In the Greco-Roman era, July was thought to be a time of misfortune plagued by drought and strife, as people and animals alike were driven mad by the sweltering heat. Of course, the Ancients weren’t dealing with the frizzy hair and fogged-over glasses that summer in the American South demands. Neither were they dealing with increased heat waves, stronger and more destructive hurricanes, or a creative industry that’s been diluted by fear, algorithms, and audience-pleasing fluff.
Yet, the summer, with its long days and slower pace, is drenched in potential for fresh ideas, deep insights, and new creative pursuits. As the sun casts long shadows over the Blue Ridge Mountains and colors reach their peak saturation, this season, humid as it may be, sets the perfect backdrop for mid-year renewal. Just as Pablo Picasso harnessed the summer’s energy for both leisure and transformative work, we too can seize this chance to breathe life into our creative practice and reclaim our sanity.
In the spirit of renewal, our recent partnership with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) represents an exciting new creative pursuit for ArtsvilleUSA. We’re not only highlighting the incredible arts and crafts scene in Western North Carolina, but also inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery along the region's immaculately curated Craft Trails, which span all 25 counties of Western North Carolina.
So, how are you making the most of your summer?
North Carolina Glass Center: Exploring the Studio Glass Movement With Executive Director Candace Reilly
Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Candace Reilly, founder and executive director of the North Carolina Glass Center, as part of our July 2025 coverage themed around the Blue Ridge Craft Trails and our partnership with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
North Carolina's crafts scene has long been celebrated, but its pivotal role in the history of America’s Studio Glass Movement often flies under the radar. Since Harvey Littleton's arrival in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has flourished as a hub for glassmakers and enthusiasts alike. In today’s episode, we welcome Candace Reilly, executive director of Asheville's popular North Carolina Glass Center (NCGC), to discuss the contemporary studio glass scene in WNC.
Listen to our conversation with Candace here.
Returning to the Ridge: The 2025 Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational
We are honored to partner with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area to present Returning to the Ridge: The 2025 Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational, on view through Sept. 28, 2025, at the Mars Landing Galleries. This exhibition embodies our shared commitment to elevating the rich crafting heritage of Western North Carolina while fostering connections with audiences far and wide. Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational curator Anna Fariello remarks:
“What makes Western North Carolina a center of craft is a history of craft production that brought public awareness to the value of making things by hand. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, a flurry of activity developed markets for local goods. While sales helped individuals make it through tough economic times, craft production fostered an appreciation of handwork. Today’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails and Returning to the Ridge, its 2025 invitational exhibition, continue to build on the region’s history as a leading center for craft production and education in the US. The exhibiting artists not only make incredibly beautiful objects but also continue a hand-making tradition that reveals their skill and fine craftsmanship.”
View the virtual version of Returning to the Ridge here.
Plan Your Visit: Explore the Artists, Studios, and Handmade Treasures of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails
Under the leadership of Executive Director Angie Chandler, nonprofit Blue Ridge National Heritage Area has created the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, an online guide featuring more than 300 artist studios, schools, galleries, and museums throughout Western North Carolina. The trails are divided into four distinct regions spanning 25 counties, extending from the rural westernmost corner of the state, eastward to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and north into the region's high country. At the center is Asheville, and just outside nearby Weaverville, Ann Hord-Heatherly’s farm, where visitors can see her dolls, the materials used to make them, and, of course, the goats.
“There is such a wide variety of quality work and artists to be found on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, from young artists just opening their first studio to celebrated veterans in the craft field,” says Blue Ridge Craft Trails Coordinator Robin Johnston. “Every artist has a fascinating story. Experiencing where they work, hearing about their lives and what inspires them, seeing the raw materials and how things are made, will resonate with each visitor and may even light a spark for future makers. They have the opportunity to learn about an artist and take a little piece of that story with them in the coffee mug or pair of earrings they purchase. Visitors can fully appreciate the value and uniqueness of a handmade object while directly supporting local craft artists."
Take a virtual tour of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails here.
News + Notes From Asheville and Beyond
Here’s where we share quick bites for busy hands and hungry minds.
Events + Exhibitions
- Blue Ridge Roots Revival: Hosted by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) and Jazz Foundation of America, this summer and fall concert series aims to celebrate local music heritage and support community recovery following Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Dates, times, and locations can be found here.
- WNC Craft Futures: From Here: Don’t miss the Center for Craft’s current exhibition, featuring 40 regional craft artists impacted by Hurricane Helene, on view through Aug. 30. Learn more about the exhibition and the awarded artists here.
- Come to Leicester Studio Tour: Take a free, self-guided tour through 23 studios and shops in Leicester, just a 15-minute drive from Asheville, Aug. 16-17, 2025. Learn more about the event here.
- Returning to the Ridge: The 2025 Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational: Curated by craft historian Anna Farello and presented by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Returning to the Ridge runs through Sept. 28, 2025, at the Mars Landing Galleries. View the virtual exhibition on ArtsvilleUSA.
In the News
- ReMix It: This soon-to-open creative reuse center in Asheville aims to reduce waste by giving new life to donated art and craft supplies. Learn more about ReMix It and how to help the nonprofit gear up for launch here.
Special Thanks To Our Partners
This copy has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of the artist(s); featured photo: courtesy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
