Waynesville’s long-running Art After Dark has been revitalized, driven now by grassroots support and community partnerships among the town’s participating businesses. Tiffani Watts, manager of Twigs & Leaves Gallery, and Jerry Jackson, owner of the newly opened Salmagundi Gallery, led the rebranding of the monthly, first Friday event that runs through December and invites locals and visitors to stroll through along Main Street as businesses—including shops, galleries and restaurants—stay open in the evening. This month’s Art After Dark takes place on June 6, from 6–9 p.m.
Art After Dark in Downtown Waynesville
Among the new participants is Roll Up Herbal Bar, specializing in craft mocktails. The business’ previous Waynesville location was damaged during flooding from Hurricane Helene and owner Sam Kearney relocated to the newly opened Church Street Studios.
“I’m so excited to be back in a new, dry and beautiful space and look forward to continuing doing what I love doing most: serving people joy,” says Kearney, who brings an arts background to her business.
She describes her drinks as “colorful, aromatic and delightful on the palate” and says she looks forward to sharing the creativity inherent in Art After Dark celebrations.
“Creativity can take many forms, and giving folks a new space to share those creative gifts is deeply inspiring and exciting,” she says. “I’m hopeful that folks will be excited to explore our space and get to know some of the passionate makers and doers within these old cinderblock school walls.”
The Funky Fern Emporium—a whimsical, retro-inspired boutique featuring fashion, décor and unique gifts—also relocated after flooding. “Since reopening in April, we’ve poured our hearts into creating a truly unique and welcoming shopping destination,” says Kristyn Iodice, who owns the shop along with her business partner Carrie Peeler.
“Art After Dark gives us a beautiful opportunity to share that vision with the community, to celebrate the resilience behind our story and to highlight the talent of over 20 local artisans whose work we proudly feature. We’re especially excited to contribute to the vibrant energy of downtown and to be part of an event that uplifts creativity and connection.”
With the rebranding of Art After Dark as more than the evening gallery stroll it was established as, Jackson sees opportunities to build connections with other organizations in Haywood County for marketing purposes and to create “stronger support for artists and musicians by working with merchants to host creative opportunities for their customers.”
For Iodice, events like this one offer chances for vital interactions between a community and its commerce. “They invite people to slow down, explore and engage with local shops, artists and makers they might not discover otherwise,” she says. “For small businesses like ours, it’s not just about making a sale—it’s about building relationships, sharing stories and contributing to a thriving, connected downtown. These kinds of events breathe life into Main Street and remind folks that when they support small, they’re investing in something deeply personal and rooted in their own community.”
Learn more at HaywoodArts.org/events. A new website and active social media presence for Art After Dark are forthcoming.
