Asheville’s River Arts District stretches for one mile along the French Broad River, home to over one hundred working artists and their creative hubs.
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It’s a well-known area for passers-by and locals alike. The former industrial area has slowly transformed into a vibrant arts hub, where disciplines like street art, artisanal crafts, and more meld into a creative mecca. You can even see artists working in their workshops, from glassmakers to ceramicists to woodworkers.
Despite the River Arts District’s relatively small size, you might end up missing some of its cooler side quests, galleries, and workshops.
If you’re on the hunt for an inspiring adventure in Asheville or just an interesting way to spend an afternoon, these are the coolest galleries and workshops in the River Arts District. I also recommend checking out the events calendar to see if something is on during your visit. Using the same link, you can also explore all artists working in the River Arts District—the picks below are the artists who stood out to me personally, but you can keep exploring!
Coolest galleries & workshops and storefronts to visit in the River Arts District
Maadili Collective
Address: 36 Foundy Street (Marquee)
This social enterprise works closely with artisan communities in Africa, including Zambia and Uganda. Maadili Collective provides weavers, designers, and artists the opportunity to present and sell their wares across the US. They have a flagship store in the River Arts District where you can shop home goods, jewelry, and more made by hand from skilled artisans.
Textile Art by Helene Lund Den Boer
Address: 36 Foundy Street (Marquee)
Hand embroidery meets machine appliques with Helen Lund Den Boer’s memorable portraits. Most of her work is created on canvas, blending pop art with surreal elements. Expect a blend of unique textiles and materials.
Hofman Studios
Address: 111 Roberts St.
Blending distinct media from lace to porcelain, Michael Hofman creates unique, one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces that are designed to be passed down for generations. Part creativity, part ode to nostalgia, part master craft, Hofman Studios projects are unexpected, while also maintain a hearth-like warmth.
Ed & Kate Coleman
Address: 36 Foundy Street (Marquee)
Power couple Ed and Kate Coleman have perfected their unique ceramics style. Think: bold shapes, bright colors, and eye-catching textures. If you want to see pottery like never before, the Colemans’ work will stop you in your tracks. Personally, I’d leave with a few of their chunky, stylish tiles.
Akira Satake Ceramics
Address: 240 Clingman Ave. Ext. Asheville (Akira Satake Ceramics / Gallery Mugen)
A transplant from Osaka, Japan, Akira Satake is an acclaimed ceramicist who has been the focus of PBS documentaries and taken home awards from The Philadelphia Museum. You aren’t likely to catch him working in his Asheville studio, given his busy schedule traveling the world to give lectures and host workshops.
Rose Friedrich’s Ceramics
Address: 238 Clingman Ave Extension (Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts)
If you enjoy one-of-a-kind plates, mugs, dishes, and lifestyle pieces, look no further. You can find a little gem at Rose’s studio that you’ll actually use at home. I also enjoy the warmth and colors of Rose Friedrich’s pieces. They’re creative and homely.
Stephanie Ellis Jewelry
Address: 20 Artful Way Suite 103
The best word to describe Stephanie Ellis’s jewelry is regal. Her rings and earrings balance geometric designs with flawless Old World techniques to create pieces that feel warm and exotic. Ellis also works with recycled gold and conflict-free gems.
Savell Studio
Address: 36 Foundy Street (Marquee)
Looking for something especially unexpected? Head to Savell Studio, a collaborative project between two local artists, Pia Savell Schliesseit and Debra Savell Stewart. They specialize in copper kinetic sculptures, wall sculptures, accent mirrors, and more. Think: painting meets glass and metal.
Small Batch Glass
Address: 46 Craven St (RAD Outpost)
This project from Asher Holman combines glass production with small, handcrafted and glassblown designs. He’s learned from master glassmakers in Italy, taken classes at famous schools in Seattle, and become a well-rounded, professional glassmaker and glass artist. To put it bluntly, he knows how to make glass look sexy.
