Helen Purdum, artist
Grovewood Village will invite visitors behind the scenes of its historic working artist studios during its second and final Studio Tour of 2026 on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, from noon to 5 p.m.
The free, self-guided event gives visitors an opportunity to meet Grovewood Village’s resident artists, see their newest work and learn more about the techniques and inspiration that shape their practices. Visitors can also receive 10 percent off purchases at Grovewood Gallery and enjoy complimentary libations from Metro Wines.
Among the artists opening their studios for the weekend is ceramic artist Helen Purdum, who plans to use the tour as an opportunity to work on some of her larger pieces while visitors watch.
“I will be working on some large cat garden stools (well, at least, you can sit on them) that I call Garden Guardians,” Purdum says.
Purdum is one of several resident artists working across mediums that include ceramics, glass, jewelry, furniture, wooden flutes and sculptural wood art. The current group includes Purdum, Chris Abell, Rick Ekerd, Melissa Engler and Graeme Priddle, Lisa Gluckin, Carl Powell, Tom Reardon and Kathleen Doyle, and Brent Skidmore.
While the tour allows the public to see artists at work, that exchange can also influence what artists make. Purdum has found that visitors are particularly interested in one of her signature forms.
“The public has been requesting my signature bowls, so I will have some available for sale,” Purdum says.
The conversations that unfold during studio tours can extend beyond questions about technique or finished pieces. For Purdum, meeting people who have their own experiences with clay and collecting art has become a memorable part of interacting with visitors.
“Many folks have dabbled in clay, and enjoyed it,” says Purdum. “Some folks have shown me pictures of their art and their collections. They live in art houses—it’s so fun to see.”
Grovewood Village is located at 111 Grovewood Road, adjacent to and below the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking is available onsite. To learn more, visit Grovewood.com or call 828.253.7651
