Rosa Friedrichs, artist
Artists across Weaverville will open the doors to their studios for the Spring 2026 Weaverville Art Safari on Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The free, self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the working environments of more than 70 artists.
Visitors can travel throughout the Weaverville area using maps available online and at local businesses, visiting studios that feature a wide range of artistic disciplines including ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, woodwork, fiber art, metalwork and mixed media.
Participating artist Fian Arroyo says the event highlights the depth of creative talent in the town and the connections that form between artists and visitors.
Oblivious Nature. Fian Arroyo, artist.
“Asheville may be known for its artists and vibrant arts scene, but Weaverville is home to an extraordinary creative community as well,” he says. “For many years, the Art Safari has given art lovers the opportunity to connect with the artists they love and discover new ones along the way.”
Many stops on the tour feature multiple artists sharing a single space, giving visitors the chance to encounter a variety of work. Ceramic artist Rosa Friedrichs will welcome guests into her home studio, where she will show and sell her pottery alongside several fellow makers. “I feel so much pride being able to show people our studio and am so excited to host a spot on the tour,” Friedrichs says. “Rising tides lift all boats.”
Friedrichs makes functional ceramics decorated with sgraffito imagery of flowers and fruits. “When I have a meaningful or life-affirming experience (picking a fresh strawberry from the garden, learning about medicinal uses of bee balm), I make a mug about it,” she says. “All of my imagery has personal meaning behind it and each customer will have their own separate connection to that imagery.”
Artist Craig Dickson, owner of CMD Metalworks, will also participate in this year’s event, exhibiting his wood and metal furniture, sculptures and wall art alongside the work of his wife, abstract painter Christy Vonderlack, this month’s Laurel Cover Artist.
“As a new creative, I am enjoying the process of creating something new out of reclaimed wood and metal while using patinas to create different color palettes,” Dickson says. “I read a quote the other day where the definition of ‘passion’ is to waste time beautifully, to be unproductive and to create things nobody needs. I hope that my artwork resonates with someone to where they will buy it just because it moves them in some way.”
For more information, including a list of participating artists and a downloadable map, visit WeavervilleArtSafari.com.
