Heidi Bleacher, artist.
The artists of the Beaverdam Valley region of Asheville will open their studios on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the 9th annual Beaverdam Studio Tour. The self-guided tour includes 17 artists in the region, along with seven guest artists, and all studios are easily accessible from Beaverdam Road in North Asheville.
Artist Julie Calhoun-Roepnack, a professional art potter/tile muralist, has participated in all but the first tour that was held. “It has been a great way to meet our surrounding neighbors and to spend some quality time with some of my long-time collectors,” she says.
“Folks love visiting my home/studio because I have four tile murals installed at various locations around my studio and home. It’s also interesting to see my studio layout with my potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder and two kilns.” Each of her pieces is inspired by the flora, fauna, scenery and terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Julie Calhoun-Roepnack, artist
A Southern Highland Craft Guild (SHCG) member and the organization’s membership chairperson, she always invites fellow SHCG members to share her studio space. “This year’s guest artists include Amy Brandenburg, known for her Arts and Crafts style of sterling silver jewelry, and Heidi Bleacher, a brilliant fiber artist who makes a wide range of soft sculptures out of wool and cashmere,” Calhoun-Roepnack says.
Bleacher will be participating in the tour for the first time. A fiber artist, she specializes in needle felted sculpture. “An unexpected twist on everyday objects is my favorite for inspiration,” she says. She plans to bring mushroom ornaments, mini topiaries, tabletop trees, bears, wool stones, recycled sweater creatures and other surprises in the works.
“The chance to sell my work in a new setting makes it fun for me in so many ways,” Bleacher says. “Working in a home studio can be isolating at times. Getting out and away from my usual routine is a welcome change. Participating in events like this is a great way to introduce people to my fiber art, get feedback, see friends and meet other artists.”
The chance to chat and network with customers and other artists is something Calhoun-Roepnack finds beneficial as well. “There are so many wonderfully talented artists and craftspeople in our neighborhood,” she says, “that we’ve managed to consistently put together a very high-end annual show year after year.”
Learn more and download a 2026 map and brochure at BeaverdamStudioTour.com.
