. Their gallery features art made on-site.
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Tucked away in small village near Fontana Lake and Nantahala River is an amazing gallery that showcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many artist studios nearby.
Penland School of Craft
Take a tour or sign up for a class at this internationally-known school for art and craft, tucked away in the mountains near Spruce Pine. Their multiple galleries are free to visit with amazing works created by students and teachers.
River Arts District
Some 185 working artists have set up shop in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It's just a few miles from downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
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Come celebrate the long history of glassblowing in western North Carolina. Watch artists at work, tour galleries and see the amazing creations. (Pic above: Lexington Glassworks) ... read more
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Meander through the scenic mountain valleys to visit 50+ artists in their studios and galleries. Get the tour map and drive country roads to visit as many of the studios as... read more
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