Photo by Steve Mann
Back in the day, it housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries. Today, the Grovewood Gallery boasts two floors of artisanal work including fine furniture, ceramics, jewelry, and a lot more. During the early part of the 20th century, Grovewood played a significant role in the Appalachian Craft Revival. Noted for its old-world setting and rich craft heritage, the venue now features more than 400 artists from across the country.
To celebrate the season, Grovewood is hosting its annual Handmade Holiday Sale this month. For three days — December 10, 11, and 12 — visitors can see artists’ demonstrations and receive 10% off curated, American-made merchandise. (For those who can’t visit in person, the sale will be available on the gallery’s online store with the coupon code SAVE10.)
Photo by Steve Mann
Artists Brandon and Erin Spangler create ornaments from recycled steel in their studio barn in rural Georgia, while Nestled Pines Woodworking will exhibit finely crafted ornaments from black-cherry wood from their studio in Lone Rock, Wisconsin.
From their studio in the Blue Ridge portion of North Georgia, Paul and Sue Bergstrom of Mountain Melodies create lightweight, engraved thumb pianos — a modern take on a 3,000 year-old-African instrument called a kalimba or mbira, depending on the region. These are meticulously constructed with tempered spring steel tines that correspond with traditional notes on the diagnostic scale.
Photo by Steve Mann
Local artist Randall C. Smith works in acrylics, pastels, and colored pencils to create rich, layered abstracts and mixed-media work. From his home studio in Greenville, Tenn., Eric Haagensen handcrafts playful ceramics including earthenware whiskey jugs that are wheel-thrown and decorated with white slip, underglaze, and ceramic image transfers.
With pandemic-related supply-chain issues remaining, it’s the ideal time to shop uniquely American-made fine work, offered at Grovewood Gallery across a spectrum of budgets and tastes.
— Jolene Mechanic
The sale will be on Friday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 12, from 10am-5pm. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road. (Adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn). www.grovewood.com. 828-214-7768.