I was wandering through the Riverview Station building in the River Arts District, looking in…read moreparticular for a couple of artists whose work I'd stumbled upon on the website. I went the wrong way, though, and ended up near the Art Garden. As I was turning around to come back, Galen emerged excitedly from his studio with another artist, and as they parted ways Galen enthusiastically invited me to his studio. It was so much fun to talk with the artist about their work! I'm not at all educated about art, and I can't speak about it in any kind of sophisticated or technical way, but I found his work incredibly interesting and very beautiful. He talked to me about one of the commissioned pieces he was working on--in fact, it was for the artist he'd been speaking with when he invited me in. He described how it originated, the "seed" the other artist had given him to create the painting (row, row, row your boat), and how he'd taken it from there. Galen uses words in his art sometimes, and this particular piece has strains from that nursery rhyme painted into it. It would be interesting to know how much of the words remain in the final piece, and how much fades into the background as the painting evolves. Galen had a new piece he'd finished that was simply stunning. I wish I had the $2,300 or so to buy it myself. I'm going to be bugging him for sure about a reproduction. As it was, I couldn't decide between three reproductions he had available, and he said he'd tell me a bit about each of them to help aid in my decision making. In the end I chose one that had some personal elements for him in it, as part of the mountains in the piece represent where he was born. I loved it anyway, but that made it extra special! As I was leaving he was inviting others in to chat and see his work. He's really such a fun guy to hang around and have a chat with, and really made me feel excited to buy my first piece of art!

This is a fun place to look around! It is like an antique store but I really think they have just…read moreabout everything! From signs to furniture to clothes to tools- you name it- it's probably here! Definitely a cool place to look around and see if there is anything you want to take home with you!

If I lived in Asheville or the vicinity this would be a shopping spot for me…read more Eclectic yet classy, true conversation pieces. It is one of those places that make you go ohhh and ahhhh. During my visit I did rush thru as I new it was near closing time and did not want to delay the artist in calling it a day. When we come back on our next visit, I will definitely allow more time for looking. The prices are on the higher side, but the uniqueness sets the items apart. You will have a one of a kind for your home. After shopping, there is outdoor seating to enjoy a craft beer and food trucks for casual picnic table dining. Trains pass by frequently so if you like taking pictures you will have plenty of photo ops here. Arts District is fun and inviting for all ages. Dogs are also welcomed.

I was introduced to Sanjay Sood through a mutual friend, his colorful and extroverted personality…read moreis readily apparent in his artwork and creativity. Sanjay suggested a beautiful custom painting and a set of hand painted scented candles from his shop, Mystic Masala. I never considered myself a "finer living" type of guy, but I guess I can be persuaded! I was impressed by the unique and subtle fragrances he uses, not overpowering and original. It reminded me of the cologne I probably should have bought. ;) If you want drab, lifeless gifts..do not shop here. If you want something unique and vivacious, this is the place to shop.

I was on a family vacation with my children, and we stopped in to look at the jewelry. The owner…read morewas extremely rude and accosted my child because she was looking at a piece of the jewelry. We love Asheville, but I would not recommend that you shop at this establishment. This shop is not a family friendly store.

Great guy and does great work. Anything you can think of he will make it better!! Hit him up for…read moresure!

From the owner: Based in Asheville, NC, House of Paint specializes in custom murals for homes, man caves, Airbnbs,…read moregame rooms, garages or any blank wall ready for a creative touch. Each mural is hand-painted and personalized to your vision, style, and space. We also create custom hand-painted shoes, perfect for unique gifts or making your kicks stand out from the crowd. At House of Paint, the goal is to turn your ideas into eye-catching art. Reach out today to bring your walls or your shoes to life.