Join the Party!
As this year's Art in Bloom weekend approaches, we are excited to share with you the plans for the annual Preview Party taking place from 5 - 8 p.m. on September 1. This "sneak peek" event has always carried the most buzz for this special weekend in that it's a chance to be among the first to see the art/floral combinations, chat with the artists, and experience the floral displays at their freshest.
This year, this ticketed preview event will be a little bit different in that we want to celebrate all art forms—including locally made cuisine. We believe food and the sharing of food to be a true art form. It's also a chance for us to highlight the tremendously creative small businesses in the area, because there is so much hidden talent in Henderson County (and so many new businesses, too!)
A large tent will cover the parking lot outside the gallery to set the scene for a celebration as guests enjoy a variety of tasty bites from creative chef entrepreneurs, including: Kip and Amelia Lindsey of Budy Finch and Campfire Grill; the famous charcuterie boards from Matthew Watkins of American Refinery; Launa Tierney of Homemade Pasta Noodles; Jesse Roque and Lesley Milhas of Blue Ruby Kitchen; Erin and David of Friends and Neighbors, and Lindsay Cromartie of Gateaux (who will be creating a dessert based on a piece of art!) Chill out to the soothing sounds of Richard Kuncicky on guitar while enjoying locally produced fine wine donated by one of our sponsors, Lance and Tim of Marked Tree Vineyard!
Crucially, the Art in Bloom preview party also offers a chance to linger and connect with the chefs and this year's Art in Bloom artists. Fostering these community connections is at the heart of the gallery's aim of bringing artists and collectors together.
And because we love community, we're proud to offer a portion of the event proceeds to benefit the Feed the Need program at St. Gerard House, which offers teens and young adults on the autism spectrum the "opportunity to work on prevocational, social and daily living skills as well as community networking."
Tickets to the Preview Party are $75 per person and advance reservations are required by purchasing tickets online or at the gallery.
We'd like to thank our sponsors, Hunter Volvo Cars of Asheville , Marked Tree Vineyard, The Laurel of Asheville and Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine for helping to make this fun community event happen. Another big thanks to Stoney Lamar and Susan Casey for acting as this year's jurors. They have curated a really good show, and we're so looking forward to sharing it with you. In addition to a variety of wall art, expect to see some 3D pieces, fiber art, glass, and a special kinetic piece that will hang from the gallery's ceiling!