River Arts District, Asheville, NC

Birthday Celebration at Jonas Gerard Fine Art

Happy Birthday Jonas!

The First Birthday Celebration for Jonas Gerard Fine Art in the River Arts District will kick off with a gathering of Asheville's notables on May 19th at 4:30 pm. The Gallery continues its birthday celebration through the River Arts District Studio Stroll on June 13th, 14th and 15th. Anyone visiting the studio from May 19th through June 15th can enter to win a painting to be gifted to a lucky entrant on Sunday, June 15th at 4 p.m.

As a birthday gift to the community, Jonas will be painting live in his studio on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public with plenty of birthday cake, drinks and music.

Celebrate the Spring Equinox at Desert Moon Designs

Please join David Lookingbill and Julie Spalla Saturday, March 15 (5:30p-8:30p) for an exhibition of new work in glass, mixed media and fine silver. The benefit concert is for Habitat for Humanity featuring international singer and songwriter Aaron Burdett.

A suggested donation of $5 will include appetizers and refreshments.

Come celebrate the Spring Equinox!

Desert Moon Designs presents: Open Studio Showcase & Concert

Friday, February 22nd - 5:30p-8:30p
122 Riverside Drive – Cotton Mill Studios – Free Parking

This week several cosmic events will occur: a lunar eclipse, a full moon and Desert Moon Designs Studio’s art opening in the River Arts District.
National award winning artists Julie Spalla and David Lookingbill unveil a “limited” series of masks honoring Native American traditions and stories through a contemporary perspective. A sneak preview of juried studio glass art submitted for a national show in Washington D.C. will be on display. Appetizers, refreshments and gourmet treats will be served.
Singer-songwriter Linda Dickson will be the performing artist. A percentage of all studio sales and donations from the event will be given to the W.C. Reid Center – youth arts program.
Check out www.desertmoondesigns.biz for more information.

Photo courtesy of Steve Mann – Black Box Studio – River Arts District

February Blues Friday (Feb. 22: 5:30-8:30pm)

Desert Moon Designs artists Julie Spalla and David Lookingbill will host this “invitation only” soulful Studio Concert and Art opening with surprise musical guests. Come shake off the winter blahs as they reveal “NEW” award winning glass designs and mixed media creations. 

Proceeds collected from the concert will be donated equally between the performing artists and W.C. Reid Center for their youth arts program. A suggested donation of $10 will include light appetizers and refreshments.

If you are looking for something a little different than the same old happy hour come join the artists and other fun-loving art lovers for an evening of performing and visual art. Seating is limited. This intimate event provides you the flexibility to stay for just a short music set, peruse new art during performance breaks or stay the evening.  Bring your friends along to enjoy great music and ART!

Contact the artists at (828)242-3230 or check the website www.desertmoondesigns.biz for more details.

Linda Dickson will be the musical guest performer.

"Sweet" Saturday-Art from the Heart (Feb. 9: 11:00am-4:00pm)

Desert Moon Designs artists David Lookingbill and Julie Spalla are your hosts.

Valentine’s Day is just around corner and we will be unveiling a “NEW” limited edition of collectible custom glass, silver and gold jewelry for our discerning collectors. The artists will provide a sneak preview of their “glassinations” (enamel) series and art deco for you to purchase for that special person in your life.  A percentage of all studio sales will be donated to our selected non-profit for February the W.C. Reid Center for the Creative Arts.  The Center provides creative arts, recreation and academic opportunities for youth in our neighborhood.  Sweet treats & refreshments all day.
Did we mention chocolate...?

Contact Julie Spalla (828) 242-3230
Desert Moon Designs is located in the Cotton Mill Studios at 122 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District.

Studio Stroll Preview Night!

Come take a sneak peek before the weekend crowds arrive!

Friday, November 9, starting at 5 PM!
Visit Warehouse, Curve and Cotton Mill Studios, The Wedge, 240 Clingman and other select studios at Phil Mechanic, Roberts Street Studios, The Wedge, Railside and Riverview Station for an exclusive preview of the Studio Stroll. Talk with the artists and enjoy some refreshments. Look for the Christmas lights at participating buildings.

Show and sell at the S&W Building

Come on out this Friday, November 3, for the second edition of Show and Sell, a one day only art show and sale. This is an exciting opportunity to view and purchase work by talented female local artists, including two River Arts District artists, Christine Dougherty and Jen Swearington. There will be paintings, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, and clothing for sale. The show is at the historic S&W building in downtown Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Stop by between noon and nine pm, and pick up some original art.

Ribbon-cutting at the Fine Arts League

The Fine Arts League of Asheville recently moved from downtown Asheville to the River Arts District. The ribbon-cutting was on Monday the 17th. Mayor Terry Bellamy wielded the scissors. Left to right, Vice-Mayor Holly Jones, City Councilman Brownie Newman, Cindy Weeks of Mountain Housing Opportunities, Mayor Bellamy, and Anne Rawson, Executive Director of The Fine Arts League. In front, the paparazzi. In this case, Jonathan Welch of the Mountain Xpress.

New Studios in Riverview Station

New RDA members Peter Peterson and Troy Winterrowd opened their new studios in Riverview Station recently. They held an open house last Sunday afternoon showing their paintings and photographs as well as showing off the newly renovated wing of Riverview Station, complete with air conditioning!

Peter Peterson's Studio

Troy Winterrowd's Studio

Former RDA-er Mark Holland is back in the River Arts District with a new studio at Riverview Station. And his little dog, too...