Low Tide by Fleta Monaghan
Shop and Celebrate at Riverview Station’s Holiday Market
Whether you’re looking for original handmade gifts or simply a festive way to spend the day, the third annual Holiday Market at Riverview Station is an event you don’t want to miss. The market takes place Saturday, December 3, from 4–8 p.m., and includes demonstrations, decorations and refreshments as well as a chance to browse the work of more than 70 artists in a variety of mediums. A free raffle and photo opportunities with Santa are also part of the celebration.
“One of the highlights of the evening is our free raffle,” says Fleta Monaghan, artist, founder and director of 310 ART. “Dozens of handmade items are donated from the artists in the building, and visitors can enter the raffle multiple times, once in each studio. The drawing will take place the same evening, and many will take home a beautiful piece of art. We expect to have more items in the raffle this year than ever before.”
Presentations include a raku demonstration at The Village Potters, an experimental watercolor demonstration at 310 ART, and a mixed-media paper demonstration at Studio Orange. Visitors who want to try creating their own work can sign up for a mini-workshop. 310 ART will offer two-hour classes in ‘Alcohol Ink,’ and ‘Star Ornaments You Make for Fun and Gifts.’ The fee is $55 per class or $100 for both. Bluebird Designs and Jen Aly Designs, in Studio 256, will offer two ‘Sterling Hammered Charm and Gemstone’ one-hour workshops. The cost per class is $35.
“These mini workshops are great for friends and family members to take together to really make the whole day a fun event,” says Monaghan, “and they give us the opportunity to explain new methods in other classes we offer, such as encaustic painting and scratchboard.”
In addition to cookies, chocolate, beverages and other snacks offered by studios, the Happy Lucky Food Truck and Le Bon Café Coffee Truck will be outside. Guests can purchase gourmet soups, sandwiches, sides and drinks to be enjoyed in a gallery room transformed into a dining hall inside 310 ART or while strolling through the building viewing and shopping for art.
Studios will showcase painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed media, sculpture, home décor, wearable art, basketry and woodturning. Knit scarves, jewelry, notecards, handmade tiles, drawings, ceramics and art lessons are among the many gift ideas available. The Holiday Market is also a great opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work.
“Each year I’ve found myself mingling with a nonstop stream of visitors,” says Jessica Hall, who designs and creates jewelry for her company, Bluebird Designs. “I think we’ve had over 500 attendees in the past. This event has been growing steadily and I expect even more to join the fun this time.”
Riverview Station, located at 191 Lyman Street, marks the southern entrance to Asheville’s River Arts District, just minutes from Biltmore Village. Admission is free and ample parking is available. Learn more at riverviewstation.com or by calling 828.231.7120.
