About 10 years ago, ceramic artist Robert Milnes left behind the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and settled in a home off Beaverdam Road in north Asheville. As the former Dean of the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas, Robert rejoiced in the creativity of his new community. However, there was one problem: Despite living just minutes from the heart of downtown Asheville, there were few, if any, art galleries within walking distance of his neighborhood. Determined to create a venue for artists in the scenic Beaverdam Valley, Robert and his wife, Karen, organized the inaugural Beaverdam Studio Tour in 2017. Now in its sixth year, the self-guided stroll is more robust than ever, attracting some 500 visitors over a two-day span. “The artists’ work is very high quality and is worthy of being seen by the many visitors that come each year,” Karen notes. Slated for the last weekend in October, this year’s tour will feature 26 artists working in mediums such as mixed-media sculpture, enameled silver jewelry, and even cardboard puppets.
October 28, 10am-5pm; October 29, 10am-4pm