Here's where art is wonderfully local and diverse. An amazing store with a variety of artworks like…read moreT-shirts, cards, figurines, art prints, woodworks and so much more. For me, this is the Asheville i came to discover and is a mini indoor art faire with so much to choose from. The same people create and run a twice yearly art faire called THE BIG CRAFTY that must be seen to fully appreciate!

This is a fun store that sells many things that you don't need but you find yourself purchasing…read morefrom this fun "general store." You will not get bored and it will be a great source for that hard to buy surprise gift.

This location is a fantastic artisan boutique shopping Emporium encompassed with historical…read morenostalgia. Plenty of tourists stop for the lunch offerings when counter/table service is available.

What a fun find! Located inside an old department store, this local artist studio/gallery is one to…read morevisit. Multiple levels of Asheville talent top to bottom. Art (print and painting), clay, soap, fragrance, more and more. And there is an old fashioned soda fountain to boot. I don't think I'll be back soon based on where I live... but if I do this will be my first or second stop. Please keep this place going. A gem!

One of the original building for local artists. Always an exceptional blend of artists that are…read morewilling to communicate their medium with visitors. A fantastic spot to visit!

I was intrigued and fascinated by Robert Hoffman's art. He works with a lot of ceramics and creates…read moreplates, dishes, cups, and serving pieces. His technique is to press the design of lace into the ceramic piece before it is fired in a kiln. The result is the amazing and intricate ceramic pieces that are just magnificent. I wish that I had brought a piece home. There are other designers and artist in the studio. I loved the fox sculpture. It looked so lifelike and was very light. The only thing that stopped me from purchasing that piece was the price tag-$900. But, really for a sculpture by an original artist, that is not bad. It is just out of my range. There were paintings and other forms of art. The studio has a variety of artists and beautiful pieces. I would recommend stopping by and the artist are there and will talk to you. I loved learning about their work.

The Asheville Gallery of Art is one of my favorite galleries to visit in Downtown Asheville. It is…read morenear Pritchard Park. The gallery has existed for 35 years so likely the oldest art gallery in Asheville. The artists are co-owners of the gallery so also work at the gallery. I like the variety of work displayed here as there are some types of art that appeal to you more than others but the work quality is phenomenal. Make sure to check out this gem when you in are Downtown Asheville.

This gallery is staffed by the Artists represented, who all seem to know aech other and will give…read moreyou a particular interesting technical and insightful description of their work. Run professionally but personally. Like you would expect from a gallery in Ashville. Good arrangement of art, and an eclectic selection. After shopping New York Chicago, Austin and Santa Fe would will find an outstanding value for your money. But only because I think you will find something you love. We bought two paintings, but wish we could have bought more....

Blue Spiral 1 is another Asheville institution that we can't help but return to. From paintings to…read morepottery to giant spoon sculptures, the gallery has a wide representation of styles and media. Recent exhibitions made use of recycled skateboards and explored the history of tattoos, both of which we found fascinating. Despite its fine arts pedigree (and pricing to match), Blue Spiral isn't stuffy, and staff won't give you the stink eye if you're just there to browse.

We were visiting Asheville and had plans to visit the art museum, but unfortunately it was closed…read moreon Tuesdays. After a quick internet search, we found Blue Spiral 1. What a wonderful experience! From the soothing music to the beautiful art work, it was a nice way to spend an afternoon with family. This gallery has three floors, so it is more than just a quick in and out. One of my favorite artists, was a gentleman who created art using recycled skateboards. I also really liked the blown glass and the pieces made from wood with the added hints of color.

Stopped in to inquire about classes and to see the glass blowing and items for sale. Nice setup but…read moreonly a few people could fit up close and see the glass blowers at work. Person working the desk was not super outgoing but provided some information about classes.

The instructor was knowledgeable and accommodating. I thought we'd get the chance to actually blow…read moreinto the glass, but the end products we made look professional. My family scheduled in advance and were able to sit in watching each person's process. Cut the over all time down by about an hour for four people. Yes the class is expensive but the experience/family bonding and final products make it well worth the money and time.

We were delighted to discover this Japanese ceramic artist's studio and gallery in Asheville. There…read moreare a range of pieces from small to large, and all of them are simple in shape, utilitarian and astonishing in texture and color. The boldness of his designs distinguish his works from traditional Japanese potters and yet there is no mistake as to where his influences lie.

This gallery is shared with Cynthia Pierce a pastry chef and artists Alkira Satake and Barbara…read moreZaretsky, the formal name is the Mugan Gallery, which apparently means 'infinite' in Japanese and that makes sense because the pottery I bought makes me infinitely happy when I see it on my bookshelf. While it's all really modern and pretty it's also all highly functional. Mugs, bowls, etc. can all go in the microwave and be used in the kitchen. Akira Satake came here from Osaka, Japan in 1983 and moved to New York prior to settling in Asheville's folk art district. He has trained around the world and the idea behind this gallery was to create a space the encourages the use of all senses (alas the pairing of a cafe was very deliberate). It's a great gallery to check out, with a wide range of pottery that can be either visual or visual and functional and the cafe has amazing teas, coffees and pastries.