2008 Asheville Visitor Guide - Any Way You Like It - (Page 15) avant-garde asheville Where did Asheville get its free spirit? Many claim it can be traced back to Black Mountain College, founded in 1933 by professors fighting for the right to teach art. During its short-lived existence – just 24 years – the college welcomed both world-renowned and then-unknown freethinkers as teachers, guest lecturers and students. The long list includes painters Willem and Elaine de Kooning, poet Robert Creeley, director Arthur Penn and even Albert Einstein. The school’s heritage of experimental education lives on at Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center. brush up on art buildings with style Even if architecture is not your thing, you just can’t help staring up in amazement. Both Romanesque revival (Drhumor Building) and Art Deco (Asheville City Hall) share the same historic downtown neighborhood, while the Jackson Building – flaunting gravitydefying gargoyles – illustrates a European neo-Gothic style. The stunning Basilica of St. Lawrence shows off the Spanish Renaissance Revival era, whereas Biltmore House exemplifies a gilded-age French chateau. With so many structural marvels, it’s no wonder the National Trust for Historic Preservation lauded the city as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. With festivals for every season – many held twice a year – the arts scene is sure to dazzle, regardless of when you choose to visit. Catch the 36th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair held each August in Historic Biltmore Village, get swept up in a wave of creativity at the Southern Highland Craft Fair (July and October) or mosey along the sculpture-lined shores of French Broad River Park during the RiverSculpture Festival (September through October). The free, two-day River Arts District Studio Strolls – held in June and November – allow you to meet the artists and learn the story behind your new piece of art. Likewise, the Grovewood Gallery invites you into its studios the first Saturday of each month from June to October, while the City Center Art Walks offer an eye-popping excursion though 30-plus downtown galleries. Several studios tucked away in the mountains open up to the public during Weaverville Art Safari, a free tour held in April and November. For a complete list of arts events, visit exploreasheville.com. exploreasheville.com 15 http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/activity-details/index.aspx?guid=a7205b17-f7e7-4345-ac79-64d3592e1298 http://www.exploreasheville.com/event-calendar/index.aspx http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/historic-attractions--museums/buildings/index.aspx http://exploreasheville.com
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