Kiitos Fine Art
Kiitos Fine Art, a new River Arts District gallery and exhibition space with four working artist studios, held a soft opening in May and will officially mark its grand opening on Saturday, July 11, from 5–8 p.m.
The concept was developed by owner Fred Stack and curator and represented artist Andy Buchanan. Kiitos, a Finnish word meaning “thank you,” was chosen as the name to express gratitude to visitors who support artists and engage with their work.
“We want to attract both art lovers as well as new and established collectors from all over,” says Buchanan. “Our mission is to encourage interaction with the studio artists and let the customers walk away with a wonderful memory of their visit, a bit of inspiration and maybe even a beautiful piece of art to display at their home or business. There’s something for every taste here.”
Stack says that accessibility is a defining characteristic of the gallery.
Magnolia. Genevieve Beatty, artist
“Kiitos fills the gap between traditional white-cube galleries and private studios by making the creative process visible and accessible,” he says. “Unlike conventional galleries that separate artist from the audience, Kiitos integrates working studios with exhibition space so visitors can observe, ask questions and form personal connections with artists—turning art-buying into an immersive, human-centered experience.”
Stack believes that visibility into the creative process benefits both artists and audiences.
“Working studios make the art experience tactile and immediate: visitors see work evolve, ask questions and build relationships with artists,” he says. “This transparency deepens appreciation, supports artists directly and transforms viewing into participation.”
The gallery features a curated mix of artistic styles and media, with an emphasis on original artwork. While many featured artists are based in Western North Carolina, Buchanan’s selection process prioritizes quality and emotional impact above geography.
“As the curator at Kiitos Fine Art, and specifically for the gallery spaces, I look for work that immediately impresses,” Buchanan says. “If a piece reaches out and grabs me visually and/or emotionally, I want it here.”
Kiitos Fine Art is located at 146 Roberts Street, Suite 104, Asheville. Learn more at KiitosFineArt.art.
