Artist, Carl Powell (Photo by Paul M. Howey)
Three Chances to Tour Grove Studios
On July 16, August 20, and October 8, the public is invited to tour Grovewood Studios, nine workshops where a dozen artists create jewelry, pottery, stained glass, sculpture, and more. The studios are located on the historic Grovewood grounds adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. The tours are self-guided and free, and will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each of the three dates.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to connect with local makers,” says Ashley Van Matre, Grovewood Gallery’s marketing manager. “Visitors will get a behindthe- scenes look into the creative workspaces of our resident artists, learn a little about their process, and hopefully gain some insight into the skill and commitment required to make something by hand.”
Grovewood Studios and Grovewood Gallery share a rich craft history. They are housed in the buildings formerly occupied by Biltmore Industries’ weaving and woodworking operations. Built in the early 1900s, the buildings were designed by Fred Loring Seely, architect of The Grove Park Inn. Biltmore Industries once had a total of 40 looms producing some of the finest homespun fabrics in the country.
Entrepreneur Harry Blomberg, of Asheville, purchased the property in the 1950s and kept the fabric business going for several more years. It was his family who established the artist studios and Grovewood Gallery in 1992. The studios and gallery continue Biltmore Industries’ tradition of supporting local craftspeople.
Grovewood is also home to the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, the North Carolina Homespun Museum, and Asheville’s new Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, Golden Fleece Slow Earth Kitchen. Free parking is available onsite. To learn more, visit grovewood.com.
