Asheville Art in the Park

Art Vendors Take to the Park

Local artists will showcase their art at City-County Plaza for one more month before colder temperatures arrive. The Art in the Park event finishes its eighth year on an optimistic note for the arts community, according to organizer Andrew Montrie.

“I am happy to announce that Asheville Art in the Park and The Spruce Street Market will become city-sponsored events for 2017–2019 thanks to our continuing partnership with the Asheville Area Arts Council,” Montrie, a ceramic artist and glass blower, says. He founded Art in the Park in 2009 and The Spruce Street Market in 2014 to create ongoing opportunities for local and regional artists. The last Art in the Park dates of the season are the first three Saturdays in October on the grounds of City-County Plaza.

“It creates more availability for artists and provides a less expensive vending opportunity for those just starting out,” he says. “I started the market as a place for me and my peers to sell our work. Regular vendors can return to their placement from show to show so customers can find them.”

Up to 60 vendors set up under canopies downtown selling anything from woodwork to jewelry and other artwork that defies traditional categories. Art demonstrations are sometimes spontaneous occurrences, Montrie says. A specialty tea maker has been a vendor this season, which runs consecutive Saturdays in June and October. The Appalachian Craft Center co-sponsors The Spruce Street Market, named after the block where it is held downtown in summer.

Since their inception, the markets have earned artists more $1 million, a percentage of which is funneled into local art-based nonprofits. Montrie is hopeful new enthusiasm will boost investments into the art scene from local private and public institutions.

Art in the Park runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 1, 8 and 15. Learn more at ashevilleartinthepark.com and appalachiancraftcenter.com.