Asheville 2009 Official Visitor Guide - (Page 13) what to do what to do PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF CRAVOTTA christo and more The Asheville Art Museum has been a mustsee site for years, but 2009 is one for the records. In February, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, famous for their environmental, installation art, including The Gates in New York City’s Central Park, will cap off the museum’s distinguished artist series “smArt speak.” Can’t make it? No worries. Christo’s awe-inspiring visual arts will be on display through early May 2009. In addition to showcasing the very best of 20thand 21st-century American art, cultural aficionados can enjoy a full calendar of special exhibitions. a heart for art Asheville and the arts go hand in hand, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a creative vibe that’s evident in all corners of the city, particularly in the newly emerging River Arts District. “There’s something about this city – artists feel drawn here,” Jonas Gerard says. “You can find just about anything. There’s an abundance of ceramic artists as well as glass artists, steel welders, abstract painters and landscape painters. The River Arts District has more than 90 artists spread out in various buildings.” Gerard’s specialty is large, colorful abstract paintings. He says it didn’t take long to realize Asheville was the place he belonged. “Asheville understood who I am and welcomed me,” Gerard says. “It’s almost as if Asheville knew I was coming. I was extremely lucky to have found this place.” listen to the music To experience yet another form of passionate expression where the area reigns supreme, take note of the sounds around you. In 2008, The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club was named one of the top five rock venues in the nation – yes, the nation – by none other than Rolling Stone magazine. The reunited Smashing Pumpkins played a remarkable nine-show run at the landmark club, choosing Asheville and San Francisco as stops on their two-city U.S. tour. Catch a live performance at the many intimate clubs, bars and brewpubs, representing genres from jazz to Appalachian mountain music. FOR MORE jonas gerard Artist Jonas Gerard’s studio is located in the River Arts District, where he paints large abstract canvases. riverartsdistrict.com ashevillearts.com ExploreAsheville.com 13 http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/the-arts/museums--galleries/index.aspx http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/the-arts/performances--entertainment/index.aspx http://www.riverartsdistrict.com http://www.ashevillearts.com http://ExploreAsheville.com
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